Note: Dan is providing a brief update for Liz
Friday – day 72 of the ride – the destination was the entrance of Glacier National Park. She was highly motivated to cover the 63 miles and 3500 feet of climb so that she could finally get to the park. Elizabeth got off to an early start on a ride where she saw a lot more of the same — grain fields that continued as far as she could see off to the horizon.
By early afternoon Elizabeth started getting clear views of the mountains ahead that kept her motivated and moving along towards the destination.
Most of the day was going thru the Blackfeet Nation. Elizabeth captured a lot of the monuments and markers about the legacy of the native Americans.
By 3PM Elizabeth made it to Glacier! Getting to the park was a bucket list item of its own — she’s wanted to see Glacier for many years. Saturday’s ride would be the Road to the Sun across the park. The route was 52 miles from East to West. Like every other evening, Elizabeth spent her Friday night preparing for the next day — but this evening there was extra effort given the unique experience that tomorrow would bring.
Saturday Elizabeth got off to an early start and by 730am she was on “Going to the Sun Rd” riding along Saint Mary Lake. The weather was cool but very clear — a perfect day to enjoy the 52 mile ride. The road was a very gentle climb for the first 10 miles as they rode along the lake.
At the end of the Saint Mary Lake the road started uphill for 7 miles from 4600 feet at the lake to 6650 at the top of Logan Pass. By 11am Elizabeth was at Logan Pass. It was literally all down hill from here!
Elizabeth enjoyed some stunning views and photos from Logan Pass before starting back down the very steep 10 mile descent from 6650 to 3650 feet.
After a very fast 10 mile descent the ride became a very slow, down hill ride along the river to West Glacier.
Elizabeth had an epic day of cycling “Going to the Sun”.
Sunday, August 27 was a “zero” day — a true rest day. Elizabeth used her time to work on her MS fundraising, catch up on her journal, organize photos, and generally allow her body a chance to rest!
Magnificent In every way!