It's a Long Road (July 10, 2019)

 

But sometimes it is a joy.  The above video was taken by Kim on a paved path that runs parallel with Highway 93 south of Kalispell, Montana.  This path ran for 8 to10 miles, and while providing a safe haven from traffic, it also mostly provides pure joy to we touring cyclists.

Since leaving Whitefish, we have traveled quite a few miles which provided both great beauty and great trudgery (if that is indeed a word).  

From Whitefish, MT, we rode the 47 miles to Avalanche Campground in Glacier National Park. The primary goal for touring cyclists when coming to Glacier N.P. is to ride up the "Going to the Sun" road to Logan Pass.  

Due to the extremely narrow road and the predominance of cars and trucks that dominate travel within the Park, cyclists are not allowed on the road between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM in certain sections and directions.  Because of this time restriction, we needed to get an early start to traverse the 16 miles from the campground to Logan Pass ... the latter 11 miles at a continuous 5% to 7% slope (my estimation), which combined with the continuous impatience of those comfortably encapsulated in their climate controlled and motor powered vehicles can wear a person down.  If my bias against the restrictions placed on cyclists in order to better accommodate cars is obvious, then my words have been successful.

Anyway, we made it to the top in ample time.  It should be noted that we left our panniers at the campground so the ride was much easier than when I rode this back in 2010.

2010

2019

The time spent in Glacier N.P. was enjoyable, but it meant the end to our eastward journey from Anacortes, WA.  

From Glacier N.P. we have been riding south toward Missoula, MT, where we are today.  From Glacier, we rode 38 miles to Kalispell, 48 miles to Polson, and 66 miles to Missoula.  Certainly the high points of the three days of riding were the extended paved paths that run along side the major highways.  These paths, while not continuous are certainly a relief.  Speaking of a relief, the ride into Missoula was not an easy ride.  Lots of long shallow climbs (which can be very painful to tired legs) and warmer weather led to extreme "woe-is-me-ism" at about the 50 mile mark.  We were both running low on water, so we stopped at a bar to fill our water bottles.  While talking with the bartender and a well lubricated stool-sitter, I was told of the up-coming extremely downward 6 mile ride to come.  Having heard of such promises before, I was somewhat skeptical.  Six miles later the relief and smiles for both of us were extreme.

It is a rest day here in Missoula, with a visit to a few stores and to the Adventure Cycling Association facility planned.  Tomorrow we head westward.  Kim will be stopping in Seattle, then flying home to Atlanta later this month.  I will be continuing west from Seattle to ride on the north and west edges of the Olympic Peninsula ... down to Astoria, OR, then on to Portland from which I will fly back to Tucson on August 4.

It has been a long road, but an enjoyable road (for probably 90% of the time).