Stage 38 - Missoula MT, 45mi (72km)

The TransAm Trail takes Route 269 from Hamilton to Stevensville and there joins a bike path alongside US 93 as far as Lolo. 

David

Coincidentally I met David, who was himself joining a morning ride towards Lolo. As he was about to pass me, we started with a “good morning” and eventually continued chating with each other. We ended up riding together until Lolo where we stopped at Subway for a drink and something to eat. 

Here my route to the coast takes me west, but first I was going to make a side trip north-east to Missoula. A 13mi spur along the edge of a busy highway brought me to the city (pop. 67,000), where a dedicated bike lane on quieter streets guided me through it. 

ACA Headquarters

The ACA map led me all the way to the ACA headquarters in Pine Street. Today it was the turn of Paul, tour guide, to receive visiting cyclists. He took my photo for the gallery, presented me with a bandanna, and showed me around the building, beginning with the cyclists' lounge. Its resources include maps, a computer, floor pumps, and free ice cream and sodas. There are photographs and other wall displays throughout the newly extended building and unusual or historically significant bicycles. Items from the Cyclosource catalogue can be browsed and bought. Today's ride was 45mi (72km). My ninth map section ends in Missoula.