Today was a significant day on my journey. I crossed the Continental Divide and will now remain in the Atlantic watershed for the remainder of my adventure.
The Continental Divide in northern Montana is at Logan Pass, which is in the middle of Glacier National Park on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of those classic road rides for cyclists. In the spring before the road is open to vehicular traffic, it's open to cyclists while the park staff are still clearing roads and preparing for summer operations. I tried riding Going-to-the-Sun Road in May of 2021 when we took a road trip through Montana. I was able to get up to just past Siyeh Creek on the east side and just past the Loop Trailhead on the west side before encountering snowdrifts covering the road (on two separate days). I also encountered a black bear on the west side descent in 2021.

Glacier NP is a very popular national park and there are timed entry restrictions. There are also restrictions on bicycles due to the heavy vehicular traffic. Timed entry starts at 7am and Lailla wanted to be through the checkpoint in her car before timed entry started. I wanted to start my ride early to try to avoid some of the heaviest traffic. So I started today's ride at 6:22am from the Apgar Visitor Center on the western side of the park. The first section of the park is on nearly flat roads. I had ripped through 10 miles in 37 minutes along the shores of Lake McDonald. And then the road starts to tip up. And then it tips up some more. I reached Logan Pass in 3:12 after 28+ miles of riding, which included stops for pictures, restroom breaks, and chatting with a few people at scenic overlook pullouts.
Lake McDonald early in the morning.
Going into the tunnel...and coming out of the tunnel.
The road is steep.
Just a bunch of pretty mountain pictures. Oh, and one with me in it too.
International Peace Park flags at Logan Pass. Glacier National Park in the USA and Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada form the world's first International Peace Park.
At the summit.
Still in Glacier NP, but approaching St. Mary on the east side of the park.
Having left the park, I was cruising up US-89 toward Babb for this picture.
And finally, Lailla snapped this picture after I was about 20 miles outside Glacier NP.
Glad I wasn't there on those roads and steep cliffs. Dad
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of you. 💕
DeleteBeautiful, Craig! You’re amazing!
ReplyDeleteHave you encountered any bears this time? You wrote that in 2021 you saw a black bear (Yrk). Take care.
ReplyDeleteNope, no bears this time. I carried bear spray as a precaution. I think I only saw the one in 2021 because the road was closed to vehicular traffic.
DeleteBeautiful country!
ReplyDelete