Whitefish, Montana to West Glacier, Montana - July 29, 2021

Whitefish Lake State Park (Morning)

I woke this morning to the rustling of tents and cyclists packing for the day. It was pleasant speaking with John and Chad again.

I shot into Whitefish and settled in at Montana Coffee Traders; I’m a creature of habit. If I like something, I’ll go back, never tiring.

Coffee Art

I downloaded the Adventure Cycling Application for my phone and bought the three sections that I plan on riding this summer. They are very informative. I like how the program plots distance and elevation gain and loss.

I loaded up on groceries before leaving town. Of course, I purchased a couple of jars of peanut butter as well as oats. This will help me with my big climb.

I cycled about thirteen miles to Columbia Falls, ducking into their local library for AC and WiFi. I finished a blog entry and relaxed. I’m taking care of my body on this trip.

Columbia Falls Crash

I hit the road again at around four o’clock, feeling the heat on my way to West Glacier.

Fortunately, my route offered wide shoulders and light traffic. My route wad on backroads, avoiding the highway. When The route connected with Highway 2, I was able to take an adjacent bicycle path (relief). Bicycle infrastructure is slowing being built in the States. I’m hopeful that the shoulder is decent over the pass tomorrow.

Blankenship Fire

A Momentary Lapse of Reason

Tomorrow is a BIG day. I’ll be cycling Going-to-the-Sun Road. It’s a bucket list ride for any bicycle tourist. There’s a National Park Service campground, Rising Sun, that I plan to make it to. It’s approximately forty-five miles from West Glacier. This activity is entirely mental; the effort will relax my mind. Energy will be, in part, drawn from the views.

Folding

At Glacier Campground, the private site I chose to stay ($12), I was able to take a shower and run a load of laundry. I was down to one clean set of clothing. While waiting on the machines I did a bit of blogging.

I’m looking forward to standing atop the Continental Divide. I’ll have covered the distance from the sea.