Epic Great Divide - Day 3

Thursday, July 9, 2026

US/Canada border in Roosville, MT to Tuchuck USFS Campground, MT (Flathead National Forest)

42.1 miles/67.7 kilometers

3546 feet/1081 meters elevation gain

Semi-primitive campground. Vault toilet, no shower but river/creek nearby, no electricity, no potable water, picnic table.

Due to construction, we didn’t make it to the start point until 10:00 and didn’t start riding until after 10:30. In addition to having to take the bikes off the top of the van, we had to pose for the obligatory group bike pose at the Canadian border (I unfortunately do not have a copy of that yet). It was hot at the start and hot all the way - 90 degrees. I don’t normally drink too much on a ride but today I had five bottles of water and a 32 oz Powerade.

The first twenty miles were paved and not very difficult. And then we hit the gravel and the climbing. Most of the elevation gain happened within 15 miles and the gravel was super rocky. All kinds of rocks but mostly the kind you don’t want to wipe out on. Very sharp, jagged and pointy! I wish I would have gotten some pics but I was too busy trying to keep my bike upright!

Nevertheless, the route was breathtakingly gorgeous. ‘Was definitely one of the hardest 42-mile rides I’ve ever done.

Tomorrow, Stephanie and I have to cook dinner for the group. Stephanie is from Cheshire, UK and is a super nice gal! She’s one year older than I am and has literally traveled the entire globe on her bike! Impressive!

In the morning, it will be imperative for us to get an early start so I am going to set my alarm for 4 am. Hopefully I’ll be able to dress in my kit early and then pack up all my stuff, I had to put all food items and toiletries in a bear box that is quite far from my tent. The bear boxes are a bit of a nuisance but absolutely critical to help keep bears out of where you don’t want them to be. Who knew bears are attracted to deodorants and soaps?

This is a National Forest campground and it’s free. It’s pretty darn remote though! I learned that the Tour Divide racers sleep in the bathroom right by our sight – it’s actually pretty clean and keeps the riders safe from bears. In addition to bears, there are many deer in the area. I have ziplock bags wrapped around my seat, bike bags and handle bar grips because apparently the deer like to eat them, especially if they contain any cork. They will eat material as well, so it’s important to not leave out any gloves, clothing, or helmet liners.

Well, it is dark now and because I can no longer see, I must go to sleep now, Tomorrow’s ride is 62 miles with 3000 ft elevation gain. On a gravel bike. Ouch.