Without much fanfare, yesterday we rode through the beginning of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. I’d been here in 1998, going in the other direction. Over the 4th of July holiday we, both US and Canadian citizens, celebrated both Independence Day and Canada Day on both sides of the border. It was a neat experience.
Early morning and there is no wind. Although this was forecast, it’s still surprising after 3 days of high winds. When we enter Glacier National Park, the friendly ranger tells us we’ve picked the best day in two weeks to go over the Going to the Sun Highway. By the way, one of the advantages of old age is the National Park Service Golden Age Passport.
We’re surprised that we don’t climb much in the first 10 or 12 miles. When the climb does start the grade isn’t too steep; maybe 5 or 6%. We have the gears and the legs for a climb like this. We’re at Logan Pass before we know it.
We’re at the top by 11:30. It’s pretty cold and I dress for the descent.
See details of today's ride.
There is road construction both before and after the pass. The park service has difficulty keeping the 80 year old road in good shape. We had been warned about the construction. It made riding difficult but was not as dangerous as presented.
The scenery on the way down was as good as the way up. In 1998 I rode the Going To The Sun highway in the opposite direction, the more difficult direction. I started at 6:30 in the fog, quickly quickly burned off and presented great photo opportunities.
Our destination tonight is McDonald Lodge, operated by the National Park Service. So far this trip, we’d had internet service at every motel; but we’ve rarely had cell service. Tonight, we have neither. So this blog will be posted a day late.
After a nice descent (6% for 12 miles) we have a 10 mile, mostly flat, ride through the forest. The temperature was probably around 70 degrees. It was a nice ending for a nice day.
I hope everyone is taking advantage of my hyperlinks.
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