Foothills Retreads
Logan Pass Run
2008 (Note change of venue)
Logan Pass Montana Weekend
(Book now!)
Saturday August 23 and Sunday August 24, 2008
Host: John "Birdo" Bird
938-0575 or 703-8543
Join the Foothills Retreads on one of the world's best most scenic motorcycle tours.
This two-day trip will depart Okotoks on Saturday morning, heading south on Highway 22, then down the east side of Waterton National Park, across the border at Chief Mountain to St. Mary, Montana, the gateway to the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The Logan Pass ride is only 80 kilometers but the pace is slow and easy with plenty of photo opportunities.
We'll then overnight in exotic Coram Montana.
The return trip will be via Whitefish to Rooseville border crossing south of Fernie.
We'll then head to Fernie for lunch, returning to Okotoks via the Crowsnest Pass.
____________________________________________________________________
Trip Plan (see Route
Map)
Saturday August 23
Depart Okotoks Walmart 8:00am SHARP!
Okotoks to Cowley 160 kms 2hours
Cowley to Pincher Creek 15 kms 15 min Fuel stop Pincher Creek
Pincher Creek to Chief Mtn Border Crossing 81 kms 1 hour
Chief Mtn to St. Mary 30 kms 25 min Fuel Stop/lunch St. Mary ATM
Park Entrance - $12 US Park Pass, cash only - (see Park Map)
St. Mary to West Glacier 80 kms 1.5 hours Rest stop at summit of Logan Pass at the Visitor Centre. Look for motorcycle-only parking by the barrels. Beer stop at Packards Roost Saloon in Coram, a few miles west of West Glacier...try Moose Drool.
West Glacier to Coram 10 kms, 15 min
Coram - Overnight.
Total 407 kms
The overnight destination this year will be Coram Montana with party central located at
Packer's Roost just on the southern edge of the town.
Accomadation is limited in Coram but if you want to be within staggering distance of
Packer's Roost, I suggest you book into the Tamarack Lodge and Cabins in Coram.
http://www.historictamaracklodge.com/
According to their calender, some of the rooms/cabins are already booked out.
406-387-4420. Get in quick!
Other places to stay include The Evergreen Inn which is a short drive from Packer's.
http://evergreenmotelglacier.com/index.htm
406-387-5365
I have stayed here....it's small and quaint.
Columbia Falls is 10 miles west of Coram.
Super 8 Motel - Glacier Park/Columbia Falls
7336 Hwy 2 East
Jct. Hwy. 2 No. & 206
Columbia Falls, MT, 59912 US
406-892-0888
______________________________________________________________________
Sunday August 24
Depart Coram 10.00 am (fuel up before departure)
Coram to Fernie 194 kms 2 hours 20min Cross-border at Roosville. Beer break at Last Chance before border. Fuel stop at Eureka MT. or Fernie...depending on bike range.
Fernie to Frank 80 kms 50 min Last fuel stop in Frank.
Frank to Okotoks 174 kms 2 hours 10 End (Beer stop Longview Hotel.)
Total 441 kms
Total Ride 848 kms
____________________________________________________________________
What you need to know:
Ride will be cancelled if weather looks iffy......I will advise members by email prior to cancellation.
Bring clothing for changeable weather conditions. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is high in altitude and the temperature can drop. Rainsqualls are not uncommon so rain gear is advisable.
Border crossing requires either a valid passport or proof of Canadian Citizenship as of February 2008. Usually a birth certificate and a photo ID is enough. Check with customs regulations if you are unsure. Only those travelling by air currently have to have a passport....for now. For the border crossing our destination will be Coraml....just to be consistent as a group. There is no duty free store at Chief Mountain crossing. We will re-group after crossing the border. Pull off to the right. Here you can discard your helmet as Montana does not require helmets.
You will need to purchase a National Parks Pass for entry into Glacier National Park. The current fee for a motorcycle $12.00 US per person. This pass is good for 7 days.
They do not sell day pass anymore. Cash only.
There is an ATM in the lobby area of the St. Mary Lodge Hotel just before you enter the park. This is a scheduled fuel stop so there will be plenty of time to get American cash via the ATM there. Otherwise, obtain some American currency prior to trip departure. Last time I got gas here the pumps were un-manned and only took debit or credit cards.
Accommodation in Coram is at your own discretion, but we'll gather for dinner and drinks on Saturday night around 7:00pm.
____________________________________________________________________
Registration:
Registration is not necessary; but if you email me and let me know you are interested in going, I will make an email list and send you any additional information, changes, weather reports and, importantly, weather cancellation.
Email me at birdo2626@yahoo.com
