Turning 60 is viewed by most as being some kind of milestone. I was fortunate enough to spend my special day camping at Bear Lake with my family. My kids gave me an “Old Guys Rule” hat which made quite a hit. Keeping 5 grandkids (all under 6) entertained can be quite a challenge. They each took a turn riding on my lap while I pedaled my Trice TNT around in circles. Tiring on grass to say the least. After everyone headed their separate ways (my children live in Washington State north of Seattle), I headed up to Montana. After spending the night in Missoula and a short drive on I-90 to the Idaho-Montana border (take Exit 5), I reached the East Portal of the Route of the Hiawatha railtrail.
This is a beautiful, 15-mile jaunt down a section of the old Milwaukie Road roadbed beginning in Montana and ending in Idaho. Don’t expect Provo Canyon or the Ogden River Pathway, this is not a paved trail. The trek begins with a 1.7 mile tunnel. Very straight, very dark, and don’t expect to stay dry. This tunnel drips like a Seattle morning (not that bad – really). Helmets and headlights are required and I would suggest a cover on your panniers or rack bag. Folks go different speeds thru this tunnel and some don’t have taillights or reflectors so watch your pace. Many folks actually walk their bikes. There are concrete troughs along the sides of the tunnel to catch the runoff. The last thing you want to do is run one of your front wheels into a gutter at 15 mph. Besides creating alignment problems, you’ll find that rooster tails are not welcome by those behind you.
Once on the other side, the fun really begins. Incredible scenery, including more (much shorter) tunnels and high trestles while meandering down a 2% grade. There are many historical and informational markers along the way. The trail can be bumpy in spots and the suspension in my trike was greatly appreciated. Everyone I saw was riding a 2-wheel mountain bike which obviously drew a lot of attention to me. I was asked many questions about my chosen mode of transportation . . . even gave a couple of test rides to some folks even older than me. I always keep some handouts in my bag with the major trike manufacturer’s websites, plus Russ’ info (of course).
The casual trip took me about 2 1/2 hours, snapping pictures and talking along the way. Once reaching the end of the trail, you have two options . . . 1) turn around and ride back up or . . . 2) take the handy shuttle bus with your trike loaded in the rear. I opted for the latter. The bus drops you off near the long tunnel, which you have to ride back thru to get to the parking lot area.
There is a trail fee of $9 and if you want to shuttle back on the bus, add another $9. I would have paid $100 for the experience. Tickets can be purchased on site or at the Lookout Pass Ski Area on I-90 at the border (souvenirs here). The trail is very safe and suitable for all ages. Those not wishing to subject themselves to darkness can drive around and start beyond the tunnel.
Later I lunched at the historic Smokehouse BBQ in Wallace (good chow) and enjoyed seeing the historic Northern Pacific station in town. Loving to trike and being an old railfan seems to go hand-in-hand. Not overly tired from my morning downhill adventure, I pedaled up to Mullan on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Nice 14 mile roundtrip, gently uphill on the way and a kick coming back. If you’re not familiar with the Trail of the CdA, it is 72 miles of incredibly smooth railtrail. That’s not a type-O . . . seventy-two miles! Take it in chunks or do a 3/4 century in a day . . . oh, maybe not . . . you still have to get back,eh? Northern Idaho is a great place to cycle, be sure to put in on your calendar.
- Mike B.
North Ogden, UT
If you have an article or story you would like to share, please email us.
