Route of the Hiawatha

[C91]

I took an awesome bicycle ride over the weekend.  The Route of the Hiawatha is a reclaimed rails-to-trails project that starts at the Montana-Idaho border and passes through the Bitterroot Mountains.  The trail passes through ten tunnels and over seven tressels that were previously used by The Milwaukee Road's Olympian Hiawatha train.

If you're not put off by the first tunnel, a 1.8 mile passage that's a cool 38 degrees inside, you're in for some of the most breathtaking scenery this country has to offer.  I can only imagine what this journey was like for rail passengers.

I posted some photos on flickr.

Route of the Hiawatha official home page

[Locutus]

I just checked out those links C.  You must have had an awesome time!

[Locutus]

How long was the round trip that you made?

[C91]

How long was the round trip that you made?

You start at the top of the mountain and coast down the trail for 15 miles.  At the bottom, you have a choice:  pay $9 and ride the shuttle bus back to the top or pedal back up the mountain (at a gentle 2% grade) for a round trip of 30 miles. 

I chose the former because it was late in the day and I wasn't sure how much light I would have on the return trip.  However, I did do some backtracking on my ride and think the return trip up wouldn't be very taxing -- even for the most novice rider.

[Locutus]

That sounds awesome.  If I ever make it out that way, I may just have to put that on my list.