Glacier/Waterton Loop - From Missoula to Fernie

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

OVERVIEW: The “Going to the Sun Road” has long been on cyclists' bucket list - and along with this amazing road with its weeping walls, tunnels, and spectacular views, we will be touring other areas: Flathead Lake, Glacier / Waterton National Park, the amazing town of Fernie, BC and the Northwest Montana areas. The loop tour starts and ends in Missoula, MT (airport code: MSO). On the first day we ride north towards scenic Flathead Lake. After touring alongside (and staying on) the eastern side of the lake, we continue north to Glacier National Park with overnights in the park at Lake McDonald (you can take a boat tour on the lake on a non-bicycling day), St Mary (where we partake in some famous NW Montana pies: see www.parkcafe.us, and Waterton Village (which is in the Canadian part of the park). Coming out of the lodge at Lake McDonald, we bike the “Going to the Sun” road over Logan's Pass (riders have to start early on this day since there are NPS restrictions on mid-day cycling on the road; Note: see road conditions below). Coming out of St. Mary's Lodge we will be challenged by a tough climb: Chief Mountain, but rewarded with wonderful views. After these glorious scenic days in the park, we proceed thru Alberta and into British Columbia - viewing more majestic mountains as we go through the Canadian towns of Pincher Creek, Blairmore, Coleman, and Sparwood and crossing the continental divide at Crowsneck Pass. We have a second rest day in the Elk Valley city of Fernie - staying at their best hotel: the Park Place Lodge with breath taking views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way there are numerous small museums and various sites of interest regarding the settling of this area of Canada. We then proceed back to the USA staying at Eureka and Whitefish, before touring alongside the western side of Flathead Lake. We then end back in Missoula - with a celebratory group ice cream at the world famous (or at least to cyclists in Missoula) Big Dipper Ice Cream. The leader has ridden this ride several time and various BAC ride leaders have given multiple adaptations of this tour over the past two decades plus.

RIDE RATING / ELEVATION: The daily elevation gain is approximately 1,600 feet. The most challenging day is the 4,400' climb to reach Logan Pass, of which approximately 3,600' must be done by 11 AM (this is due to National Park Service road riding restrictions). There is one other day where the elevation is over 2,500 feet (meaning a level 3). 


MILEAGE: The daily average mileage is 50 but shorter options on two days can bring the average mileage down to 46.9. The longest days are two days in the high 60's, but on one of these days an option exists to bring the mileage down.

ROAD CONDITIONS: Generally road conditions are good - but there are some areas where the traffic is heavy with tourists, others with minimal shoulders and then still others you will encounter some rumble strips.

In a few areas local services can be far between and in some areas there is unreliable cell phone coverage. For all of the above reasons, participants should be experienced cyclist(s) or plan to be paired with one.

WEATHER: Weather conditions in July usually mean low 50's overnight with high 70's / low 80's during the day (of course, these are just the norms). It is recommended that participants bring good rain gear as well as some cool weather gear – we are at higher elevations – for some of the mornings.

LODGING: We will lodge in beautiful and rustic hotels (some of the remote areas have limited lodging options). Again, the last night's lodging in Missoula is included in the cost estimate. Rest days are in Lake McDonald Lake (after 5 days of riding) and in Fernie (after another 5 days of riding).

LOGISTICS: We start in Missoula, MT on June 30, 2017 (airport code MSO). There is local transportation available from the airport to the hotel. Cars and bike boxes can be left at the hotel during the tour. We end in Missoula on July 17 and lodging for this night is included.

COST & ADMINISTRATION: Cost estimate of $2,850 (+ $50 non refundable BAC fee which is paid online) includes 18 nights of lodging (based on double occupancy), luggage vehicle, van driver, daily amazing social hours, maps and cue sheets, GPS files,two group dinners, lunch supplies and a multitude of snacks for the riding days. In addition, there will be eight hotel provided breakfasts. There is a minimum of 12 participants (not including the RD and van driver) and a maximum of 24. Deposit of $1,250 is due as soon as the RD notifies that you have been accepted onto the tour. The remaining payment will be due April 1, 2017.

SINGLES: Single riders will be accepted. We hope you can find your own roommate, but we will try to assist. If one cannot be found you will have the option of canceling (without penalty) or paying the single supplement, which is estimated at $1,385.

CANCELLATION POLICY: The BAC ride registration fee (again, paid online) is not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report is completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY: 
The most important rider responsibility is to read and fully understand the ride description. BAC tours depend on participants providing much or their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. Support our Ride Leaders, read the ride description carefully, respond promptly to calls for payments and emails from the ride leader. At the ride, offer to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation. Please keep the ride leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the ride leader’s decisions.

SIGN-UP: To submit a request to join this ride use the "links" displayed above this Ride Description. When you are accepted you will be notified by email and the $1,250 initial deposit will be payable at that time (made payable to the Ride Leader not BAC). This along with your online signature of the BAC ride application and waiver/release will move you from the pending list to the rider list. To contact the Ride Director, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description.