There we were in Mullan, ID, on Sunday, going in multiple directions to locate the Northern Pacific (Nor Pac) Railroad Trail. No signage in any direction though a helpful Sinclair gas station employee did provide some guidance. And after coming across two other cyclists also trying to locate the trail, we all finally found it. The goal now was to climb up to Lookout Pass, some 12 miles upward to an elevation of 4,710 feet. Once at the pass, the trail promised 14 miles of downhill coasting to Saltese, Montana.
The climb upward seemed fairly easy given that it was a railroad grade. However, it was at the top of the pass that we faced a quandary. We were informed that the US Forest Service had just closed the Borax Tunnel, a necessary part of the way down, 24 hours earlier, because the tunnel is in imminent danger of collapse.
Our only route down, according to a Lookout Pass ski area employee was to ride down I-90 with those thundering fast tractor trailers. I absolutely refused to do so, leaving us with trying to find another way to Saltese. Should we ignore the tunnel closure and gamble our way through in the dark? Or should we, according to another employee, attempt to find the correct ATV trail shortcut (there were so many) that would guide us around the tunnel safely?
As we slowly cycled down over the rock-strewn trail, a family of ATV riders, appeared at just the right moment from the opposite direction. We stopped them and asked them about the tunnel. They had driven the tunnel detour and they indicated their tire tracks were still easily visible. “Follow them, we spun our wheels” they said and “you will be fine.” By 8 p.m. that evening we were finally in Saltese, a tiny community, too exhausted to have more than a cherry soda with some Washington State cherries. We stayed in a motel attached to a real general store.
Monday morning, full of newfound energy, we were back on the Milwaukee Road trail (the one that we had crossed Washington on). This Montana section is named the Trail of the Olympian and it was only 200 feet, via a connector, from yesterday’s Nor Pac Trail.
In Haugan, literally in the middle of nowhere, we stumbled upon M’s Drive-Up Espresso and Smoothie Stand. Hmmm, who would have thought?
Five hours and 23 miles later (the trail was rich with rocks and gravel). we arrived in St. Regis. After climbing out of St. Regis on a back road, we were treated to wonderful views of ranches and surrounding mountains. We cycled through a section of a National Forest and tired, decided to stop in 
Superior for the night.
Tuesday was our day to make lots of miles (62) to Missoula and there were no off-road trails. Up early, we made great time 15 miles on Old Route 10, until we suddenly came to an unanticipated dead end. Though Google Maps indicated that the road we needed was right there on the dirt strewn path, instead there was a large yellow sign which read “No Outlet”. The only way to Missoula from here was multiple miles on the interstate. Would we now have to walk or ride on I-90 for 40 miles on a very hot day? As we prepared to walk up the ramp entrance, we stopped for a moment to determine the distance to the nearest exit. And that’s when another trail angel, named Cindy, appeared before our eyes. Cindy, who is about the same age as we are, was driving a pickup truck and going to Missoula for a massage. Yes, she would happily give us a ride.
Cindy told us she was raised in western Washington on a Holstein farm, with four other sisters. She and her family ha
ve lived in western and eastern Montana and sold a property that subsequently burned to the ground. Cindy is full of love, positivity and curiosity. On the outskirts of Missoula, we said our goodbyes and shortly thereafter, Pat discovered he had left his cycling helmet in the truck. Whoops – time for a new helmet. Then we found the Milwaukee Road rail trail once again, stopped at the Spotted Dog bicycle shop and then crossed the river into downtown Missoula where we popped in to visit the headquarters of the Adventure Cycling Association.
A gentleman opened up the door and said “Welcome.” “You can park your bicycles here and then come on in for free drinks and ice cream.” We filled out a small card with our information and they took a Polaroid photo of us, posting it with the other cyclists who have passed through in 2021. We spent several minutes describing some of the trickiest parts of the Great American Rail Trail thus far while we sipped our Coke’s and ACA’s Jeff said, “We had a couple here yesterday who essentially shared similar information.” 
Now staying for a few days in Missoula, we have cycled the rest of the Milwaukee Path, the Kim Williams Trail and the Canyon River Trail. These trails run alongside the Clark Fork River (a branch of the Columbia River becomes gravel-like and heads to a golf course and resort community. This is the end for now of what is open of the GART in Montana
Follow us as 
we spin our wheels
Shevonne and Pat
janet
too bad the roads are so dangerous when trails dead end suddenly
Shevonne
Janet,
Yes, the loss of that road was no fun but we continue to make the best of it all.
Thanks for your support.
Shevonne
Judy Phelon
Hi Pat and Shevonne,
Really enjoy your blog. I suspect you two will be TV celebrities soon. Or, are you already?
You sound more like pioneers than users of an existing rail trail. Next time you will have to cart hedge clippers and tow a backhoe. Good call, Shevonne on staying OFF the interstate.
And, how was a real cherry soda? Was it made as an old timey soda fountain would do? Safe travels. Judy
Shevonne
Judy,
Yes we do feel like pioneers – the unexpected seems to be almost daily. We could probably spend the rest of our lives advocating for improved rail trails. Fat bikes would have done the trick but alas, they would have been so heavy. Hope bocce is good.
Shevonne
Linda
We lived in the Valley for years. We moved to Colorado in 2003 and since I occasionally go online to read the Valley Reporter, I read of your summer journey. Your adventure struck my fancy and I have been following. Good for you. I’m impressed! I particularly like the flexibility you have shown in dealing with the many conundrums you have encountered. Sometimes taking a moment to breathe resets the adventure. Too… it’s hard to be successful without humility and you are both showing the world vulnerability, humility and success. Kudos.
Shevonne
Linda,
We so appreciate your words and reflections. They are incredibly uplifting.
Shevonne
Jeff Ricciardi
Good going guys
Phil Hirtes
So far, so good, guys. Takes me back to my days in Seattle and Washington state way back in the late 70s. Still looks beautiful. Stay safe and I’ll be watching your progress the rest of the way.
Shevonne
thanks, Phil for your good cheer.
Shevonne
Cindy from Montana
Hello Shevonne and Pat !!! I think of you So very often!! I misplaced your website address and went on a quest to dig in the deepest corners of my mind and WA LAH there you were !! You guys are an example of living your best life and I really mean The BEST !! You both are Stellar role models for the generations to come. Would you please send me your Mailing address and I will gladly reimburse the cost of your Helmet. It holds a Place of Honor overlooking the Beautiful Clark’s Fork River and a Perfect reminder to keep on keepin’on .. So nice to be considered an Angel !! (I know a few people that might disagree!!! RIDE ON YOU FREE SPIRITS !!! Maybe we will meet again !!Take care you two..
Cindy from Montana
Hello Shevonne and Pat !!! I think of you So very often!! I misplaced your website address and went on a quest to dig in the deepest corners of my mind and WA LAH there you were !! You guys are an example of living your best life and I really mean The BEST !! You both are Stellar role models for the generations to come. Would you please send me your Mailing address and I will gladly reimburse the cost of your Helmet. It holds a Place of Honor overlooking the Beautiful Clark’s Fork River and a Perfect reminder to keep on keepin’on .. So nice to be considered an Angel !! (I know a few people that might disagree!!! RIDE ON YOU FREE SPIRITS !!! Maybe we will meet again !!Take care you two..
shevonne travers
Cindy,
I believe I sent you an email to your address in response a few days ago but you may not have received it. It was such serendipity to hear from you. It made our week! We love that the helmet is in its meant for location. No need for any reimbursement. Pat’s new color is orange and he has managed to hold onto it for the past several months. I now have written 40,000 words about our adventure and your note will be added to the epilogue. It solves a mystery. We are here in Vermont and if all goes well, will be cycling in the Midwest next September for a month.
Shevonne and Pat