Minnesota Mike's Ride Across America

Day 13, Monday, Labor Day, Sept. 4th, Eureka, MT – Columbia Falls, MT Distance 76 miles, Total 851, elevation gain 2,920

Oh boy!! Day did not start good! Left Silverado Motel in Eureka and road into downtown area 3 miles away. Parked bike outside restaurant and went to grab wallet in my bag on middle bar of bike and zipper was open and no wallet! What the heck!! Panic mode! Guy came up to me asking questions about trip and I am like can’t talk I am panicking now. Backtracked the 3 miles looking on shoulder of road. Got back to just across street from Motel and there it lies!! Uff da!!

Road for about 30 miles in on again off again rain. Then was blessed to have my niece, Krista, who lives with her family in Kalispell join me for the rest of the day!! So much fun!! We road another 40 miles into Columbia Falls.

Day went so fast even though it rained most of the way and had campers and boats being trailered with folks coming back home from holiday weekend. Road had no shoulder for a good portion and we were getting sprayed by the wet roads, cars and trucks wizzing past. Spent night at Krista’s house and Chris prepared steaks on the grill, home grown corn on the cob, salad and a beer. I even got my laundry done.

Day 14, Tuesday, Sept. 5th, Columbia Falls, MT – Sprague Creek Campground Glacier. Miles 33, Total 884, elevation gain 1,079

Had a nice send off from Krista’s house with fresh eggs from their dozen chickens in backyard. Krista drove me back to my bike in Columbia Falls after dropping Caleb and Alex off at school. Steve and Debbie were gracious enough to store my bike in their garage overnight.

Had a lovely 21 mile ride into West Glacier. Had a cheeseburger at Frieda’s and entered park.

Was told at lunch by a couple to go around the outside of park. Going to the Sun road has over 6 miles of construction and with rain yesterday it is in bad shape. Well that is not going to happen, on my bucket list is to ride this road to Logan Pass!!

I stayed upright on my bike and made it to Sprague Creek. Had a Ranger stop me as he pulled up next to me in his Park truck and yelled out his window ‘you need to turn around, no bikers past 11am allowed on road.’ I responded, ‘that is lifted after Labor Day’ he said, ‘my bad, you are right, ride on.’ Went down to lake and washed the mud from my legs and shoes. Will have a freeze dried meal for dinner tonight and then in morning tackle climbing over Logan Pass on Going to the Sun Road! So excited!!