Missoula has been a great place to get a few day of rest after 11 days
of riding for Davis and Jack. What a beautiful spot rimmed by
snowcapped mountains, blue sky overhead, low humidity and temps in the
70-80's. Gosh, a lot like richmond. Now it's time catch up on some
blog.

Friday: June 20, 2008 One important feature of Missoula is the
outstanding diner we found for breakfast. They serve these thin
sliced potato items that Jack loves. Davis was leaving the ride on
Saturday so after b-fast his bike went to the bike shop to be packaged
for shipment back to Richmond. Jack's bike also went to the shop to
have more gears added for the long sloooow climbs up the mts. His
Bianchi now has a new casset, derailer and chain. That afternoon
the group ran into the "Sacramento Four" the four guys Jack and Davis
met two days ago on the road. They all had dinner together that
evening and exchanged stories of all the strange on-the-road tails.
Most were probably, maybe, true.

Saturday: June 21, 2008 After breakfast at our new favorite diner,
Jack's bike with the newly acquired very low gears was picked up. He
can't wait to try it out on the road. Sadly, Davis left us at noon.
He has been the best traveling-cycling companion ever, a strong
rider, creative in solving any problem, and always upbeat. Thank you,
Davis, for being on the first part of the ride. That evening Philip
and Jack met Gary and Dave from the "Sacramento Four" for Mexican fare
and good conversation. They leave tomorrow for White Fish, MO. Safe
traveling, guys. It was great meeting up with you on the road.

Sunday: June 22, 2008 Philip and Jack researched Lutheran churches
in Missoula and decided on St. Paul Lutheran. It turned out to be a
great choice. Their fears that arriving for the service at 8:30
looking like cyclist (the only clothes they have with them now) might
raise some eyebrows were quickly laid to rest. Tom and Donna greeted
them warmly as did the entire congregation. The service was
uplifting and the post-service coffee and pastries refreshed the
body. Pastor Chris Flohr gave them a special tour of the newly
refurbished pipe organ and offered a prayer for their safety as they
departed. The highlight of the weekend was meeting up with Jim Popp's
parents, Alan and Jean Popp, for lunch. They have been coming to
Montana for many years to vacation in June and coincidently they were
going to be close to Missoula today. They treated Philip and Jack to
a lunch. It was very moving to have the chance to meet up with them
and feel a real connection through them with Jim, Barbra, Nicole,
Kyle, Brent, Reed, Grant, Mark, Brenda, Jeff, and Robin. Thank you
Alan and Jean for a great lunch and coming down here so we could be
together.

They are hoping that the tendonitis in Philip's knees has healed
sufficiently that they can ride on tomorrow. It is time to get back
on the road. We will keep you posted.