Day 1

It was refreshing to sleep in a hotel last night.  A solid night rests helps both the rider and the support person be less cranky and more alert.  We were able to get on the road by 5:45 AM and headed from Kalispell to the Canadian border where the ride would start.

The drive to the border allowed a road review and it was unpleasant!  The larger shoulder areas were filled with debris and the no-shoulder roads were high speed (70 MPH) and twisting through forested terrain.  The weather was near perfect, light wind out of the north and 45 degrees.  For safety reasons, we mounted the NightRider Lumina 350 with the strobe to the back to increase visibility.

We arrived at the border a little before 7:00 AM and Jordan headed into Canada.  Londell did not have a passport, so he stayed behind.

Jordan had a quick chat with some Mounties and USA Border Patrol before it was time to start the ride. After less than a mile, Jordan realized he was over dressed and quickly removed the jacket, arm warmers and gloves.  It was not long before he was on the road again, headed to Kalispell (73 miles).   The road had very little traffic.  The first 90 minutes was uneventful and a relatively enjoyable ride.

Londell was able to find a car wash in Eureka, Montana where the two days of bugs were removed from the car.  Eureke, Londell washed the mother load!  Before long, Londell and Jordan were reunited and the day was looking great.

You know what they say, every good thing...  Well the rocks and stones were such a pain we assume this was creating issues with the bike.  Jordan said the rear tire seemed to lock up and really concerned him.  We loaded the bike onto the rack and check it out.  It appears the brakes may have been the issue.  Since we could not find any issue, he was on his way again.  Londell was able to take a few photo's and recon the road.

The last 20 miles were not pleasant at all.  In general people were nice but there were the select few bicycle haters.  We made it back to the hotel just before noon.  The tourists were out in full swing and it was nice to get off the road.  Jordan took a few minutes to rest before heading to the store to get Powerade and oranges.  Time to rest, although Jordan may head out later for a short ride.

Ride summary:

• Strava
• 72.8 miles - 4:26:27
• Average speed 16.4 MPH and maximum speed 33.52 MPH
• Average cadence 76 RPM and maximum cadence of 128 RPM
• Average heart rate of 128 BPM and maximum heart rate of 169 BPM
• Ascent 2,565 feet and decent 2,221 feet

So there is more!  We were evaluating the trip from North Kalispell to Swan Lake and there was very few ways that appeared nice or safe.  What option could there be?  Jordan decided to ride the 20 miles that it would take to get out town in the morning and add another 10 to get the 100 mile day,

At about 4:00 PM we packed up the bikes (yes the second one as Londell was going to ride).  We headed to Kila at the west end of the Great Northern Historical Trail.  This would take us to Somers, MT at the north end of Flathead Lake.  Jordan would ride the trial to Somers, MT where Londell would park and ride in reverse to meet him.

Londell was able to get just over 2 miles when he met Jordan on the trail.  Upon returning to the car, Jordan decided to ride back to get 30 miles for the day.  So he headed back on the trail.  Once he reached the Kalispell trailhead, we loaded up the car, went to Q'doba and went to the Hotel to pack and get set for another ride tomorrow.

Ride summary:

• Garmin tracking
• 30 miles - 1:50:52
• Average speed 16.23 MPH and maximum speed 26 MPH
• Average cadence 77 RPM and maximum cadence of 117 RPM
• Average heart rate of 128 BPM and maximum heart rate of 161 BPM
• Ascent 347 feet and decent 528 feet