Today’s Date: June 1, 2024

Today’s Start Point: Lolo Hot Springs, Montana

Today’s End Point: Missoula, Montana

Today’s Miles: 37.65 Miles

Cumulative Miles: 1,020.65 Miles

Let me begin by saying that Bruce McCrindle is a saint.

I had planned on today being a semi-recovery day, riding only around 35 miles and restocking some types of supplies that I have not been able to find in the smaller towns I passed through.

When I got up and out of my hotel room, Bruce was patiently waiting while working on flys and his fishing line. I mentioned to him that I was out of 5-hour energy drinks (otherwise known as the elixir of life). He then offered to take my gear and drive down to Missoula so that I could have a more enjoyable bike ride into town (Miracle No 1).

At that, I took off on a downhill course into Missoula, Montana. Bruce decided that since there was no shoulder, he would protect me by riding right behind me in his car (Miracle No 2).

It was a pleasant and with Bruce’s help, protected ride into town. Typically, the sounds of the river rapids beside me kept me company.

After a while, Bruce pulled up alongside me and said he wanted to go ahead and try a couple of fishing spots, and off he went. Traffic was light so it was no problem.

About 20 minutes later I saw Bruce coming towards with his arm stretched outside the window holding something in his hand. What could it be? Two bottles of 5-hour energy drinks of course (Miracle No 3). Bruce provided further kindnesses and favors throughout the day, but last time I checked sainthood requires three miracles, and as I said before, the man is a saint.

Now fully energized and slightly shaky (ah caffiene!) I headed down into the town of Lolo, Montana. A nice feature of Missoula is that they have a dedicated paved bike trail (perfect condition) that takes a rider from Lolo to downtown Missoula. The path runs between the railroad tracks and the highway, and gently rolls into town. As you crest the hills you see the big mountains in the background. From a cyclists point of view, this is great urban planning.

The plan was for me to ride to a bike shop in town (that of course Bruce had scoped out the day before-stop it, you made sainthood already) and have the mechanics check over my bike to see if everything was operating correctly.

They told me my chain was shot and the bike might need a new cassette. They were unwilling to change only the chain (they did not have the cassette in stock). The mechanic also thought my wheel was out of true and as he was feeling the spokes, to my dismay he found that one of the spokes were broken. It was much better finding out now than on a descent. They fixed the wheel and I will have to contact my friendly mechanics back home about finding a bike shop along the way to ship parts.

While they were fixing the bike, Bruce drove me to a running store so that I could find more comfortable off-the-bike shoes. I brought sandals thinking light and indestructible, but I think they are contributing to my shin issues. The salesperson at the store was extremely helpful and thought a pair that were on sale would be perfect, light with lots of support. She brought them out and I soon realized why they were on sale-a shade of turquoise that can only be seen from space. My god they were comfortable-sold.

After that Bruce and I went to lunch and then brought the bike back to the hotel. Bruce had a 350 mile drive back home, so it was time to say goodbye. I will never be able to pay back Bruce for the thought and generosity he provided, at a time I desperately needed it.

I have mentioned before about the kindness of strangers, but Bruce’s selfless acts reminded me that we shouldn’t forget about the generosity and sacrifices that our loved ones and friends provide to us on a daily basis. I don’t want to get preachy, it’s just that I know I am guilty of that.

After Bruce left (and my own 20 minute crying jag), I kicked back in the hotel and rested my shins, icing and eating the day away.

Take care everyone and thanks again Bruce.

Postscript: After some intensive Google research, I discovered it only takes two miracles for sainthood.