Day 15 GOING TO THE SUN ROAD/LOGAN PASS

This is the day we cross the Rockies and the Continental Divide at Logan Pass.
Stats: mileage:44; total climb: 3652 ft; total mileage: 821
Today is it. We are up at 5:15 and leave Lake McDonald Lodge at 6 AM. We have 5 hours to complete 22 miles. The second half-the big climb-must be completed by 11 AM. The sun was coming up over the mountains as we set off.





This is where we are headed. We are determined but, I am dubious. That never "say quit" attitude was really important on this challenge.











Going to the Sun Road was opened 100 years ago today and the engineering feats of the time are quite evident.











Although we are still in the first half of the climb-the flat (ha!ha!) part,-you can see the valley which we had pedaled through this morning.










This waterfall and the car motoring up the hill gives you sense of scale and the challenge we faced.











At this point we were still "happy" and "enjoying" the trip. Paul kept telling me that he was happy I was with him. As much as I enjoy his company, I was still deciding!










This is a different waterfall and a different car. The incline continues across the switchback.












And higher we go! Every time we looked back, we could see more of the valley. Notice how green it is because we are approaching the tree line.










Geologically, there's a lot going on! We keep taking breaks and enjoying power bars. In the middle of left side, you can see the road as a narrow cut below the snow. Pedal, pedal, pedal, breathe, breathe, breathe and remember that your legs are working even if you can't feel them!








TA DAH!!!!!!!!!!! Can you believe it?!



The wind was merciless up here and it was in the mid 40's. All we could do was smile. These are some serious bragging rights!






Paul as the CAPTAIN and fearless instigator of this trip takes a well deserved rest.












Behind the visitor center is a hike for those who probably came up in a car. That jagged mountain will be in our rearview mirror for a long time.











Now it is time for the trip down. It is equally steep and more involved in road work. The beginning of the trip was on a gravelly surface.............










.........and had no side/guard rails. I was so terrified that I momentarily thought that the trip up might have been a better deal. I closed my eyes and that silly thought went way! Paul got us down the mountain safely.









As you can see by the coming and going vehicles, it is a narrow roadway. But everyone seems to get up and down and there are a lot of everyones.


This was just some of the scenery. All of it was breathtaking, both literally and figuratively. Going to the Sun Road also included a wedding party that passed us going to and coming from their wedding, some young men on vintage bikes, and another couple on a tandem going cross country. People cheered us on as they passed. It was a once in a lifetime experience. Then we slept for 10 hours!