June 28
Assault on Going-to-the-Sun Road, Part Two; Glacier National Park
In order for cyclists to be over Logan Summit by 11:00am, we got up early, skipped our routine hot breakfast and coffee and hit the road with a ration of protein bars and Starbuck’s Via.
This was the “money” day – certainly a main attraction for the Northern Tier. The only regret I have is my limitation with a camera as the incredibly striking scenery cannot be captured the way the human eye beholds such things. I’ve been to some beautiful places, but Going-to-the-Sun Road? Oh my!
Side Note:
The final 12 miles of the climb up Going-to-the-Sun Road is a steady 6% grade, the pavement is terrific, but it is a bit narrow and there can be a lot of traffic. A few unladen road cyclists passed us on their way up and were duly impressed by the very heavy loads we were hauling. All of them offered words of encouragement and two of them called us “heroes”. As traffic is quite slow with the switch-back turns and gorgeous vistas, several people in passing cars offered encouraging words as well, and at least two also attached the term “heroes” to our efforts.
Heroes?
Maybe in my life I’ve done some things that might attract interest, but I’m no hero because I ride a bicycle up mountain passes. I’m flattered by the remark and I understand the gesture but no, I’m not a hero.
It could have been the protein bars, it probably was the Starbucks Via, but I thought long and hard about that term we overuse these days. Too hard. I started thinking of the heroes I’ve known. Real ones. I broke down and cried during that climb. Twice. I kept riding, but was sobbing terribly behind those sunglasses, safe in the knowledge that anyone looking at me as they went by might regard my expression as the result of exertion.
Heroes? Yes. That was for them.
In Memory of Warmer Summers 
I remember marveling at the cyclists when we went to Glacier two years ago. The route you are on is just spectacular to say the least. For a real contrast some time, cycle through Canyonlands and other Utah Parks in late September when the colors change. We drive through Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon every Fall and it is never the same twice. Love the National Parks!
Lynn Chiotti – MADD Columbia County, Oregon
Carl, what a touching blog. I also remember telling you that you and Sallie were heroes to me, not because you ride a bike in difficult areas but because I get to live vicarously thru doing what many of us wished we had attempted. So know that although hero may not be the correct word, it does express our admiration for both of you.
Thank you for the beautiful pictures and sharing your adventure with us. Remember we all love and admire both of you.
Carl, you are such a pure soul. Your comment on this arm of your trek brought tears to my eyes. I shared it with someone who needed to hear your words about heroes. We are all following you and Sallie with such appreciation for describing what certainly must be nearly indescribable.