Going to the Sun -- Logan Pass 6,644'

It was an early morning.  The time restrictions are in play getting to the top, but for some reason not going down on the other side.  Breakfast was at 6 a.m., earliest start time so far.  Skies were gray and a little threatening, but temperatures were the coolest so far as we expect it to be cold at the top.

Climbing started right away, with a very slow grade.  Roads were incredibly quiet and early on pretty well limited to other cyclists doing the same thing.

I leap frogged with a group of three young woman riding on their own.  I asked if this was a "training ride" for them.  They confessed, just like us, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.  We had a nice visit back and forth up the mountain.

The "real climbing" started at mile 11, and continues for another 10 miles, which means the grade was steeper.  But, as the guides had predicted, it was actually easier than Washington Pass and Sherman Pass that we had already done.

In total, all of our riders made it to the top with plenty of time to spare.

The scenery continues to be spectacular.  Some riders saw mountain goats on the way up.  The pavement was as smooth as butter.  We couldn't (or shouldn't) ask for better riding conditions.

Going to the Sun starting from Lake McDonald

On the way up

13.5 miles up

Waterfall

Wildflowers

Wildflowers

There wasn't much time spent at the top.  It was pretty cold and windy.  I spent enough time there to take a restroom break, add clothes and eat a quick sandwich.  By that time, fog was starting to roll in.

The downhill side was 18 miles long, that turned out to have a really good tailwind.  BUT, we also had road construction, so there were a few obstacles and one significant dely.  The construction folks worked like a well oiled machine to get us all through safely, but the delay (which was near the top) made me get even colder.   The benefit was that the road surface continued to be smooth as glass, no markings AND no traffic behind us.  It would have only been safer if the road would have been closed.

St Mary Lodge was our destination today.  The Lodge was beautiful and had hanging baskets that were really gorgeous.

We're on Blackfoot Reservation land during Indian Days, an annual pow wow that occurs over four days.  We will be on the same reservation when the ride concludes in East Glacier tomorrow.