Safe Return Doubtful

36 miles (58 km) – Total so far: 281 miles (452 km)

Old Huck and Marcie are the rangers in our part of the site at Rising Sun. After 39 years in the US Postal service Huck wanted a quieter life. He certainly has it he. A four month season (this year shorter with the late snow) and the occasional patrol around the tent sites. He isn’t allowed to take money, as he explained carefully to us, that must go in the yellow box.

Great beers at subsidised prices in the Two Dog Flat restaurant and bar. Who would have guessed it. Three breweries, and I could only manage two of them. Big Sky and the Going to the Sun brewery. Pints at $4. The good is a very good price also. This morning granola, coffee and toast at $5.

It was 6:15 am up, breakfast and riding at before 8 am. The wind had dropped again, a good job as we were headed right into it. 3 riders all riding individually. Fred from Canada, and Nathaniel from Boston relocating to Seattle by bike, along the Northern Tier, a young guy with a hammock, and a very ordinary bike, and only 600 miles to go before he needs to look for a new job. Nathaniel was gone by 6, he wanted to hike some trails at the top of the pass.

The first 7 miles of the uphill were gravel, and hard going until about 1750 metres. Roadworks are still not complete on the road. Hitting the sealed road made a gear of difference, and I was at the top 2050 metres in just short of two hours, 12 miles. The scenery was tremendous, and this ride (and the Going to the sun Road) must be ranked amongst the very best. The three of us caught up at the top, Fred arriving 40 minutes or so after me. Nathaniel had only got there shortly before me. He had had three punctures. Having ridden for two months across America he didn’t know how to fix a puncture. He just put in his least damaged tube and kept blowing it up.

This was my first crossing of the Great Divide. There will be more, and all higher I think, but each very special.

We then relaxed and walked a few hiking trails, amidst the crowds that were now at the Vistors’ Centre. The downhill later in the afternoon was very special. 11 miles at a steady 6% incline! descending pretty much 1000 metres, with again, incredible scenery. Another flatish 12 miles or so to Sprague Creek campground. It’s another hiker-biker site for $5, next to Macdonald Lake, and a mile from another National Park run bar – restaurant, so crossed fingers for $4 beers.

Distance 36 miles Riding time 3 hrs and 15 minutes Average time 10.7 mph Max Speed 31.8 mph Time departed 8 am, arrived 5:30 pm. Altitude 980 metres

The rising sun at Rising Sun

The Going to the Sun road – still incomplete with roadworks, 7 miles of gravel up to 1750 metres

This hairpin marked the start of sealed road, a gear’s worth of difference

Good opportunity to hike a bit at Logan’s Pass and lose some of the crowds – this is Hidden Lake

Logan’s Pass car park – mid afternoon

Midway down the 12 mile downhill – looking back at the road

Sprague Creek Campground – food pole to deter the bears.
Deer wander through the site