Rexford, MT

I was up and at it early in order to get a start on today's ride while it was still cool. Dave Ahlansberg, the veteran who served with 173 Airborne in Vietnam and whom I had met yesterday, got up to see me off, and we chatted for about an hour before my departure.  Dave served, left the army, then returned to become a sergeant major before retiring. We reminisced about the old days, how fortunate we were in life and in our chosen spouses, and how proud we were of our children. We both agreed that life has been very fine and sweet.

From whitefish it was a quick 35 miles to Fortine, Montana (population 300) where I enjoyed an absolutely wonderful breakfast! From there it was on to Eureka.
Next came Rexford, where I found a US Forest Service campground, and with the senior discount, came to a grand total of six dollars. Set up my Trek Light Hammock for the night, and it's off to Libby, Montana, tomorrow bright and early.

Home for the night Rexford, Montana

July 17

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