Friday, we entered Glacier. Wow! Everything everyone says is true. It's big, it's spectacular, it's awesome. There's lots of pictures.
The route was Whitefish to Lake McDonald, officially 40 miles. The latter portion of the route was Going to the Sun Road, so we, as bikers, had to be in and off the road by 11. The road is closed to cyclists daily, 11 - 4.
Traffic was gracious but generally not much room. There are plenty of turnouts, but some have a drop off. One rider went down trying to do the right thing to let traffic by, but then couldn't get back onto the pavement. Fortunately, no serious injury....and the bike was okay!
Lots of riding rules when in the park:
only 4 riders per group
1/4 mile between groups to allow vehicles the ability to maneuver between groups, and
we had to be identifiable to the tour group.
The upside, we were able to bypass the long lines of traffic at the park entrance! The ranger at the booth just waved us all through!
We entered the park at West Glacier, then had 10 more miles to the Lake McDonald Lodge. Our overnight accommodations were in the Lake McDonald cabins. The Lodge was really spectacular.
Rooms would not be ready until 4, so riders needed to plan alternate activities for the day. So first things first when we arrived, lunch at the Lodge. After lunch, some riders took a boat ride on Lake McDonald with narration by a park service specialist. Then there was a time when folks were looking for something to do. What do bikers do when they're bored?
Since we're not in a campground, the kitchen is not able to cook, so the remainder of our meals are either cold (like breakfast) or at concessionaires at or around the park. With the experience of the guides, I'm confident we won't go hungry and quality will still be good.
Weather continued to be warm and cabins are without air conditioning. Our cabin had a nice front porch on it, so we could sit out after supper and watch activity on the Lake and wildlife in the woods.
Tomorrow is the ride everyone's been waiting for Going to the Sun and Logan's Pass. We hope for good weather, and strong legs.
Traffic was gracious but generally not much room. There are plenty of turnouts, but some have a drop off. One rider went down trying to do the right thing to let traffic by, but then couldn't get back onto the pavement. Fortunately, no serious injury....and the bike was okay!
Lots of riding rules when in the park:
only 4 riders per group
1/4 mile between groups to allow vehicles the ability to maneuver between groups, and
we had to be identifiable to the tour group.
The upside, we were able to bypass the long lines of traffic at the park entrance! The ranger at the booth just waved us all through!
We entered the park at West Glacier, then had 10 more miles to the Lake McDonald Lodge. Our overnight accommodations were in the Lake McDonald cabins. The Lodge was really spectacular.
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| We entered from West Glacier. |
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| The Lodge is beautiful and staff helpful and knowledgeable. |
Rooms would not be ready until 4, so riders needed to plan alternate activities for the day. So first things first when we arrived, lunch at the Lodge. After lunch, some riders took a boat ride on Lake McDonald with narration by a park service specialist. Then there was a time when folks were looking for something to do. What do bikers do when they're bored?
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| PARKING LOT BIKE WASH! |
Weather continued to be warm and cabins are without air conditioning. Our cabin had a nice front porch on it, so we could sit out after supper and watch activity on the Lake and wildlife in the woods.
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| Lake McDonald, still very hazy with smoke. |
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| Cars used for tours of the park. |
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