Zin

Just a heads up to everyone that is interested in riding the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park officially opened on Sunday May 30th! This is an early opening of this road. The news broadcast even showed some cyclist pushing thier bikes up Logan Pass!

I dream of the day when I feel confident enough in myself and my bike to ride this EPIC!

Is anyone from BF planning on riding the Going to the Sun?

Mtn Mike

Thanks for the info Do you know the hours that cyclists are allowed on the road? I'd love to take a weekend this summer to do GTTS road. I'lll probably start on the west side on a Saturday and go east, and come back west on Sunday...that is, if we're allowed up there on the weekends...

Zin

Hey Mike! Hope your doing well over there!

Here is the info from the Glacier Park web site It doesn't look like they restrict the days a bike can travel, only restrict us from the best time of the day to ride. (for scenic and weather reasons)

EDIT: For those considering this ride, make sure you consult the Park's web site for percautions for weather related dangers and camping information for cyclists.


Hope this helps.

Bob

Mtn Mike

hmm, so cyclists have free reign for the next 2 weekends. Might consider a "crossing" on June 12-13.

Stealthman_1

I am hoping I can do this in July, from Logan Creek to Logan Pass you gain just a smidge over 3000 ft. in what looks like around 10 miles. If you have a better mileage figure let me know...I 'THINK' a reasonably seasoned climber should be able to do this in 2 hours or less. The traffic is more worrisome than the grade as there is NO shoulder at all until you land in Logan Creek ! Looks like a 'loop' would be 142 miles if the NPS map is right, that would be quite a day of riding. I'll have to have a friend run this in Delorme and see how it looks...
It is sad to see Logan open so early though, going to be a big fire year I'm afraid.

Zin

Well, if you ride from Apgar to St. Maries that is right around 50 miles I'm not sure what "LOOP" your looking at, Stealth. I think Mike has the right idea. Ride one direction on one day, then back the next.

I'll be thinking of you Mike on June 12th as that is the day I am going to attempt my first century ride. It is through some of the most scenic country the front range has to offer! From Ulm, MT to Wolf Creek and back. (well sort of) Anyway, wish me luck.

Stealthman_1, If you are going to wait until July you should be ok. Just shoot for mid-month. As you seem to be aware, if you wait much longer the fire season will be upon us and your plans may litterally go up in flames.

That ride is one of my future goals. Another 20lbs lighter and a better bike are in order before I take that challenge.

Mtn Mike

okay, i'm stoked. I'm not sure whether to do it in one day, or split it up into two days. So it's 25 miles each way, with approx. half of that uphill. Anyone know the elevation gain to get up to Logan Pass?

Stealthman_1

3493 feet difference between Logan Pass and Lake McDonald.
My Loop would turn south at Saint Mary and circling the south end of the park. I haven't actually been on that stretch of Hwy 2 for many years so I don't even remember if it's scenic or know the road conditions.
Good luck on your Century, you'll love it!

Zin

Um, not quite. Its 32 miles from Apgar Village to the Logan Pass Visitor Center. 18 miles from Logan Pass to St. Mary's.

Zin

U.S. 2 is in pretty good shape for the most part. The big problem is the lack of shoulders in many places. A big problem with all the RV traffic.

Stealthman_1

Yuck, point well taken, an attempted loop would put you on 2 in the afternoon, probably not terribly safe.

Zin

Yep. That is the way I look at it, however, many cycling tours take that route from the west on transcon. routes. I think Adventure Cycling in Missoula, MT. is one of them. It would certianly be an adventure either way.

I admire your cycling abilities. Really enjoyed the thread you posted with your last ride. Man that is a lot of climbing. Do you have a triple on your Pinerello? I still ride a 1978 Raleigh Grand Prix 10 speed for a roadie. Its the lightest bike I have. One day I'll be in good enough shape to hold your wheel on such rides.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that the trip on US2 on the southern edge of the park is scenic. Not like the GTTS, but nice in its own way.

ltspd

I rode it back in 94'. Great ride with incredible views. Had to stop several times because of bears crossing the road.

pdxcyclist

I'm seriously considering this ride in early August. With loaded panniers it could be tough. Is it true Going to Sun will be closed next year for several years?

Stealthman_1

N7CZinMT, thanks for the info on US 2, much appreciated. Absolutely have a triple on the Pinny, ain't no shame in being prepared for anything!

Zin

I know there has been much talk about the re-construction of GTTS road. I would defer to the park web site for the latest information. Glacier Park web site

Zin

Yeah I hear you on the triple. I only have a double on my old bike. When I get a new bike, I'll most likely have a triple too. I ride some pretty steep terrian. I also have bad knees. So a triple would be nice.
Its raining here again today. Some friends of mine came down from Cardston & Medicine Hat, Alberta to ride the GTTS today. They do it every year. It rained on them last year too! (Not to mention the snow at the top of the pass. )

Here are a couple of their photos from last year:







These guys call themselves the "Tailwinds Cycling Club" and are a nice group of guys! You can view their web site by clicking here.

Mtn Mike

Holly shnikies, great pics. When were they taken? I wonder if it will look similar this weekend when we go??? Maybe the 35x700 touring tire will be prefered over the 23x700 road tire?

Zin

Hey Mike! Those photos were taken last year. I would plan on winter riding conditions for at least part of your journey. The weather here has been cold and wet. It will be much worse up on Logan Pass. Forcast for this weekend is for 30% chance of showers and high temps in the 60s.

You can keep an eye on the weather there by looking at the web cams. Click here for web cams

I'm trying to find a more specific weather source for you. No luck so far.

Zin

NEWSFLASH!

The Going to the Sun is now CLOSED!

The Park Service did not give a time when they expected it to re-open. This storm we are currently under has apparently dumped enough snow on the pass to force the closure.

Mtn Mike

LOL, thanks for the update; so I suppose that means a couple of city folks on pizza cutters would not be able to traverse the pass this weekend? Perhaps I'll just stay here, where the forcast is for 70 degrees and sunny.

Zin

Yeah, you are always taking a chance with the weather this time of year up there. Hey, you could come and ride with me on my century Saturday.

Davet

Mike, it hasn't been sunny and 70 here for a week!!!! And me with 2 new bikes I'm dyin' to put a ton of miles on.

Mtn Mike

Good news for the weekend though. If I stay in town, I'm doing a loop at Mt. Spokane (probably)

Davet

I certainly hope the weather is good for the weekend. My wife and I are going to ride the 60 mile loop on the Loreen Miller Cancer Patient bike ride Sunday.