Day 10 East Glacier to Sheby MT

From sunburn to freezer burn, I am retracting the statement I made about Montana’s weather. Waking up and looking over the deck at the frosty yard should have been a clue. When the riders left Sharon Wagner’s home at eight, the skies were questionable and the temp was climbing through the low thirties. Many layers were worn until the afternoon and the temps toped out in the fifties. Dick took a minute to catch up on the news while Bill was still stacking on the clothes.
The cold temp didn’t slow the team down much and it seems they were taking lunch in Cut Bank within minutes of having left East Glacier. Some major road construction caused the riders to hitch a ride with the van for the last few miles in to Cut Bank; as it turns out, not quite soon enough as we think that is the cause of Bill's flat tire. Rather than a roadside repair, we decided to swap out wheels and take care of it in Shelby. The last dozen or so miles were quick but the riders were still grateful for the kind and generous offerings of a donated room at the Glacier Motel on Highway 2, thanks to Ross and Gene McFee. With the early start and a good pace all day the team was able to cover the 70 miles in just under four hours, which gave them plenty of time to clean up the bikes after the previous days slop and grit.
With a century day planed tomorrow, carbs for dinner and early to bed, “Cause I Said So.”

Day 9 East Galcier MT

The thunderstorms rolled through last night and dropped some much needed rain in the area. The gardens were happy but the rider’s spirits fell with the rain. Christine out did herself once again and got the guys started with a hearty breakfast of eggs and toast. Thanks again, Chris for the hospitality.

We drove to Glacier National Park, thinking that a climb to Logan Pass would be a great way to start the day of pedaling. Unfortunately the road was closed to cars so the team was on there own for the climb and descent. I am normally close by, so I get first hand info and stories for the blog. This time I will have to rely on them telling me all that happened, so here it goes. The climb began with a 45 degree accent, which was no problem until the wind started kicking up in to the nineties. That slowed them down a bit, but they pressed on it to three feet of snow…Actually the climb up was a grand time, the rain was heavy at times but the view kept them going. The road crews are still in the process of clearing the snow off the road and repairing many of the washouts and guardrails that had been removed by the previous winter’s avalanches. Rocks and gravel still strewn about on the road and water, three inches deep at times crossed the road in places. It was a busy day on the pass: many young kids and their mums were out and about enjoying park. Lots of questions about the “important” looking cyclist riding today, and many opportunities to spread the word of the Tyler Hamilton Foundation.

The team came off the mountain to hot chocolates and turkey sandwiches, an odd combo but it did the trick of getting them warmed up. As the riders warmed in the van, the rain began to fall heavier with the passing minutes. Looking at a long day involving Marias pass, the team decided to call it a day and stay warm and dry in the van for the two hour drive to East Glacier. Thanks to Sharon Wagner and her generosity the team was able to have a home for the night. With all the damp gear washed up and dried the riders are ready to hit the plains. Yeah for the flat country…
Quote for the day "Ride naked, It adds color to your cheeks", seen on a Maine plated car in the parking lot of the Firebrand Inn.