GC4FG5J Hiawatha the Fifth (Event Cache) in Montana, United States created by Jennifer&Dean

This cache has been archived.

Jennifer&Dean: Had a great time! So nice to see everyone.

GC4FG5J ▼

A cache by Jennifer&Dean Message this owner

Hidden : Saturday, September 7, 2013

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Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

A Semi-annual end-of-the-summer event! Come join us for a day riding the crown jewel of rails-to-trails routes - the Route Of The Hiawatha, a 15 mile biking and hiking route through the Bitterroot Mountains!

This Event was normally thrown by Yumitori but due to his recent passing, we have accepted the torch this year to hold a Fifth and honor his memory.

The ride this year is the weekend after Labor Day, which should mean a quieter trail and fewer crowds. We'll gather at the East Portal trailhead (near the coordinates for the event) at 9 am Pacific Time (That's 10 am Mountain Time), and set out about half an hour later. If you think you might be delayed, let us know as soon as possible so we can plan.

Please read all the rules of the trail before joining us. Rules

Also, please note that in order to ride the Trail there is a Day Pass that costs $10 for adults and $6 for children 3-13 years old. Children under 3 are free. A shuttle is available to return visitors to the top of the route for an additional charge of $9 for Adults and $6 for children between 3 and 13 years of age, or you can simply ride back to the top at your own pace. You are most welcome if you wish to join us at the start of the event without participating in the ride itself, but we won't be sticking around the trailhead for long.

The last shuttle of the day will leave the Pearson trailhead at 4:15 pm (PDT) so plan to be there in time to catch it or make other arrangements, either to ride back up the trail or to shuttle yourselves.

For those who can stick around after the ride, we'll once again have a picnic potluck. If you can join us, give us some idea of what you might be bringing to share. We'll be grabbing a table somewhere near the trailhead; there's no cooking facilities of course but if you need a portable grill let us know ahead of time and we'll see what we can arrange.

To participate in the ride you will need a bicycle (duh!), a helmet, and a ***good*** bike light or headlamp. Be sure to put in fresh batteries before you set out. Better yet, bring two so you have a back-up. The Taft Tunnel at the start of the ride is well over a mile long and can be quite chilly, and is usually a bit wet and muddy as well. A jacket appropriate for the conditions would be a good idea. Also bring snacks and water, and don't forget your camera!

If you don't wish to ride through the Taft Tunnel you are welcome to walk it instead (just stay to the side to avoid riders!), or you can drive the 5 miles over to Roland to avoid the tunnel altogether. The shuttle runs between the trail's end at Pearson and the Roland trailhead, so it will return you to your car if you do park there. The rest of us will be passing through the Taft Tunnel twice!

Rental bikes, helmets and lights are available here. They also have trailers and other equipment for any young ones joining you. Prices are listed on the website. I would recommend contacting Lookout Pass Ski Area as soon as you decide to participate to reserve the equipment you need. The phone number is 208-744-1301. To keep things simpler, please make your own rental arrangements if you need to.

While the primary purpose of the event is to enjoy the Hiawatha Trail before the end of the season, there is a geocache We'll see you there!!

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