Glacier Park August weather--what to wear?

[skinimini]

So, I have this bike tour planned for next week in Glacier Park and just got around to looking at the weather forcast, highs of 60ish and lows of 28-30. Yikes--that's going to be pretty chilly in the morning (a welcome change from the boiling temps here in the south though!). I'll definitely do layers, but I don't know if I should go towards shorts with leg warmers or with long tights. My thermal tights seem to be overkill, especially as the day warms, but then shorts with leg warmers just doesn't seem right either with the chilly morning temps. Here in Atlanta, I'm usually only riding for an hour or two with not much change in temps, so it's easy to dress appropriately.

Up top, I guess I'll do a smartwool base layer, a regular weight jersey, and a cool-weather jacket. Again, I'm thinking a winter jersey will be overkill as the day warms. I'll probably be in the saddle 4-6 hours most days. Any other suggestions? I'm trying not to take every last piece of bicycling clothing I own!

[cosc]

Layers on the bottom as well as top would be one option.
Sounds like you have your core figured out. Be sure your jacket is waterproof-windproof. Getting wet is so not your friend with cold temps. Bring some long finger gloves to layer over short ones for hand warmth.
I've been comfortable with knickers, leg warmers and wool socks with those cool temps and able to take off warmers when it got warmer
Have a wonderful trip and take pics to share.

[Susan126]

My husband and I just got back from Glacier National Park about two weeks ago. It was chilly early in the morning but by 9:00 AM that sun is so strong we felt warm and great. Practically zero humidity so very dry. The shady areas were chilly and the top of Logan Pass was cold. There was still snow up there when we were there. Just bring layers and you should be fine. Joe and I had glorious weather and I hope you will too! Sunshine and crystal blue skies. Day time warm and nights chilly. You will love Glacier!!!!! I always do! :)

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/2011-07-17_11-44-40_186.jpg
Me at the west entrance to Glacier National Park.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/2011-07-17_11-33-42_710.jpg
My hubby Joe. :)

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/2011-07-17_12-09-02_439.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/P7160248.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/P7160244.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/P7160242.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/2011-07-16_16-11-03_744.jpg
Make sure you stop in Hungry Horse's the "Huckleberry Patch Restaurant" for the best huckleberry pie and ice cream.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/2011-07-16_16-14-09_108.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/Howler247/2011-07-17_10-36-46_603.jpg
Beautiful Lake MacDonald.

[beccaB]

Wow, you had some beautiful sunny days! we had a few patches of sun, but mostly gray and rainy.:(
I will try to put up some pictures. We biked a small stretch on the east side.

[beccaB]

another one.. the awesome east entrance at St Mary

[beccaB]

scrambled legs and achin"

[Veronica]

We were there in early July - before Logan Pass opened.

Zipline (http://tandemhearts.smugmug.com/Travel/Zipline-Whitefish/18315249_PMzMfp/1409882855_MSSjnX8)

Glacier National Park (http://tandemhearts.smugmug.com/Travel/Glacier-National-Park/18315193_pRXV4J/1409876169_nL4Vg4B)

Flowers (http://tandemhearts.smugmug.com/Flowers/Glacier-National-Park-Flowers/18315078_P9M9gg/1409872999_3RgrCRc)

Veronica

[Becky]

My dad was stationed at Logan Pass while in the Air Force. He tells stories of watching July 4th fireworks in the snow :)

[maillotpois]

We were also there in July right after Veronica and before Logan Pass opened. Veronica - I just wanted to say that one pic of you reading the book is outstanding!!!

[shootingstar]

Are you camping? Or staying at a motel/hotel as your base?

We just returned cycling a few hrs. ago today from Banff National Park Area (Alberta) which is over 400 kms. north of Glacier National Park. The weather during the day has been around 80 degrees F or so (sorry I'm thinking in metric 18- 22 degrees C and too lazy to do the conversion right now) sunny or with some cloud. Just perfect weather for us.

Yes, the temperatures do drop in the mountain areas in the evenings. I guess it was around 45 degrees F.

We stayed at a hotel. So evenings we never worried much.

Thermal tights would be overkill. At least your cycling longer shorts. A light long sleeve fleecy, a light cycling jacket with some water repellancy in case it should drizzle. I also brought and wore once a very light fleecy vest which I took off within an hr. Only for 2 mornings.

The temperature rises very rapidly in bright sunshine by 10:00 am or so. However around in open road areas there could be wind at times. So the light vest under a jacket with short sleeved jersey works well.

I brought along light windpants for rain but I never had to wear them. Just always prepared. But I have worn such pants during unexpected cold on summer touring bike rides or when it rains. So that's how I keep my legs warmer if I need to in the summer for a few hrs. and take them off.

P.S. We hiked about 18 kms. from Waterton National Park in Alberta which is right beside/against Glacier National Park and into Montana. Yes, one does cross the international border and sees the clear-cut through the forest for the 49th parallel. There is a customs officer there....

So bring your passport, skinmini....you never know!!

Susan and becca: Great photos!

[Veronica]

We were also there in July right after Veronica and before Logan Pass opened. Veronica - I just wanted to say that one pic of you reading the book is outstanding!!!


Thanks!

Veronica

[skinimini]

Wow! All of those pictures are fabulous--can't wait to post some of my own. Thanks for the additional tips. I'll try not to perseverate too much over the packing.

Shootingstar, this is a WomanTour's ride through Glacier, about as plush as you could get. We're definitely traveling into Alberta.

Thanks guys for the advice!

(I agree the pic of Veronica reading is a beautiful shot--you look so relaxed)

[Bike Chick]

What gorgeous photos everyone! It's breathtaking. DH and I have been talking about taking a bike trip there for a couple of years and just haven't pulled the trigger. We both just oooohhhed and aaaawwwwed over the photos. This may be all we need to make some plans.

[skinimini]

On my way--can't wait for cooler weather! I'll def stop at the Huckleberry Patch. That pie looks amazing!