After leaving Sprague Creek
Campground at the base of Glacier National Park on Lake McDonald, it was on to West Glacier
for some breakfast. Definitely a tourist town, it was, nonetheless, quaint and
small, sporting a population of 227 souls but exploded several times that
number with tourists. From there it was on to Columbia Falls and then Whitefish. While
generally good roads, there was a section between West Glacier/Columbia Falls that was narrow,
dangerous and a heart pounding experience! Whitefish was my stop for the day
because even though I had a new wheel, my bike was in dire need of servicing.
This turned out to be a good stop as Glacier Cyclery turned my bucket of bolts
into a smooth running bicycle again, installing yet my fourth chain of the
trip, aligning the gears, and adjusting the brakes. It rode like a dream after
the service.
 |
| Pedaling Pete |
Pete installed my fourth bicycle chain of the trip. Additionally he tuned up all
the gears to assure alignment was perfect for the last leg of my trip across the
country.
By
pure happenstance I discovered Whitefish Bike Retreat, owned and operated by
Cricket Butler, reported to be Montana's first and only bicycle
retreat. Here were gathering an assemblage of bicyclists, some doing
cross-country like myself and others bicycling the Great Divide on mountain
bikes. A beautiful setting nestled far back in the woods, one could catch a
shuttle to the retreat. Bunkhouse accommodations, kitchen, common room,
laundry, and recreational resources were all part of the package. Cricket, a
bicyclist and enthusiast of the sport, does a wonderful job with this facility.
Great bicycling companions, fantastic amenities, beautiful setting! Anyone
traveling to the area should visit this location. Beautiful beyond words!
Whitefish Bicycle Retreat
The hiatus from bicycling and time spent in the grandeur of Glacier National Park was a welcome relief. Dealing with a broken bicycle was not nearly as much fun. Thanks to Russell Bicycles I received my bicycle wheel on time (actually early), was able to install it and get going earlier than expected. Running out late in the day, I was told that I would have to take the shuttle to Logan Pass due to road construction. After going over four passes the day prior, this didn't bother me a bit. Going down the western slope of Logan Pass presented 20 miles of ecstasy, unimaginable vistas, and a glimpse into God's creations at its grandest. The journey down approached that of a spiritual experience as I soared from the mountain peaks astride my bicycle, gliding through the turns, until I reached the valley below. I can say sincerely, I have never had a ride as exhilarating.
Today was our first real
indoctrination into the challenges posed by the great Rockies. Traveling from Browning, Montana to St. Mary, Montana we saw the true and full
majesty of the great Rocky Mountains as we passed through and
over them. They are a daunting obstacle when bicycling across the country. We
traveled over multiple passes today where recreational vehicles struggled. Pass
after pass just about did us in at times.
The scenery was breathtaking and the ride exciting and exhilarating
especially when we summitted and started down the other side. Unfortunately this exercise was repeated
multiple times. Traveling down one pass I reach speeds of 44 miles an hour
before I started putting on the brakes as I could just see my front wheel
disintegrating and my body being splattered along the roadside.
It
was a wonderful ride, challenging, and Monte and I were
thrilled by the fact that we made it without blowing out our lungs or knees. We
had a great meal, are totally exhausted, expect rain tonight, but have a tent
site set up in Glacier National Park. We hope the Bears abide by
the rules.
