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We have 39 riding days and six days off. Wayne Estes taught me the little trick of averaging the feet of climbing per mile. On this trip, we aren't quite 50 feet a mile. That sounds easy, until I look at a couple of those big climbs on the profile!
I have been riding all winter in sunny Tucson. These were smile inducing flat miles. I've been adding in climbing at home in Colorado. I can't decide if it's the higher elevation that makes it more difficult, or the weight that I put on over the winter. Jacinto has volunteered to be my sherpa, but tells me not to abuse the privilege. I tried to pin him down on how many pounds that adds up to, but I haven't been successful. We looked back at the photos in my journal from 2006 when we toured through some of this area. This was our last camping trip. Jacinto also rode a recumbent, and we both pulled BOB trailers. We still have one BOB trailer. I told Jacinto that could be my sherpa's luggage. He wasn't as excited about the idea!
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1) Going west from Pincher Creek, Alberta, I'd suggest taking the quiet farm roads (Township Road 64, 7-0, etc. to Lundbreck, then Highway 3a past Lundbreck Falls. Highway 3 (the Crowsnest Highway) has good shoulders, but a lot of traffic.
2) In Salmo, BC, I recommend the Reno Motel, on a quiet side street in the heart of town. The rooms at the Salmo Hotel are over a noisy bar, while the Sal-Crest Motel is a few blocks outside of town, right on the busy highway. When I stayed at the Reno 20 years ago, it was owned by a British couple, and they were a hoot--they reminded me of Ozzie and Sharon Osbourne. The husband was a former bicycle racer. It's probably changed hands several times since then, but you should ask.
3) Between Metaline and Ione, Washington, you might want to take Sullivan Lake Road if you have the time. It'll add 5 miles, but it's quite lovely and has little traffic.
4) South of Ione, PLEASE take Le Clerc Road on the east side of the Pend Oreille River. It's beautiful and has almost no traffic.
3)
6 months ago
Pincher Creek is a new area for us - I looked on RWGPS mapping at those back roads. They appear to be gravel? I have it mapped out - opinions might change if it's raining that day!
Thank you for the insider knowledge.
6 months ago
6 months ago
Historically, they clear the pass from the west first. It takes weeks more for the east side to open. Wayne Estes sent me an informative link with the dates of the openings of both sides going back decades. I tried to find it again right now and couldn't. I did read this current article on roads conditions. Getting to the top in two weeks may or may not happen! https://flatheadbeacon.com/2024/05/31/as-plows-reach-logan-pass-glacier-parks-high-country-hangs-onto-winter/
One sneaky advance of doing the climb as a day ride is being able to leave the majority of gear back in the room. I don't think that's occurred to Jacinto yet - that he won't be fully loaded. Don't be surprised if you see him with full panniers. Jacinto is a man of principles and he wouldn't want anyone to accuse him of slacking!
6 months ago