next year, Paul?

Not to make y'all jealous, but I just got back from Montana and the Flathead region where this race is held.  It is just south and west of Glacier National Park.  I did a service project in the Mission Mtn Range and we did cross through some snow.  The "Going to the Sun Road", a highlight of Glacier NP was still closed due to snow as well.
 
It is incredibly beautiful.  If you get the chance, do it!  I would consider it, if a group was going.  I still have my bear spray too.  Thankfully, I didn't have to use it!   Amtrak has a station in Whitefish, MT so you don't have to drive.  Just hope the river doesn't flood in Minot, ND.  My scheduled train was cancelled both ways since it runs through Minot.