finding shuttle south from Roosville MT (CDR)

[bikee]

Asking my question slightly different.

What are the best ways to shuttle south from Roosville after finishing my ride there? Is there anything from Eureka to Butte say? Or possibly Lima or Divide even? I've not been able to find much on the web.

Thanks,
Mike
Albuquerque

[MidSouth]

If you are looking to get to the nearest airport you can give this outfit a try:
http://drive4u.org/default.html

[indyfabz]

http://www.glaciertransportation.com/

They say their intrastate range is "Northwestern Montana." Don't know what includes.  I would expect to pay a pretty quarter from Roosville to Butte. In '09 we used them to get to the Whitefish KOA from the Kalispell Airport (maybe a 15 min. ride at most) and they charged us something like $25 or $30. Eureka to Butte alone is over 5. hr. drive. Then there is the drive to pick you up and the drive back to their home base.

You might want to look into bus service. These guys go from Whitefish to Butte:

http://www.rimrocktrailways.com/

You could finish at the Border and ride the ACA Great Parks route back to Whitefish. IIRC, it's around 60 miles measured from Eureka. Easily doable in a day. Stay true to the route as it takes you off of U.S. 93 in places and uses quieter, pretty roads. Stop in Olney (off route about 1/4 of a mile) and check out the store. "Rustic" place with a collection of old pop/soda bottles:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/davez2007/3673005485/in/set-72157620763740044

Or you could pay for a shuttle from Eureka and then catch the bus. But with the likelty hefty price, riding will probably be more economical.

[staehpj1]

Asking my question slightly different.

What are the best ways to shuttle south from Roosville after finishing my ride there? Is there anything from Eureka to Butte say? Or possibly Lima or Divide even? I've not been able to find much on the web.

Thanks,
Mike
Albuquerque

Sometimes one way car rentals work out well and can be cheaper than paid shuttles.  I have found that sometimes they are reluctant to let cars go out one way if you ask at the counter, but if you reserve a car on line it is unlikely to be a problem especially if you can manage to rent from airport to airport.  Car rentals are typically more cost effective for small groups (however may can fit in one car with their stuff) rather than individuals or large groups.

[indyfabz]

Asking my question slightly different.

What are the best ways to shuttle south from Roosville after finishing my ride there? Is there anything from Eureka to Butte say? Or possibly Lima or Divide even? I've not been able to find much on the web.

Thanks,
Mike
Albuquerque

Sometimes one way car rentals work out well and can be cheaper than paid shuttles.

There you go. I recently rented a car one way with Avis to get to the start of a short tour where I rode back home. Checked their site and they allow one-way rentals from FCA, the airport near Whitefish, to the Butte Airport. You can easily bike into FCA from Whitefish. The Butte Airport is right near the center of town.

You might want to reserve now. I picked an arbitrary date of August 8. Everything was sold out except for standard and full size. It's not a big airport, but it serves Glacier National Park, so it's popular. Both showed a rate of $129/day, which has got to be cheaper than any shuttle you could arrange for.

Finish at Roosville, ride to FCA, pick up some wheels and drive to Butte. Divide and Melrose are all doable in one day from Butte if you take I-15 and the parallel frontage roads. Melrose, for example, is about 35 miles from Butte. Lima will likely take you two days.

We were in Butte last year. If you stay the night, the only camping is at a seedy sounding KOA right next to the interstate. Treat yourself to a room in the motor lodge portion of the Hotel Finlen in the historic Uptown section. Great retro place. The room was spotless and the staff very friendly.

[bikee]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Flathead glacier transport will pick me up in Roosville, w/ 3 or 4 day notice, and take me to Kalispell airport for ~$130 USD.

I found a rental from Kalispell airport to Butte, one way for $143 including taxes etc. 2nd to smallest car. Base rate $119 and available.

I found some stuff before I checked here again and came to the same conclusion as indifabz, ride to Whitefish and take the bus to Butte. Around $50 and 6 hours or so. After the time on the trail/road it'll be good to catch some zzzz's before the 1000 mile drive back to Albq. The only caveat is you have to have your bike boxed to get it on the bus. I called Glacier Cyclery (http://glaciercyclery.com/) and they said it would be no problem to get a box from them. In fact, they said if they're closed, just go out back and get one off the pile. They're just a couple of blocks from the train/bus station.There's bus service south every day around 11 or so.

After all the planning to do the ride itself, it was really nice to find the tail end not too bad to take care of.

Thanks for all your help,
M

[indyfabz]

My pleasure. I fractured my collar bone a few weeks ago in a freak cycling accident so I have to live vicariously for a while longer.

Glacier Cyclery rocks. We used them for shipping, recieving, assembly, packing and trailer rental in '09.

One final word of advice: Stay away from the Double Pork Chop Sandwich from Pork Chop John's in Butte if you have a sensitive stomach. Anyone who has seen "Ride the Divide" probably knows what I mean. I took a chance and found it wholy overrated as a novelty sandwich. But I come from the land of cheesesteaks and good roast pork, so I may be spoiled.

[bikee]

Just a follow up on how it all worked out. I left my car in Butte, across from the bus station. I talked with a roving city policeman and on his suggestion I called dispatch and let them know of my plans and not to tow my car, as I'd be back in two weeks. I left my contact info and hit the trail.
When we went thru Whitefish, it was after closing time so I didn't get to stop in Glacier Cyclery. Before I headed south after tagging Canadian soil I called GC and double checked they'd have a box, they said they'd be glad to oblige.
I spent the night before travel in Whitefish at the State Park, got up early to eat breakfast in town and the short story is, was able to hitch a ride with a fine gentleman who is a bike lube rep. He was able to give me a ride to Butte, with my bike, show me a great ride there in WF and even got a side trip into Glacier NP on the way south.
Before leaving WF I went by Glacier Cyclery and thanked them for the offer, they were very gracious.
I got back to my car in Butte and it was in fine shape.
Thank you forum folks for your suggestions and help.
I had a wonderful trip. Can't wait to do the rest of the Route.
mike