Helena to Boulder

In order to split up a 20 mile day and a 47 mile day, I left Helena on route to Park Lake campground, I headed towards Park Lake and then followed Route 15 aiming for Basin. On my way out I saw my first "CD Bicycle Route" sign which was great! The route started on washboarded forest roads and several stops to question whether or not it was going to rain was needed. Followed by a few stray dogs, I made my way up the steep hills to a T stop where I had to make by descision for the night. I chose to follow route 15 to make tomorrow shorter, but just outside Boulder, the heavens opened and I was soaked and freezing cold. Not to mention an ensuing hail storm which makes it even more difficult when your peddling along the side of a highway. Boulder provided a descent nights sleep an a 9.30 start the next morning

Lincoln to Helena

As mentioned, today was spent on road. Granted it was a rest day, it was still close to 60 miles. The weather was perfect and I slowly followed a thunderstorm in the near distance, all the way to Helena. I was fortunate to stop in Canyon Creek, with the only services being a small country store. In fact, the smallest store with the largest inventory that I have ever been in. It also included a small antiques annex as well. Merna, the owner, was extremely nice and offered a tasting of their huckleberry ice cream (actually made in Colorado). The riding was obviously easier, but at the same time not as interesting as the forest roads. Once outside of Helena, there was a 5 mile stretch to link up with Dad for the night. We were able to find a great (tumble weed) IPA from Lewis and Clarke brewery. There was also a block party with live music, the great atmosphere included a near apocalyptic sky as another storm crept in.

June 30th ...

Last night there was a very quick but powerful storm, starting first as a dust storm and transitioning to rain, hail and very strong winds. This brought down many ponderosa pines and cut the power for a short time. In lieu of last nights weather and also the current conditions and need of rest, i will be skirting the GDMBR trail (still hitting the CD) and heading to Helena (approx 55 miles) on road today...will also replace the batteries in the GPS!

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Fatty Creek to Holland Lake Lodge

Due to the detour last night, I had to rejoin the GDMBR through Cold Creek Road and this shortened the day to a rolling 25 miles...without any bears. The route followed forest roads, all the way to HLL, which is barely off the actually Great Divide route. I arrived in Holland Lake with time to spare and set out on a hike to the Holland Lake Falls (pictured below) along with a spectacular view off the lake and back-dropped by the Rockies. Holland Lake Lodge had recently hosted 17 of the cyclists on the GDMBR. It was a forest service campsite and provided a decent nights sleep. A quick nip out for a bite to eat with Dad, provided rocky mountain oysters (with a side of ranch) and a "teddy bear" 8oz piece of protein.

Day 5 Big Fork to Fatty Creek

An "easy" day of 34 odd miles, with a 6 mile climb in the morning to 2800ft. What could go wrong? Initially I was 2 miles from the route, and the pavement inevitably turned to gravel FR. Another obnoxious climb was conquered by bike and foot. A quick photo lead to a half hour talk with a very hospitable retired cattle rancher, hailing from Missoula. The downhill passed through Swan Lake Wildlife refuge, and as one switchback lead to another, another lead to a bear. I have seen bears both in the wild and at the zoo, but having one 20 yards infront of you gets the adrenaline pumping, he or she was quick to retreat and I was quick to pass by. A few animal bones along the way also added to the paranoia. As I approached my intented Fatty Creek campsite, I was tired and ready for the day to end. Whilst being swamped by mosquito's I accidentaly sprayed myself in the eye, and then found that the previous tenant had left their trailmix everywhere. Time to relax, calm down and sit peacefully overlooking the thunderstorm in the near distance. O wait... another bear, seemingly okay with my presence, just foraging a few 10 yards from my perch on the bridge. The golden brown of his hide made him look very cuddly and of course would look great as the background for my computer, unfortunately a the picture came to mind second. I knew there was lodging down the road, although unsure of whether there was a vacancy, i was willing to risk the 15 miles, possibly 25 to the next town. The risk payed of even if it turned into a 50 mile day, and I was safe for the night...


Also recent news flash...RIP to Dave Blumenthal who had a fatal crash on the Tour Divide

Day 4

Today's ride followed right angled graveled roads, and was a break from the wild deciduous forest roads (FR). The roads traversed the flats of the Flathead river and Swan Mountains. With the final destination being Bigfork which is located on Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. On route, a stop in Columbia Falls provided sustenance in the form of an avocado BLT, and even though most of the day was flat the 80 degree weather made it difficult to peddle. 2 miles out from Bigfork, with only a bike path to go, the heavens opened and the rain came down. They say if you don't like the weather in Montana, wait 5 minutes. By the time I met up with Dad the rain had stopped and there was a steep climb to the motel. Dinner consisted of a stop at the Flathead Lake Brewery (http://www.flatheadlakebrewing.com/home), with great live music and hospitality. Thank you! We tried Shaun's Elk sausages (amazing) and then headed over to The Raven for Yak meatloaf with candied bacon! This was the longest day, as far as mileage, but the muscles are getting used to the workout.

Miles: 42

Day 3 Red Meadow to Whitefish

Another climb to start the morning, around 6 miles to the Whitefish divide and an elevation of 3905ft...and that means snow. Thankfully I was prepared, or at least forewarned. Moving from 80 degrees at low elevations to snow at Red Meadow campground certainly took its toll. It was slow moving through the snow, and with all the weight behind me I had to dismount and walk. Thankfully when there's a climb there is also a descent, although most of my elevation was lost in a couple of miles. Surface water was prevalent, allowing me to resupply on the run. At the moment I am running through 5 water bottles and a Camel Pack each day. The descent terminated at a paved road which ran parallel to Whitefish lake, a semi easy route back into Whitefish. Only disheartening when road bikers are going 10 to 15 mph faster. My spirits rose once I saw Big Mountain, and a quick pit stop was needed for hot food at a gas station, not sure what was in their "tornado" but protein is protein. Met Dad at the motel, washed up and headed out for some libation and food. Granted no amount of caffeine would have allowed my legs to work properly. Regardless of a warm bed, barely any sleep was gained from it..

Miles:39