Just inside the park at the St Mary's entrance. Beautiful day and beautiful fields of flowers!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Leaving East Glacier
Just inside the park at the St Mary's entrance. Beautiful day and beautiful fields of flowers!
East Glacier - Pass
Great views from near Logan Pass, as far as we can go on Going-to-the-sun road. And no one around but us. But it was rather cold and windy up here. It was warm and sunny back in the valley, by St Mary's lake.
East Glacier
Going-to-the-sun-road from the East side of Glacier. We got to go further up the road from this side. Cars were closed off at 12 miles, but we went all the way up to where snow covered the road. We could see the Visitor's Center, which is at the top of Logan Pass. We saw Bighorn sheep near the pass, and had 40 mph winds on the way up, but a great cruise back down with no traffic.
Panhandle Campground
You wouldn't know it by this photo, but it rained hard all day and we finally pulled into this campground soaking wet. The camp host came over to us right away and said "it's on me tonight". He felt bad for us, dripping head to toe and freezing cold. After we set up and eat dinner under a tarp, the sun came out and dried us out.
Sandpoint, Idaho
This is the same bridge Mike cross in 2006, during his Alaska to Mexico trip. Except, he was going south instead of east. A path just for bikes brings you into the city and away from traffic.
Marias Pass 5216'
Due to the Going-to-the-sun-road being closed, we were detoured around the park to the east side. That's where we crossed the continental divide in Montana.
West Glacier
West Glacier
Going-to-the-sun-road closed past this point, 24 miles up. Cars not allowed past mile 16.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park was a highlight of our tour, and the weather co-operated just in time - we had good weather almost the whole time we were there. We spent a week in the park, and could have stayed longer had time permited.
And, yes, we finally can add some pictures!
-Mountains, mountains, mountains! I could live here.
Conflicting info all the way to the park, but once here, it's official: Going-to-the-sun-road through the pass is closed for at least another couple of weeks, due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.
-No bikes on the road from 11-4pm... so we hang out by Lake Macdonald 'til we can keep biking to our first camp at Avalanche Lake.
-Hike to Avalanche Lake - beautiful but crowded; if this is the slow season I'd hate to see the busy season.
Avalanche Lake
A 4 mile hike into Avalanche Lake, in West Glacier. One of the many hikes we did in the park. About 6 waterfalls drop into this lake, making it a beautiful site.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Part 1 Anacortes, WA. to Sandpoint, ID.
543 miles
543 total miles
Impressions:
-3:45am wake up for flight to Seattle, Wa.
- Drove to Logan airport, (thanks Dad)
-Rosemary picks us up in Mt. Vernon, Wa. with our bikes and drives us to Washington Park campground in Anacortes, (thanks Rosemary)
-May 28th, my 39th birthday, spent biking around Lopez Island, in the San Juans
-Bonnie, Rosemary, and Michael, took me out for a birthday dinner in Anacortes, at "Adift"
-May 29th, 2008 - 7:30am "Dipping of the rear tires" in the Pacific Ocean, Anacortes, WA.
-Biking Begins - Heading East
-Anacortes Bike Shop, to fix Bonnie's gears
-Tommy Thompson Bike Trail, to get through downtown Anacortes
-Padilla Bay Shore Trail, gravel path
-South Skagit Highway, low traffic, camped where Michael told us to, on the Skagit Land Trust
-Slug camp, thousands of slugs everywhere, and a jungle of a road to bike through
-"XM" radio working great, we can listen to the Red Sox, Celtics, and Comedy, and much more to entertain us at night
-Ice cream at the famous "Cascadian Farms"
-Made it to Marblemount, WA., Rosemary's and Michael's house
-Hiked 9 miles of the East Baker Lake Trail with Michael, thanks to him for taking us there
-Great Views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan
-Jump, Jump, Dance Party, at Rosemary's and Michael's (don't ask to see the video)
-Bonnie's I-pod erased, mad panic to put songs back on her pod
-Leave Marblemount, Rosie joins us biking for 2 days up the passes of the North Cascades
-Michael meets us in Colonial Creek campground with giant tent, lots of food, and water
-"Pass day" 3 of us bike over Rainy Pass at 4,855 feet, and Washington Pass 5,477 feet, in the Cascades
-See black bear cross the road on Rainy Pass
-Amazing downhill descents, 40 mph thru twisting roads and beautiful scenary
-Meet Steve from Portland, Oregon, biking the same route we are
-Farewell dinner in Winthrop, treated by Rosie&Michael, joined by Steve for dinner as well
-Sit in Twisp bakery for hours, waiting out a rainstorm, 2 ladies tell us where to camp in Fish&Wildlife refuge
-Steep climb up Loup Loup Pass, 4020 feet, freezing cold 7 mile descent
-26 miles of uphill to Wauconda Pass 4,310 feet, long steady climb in cold rain, 45 degrees
-Camp in Wauconda Community Center, lots of cold rain and wind
-Hailstorm and heavy downpour in Republic, got our first (and only) hotel of the trip so far
-Postman warned of 4 inches of snow on Sherman's Pass, we do it anyway, 5,575 feet, hit snow, slush, rain, cold, 30-35 degrees on top, freezing descent
-Meet cyclists Mike and Blair from Minnesota
-Camphost says it's on him, so free camping in Panhandle campground, soaking wet, he felt bad for us
-Crossed into Idaho, 15 states to go!
-Sandpoint, Idaho, I remember this place from my 2006 Alaska-Mexico trip; I biked through this same spot
Stay tuned for Part 2... coming soon, Sandpoint, Idaho to Cutbank, Montana
543 total miles
Impressions:
-3:45am wake up for flight to Seattle, Wa.
- Drove to Logan airport, (thanks Dad)
-Rosemary picks us up in Mt. Vernon, Wa. with our bikes and drives us to Washington Park campground in Anacortes, (thanks Rosemary)
-May 28th, my 39th birthday, spent biking around Lopez Island, in the San Juans
-Bonnie, Rosemary, and Michael, took me out for a birthday dinner in Anacortes, at "Adift"
-May 29th, 2008 - 7:30am "Dipping of the rear tires" in the Pacific Ocean, Anacortes, WA.
-Biking Begins - Heading East
-Anacortes Bike Shop, to fix Bonnie's gears
-Tommy Thompson Bike Trail, to get through downtown Anacortes
-Padilla Bay Shore Trail, gravel path
-South Skagit Highway, low traffic, camped where Michael told us to, on the Skagit Land Trust
-Slug camp, thousands of slugs everywhere, and a jungle of a road to bike through
-"XM" radio working great, we can listen to the Red Sox, Celtics, and Comedy, and much more to entertain us at night
-Ice cream at the famous "Cascadian Farms"
-Made it to Marblemount, WA., Rosemary's and Michael's house
-Hiked 9 miles of the East Baker Lake Trail with Michael, thanks to him for taking us there
-Great Views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan
-Jump, Jump, Dance Party, at Rosemary's and Michael's (don't ask to see the video)
-Bonnie's I-pod erased, mad panic to put songs back on her pod
-Leave Marblemount, Rosie joins us biking for 2 days up the passes of the North Cascades
-Michael meets us in Colonial Creek campground with giant tent, lots of food, and water
-"Pass day" 3 of us bike over Rainy Pass at 4,855 feet, and Washington Pass 5,477 feet, in the Cascades
-See black bear cross the road on Rainy Pass
-Amazing downhill descents, 40 mph thru twisting roads and beautiful scenary
-Meet Steve from Portland, Oregon, biking the same route we are
-Farewell dinner in Winthrop, treated by Rosie&Michael, joined by Steve for dinner as well
-Sit in Twisp bakery for hours, waiting out a rainstorm, 2 ladies tell us where to camp in Fish&Wildlife refuge
-Steep climb up Loup Loup Pass, 4020 feet, freezing cold 7 mile descent
-26 miles of uphill to Wauconda Pass 4,310 feet, long steady climb in cold rain, 45 degrees
-Camp in Wauconda Community Center, lots of cold rain and wind
-Hailstorm and heavy downpour in Republic, got our first (and only) hotel of the trip so far
-Postman warned of 4 inches of snow on Sherman's Pass, we do it anyway, 5,575 feet, hit snow, slush, rain, cold, 30-35 degrees on top, freezing descent
-Meet cyclists Mike and Blair from Minnesota
-Camphost says it's on him, so free camping in Panhandle campground, soaking wet, he felt bad for us
-Crossed into Idaho, 15 states to go!
-Sandpoint, Idaho, I remember this place from my 2006 Alaska-Mexico trip; I biked through this same spot
Stay tuned for Part 2... coming soon, Sandpoint, Idaho to Cutbank, Montana
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Greetings from (rainy) Clark Fork, Idaho
Hello Everyone,
I hope everyone is warm and dry, because we are not. I can't believe how much rain we have been through. It has been by far the wettest trip I have taken. It isn't only wet, but it is freezing cold. I don't like to complain, but this is crazy. Just to give you an idea of what we are dealing with, the mornings are around 40 degrees, the days warm up to a blazing 55 degrees, and it is raining around 75% of the time. Yes, we are still having fun, and yes, this is part of cycle touring. But, where's the sun! I am sure we will find some sun soon and we will be hot and sweating, so enjoy it now, I guess. This is the deal, we are cycle everyday through this wearing, 1 pair of shorts, 2 pairs of pants, 3 shirts, 1 jacket, rain booties, wool hat, winter mitts, and going down some of these mountain passes, we are still freezing cold. Going down Sherman's Pass at 5,575 feet in Washington, there was 4 inches of snow on the ground, the wind was about 30 mph, and the road was covered in slush, and almost had to get off the bike and walk it down. We didn't, but we did take it very slow until we were low enough to lose the snow and slush. This all sounds fun to you right? Well, it is. We are making the best of it and brighter days are to come. After all, this is an adventure. Yes, we are both tired of the conditions, but we can't control that and will make due no matter what gets thrown our way. It's just funny that back east it is 100 degrees and it is so cold here in the northwest. We are now in a very small town of Clark Fork, Idaho, pop. 530 and stopped to write a blog. The small town libraries computer won't allow us onto our site, so the blog will have to wait. We will be biking into Montana this afternoon, and will be in that huge state for awhile. We hope to bike the "Going to the Sun" road in Glacier Park but not sure the road will be opened due to snow. We heard yesterday that they are receiving "winter conditions" this week. So, the road in the park is 6,600 feet and I bet getting a lot of white stuff. I really hope we can bike this road, it is one of the main reasons I wanted to do this trip in the high north and I will be very disappointed if we can't do it, due to weather. Stay tuned to find out. Thanks to Rosemary and Michael for updating our site with photos and videos of when we were together last week. We had a great time with the two of you and we appreciate all you did for us. OK, that's it for now. Our clothes are dry and we are ready to roll. Keep in touch.
Mike and Bonnie
P.S. Bonnie adds: We passed though Sandpoint, Idaho, and camped in East Hope by Pend Oreille lake. We should reach Montana today. We heard that Glacier has been getting snow and the pass is not open. Our maps have an alternate route around the pass, but of course we want to do it. Maybe by the time we get there it will be open - but there's no point in hurrying.We have followed the river for several days now - it might be nice scenery if it weren't cloudy and rainy. But there are lupines blooming all over, I've seen lots of herons and ospreys by the water. One section of the road had lots of poles for osprey nests, and we saw a head sticking up from some of the nests. Last night there was a beautiful yellow bird, with black wings and a red head, hopping around the hemlock trees. I'd never seen anything like it - any ideas? Also, have seen several bluebirds around.
I hope everyone is warm and dry, because we are not. I can't believe how much rain we have been through. It has been by far the wettest trip I have taken. It isn't only wet, but it is freezing cold. I don't like to complain, but this is crazy. Just to give you an idea of what we are dealing with, the mornings are around 40 degrees, the days warm up to a blazing 55 degrees, and it is raining around 75% of the time. Yes, we are still having fun, and yes, this is part of cycle touring. But, where's the sun! I am sure we will find some sun soon and we will be hot and sweating, so enjoy it now, I guess. This is the deal, we are cycle everyday through this wearing, 1 pair of shorts, 2 pairs of pants, 3 shirts, 1 jacket, rain booties, wool hat, winter mitts, and going down some of these mountain passes, we are still freezing cold. Going down Sherman's Pass at 5,575 feet in Washington, there was 4 inches of snow on the ground, the wind was about 30 mph, and the road was covered in slush, and almost had to get off the bike and walk it down. We didn't, but we did take it very slow until we were low enough to lose the snow and slush. This all sounds fun to you right? Well, it is. We are making the best of it and brighter days are to come. After all, this is an adventure. Yes, we are both tired of the conditions, but we can't control that and will make due no matter what gets thrown our way. It's just funny that back east it is 100 degrees and it is so cold here in the northwest. We are now in a very small town of Clark Fork, Idaho, pop. 530 and stopped to write a blog. The small town libraries computer won't allow us onto our site, so the blog will have to wait. We will be biking into Montana this afternoon, and will be in that huge state for awhile. We hope to bike the "Going to the Sun" road in Glacier Park but not sure the road will be opened due to snow. We heard yesterday that they are receiving "winter conditions" this week. So, the road in the park is 6,600 feet and I bet getting a lot of white stuff. I really hope we can bike this road, it is one of the main reasons I wanted to do this trip in the high north and I will be very disappointed if we can't do it, due to weather. Stay tuned to find out. Thanks to Rosemary and Michael for updating our site with photos and videos of when we were together last week. We had a great time with the two of you and we appreciate all you did for us. OK, that's it for now. Our clothes are dry and we are ready to roll. Keep in touch.
Mike and Bonnie
P.S. Bonnie adds: We passed though Sandpoint, Idaho, and camped in East Hope by Pend Oreille lake. We should reach Montana today. We heard that Glacier has been getting snow and the pass is not open. Our maps have an alternate route around the pass, but of course we want to do it. Maybe by the time we get there it will be open - but there's no point in hurrying.We have followed the river for several days now - it might be nice scenery if it weren't cloudy and rainy. But there are lupines blooming all over, I've seen lots of herons and ospreys by the water. One section of the road had lots of poles for osprey nests, and we saw a head sticking up from some of the nests. Last night there was a beautiful yellow bird, with black wings and a red head, hopping around the hemlock trees. I'd never seen anything like it - any ideas? Also, have seen several bluebirds around.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Here in Republic, Washington
The State of Washington is much harder than I ever thought to cycle tour. It is beautiful, but the terrain can bring tears to your eyes. The elevation profile looks like a saw blade, lots of ups and downs. After a day cycling in the San Juan Islands, we departed Anacortes, Washington at sea level and never stopped climbing. Ok, there are some down hills, but tell that to our legs. Made it to Bonnie's sisters house in Marblemount for a very nice, short visit. Then Rosemary Joined us up Rainy and Washington Pass at over 5,000 feet in elevation and feet of snow on the roads shoulders. Going up Rainy pass, I saw a black bear cross the road just ahead of me. I stopped and gave it plenty of room. I didn't forget me last encounter with Yogi. We thought the east side of the mountains would bring us warm, sunny weather, but no luck. It has been very cold, and raining a lot. We have camped most nights, some at campgrounds and some in the wild, which I like. The last two days have brought us two more passes to climb, Loup Loup Pass and Wauconda Pass, both at over 4,000 feet. Today brought Hail and heavy rain right before we were to leave the town of Republic, but with the highest pass to climb next at over 5,500 feet we decided it's best to wait out the weather here. So we got our first motel of the trip. We did laundry and now in the library. So next, it's time to eat, and not instant oatmeal either. We are having lots of fun, but it's also hard work.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Guest Post by Rosemary
What an awesome journey Bonnie and Mike have embarked on, and what fun that Michael and I could be part of it. Here is our website with a number of pictures from their first leg in WA, from Anacortes to Marblemount (where Michael and I live), then to Colonial Creek Campground, in the park where I work, and lastly up and over Rainy and Washington Passes. Cycle on, Maine will be yours!
Love,
Rosemary & Michael
Love,
Rosemary & Michael
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
First Week
So far, so good! Our flight and shuttle went right on schedule, and Rosie picked us up at 3pm in Mt Vernon. We headed for our campsite at Washington Park in Anacortes, and the day cleared beautifuly. We made dinner by the water and watched the sun set over the Pacific.
The next day, we caught an early ferry to Lopez Island in the San Juans. My bike gears were not working well, which was a pain on the hills. But otherwise we had a good ride, covering pretty much the whole island. Lots of farmland and views of the ocean in the distance. We biked 45 miles in total.
The next day we did the "wheel dipping" ceremony with Rosie and Michael to cheer us on and take pictures. We didn't get far- just a few miles down the road to the bike shop, to get my gears adjusted. Finally we started off, thru Anacortes and then on to a nice bike path. We had a bad stretch of heavy traffic on rte 20, but thankfully soon got off on quieter roads. We ended on South Skagit Rdwy, and found a campsite on Skagit Land Trust property, recommended by Michael. It was a mile down a grassy (and slug-infested) track. It was a quiet and peaceful place to camp.
We left camp slug and hit the road by 9am, and then it was only 30 miles to Rosie's place in Marblemount. The day turned warm and sunny - a great afternoon to check out the gardens and have a nice dinner outside. So far, it hasn't rained on us and we're excited for the first pass, coming up next.
Monday, May 26, 2008
We're Off
After many, many months of planning we are finally ready to depart on our long awaited cross country bike trip. Tomorrow morning, my Dad will drive Bonnie and I to Logan airport. There were times I thought this day would never come. We have talked about doing this trip since the middle of 2007, and now it's here. A cycle for freedom begins tomorrow morning, and we can hardly wait. Stay tuned - our next blog is from on the road, from who knows where! Have a good summer, everyone!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Bikes arrive, beat up, broken, and lost!
The bike boxes beat up, parts broken, and gear lost, don't ask me, ask UPS! The good news first, the bikes did arrive at Rosemary's house in Marblemount, Washington when UPS said they would, last monday. The bad news is, they went through a war to get there. I thought the war was in the Middle East, not the Middle USA. The boxes were bad enough that the driver was ready to ship them back, for new ones I guess. But, these bikes aren't from a company Rosemary explained, and I need the bikes. After opening the war-torn boxes, she notice many problems right away. Bonnie's bike has a broken plastic piece and her front brake was damaged. My bike box had a foot hole in the bottom of it and funny that, I am missing a shoe. So much for going the safer way and putting all our trust in UPS, instead of the friendly skies. After talking to Rosemary on the phone and her e-mailing me many photos of the damaged goods, I marched into the UPS store we shipped from. No questions asked, we will get the money for all damaged and lost items, but no extra money for headaches and stress. This is at most a small set back, I believe we can fix all problems ourselves and not be delayed our start. Which is real good because day one is to bike around the San Juan Islands, and it's also my birthday. Can you think of a better birthday present then starting an adventure of many months with your best friend? For some maybe, but I can't. Many thanks to Rosemary, (Bonnie's sister) for all her time and effort to make sure we recieved all the infomation and photos to make a case at UPS. I guess it wouldn't be much of a journey, if everything went perfectly from start to finish, problem being we haven't even started yet. All in all, we are both very excited to get rolling and hope you'll follow us, through our blogs to the end. Just another day at the office, for an adventurer.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Bikes shipped UPS
And they're off! Our bikes are now in the hands of UPS after a bit of panic and shock. After our test ride we broke down the bikes to fit into the large bike boxes we got from the airport (free of charge). Nice, well not really. Atfer hours of bike demo and driving them to the UPS store we find out that 1) the boxes are to big and 2) the price is double of what the airlines charge. Two happy bikers quickly turned into two upset bikers. We made the decision to cut the bike boxes smaller inside the store so they would be allowed to ship and pay the extra money. Well, it's a small price to pay for freedom!
Test Ride
Despite cold tempertures and rainy conditions we took to the roads of Marshfield on our loaded bikes. Trying to get a feel for the extra weight of the packs and checking for any changes we may want before its to late. We found no problems in the short ride we took other than trying to keep the weight to a minimum. Mike's bike weighed in at over 85 pounds without food or water, Bonnie's has not been weighed loaded yet.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
One month till takeoff
Time is going fast. Bonnie and I are getting excited about our adventures to come. A lot of planning is still necessary before our departure date of May 27th. This week we plan on taking a practice run with our fully loaded bikes and make decisions on gear and equipment before shipping our bikes UPS this weekend to Rosemary Seifried's (Bonnie's sister) house in Marblemount, WA. (Photo: Mike's gear) Our bikes will weigh close to 100 lbs. which includes, the bike, tent, sleeping bag and pad, cooking stove, pots, clothes, bike tools, pump, spare tires and tubes, etc., not to mention food and water. Water weighs 8 lbs. per gallon. Over the next month we will be looking to lighten the load, by cutting back on unnecessary items, and believe me, every pound counts.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Favorite Quotes
- Today is the beinning of a new day. I have been given this day to use it as I see fit. I can waste it, or grow in its light and be of service to others, but what I do with this day is important because I have exchanged a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. I hope I do not regret the price I have paid for it.
- The journey of one thousand miles begins with a single step.
- A little uncertainty is perhaps the spice of life.
- Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.
- We are better than we know. If we can be made to see that, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less.
- You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop and look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.
- There is only one success, to be able to spend life in your own way.
- The bicycle is the last machine simple enough to be understood by its owner.
- It's the journey that counts, not the arrival.
- Tommorrows life is too late, live today.
- What we take for granted can change in an instant. If there's something you have always wanted to do. What are you waiting for? Do it.
- For many of us, undertaking an adventure is the fulfillment of a dream. It may have begun as a wild and crazy idea, but what differentiates those of us who see it as possible from those who give up on it? Easy! We come up with either 10 reasons to do it or 10 reasons not to do it.
- Negative Reasoning, the "what ifs" that will probably never happen, bring some of us into our later years saying, "I wish I'd done that"! It is said that we are rarely sorry for what we have decided to do, but are long time regretting what we didn't do.
- The Answer to Sucess! by: My Dad
Always, always deal from the top of the deck.
Trust everyone but always cut the cards.
Always treat people as you would have them treat you.
Always try to be as helpful as you can, but never ever be overbearing about it.
Never go home from work at night wondering if everyone still loves you, if they do, it means you've been ducking the tough decisions and are afraid of being misunderstood.
And if ever you are torn by matters of conscience, then dig down deep within you, to find the courage, to do what is right.
- The journey of one thousand miles begins with a single step.
- A little uncertainty is perhaps the spice of life.
- Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.
- We are better than we know. If we can be made to see that, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less.
- You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop and look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.
- There is only one success, to be able to spend life in your own way.
- The bicycle is the last machine simple enough to be understood by its owner.
- It's the journey that counts, not the arrival.
- Tommorrows life is too late, live today.
- What we take for granted can change in an instant. If there's something you have always wanted to do. What are you waiting for? Do it.
- For many of us, undertaking an adventure is the fulfillment of a dream. It may have begun as a wild and crazy idea, but what differentiates those of us who see it as possible from those who give up on it? Easy! We come up with either 10 reasons to do it or 10 reasons not to do it.
- Negative Reasoning, the "what ifs" that will probably never happen, bring some of us into our later years saying, "I wish I'd done that"! It is said that we are rarely sorry for what we have decided to do, but are long time regretting what we didn't do.
- The Answer to Sucess! by: My Dad
Always, always deal from the top of the deck.
Trust everyone but always cut the cards.
Always treat people as you would have them treat you.
Always try to be as helpful as you can, but never ever be overbearing about it.
Never go home from work at night wondering if everyone still loves you, if they do, it means you've been ducking the tough decisions and are afraid of being misunderstood.
And if ever you are torn by matters of conscience, then dig down deep within you, to find the courage, to do what is right.
Bike Preparation
We still have 7 weeks to go 'til our bike trip, but there's a lot of preparation to be done before that time. We got our bike boxes yesterday from United Airways so we can ship the bikes to Rosie. Mike has declared himself head mechanic in charge of disassembling the bikes for packing. I don't like to see my bike broken down into pieces, but it's the only way they can be shipped. Next step is to lay out all my stuff and practice fitting everything in my saddlebags, plus make sure nothing is forgotten. And, even though it's cold and windy today, we're doing a training run. My bike hasn't been outside yet from the long winter hibernation, so it's time to get moving!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Adventure Cycling Association
The Adventure Cycling Association Northern Tier Bicycle Route is a cross country route that roughly follows the northern border of the "lower 48" of the United States. The route is a total of 4295 miles (6915 km). The route is divided into three route segments as follows: Anacortes, Washington, to Fargo, North Dakota, Fargo, North Dakota, to Muscatine, Iowa, and Muscatine, Iowa, to Bar Harbor, Maine
Anacortes, Washington, to Fargo, North Dakota
This section, beginning at sea level, offers large expanses of mountains, the Great Plains, and some beautiful farmland areas in between. It can be ridden from late spring to late fall. Due to snow, State Highway 20 east of North Cascades National Park in Washington is only open through certain dates. The same is true for Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park in Montana, which is usually closed until early June. Even in the height of summer in July, cyclists must be prepared for cold nights and occasional snow in the higher elevations during storms. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns.
This portion of the Northern Tier begins in Anacortes, Washington, which is located on a peninsula in Puget Sound. Anacortes is also the jumping-off point for folks going to the San Juan Islands, a favorite cycling destination. At the start, the culmination of lush forest and ocean feeds and moistens the soul. Heading eastward along the rushing Skagit River, riders carry that feeling up to the top of Rainy and Washington passes in the Cascade Mountains. Descending to the east side of the Cascades, the route enters the drier part of the state and the widely known orchard country of the Okanogan Valley. Leaving this valley, riders climb and descend several more passes full of ponderosa pines and find many sleepy farming communities down along the rivers crossed. The river valleys tend to run in a north-south direction across the northwestern part of the United States, and because the route travels west to east, riders will be working their way up and down. There are plenty of towns, rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests in eastern Washington, Idaho, and western Montana until the route reaches Cut Bank, Montana, on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains.
The spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a hard climb but well worth it for the scenery. The route takes a jump into Canada to access Waterton Lakes National Park, and then heads back into the USA at Del Bonita, a little-used border crossing. Cut Bank is the beginning of the Great Plains, and from here on riders start praying for tailwinds. Supposedly, heading eastward, tailwinds predominate in the summer. The route uses U.S. Highway 2, the main road through central and eastern Montana along the railroad, so camping spots can occasionally be somewhat loud. Wherever possible, side roads are used to relieve the monotony of being on the highway. Afternoon thundershowers are a constant companion out on the Plains. The route follows the Missouri River from Havre, Montana, to New Town, North Dakota, and the plains of Montana eventually transform into the green rolling hills of western North Dakota. Sunflowers are everywhere, and they become the crop of choice as the terrain flattens out in eastern North Dakota. Fargo is located on the banks of the Red River, on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota.
Fargo, North Dakota, to Muscatine, Iowa
Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa stand out as some of the greenest and most verdant of all the states along the Northern Tier Route. From either direction, this greenery proves to be a relief from the giant plains to the west and acres of farmland to the east. Riders learn a lot about the history of the Mississippi River as they follow its course.
This portion of the Northern Tier Route can be ridden from late spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but tornadoes are common in Iowa. They mostly occur in May and June.
Heading east from Fargo and Moorhead in the Red River Valley, riders begin to slowly leave the Great Plains. Lakes and hills become the standard scenery, and the resident mosquitoes increase in number. The birthplace of the Mississippi River is in Lake Itasca State Park, in northern Minnesota. This area is so full of forests, lakes, and rivers that it draws many tourists during the summer months. The route follows the Mississippi River, until it heads east around the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs. There is a spur into Minneapolis-St. Paul that ends at the airport. Along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, the towns are older and the buildings much more historic. At Prescott, Wisconsin, the St. Croix joins the Mississippi, and the route again follows that river southward for 175 miles. The route leaves the river occasionally on less-traveled roads, but these also mean climbing and descending the bluffs along the river. Upon entering Iowa, those not familiar with the state may think that the terrain is going to flatten out, but the hills continue after leaving the river. Small laid-back farm towns are abundant through Iowa. This section of the route ends in Muscatine, an old industrial town located on the Mississippi.
The Iowa to Maine section stretches from the Mississippi River to the Atlantic Ocean. In between it touches two of the Great Lakes, and Niagara Falls, one of the scenic wonders of North America, and then follows a transportation corridor that opened the country west of the original colonies. It passes through cities that were once the backbone of American industrialism and are now remaking themselves into the modern idiom, through hamlets, villages, and towns that define the region with a story to tell, and through places that played pivotal roles in the history of the United States.
This portion of the Northern Tier can be ridden from early spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. The Midwest and Great Lakes summers can be hot, especially inland. Along the Great Lakes, breezes provide cooling and are sometimes a friend and sometimes a foe.
Beginning at the Mississippi River, the route traverses the large prairie farms of central Illinois and the smaller farms of Indiana and Ohio, eventually reaching the shore of Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. Also available is a ferry trip to one or more of the Lake Erie islands and visit the area where Commodore Oliver Perry defeated the British fleet in the War of 1812. Heading through busy Cleveland, Ohio, you'll pass the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Science Center and its IMAX theater, a retired Great Lakes iron ore freighter, and a World War II submarine.
Along the lake shore in eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania, the route passes through small towns, where tourists flock to the shore during summer. In Erie, Pennsylvania, there are miles of sand beach at Presque Isle State Park, along with the replica of the sailing ship Niagara, Commodore Perry's flagship in the War of 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. Leaving Erie, the route enters the fruit and wine region of Pennsylvania and New York and hugs the relatively rural lake shore to the outskirts of Buffalo, New York. Views across Lake Erie of the Buffalo skyline and Canada usher the cyclist into the bustle of the southern end of the metropolis. A short side trip will takes riders to the Pedaling History Bicycle Museum in Orchard Park. The route passes the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna, and seeing its magnificent Italian Renaissance and French Baroque architecture is a must. From Lackawanna to the Peace Bridge, the route passes through a depressed post-industrial area to emerge at the lakefront Buffalo Naval and Military Park with World War II vessels open for visits.
The route uses the Peace Bridge into Canada and follows one of the most scenic recreational trails in North America along the Niagara River to Niagara Falls. Visitors may take the cable car ride across the Whirlpool Rapids and visit the other attractions along the trail. The route then crosses back into the U.S., enjoying the view of the Niagara Gorge. Heading east, the route uses the Erie Canalway Trail for 90 miles along a waterway dripping with history. Riders can take the time to explore the towns along the Erie Canal. At Palmyra, New York, the route turns north to Lake Ontario, where it follows the lake shore to Sodus Bay, dips inland to Fair Haven, and then leaves the Great Lakes to cross the Adirondack Mountains and arrive at Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. A visit to Fort Ticonderoga will give meaning to Revolutionary War history.
After a short ferry ride over the lake, riders are in New England, cycling through Vermont farmland, forested hills, and picturesque villages. In New Hampshire, the route follows the Connecticut River, passing through the villages of Orford with its ridge houses and Haverhill, a classic New England village with its fenced village commons and old homes. The route crosses the White Mountains, the backbone of New Hampshire, on the famous Kancamagus Highway. Mt. Washington, noted for its fierce weather, is just a few miles north, and the Kancamagus shares some of its weather reputation. Riders must be prepared, even in summer. Entering Maine, the route traverses forests and fields, arriving at Damariscotta on the Atlantic coast. Riders should allow time to savor the quintessential ambiance of the coastal towns. Before crossing the Penobscot River, riders can stray off route to visit Ft. Knox, an exceptionally well-preserved unused Revolutionary War fort. A fitting end to the trip includes cycling the gravel carriage paths of Acadia National Park and viewing a sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain. The park is near the town of Bar Harbor, at the end of the route.
States and Provinces on the Northern Tier Bicycle Route
Washington
Idaho
Montana
Alberta, Canada
North Dakota
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Iowa
Illinois
Indiana
Ohio
Pennsylvania
New York
Vermont
New Hampshire
Maine
Anacortes, Washington, to Fargo, North Dakota
This section, beginning at sea level, offers large expanses of mountains, the Great Plains, and some beautiful farmland areas in between. It can be ridden from late spring to late fall. Due to snow, State Highway 20 east of North Cascades National Park in Washington is only open through certain dates. The same is true for Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park in Montana, which is usually closed until early June. Even in the height of summer in July, cyclists must be prepared for cold nights and occasional snow in the higher elevations during storms. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns.
This portion of the Northern Tier begins in Anacortes, Washington, which is located on a peninsula in Puget Sound. Anacortes is also the jumping-off point for folks going to the San Juan Islands, a favorite cycling destination. At the start, the culmination of lush forest and ocean feeds and moistens the soul. Heading eastward along the rushing Skagit River, riders carry that feeling up to the top of Rainy and Washington passes in the Cascade Mountains. Descending to the east side of the Cascades, the route enters the drier part of the state and the widely known orchard country of the Okanogan Valley. Leaving this valley, riders climb and descend several more passes full of ponderosa pines and find many sleepy farming communities down along the rivers crossed. The river valleys tend to run in a north-south direction across the northwestern part of the United States, and because the route travels west to east, riders will be working their way up and down. There are plenty of towns, rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests in eastern Washington, Idaho, and western Montana until the route reaches Cut Bank, Montana, on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains.
The spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a hard climb but well worth it for the scenery. The route takes a jump into Canada to access Waterton Lakes National Park, and then heads back into the USA at Del Bonita, a little-used border crossing. Cut Bank is the beginning of the Great Plains, and from here on riders start praying for tailwinds. Supposedly, heading eastward, tailwinds predominate in the summer. The route uses U.S. Highway 2, the main road through central and eastern Montana along the railroad, so camping spots can occasionally be somewhat loud. Wherever possible, side roads are used to relieve the monotony of being on the highway. Afternoon thundershowers are a constant companion out on the Plains. The route follows the Missouri River from Havre, Montana, to New Town, North Dakota, and the plains of Montana eventually transform into the green rolling hills of western North Dakota. Sunflowers are everywhere, and they become the crop of choice as the terrain flattens out in eastern North Dakota. Fargo is located on the banks of the Red River, on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota.
Fargo, North Dakota, to Muscatine, Iowa
Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa stand out as some of the greenest and most verdant of all the states along the Northern Tier Route. From either direction, this greenery proves to be a relief from the giant plains to the west and acres of farmland to the east. Riders learn a lot about the history of the Mississippi River as they follow its course.
This portion of the Northern Tier Route can be ridden from late spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns, but tornadoes are common in Iowa. They mostly occur in May and June.
Heading east from Fargo and Moorhead in the Red River Valley, riders begin to slowly leave the Great Plains. Lakes and hills become the standard scenery, and the resident mosquitoes increase in number. The birthplace of the Mississippi River is in Lake Itasca State Park, in northern Minnesota. This area is so full of forests, lakes, and rivers that it draws many tourists during the summer months. The route follows the Mississippi River, until it heads east around the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs. There is a spur into Minneapolis-St. Paul that ends at the airport. Along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, the towns are older and the buildings much more historic. At Prescott, Wisconsin, the St. Croix joins the Mississippi, and the route again follows that river southward for 175 miles. The route leaves the river occasionally on less-traveled roads, but these also mean climbing and descending the bluffs along the river. Upon entering Iowa, those not familiar with the state may think that the terrain is going to flatten out, but the hills continue after leaving the river. Small laid-back farm towns are abundant through Iowa. This section of the route ends in Muscatine, an old industrial town located on the Mississippi.
The Iowa to Maine section stretches from the Mississippi River to the Atlantic Ocean. In between it touches two of the Great Lakes, and Niagara Falls, one of the scenic wonders of North America, and then follows a transportation corridor that opened the country west of the original colonies. It passes through cities that were once the backbone of American industrialism and are now remaking themselves into the modern idiom, through hamlets, villages, and towns that define the region with a story to tell, and through places that played pivotal roles in the history of the United States.
This portion of the Northern Tier can be ridden from early spring to late fall. Due to changing local conditions, it is difficult to predict any major wind patterns. The Midwest and Great Lakes summers can be hot, especially inland. Along the Great Lakes, breezes provide cooling and are sometimes a friend and sometimes a foe.
Beginning at the Mississippi River, the route traverses the large prairie farms of central Illinois and the smaller farms of Indiana and Ohio, eventually reaching the shore of Lake Erie at Huron, Ohio. Also available is a ferry trip to one or more of the Lake Erie islands and visit the area where Commodore Oliver Perry defeated the British fleet in the War of 1812. Heading through busy Cleveland, Ohio, you'll pass the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Science Center and its IMAX theater, a retired Great Lakes iron ore freighter, and a World War II submarine.
Along the lake shore in eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania, the route passes through small towns, where tourists flock to the shore during summer. In Erie, Pennsylvania, there are miles of sand beach at Presque Isle State Park, along with the replica of the sailing ship Niagara, Commodore Perry's flagship in the War of 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. Leaving Erie, the route enters the fruit and wine region of Pennsylvania and New York and hugs the relatively rural lake shore to the outskirts of Buffalo, New York. Views across Lake Erie of the Buffalo skyline and Canada usher the cyclist into the bustle of the southern end of the metropolis. A short side trip will takes riders to the Pedaling History Bicycle Museum in Orchard Park. The route passes the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna, and seeing its magnificent Italian Renaissance and French Baroque architecture is a must. From Lackawanna to the Peace Bridge, the route passes through a depressed post-industrial area to emerge at the lakefront Buffalo Naval and Military Park with World War II vessels open for visits.
The route uses the Peace Bridge into Canada and follows one of the most scenic recreational trails in North America along the Niagara River to Niagara Falls. Visitors may take the cable car ride across the Whirlpool Rapids and visit the other attractions along the trail. The route then crosses back into the U.S., enjoying the view of the Niagara Gorge. Heading east, the route uses the Erie Canalway Trail for 90 miles along a waterway dripping with history. Riders can take the time to explore the towns along the Erie Canal. At Palmyra, New York, the route turns north to Lake Ontario, where it follows the lake shore to Sodus Bay, dips inland to Fair Haven, and then leaves the Great Lakes to cross the Adirondack Mountains and arrive at Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. A visit to Fort Ticonderoga will give meaning to Revolutionary War history.
After a short ferry ride over the lake, riders are in New England, cycling through Vermont farmland, forested hills, and picturesque villages. In New Hampshire, the route follows the Connecticut River, passing through the villages of Orford with its ridge houses and Haverhill, a classic New England village with its fenced village commons and old homes. The route crosses the White Mountains, the backbone of New Hampshire, on the famous Kancamagus Highway. Mt. Washington, noted for its fierce weather, is just a few miles north, and the Kancamagus shares some of its weather reputation. Riders must be prepared, even in summer. Entering Maine, the route traverses forests and fields, arriving at Damariscotta on the Atlantic coast. Riders should allow time to savor the quintessential ambiance of the coastal towns. Before crossing the Penobscot River, riders can stray off route to visit Ft. Knox, an exceptionally well-preserved unused Revolutionary War fort. A fitting end to the trip includes cycling the gravel carriage paths of Acadia National Park and viewing a sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain. The park is near the town of Bar Harbor, at the end of the route.
States and Provinces on the Northern Tier Bicycle Route
Washington
Idaho
Montana
Alberta, Canada
North Dakota
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Iowa
Illinois
Indiana
Ohio
Pennsylvania
New York
Vermont
New Hampshire
Maine
Northern Tier Route Summary
Anacortes, WA, to Bar Harbor, ME (4,295 mi.)
1. Anacortes, WA, to Sandpoint, ID (462 mi.)
2. Sandpoint, ID, to Cut Bank, MT (452 mi.)
3. Cut Bank, MT, to Minot, ND (591.5 mi.)
4. Minot, ND, to Fargo, ND (316.5 mi.)
5. Fargo, ND, to Grand Rapids, MN (231.5 mi.)
6. Grand Rapids, MN, to Stillwater, MN (237 mi.)
7. Stillwater, MN, to Muscatine, IA (396.5 mi.)
8. Muscatine, IA, to Monroeville, IN (402 mi.)
9. Monroeville, IN, to Lackawanna, NY (401.5 mi.)
10. Lackawanna, NY, to Ticonderoga, NY (412.5 mi.)
11. Ticonderoga, NY, to Bar Harbor, ME (404.5 mi.)
1. Anacortes, WA, to Sandpoint, ID (462 mi.)
2. Sandpoint, ID, to Cut Bank, MT (452 mi.)
3. Cut Bank, MT, to Minot, ND (591.5 mi.)
4. Minot, ND, to Fargo, ND (316.5 mi.)
5. Fargo, ND, to Grand Rapids, MN (231.5 mi.)
6. Grand Rapids, MN, to Stillwater, MN (237 mi.)
7. Stillwater, MN, to Muscatine, IA (396.5 mi.)
8. Muscatine, IA, to Monroeville, IN (402 mi.)
9. Monroeville, IN, to Lackawanna, NY (401.5 mi.)
10. Lackawanna, NY, to Ticonderoga, NY (412.5 mi.)
11. Ticonderoga, NY, to Bar Harbor, ME (404.5 mi.)
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Countdown
With less than three months till takeoff, we are getting very excited about our adventure. The plan is for Bonnie and me to fly from Boston to Seattle on May 27th, 2008. Bonnie's sister Rosemary (who lives in Washington State) will help us get our bikes to the starting point of our trip at Anacortes, Washington. Before cycling east, we hope to spend several days in the San Juan Islands getting acquainted with our loaded touring bikes, and gearing up for the massive mountains of the North Cascades. The route that we are taking across the country is called "The Northern Tier". The Northern Tier crosses three mountain ranges: the Cascades, Rockies, and Adirondacks. Along the way, our route passes through the San Juan Islands, North Cascades National Park, Glacier National Park, Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park, the Great Plains of the midwest, the headwaters of the Mississippi, Amish country, Lake Erie, Niagara Falls, Lake Champlain and Lake George, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Acadia National Park, and finally ends when we dip our wheels in the icy blue waters of Bar Harbor, Maine. In total, the Northern Tier Route is 4,321 miles long, crosses through 16 states, 2 countries, and 4 National Parks. "Good Luck" - We'll need it!
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