Bike Across USA blog

I am over the Rocky Mountains! I climbed enough to cross the contenental divide yesterday riding up Going to the
Sun Road. I met Dan from Pennsylvania before Marias Pass (5215 feet). We chatted for a while and met again at Brownies Hostel in East Glacier. I almost camped at the pass, but it started raining and the wind was really howling.

At the beginning of the climb the grade was almost 15 percent. I was concerned about being able to make it over. After that first “hill,” the grades was more moderate and I made it over the top. The rain and wind pushed me downhill to East Glacier.

It has rained part of everyday for more than a week. Tomorrow is supposed to be dry at least after I get out of East Glacier.

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I am just north of the “A” at the edge of Dickey Lake. About 39 miles to Whitefish, MT. It is 42 degrees there this morning. The expected high is 59. I am looking forward to the warm part of the day.

Time to pack up and get on the road.

I am sitting in my one man tent in the rain at North Dickey Lake Campground (National Forest Service). Today is a free day! The host is providing wifi, so I am updating the blog. It rained soon after I left Rocky Gorge Campground this morning. It eventually stopped, but picked up when I reached Eureka. I am south of Fortine, MT this evening. I hope to be in Columbia Falls for Sunday evening.

It has been very slow the last two day. I was off course seriously yesterday – about 20 miles round trip on Fisher River Rd. – More than 68 miles riden – about 45 on course. The roads have been up and down. This afternoon the grade was very steep on one road with a slope over 10 percent, kicking up to 19 percent at the end. I walked for 8 or 10 minutes.

I don’t know what the trailer with my load weights (more after grocery shopping this afternoon), but I think it is too heavy.

I rode about 48 miles today. It will be a little more than that to Columbia Falls tomorrow.

I did take a few pictures, but not many with all of the rain. It was 47 degrees this afternoon. I am warm in the tent now. Last night was cooler. I am nearing the Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park.