8/15: Logan Pass, the big descent, West Glacier, Columbia Falls

Got up bright and early at 6:30, and thanks to a brisk packup schedule, got going just past 7:30. This 2000ft climb was the biggest single climb of our tour. The rest day helped get some energy in our legs, but more than anything, the climb had a reasonably gentle grade. The easier pace afforded us plenty of time to admire the truly beautiful scenic views on the Going to the Sun Road, which we later learned was a civic project that took over 23 years to complete. With one quick rest, we got to the top around 9:30. There was park staff along the road near the top performing some transom analysis of plant life -- that was neat to see. 

After our break at the peak's visitor center, we committed to taking the biggest descent of the tour, 3000ft over some 11mi. It was dangerous, but I kept my wits about me and got down fine. Have video that I'll post later. 

Waited over 30min for Gabe and Matt to come down. Gabe got another flat shortly into the descent, which took the bulk of that out of touch time. We missed the bicycles-allowed time after the descent and took a relaxed lunch at Lake MacDonald Lodge inside the park. lake MacDonald is huge, which a little tour boat to take you around.

After an afternoon of playing games in the shade, we saddled up for the remaining 25mi or so as the bicycle ban was lifted from our route. 

We ran a short downhill gravel section that was really fun for me. I specifically bought the tires on my bike for gravel, and they did their job. 

The landscape became less national park wilderness and more rural, though still beautiful. 

Now we're holed up at a hotel taking a nice break. Dinner at Three Forks Grille was tremendous. The Three Forks are a river confluence, not referring to dining forks. Their yam fries and grilled quail was a great opener. 

My bison scalopini hit the Italian notes perfectly with its mushroom and marsala sauce, and Gabe's seafood linguini delivered rich clam flavor in spades on top of just right pasta. An extremely happy surprise find in a town of less than 5,000. 

For the remaining three riding days, we'll average just over 50mi, which is a nice reduction of workload from the past week. I'll try to dial down my eating accordingly, but no promisies.