DAY 12--Lolo Pass

After a 10-mile warmup, we rode up and over our first mountain pass--Lolo Pass (5200') between Idaho and Montana. It ended up being not nearly as difficult as we had anticipated, and we made it up the pass early in the morning. Had more spectacular views down the valleys as we climbed. Cruised down the other side along Lolo Creek.
The original Lolo trail winds back and forth, up and down the surrounding hills. We could occasionally catch a glimpse of it, and we were very glad we were not following that path (really suitable only for mountain biking). We rode through one area where there had been a large forest fire in recent years.
More nice views, including Lolo Mountain in the distance.
Looked around downtown Missoula a bit. Stopped at a bicycle shop for minor adjustments to the bikes. Also swung by the Adventure Cycling Association Headquarters building (they were closed). We are staying with our cousin Rebecca Bertin a few miles outside of Missoula. We went back into town for pizza and calzones, and enjoyed our bottle of Washington wine.