Glacier - Day 5

From Kalispell, MT to Kalispell, MT: about 200 miles

This was the day we’d been riding for; taking the ‘Road to the Sun’ through Glacier National park. We headed north out of Kalispell to get to West Glacier, the entrance to the park. The day was only slightly cool and the weather promised to be outstanding. Someone had told us earlier that the entrance fee to the park was $25. That seemed a bit high for just being in the park for one day, but we’d traveled about 2000 miles to get to this point so we weren’t about to let some extravagant fee prevent us from riding through the park. Here’s the sign at the entrance to West Glacier; the location was not conducive to placing our bikes in front of it for the obligatory sign shot.

Entrance to the park was cheaper than anticipated as the cyclist rate was only 12$. I was already prepared to pay $25 so I covered Kevin's. Soon we were cruising beside Lake McDonald lake on our way to Logan pass.We took most of our pictures on this day so I’ll try to skip some commentary and allow the pictures to do the talking. Of course, the lens is so limiting when trying to capture an area so expansive as this park. You just can’t get the whole thing.

These are some of the scenes you’d encounter as you enter from the west side of the park.

Then of course we had the roadblock situation one more time. This was a timed blockage of 30 minutes… at 1pm they would be letting us travel up the road to the pass. So we took a few pics while we waited and talked to the trio of Harley riders from Montana that were touring the park as well.

Soon they allowed us to continue on our journey and we commenced with the photo taking. It’s so nice to have bikes with automatic transmissions and cruise control so we can take pictures while riding, don’t you think?

Then we finally reached the pass and had magnificent views of the mountains all around us. Being the end of the summer season the glaciers were kinda small and dirty… but there was some snow that had still stuck around.

I was quite surprised at the overall elevation of the pass being only 6646 ft., quite low in regards to some we’d traversed in Colorado as well as the one we would be tackling on the way back into Wyoming – Beartooth. The weather was quite warm and we hardly saw a cloud in the sky all day.

There was a short hike of about 1.5 miles to an observation area higher up the pass that provided a view of Hidden Lake. I decided that this would be a good change of pace for us. However, Kevin felt that such an endeavor would not be good for those that might be ‘faint of heart’ or ‘large of body’. He, being the latter, opted out of this little venture and found another trail that led to some mountain goats hiding from tourists.

There was quite a long boardwalk that started the trail before it dumped you off to the rock/dirt around the top portion of the mountain. But it did allow for some great shots of the rock that tops the mountains.

Captured this shot of the moon hanging out by the rocky tops.

Once on the top of the pass you still had a ways to traverse to get to the observation point to see the lake. On the way I came across this guy, resting in a grove of trees close to the trail but pretty much undisturbed by everyone else walking by.

Reaching the observation point gave these great views of the Hidden Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Further up the trail I found these two guys, also trying to hide from the tourists.

As you can see from the pictures below, the hike up to Hidden Lake Pass is certainly more than a few steps and I think it’s an elevation change of about 800 ft. as well. Click on the map below to enlarge it.

On the way down I met my brother close to the end of the boardwalk, carrying some water that he shared with me thinking I probably needed some. After a brief rest we ran into this fearless little guy that felt he owned the place.

For you older folks that might be contemplating a trip such as this, on the east side you can catch these nifty little open air transports that will shuttle you too and from the pass. We saw numerous elderly types taking advantage of this service. If you don't don't pack so many in there you don't have to poke your head out of the top.

We still needed to get the sign shot, but still couldn’t get our bikes by it so you have to settle for me and Kevin standing by the sign. Proof we were actually there.

While we were there a couple came up and asked if we’d take their picture as well… so we did.

Ooops… I wonder if I was supposed to use their camera? If anyone knows this couple please let them know they can find their picture here.

Well, here it was, 3pm and we’d gone a whole 50 miles so far out of the 200 we had planned. We decided we’d better get mounted up and headed out if we were going to make it back to the Hotel that evening.

On the way out there was a free car wash offered, but we opted out of that one. The water looked like it was just shooting out of the mountain.

Kevin watched me stumble a few times as I walked down the road with my helmet on trying to get some waterfall shots. Thinking I might tumble down the mountain, and what a great shot that would make, he was already snapping pics of me.Overall the park was very impressive.

On the way out on the east side you cruise beside St. Mary Lake. And the time of day we were leaving gave us opportunity for some great shots.

Then finally we found a park sign that we could place our bikes in front of:

We hadn't traveled too far out of the park when we ran into a new kind of road block. Livestock on the road that weren't in a hurry to move for anybody. We finally squeezed by. Fist time I had to share the road with a single horsepower vehicle.

Soon we were out of the park and headed south on US 89 working our way around the south end of the park. This ended up being a great road with super sweepers and a high speed limit… what more could you want?

Before reaching Browning we turned right onto 49, also known as Looking Glass Hill Rd. This proved to be a great road for twisties as it went up and over a mountain and then connected to US2 which led us to the small town of East Glacier.

We followed US2 all the way around the southern tip of the park and then back to West Glacier where the road turned south allowing us to return to Kalispell. But by this time it was we were due for gas… at least for me anyways. We ended up pulling up to gas in Martin City, where lo and behold, someone was interested in the Valkyrie. Usually in these parts of the country it’s Kevin’s V-strom that gets all the attention. But this guy had one out in California that he put 100k miles on before he sold it. We talked for a short bit and then Kevin got some eating options from some locals and we headed down the road in search of eating opportunities.

Soon we were pulling into the Elkhorn Grill in Hungry Horse, MT.

Neither one of us had Elk, or horse for that matter... but there was this little guy what was mesmerized by the motorcycles once he saw them. Kept hanging by the window looking at the bikes. Both his parents were in the Air Force, stationed at Mountain home and were out for the day. Kevin offered to let him sit on his bike and after placing it on the center stand, his father set him on the seat. Not sure he knew what to think of that.

He either got it out of his system, or he’s now ruined for life. Not sure which, but either way it’s Kevin’s fault. After that we rode back to the Hotel and put the bike’s up for the night. Tomorrow we have a long haul with some slab riding to put us in position to ride Beartooth highway the next day so we needed some rest. Plus we did a lot more walking than riding, and you know how that walking tires you out.

Glacier - Day 2

Day 2…

The day started with a small wrenching party on mine and Jason’s bikes. Over the course of the conversations with Kevin over the roadside repairs on Jason’s bike we thought new battery and plugs would be in order. As well on my bike, the new Walmart driving lights that I just installed specifically for this trip, decided they did not want shine together and one gave out before we got to Colorado. So I replaced a light while Jason replaced his battery and plugs.

However we had beautiful sights while we worked as there was a Hot Air Balloon gathering in town that lifted off from memorial park and floated down to Kevin’s house allowing us some great photo opportunities.

And it was a great day to be riding... look at that clear blue sky. Colorado is a great place to ride.

But enough of that, let’s get on the road. By 9AM we were headed to Deckers Country Store on I24 and then highway 67, where we had coffee and breakfast. From there we took off on through the east side of the Rockies through Empire and Winterpark. I'm not sure exactly how we go there, I just followed Kevin... when i could see him.

Kevin offered that I could ride tail position and that if I wanted to stop and take a picture to just honk and flash my lights and we’d pull over. We hadn’t gotten too far when I realized the batteries on the camera were almost dead. So, as suggested I honked my little horn and flashed my little light… and would you believe they weren’t even paying attention. They were so focused on the roads and the turns that I was totally invisible to them. So I just pulled over anyways thinking they’d miss me eventually when they got to a long straightaway and could not see me off in the distance. Finally they showed up and we got a couple of pics and promises that they’d try to pay more attention in the future.

It was a great ride through the mountains and it was very popular for sport bikes. In fact two Ducatis squeezed between me and Jason and I noticed they had very large rear tires and could handle the turns very handily. I too have a very wide rear tire and thought I could do same…not. After scraping my highway peg on the asphalt I had to keep repeating to myself, the ‘Valk is not a sport bike, the Valk is not a sport bike’.

At Winter Park we took a small break and took the another photo opportunity.

Jason at Winter park taking a break.

Kevin at Winter Park taking a break.

We then headed over to Granby where we stopped for some lunch at Mad Munchies. It was either that or Fat Boys Bar and Grill and only one of us fit that description (see picture above). Sorry, no pic of the restaurant. Once again on the road, Kevin takes me into the dirt, I keep reminding him that I have a street bike but he can’t seem to remember. This won’t be our last time on the dirt this trip.

Bikes in the Dirt

Jason taking a pic of Kevin in the the middle of the road.

Kevin in the Middle of the road...

Why he wanted a picture of this I'll never know...

Mounting up from this photo op. we headed for Walden where we stopped for gas and Ice cream at the same place we stopped at 2 years ago. Place is still there… here’s the bikes taking a breather.

It’s amazing that riding in Colorado the temperature can change 20º in a span of 2 miles. Then you get to the flat open country and there is nothing out there. I stopped to take couple of pics and the boys just keep on going… so much for that promise from earlier in the day. This pretty much represents my view from the trip... watching the two of them up ahead.

We stop to catch some pictures at this incredible rolling wheat field. But the camera can’t seem to catch the subtleness of the rolls of wheat and the different height levels. It was so much more incredible in person.

Crossing into Wyoming we get the obligatory state sign pic.



Then we're high tailing it to Rawlins where we plan to spend the night. All the while Jason is keeping a keen eye out for wildlife hoping to catch a glimpse of some.





Well, we make it all the way in to Rawlins and the only wildlife we've seen are the bugs splattered on our windshields.
Arriving in town we decided to cruise through to see what our hotel options are. About halfway through we realize we lose Jason. Turning around and retracing our path we find him in the middle of the street pointing to a house. As we approach, sure enough he's finally spotted some wildlife. Deer in their natural habitat.
Yep, right in the backyard munching on the owners delectable garden in downtown Rawlins.

Behind us we see a rainbow straining to form on the horizon. Must take quite a bit of effort to get a rainbow on fairly clear day with no rain.

We finally settle on the posh accommodations at the local Quality Inn and then head out to clean up the bikes before putting them down for the night...







Jason tries out mine and Kevin's bikes to see how they fit... look at the smile, which one do you think he likes the best?

Jason on the V-Strom

Jason on the Valkyrie... pretty easy to tell which one he likes the best.

We head down to the bar and grill and review the days trip and make Jason's plans for heading back to Colorado Springs in the morning. In order for him to make it back to Lubbock by Thursday this is as far north as he's able to go on this trip. We head toward Boise in the morning and better get rested up as we've got a long road ahead of us. We just completed about 360 miles of Highway and twisties. Had great weather and no rain on this leg so that makes it a great day. Thanks to Jason for the company on this leg.