Bike & Hike Glacier & Waterton National Parks

† 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
Here is your chance to really see and enjoy Canada’s Waterton National Park and America’s Glacier National Park!  This 15-day/14-night clockwise tour starts and ends in Kalispell, MT, with rides into the famous Waterton Lakes National Park and the Glacier National Park.  The “Going to the Sun Road” has long been on cyclist’s bucket list – and along with this amazing road are its weeping wall, tunnels and spectacular views.  We will also be touring other beautiful areas in Glacier and Waterton National Parks. We will have the opportunity to ride both sides of the “Going to the Sun Road” (Logan Pass), and if someone wishes you can hike from Many Glaciers to Logan Pass via a third way. There are many hikes available on our five (5) non-move days.  The ride is a truck-supported tour with motel lodging. It includes eight move days, i.e. the rides between lodging sites, five non-move days (NMD), and two travel days:  the arrival date of July 14th 2018 & the departure date of July 28th 2018.  (Note:  The ride leader has lead this ride before in 2013 for a Canadian cycling Club.)

RIDE RATING:
The averages for required rides days are 43 miles and a daily elevation gain of 2,016 feet. Riding from the east, the most challenging day is the 2,520’ climb to reach Logan Pass, also know as the “Going to the Sun Road”.  This climb must be completed by 11 AM (this is due to National Park Service road riding restrictions).  Riders who wait can ride down the backside of the Going to the Sun Road at 4:00pm.  There are two long days of 69 & 71 miles, with elevations gains of 3,100 feet & 2,680 feet respectively.  Generally road conditions are good, but participants should be comfortable occasionally riding in some areas where the traffic is heavy with tourists.  There are also roads that will have minimal shoulders.

HIKING:
We’ll have five full days to hike, and four of them will be in either Waterton National Park or Glacier National Park.  For those avid hikers, you’ll have the opportunity to hike on a sixth day, which will be from Many Glaciers to Logan Pass before finding transportation down to St Mary’s.

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 on some mornings due to the fact that we are at higher elevations.

LODGING & MEALS:
We will lodge in beautiful and rustic hotels (some of the remote areas have limited lodging options).  Rest days are in Fernie, Waterton National Park, Many Glaciers (2 days) and Lake McDonald Lake.   Trip fees include the first and last night’s dinner, Happy Hours, all lunches, and 5 breakfasts.  On this trip participants will share in the responsibilities of laying out Happy Hour and lunch preparations.

LOGISTICS:
We start in Kalispell, MT (airport code FCA) on July 14, 2018 with our group meeting on the first night (7/14/18). There is local transportation available from the airport to the Holiday Inn Express hotel (24 hour notification needed). Cars and bike boxes can be left at the hotel during the tour.  We end in Kalispell on July 27 and lodging for this night is included.  The tour ends the next morning on July 28.

COST & ADMINISTRATION:
The cost estimate of $2,600  (not including the $50 non refundable BAC registration fee which is paid online) includes 14 nights of lodging (based on double occupancy), luggage vehicle, van driver, Happy hours, two group dinners, lunch supplies (more than just PB&J’s and a banana) and a multitude of snacks for the riding days.  In addition, there will be five hotels that provide breakfasts.  Maps, elevations, GPS files and cue sheets will be posted on the ride leader docs section of this tour for participants to access, download and make their own copies.  The deposit of $1,300 is due as soon as the Ride Director notifies that you have been accepted onto the tour. The remaining payment of $1,300 will be due February 1, 2018.

SINGLES & SOLOS:
Single and solo riders will be accepted. While we encourage singles to try to find their own roommate, we will assist singles who are looking for a room mate. If a roommate cannot be found by February 28, 2018, participants can cancel without penalty (except the BAC registration fee) or singles can pay the solo supplement of $1,300.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
The BAC ride registration fee 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 are 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.  BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY:
Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of 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.  We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader.  While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up.  Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour.  Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may 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, the Ride Leader will move you from the Waitlist to the Pending List.  At this time you will receive an email notification to login to the BAC website to sign the release of liability form and pay the non-refundable BAC ride registration fee online.  Once those steps have been completed, the initial deposit of $1,300 will be due.  To contact the Ride Leader, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description.