Westward HO! ride report, or Our 2nd attempt at going west

[Grnarrowe]

As some of you may remember last year we went to Custer for the National and on the way back Vicki's ignition crapped out in Valentine, Nebraska and we had to truck the bikes home, see


So for this year we decided to go FURTHER west and north and south just to see if we could make it home ON the bikes rather than IN a truck, so here it be.

Days out: 12
Misshaps:  2
Run ins with the LAW: 1
Tickets issued: 0, zip, nadda!!  
Fun factor:  Off the scale
National parks visited: 4
State Parks visited: 1
Tires used up: 2(both fronts)
1 Oil change on the road
Miles covered: 5500

DAY 1

Saturday July 5, 2008

The route;

Today was just a day to get outta dodge, or in our case NE Illinois. we left about 3:40 AM also known as OHdarkthirty.After the sun had come up and on our first gas stop it was breakfast time.



This was the only picture we took this day as it was all interstate riding. It was very windy by the time we got into MN and all the way to Bismarck.

After crossing into North Dakota and getting west of Fargo we get into a construction zone. They have the eatbound lanes moved over to the west bound side so there is one lane in each direction. Then it starts to rain,  but this only lasted about 5 to 10 minutes and then it was done. We didn't get real wet just enough to cool off a little, very little.

We pulled into Bismarck about 7:30 PM. We had some dinner then a shower and slept until 3 AM and then it was back on the road for...

DAY 2

Day 2 also started at OHdarkthirty, about 4 AM but there were a few more pictures this day.

Our route for today was;

We headed north on US-83 towards Minot ND. After seeing several forest rats on the side of the road in the Dark the sun came up to meet the new day;



We watched the sun come up over a lake, not sure of the name.


Then continued to Minot for breakfast. Afterwards we watched a train heading off for parts unknown;


Then it was back on the road as we had another long day ahead of us. At one point we saw this;


From a distance I thought it was a lake but it was just some flowers. The real lake was down the road a piece.


Then before you know it we hit the border. As I pulled up to the check point the last song on my Ipod finished, it was a Rush tune, rather apropriate. We got through the border crossing without incident and stopped for the obligitory photo shoot.





Chili did not have a passport so I smuggled him in, sshhhhhh!!!

Then it was up PR-37 to the Trans Canadian Highway. But our first mishap was about to hap(en). Just out side of Estavan Sask these 2 semis go flying by in the opposite direction. I just happen to notice something in the air coming down towards me and I was thinking "What the hell is that?" when WHAM!!! It hits the top of my helmet and it's then that I realize, It's a ROCK!!!, DOH!! So I reach up to the top of my helmet to see what kind of gouge it's put into it and I find that the vent cover is GONE!



We did go back to see if we could find the cover but no luck. So now my helmet is open to the elements. This would be the only excitement of the day, glad I was wearing a helmet. I realy don't think the DOT dew rags would have helped much, well maybe as a bandage, naaahhh!

We then got to the Trans Canadian Hwy. Rather intresting road not exactly like our Interstate system. To me it seemed like US-12 around here, a 4 lane divided Hwy with intersections. Parts of it were a bit rough but better than the roads here in Illinois. For a while it looked as if it might rain on us again.



But it held off and turned into a beautiful afternoon.


We then crossed into Alberta.


Again the country side was great,


and headed for Leathbridge. This would be our stopping point for the night. We got in about 8 PM had dinner, shower, sleep in that order. Day 3 would be a bit shorter, mileage wise but for things to see it would be just as long.


Day 3 to follow....

[Grnarrowe]

Now that I know how to post up our photos as images, let us continue...

DAY 3

Today's route..


As today would only cover 300 miles we slept in till 6AM, had the continental breakfast and hit the road by 8 AM. But first we needed to check tire pressures.



Even though we were checking the pressure daily, or every other day the front tires cupped. This is the second year in a row that this has happened. We use Avon Storm AV55/56. We believe it's due to the travel trunk so next time we'll get a water proof duffel bag and leave the trunks at home. That and go with different tires as well.

Back on the road towards Montana we get a peek at what awaits us..


WAY off in the distance we can see the Rocky Mountains..


As we got closer to the border the mountains got closer as well.




We then got the border crossing and as I went around the Canadian check point Vicki stopped at the duty free store. I was unaware of this and as I passed the checkpoint I noticed she was not behind me so I stopped before crossing back into the states. I looked around and saw her and she is waving to me to come back and I'm waving at her to come forward. So I go back bypassing the checkpoint, NOT A GOOD IDEA! One of the Canadian border guards comes running up thinking I just jumped the border. He tells me to go back to the checkpoint and talk to the other guard. When I get there I explain what happened and he is understanding and said they just wanted to be sure about what was going on. I basically blamed the wife and he understood. This was our ONLY run in with the law throughout the trip.

The views from the border crossing were just as great,






There was a wait to cross back into the US, they asked the usual questions and then let us bypass the vehicle inspection. They never did ask us if we bought anything at the duty free store like they did in North Portal. So we stopped here for a bathroom break,


then continued on into Montana


The views were unbelievable, this was our first time in the Rockies and it did not disappoint.




We then got into St Mary and were looking for a place to get a late breakfast or lunch. We got into St Mary about 10:30 and we stopped at a place and got talking to a couple from Michigan. The guy said the entrance to Glacier National Park was back the way we came but we did not see the entrance. Turns out the entrance was less that half a mile from where we were talking. We found the entrance and the St Mary lodge & resort and stopped for a late breakfast. Then we gassed up the bikes, $4.679 a gallon   and headed into GNP. Now I figured since it's only 50 miles it would take us 2 to 3 hours to go through, WRONG! The views inside the park were just as incredible if not better.

After entering the park from St Mary this was the first thing we saw.


This is the St Mary River just after entering the park. If you have not been to Glacier National Park, GO!  GO NOW!!! At this point I'll let the picture do the talking.


View from the St Mary River







This is actually Saint Mary Lake not Lake McDonald.

to be continued....

[Boondox]

Gawd, that's beautiful! I've always envied people who take the time to get good shots of their trips. I carry a Nikon D80 with some fantastic glass, and also a little Olympus point and shoot digital, but somehow on the road I just seem to forget to use them. Too much fun riding, I guess.

Keep it coming!

[mxvet57]

Grnarrowe works 2ed shift so i imagine he'll get more posted tomorrow.

[JimWilliamson]

 

[Orson]

I basically blamed the wife and he understood.

nothing good can come of this  

 

[Ears]

I basically blamed the wife and he understood.

nothing good can come of this  

 

I had told him I wanted to stop to pick up some Canada stuff, but that had been the day before.
The lady at the Duty-free store stated how the college kids are so gung-ho and how she is happy when they go back to school. They are the 'summer help' at the border patrol. I believe there was something stated about having power and wanting to prove themselves or some such crud. Oh, well. At least there wasn't any detention.  

[Grnarrowe]

nothing good can come of this  

 

True, so lets not dwell on it.    Back to the ride report..

DAY 3 Continued

The Going to the Sun Hwy along Saint Mary Lake


Me riding the GTTS Hwy


Vicki on the same stretch of the GTTS Hwy.

The views and the smells going thru GNP are something that should be experienced. To me it smelled like a fresh cut Christmas tree. At our first stop I had turned off my Ipod. I didn't want it to be a distraction and am I glad I did. It took us about 4 and a half hours to go thru the park but it was worth it. If we go back the only thing I would change is I would stay closer to the park, price be dammed!


Saint Mary Lake


Water falls abound throughout the park. This is also one of those sights, sounds & smells you MUST experience.




St Mary Falls


Another view of St Mary Falls


Take time to stop and smell the flowers along the way.


Chili did.

There is no place that I've been to that has views like this..



or this. I'm sure the Alps have more dramatic views but since I've only flown over them I couldn't compare the two. We've been to the Smokey Mountains but that's like comparing apples & oranges. Both have great roads and views but the Rockies....






There are falls by the road side here!


There is also snow up near Logan pass AND another water fall.


It starts way up there..


and it comes down to here.


And when I said they had snow up here, they have SNOW up here.



More falls.

The Logan Pass visitor center. Quite a bit of snow here.



Me & Chili chillin at Logan Pass.





The above photos are various shots taken at the Logan Pass VC. It was weird seeing this much snow at the beginning of July. The temps were comfortable, with a sweat shirt and our Darien jackets we were fine. Even riding was fine, we weren't going very fast but we didn't care about speed at this point. Just going thru the park and seeing what we did was worth the time we spent in the park. Maybe next time we go this way we'll spend two days here so we can see more of it.

A little ways down from Logan Pass there was a small traffic jam, everyone was slowing down to almost a stop. I had my visor up and I looked at one driver coming the other way and I shrugged as to say "What gives?" He pointed up and I saw a mountain goat looking down at the road. People were stopping for a photo but we didn't. Oh well, we did stop a little further down for some more falls.


and just to the left of the one above was this one.



Then as you round the corner you pass by the Weeping Wall.



The water comes down and hits part of the road so you do get a little bit of spray but it's not bad. The water then goes under the road and continues down the mountain.


A couple from L.A. took this for us.


Falls everywhere!



Beautiful scenery everywhere



And rivers along almost every road we were on. After this we exited the park on the west side and headed to Missoula Montana for the night. After being in the mountains all day the heat was not welcome. The temp on my FJR was running at the halfway mark if we weren't doing at least 40. We went thru Kaspiel(?) around 5 PM just in time for rush hour, my FJR went to 4 bars on the temp gauge but the fan kicked on brought back down to 3. Vicki's FJR was at about the same level but as soon as we got clear of traffic and started to run both bikes cooled down.

We got into Missoula about 7-7:30, found a nice restaurant had a good meal then back to the hotel for a shower & sleep because the next day was going to be a long one. We were going to Pendleton OR via the Lolo pass, then over to WA-129/OR-3, the Rattle Snake Ridge.

Stay tuned...

To be continued........

[mxvet57]

come on Pete, get home from work.

the suspense is killing me.

[st2sam]

  someday, someday..............
More, more...

[Grnarrowe]

come on Pete, get home from work.

the suspense is killing me.

  someday, someday..............
More, more...

You two need to chill.

More tomorrow....

[Grnarrowe]

Onward fellow readers....

DAY 4

Today's route


Today would take us to Pendleton, OR. The route is 437 miles so we left the hotel in Missoula about 8 AM, stopped for gas, water, ice and make sure I was going the right way, I was. Our next road was US-12, The Lolo Pass. Now we live 3 miles from US-12 and it is NOTHING like what we were about to ride. For one thing we don't have warnings like this..


Plus the way the road curves


and the advice they give to truckers


Just before we got to this sign I noticed a semi behind us, AND GAINING!! So we pulled over at the Lolo Pass Visitor Center right on the border od MT & ID to let him thru.


The Montana side.


The Idaho side, plus we loose an hour. Now the clock on my FJR is 2 hours fast.


Vicki was a little chilled this morning entering Idaho.


At the visitors center


The VC at Lolo Pass.


Me & Chili getting ready to ride the winding road. This part of US-12 is a beautiful road. The curves are sweepers, not the hairpin curves we would later get to. It was just heaven! Out of one sweeper into another, I could have done this all day!



What's this?


Now who put that there!???


And of course there is a river that runs along side US-12. What a nice 2 lane road, light traffic & stunning views.


A river runs by it.


 







We also stopped for a bathroom break and a tour of one of the ranger stations that was originally built in the 20's I think. They had photos from the time it was built up to the present. It was neat looking at the older photos just to compare the difference. They also had photos of a fire that swept thru the area destroying everything but the ranger station. The after photos of the fire were unbelievable. To look at it now you would never know that a fire had burned everything.

The couple that were the curators, the gentleman was the ranger here in the 60's.


Just outside the Ranger Station

We then got into Kooskia Idaho for lunch here.


I had seen a ride report when I googled Lolo Pass so I figured we could stop here for some eats. The food was good a nice mom & pop place. Then it was time to gas up, get some more ice & water for our thermoses(?) and head into Washington.


The river is now on our right side.



this was just south of Clarkston, WA. We stopped here for gas, ice & water. IT was HOT here, after being up on the mountain and then coming back into this we took a break here, had some ice cream and then took off on WA-129 south to Enterprise, OR.

After we left the gas station there were a series of switch backs going up a mountain, 180 degree turns, uphill! Now normally this would have been fun but these were infested, YES infested I say with tar snakes! going around one of the turns I could feel the bike sliding towards the center line, not good. We also caught up to a pickup truck with a horse trailer going up the same way, he did pull over and let us thru which was nice of him. I swear the people out west drive more courteously than they do around here, thanks! That also is the reason I did not stop for a photo also. I didn't want to pass him again further on down the road, oh well.

As we got out of the switchbacks we ended up on what I would call plains. Kina flat, gentle curves UNTIL you got closer to Oregon.


Here we go again with the hills. now the curves tighten up and we get back into a forest.




More curves to   over.


Did I also mention that it was HOT even up here.


More curviness, why we came out here.


  We have to go UP that way!?? Yes we do, and we did.




Eventually you end up here.


We were just down there. and now we are on the border of WA & OR.


In our opinion, US-129 (The Dragon), doesn't EVEN warm you up for WA-129/OR-3.




Now we have to go back DOWN the other side to get over to there.

We eventually made it to Enterprise OR late in the afternoon. We gassed uped the bikes, got more ice & water and then headed west on OR-82 to OR-204 then to OR-11 and on into Pendleton. For most of the way the sun was directly in my eyes. Even with my sun visor down and my transition lenses on my glasses I could barley see, see?


We ended up in Umatilla National forest where the trees blocked the sun but the temp also dropped which was welcomed after the heat of the day. We did stop so we could put our sweat shirts on, yea it was that cool.


This is where we stopped for warmer gear.


Trees will grow anywhere out here I guess

We got to our hotel in Pendleton about 9 PM. Tha same routine followed, food, shower, sleep in that order as day 5 would also be a long hot day.

To be continued..........

[Grnarrowe]

DAY 5

Today's route


Today would take us south on US-395 from Pendleton to Burns where we would pick up OR-78 to US-95 to I-80 then east to Elko, NV.

We left the hotel about 8 AM, out in the open the sun was beating down on us and warming things up even at this time of the morning. Before we left the hotel we filled our thermoses with ice then after gassing up the bikes and getting some more water we headed west on I-84 a short way to get to US-395 south.


View from the hotel parking lot.

US-395 from Pendleton to Burns was a great ride through the Umatilla forest and the Malheur National forest. The scenery was great and the temps were moderate here due to the trees.






Traffic was light so I was not pushing it, just taking it all in. At some point on 395 I noticed a white Caddy behind us, the speed limts thru here were 55 and I was doing about 55-60 thru here as I did not know the road and frankly was not in a hurry. Well there were few places to pass and every time one came up there was oncoming traffic, so no pass. And since I was watching him I didn't see any turnoffs in time so he was stuck back there. The really bad part of this is that at one point we passed a sign for the 45th parallel, the half way point between the equator and the artic. By the time I saw the sign if I had tried to stop, well it would not have been pretty and much bad laungage would have been spoken.

We eventually came to a rest area that was off the road and in the shade of the trees.






We then got into John Day OR where we stopped for gas, ice & water. Gas price was a bit high.


We had found out that Oregon does not have self serve but they let motorcyclist pump their own cause it's easier. It also was starting to heat up nicely, so we took a break from the heat for 20 minutes or so.

Took a photo


Then it was back to 395 south where eventually it went from forest to this...




I believe the above pictures were taken when we were on OR-78.

We were now in the high desert of Oregon. Now when I think of Oregon I think of trees and mild climate, not the blast furnace of the desert! Also, I have a little gripe about Oregon actually two. One, MARK THE DAMM ROAD WILL YA!? When we made the turn on OR-78 that was the only sign I saw for quite a LOOOONG time. Two, HOW can you get anywhere doing 55 out in the desert? 55? ORLY???

Anyway, at one point we passed this roadhouse/gas stop and then saw a sign that said "Last Gas for 120 Miles". I looked at the odo and saw that we had gone 102 miles since our last stop so we turned around to gas up and have lunch. The pump they had was one of the older ones, ie not digital. It also was cash only. Not sure what the price was but for both bikes it was $18.20. After lunch it was back to the heat. We did not stop much from this point on, it was just to hot and both bikes were running half way up the temp gauge.


This was our next stop after gassing up in OR. We were now in McDemitt Nevada.


Oregon be that way


Gas stop in McDermitt, 119.7 miles from the last stop so they weren't kidding! The attendent in the store was not very friendly. When I asked for a reciept for the gas she said "If it'll print out" in a rather snippy way. I felt like saying At 4.699 a gallon not only do I want a reciept, get out there and clean the wind screens. But I didn't I just got some more water & ice, paid cash for that.

After gassing up we continued south on US-95 to Winnemucca, but just after we left the gas station we were greeted with a sign stating they were chip sealing, great. We had to stop for a few minutes then we were on our way behind quite q few trucks which we ended up leap frogging after we cleared the chip sealing crews. It was about 4 or 5 PM and it was still HOT. We got into Winnemucca around 6 PM where we stopped for, you guessed it, gas, ice, water and a pee break.


Actual price we paid was 4.419.

When I opened my gas cap it opened with a Whoosh!! And when I looked into the tank I swear the gas was starting to boil! . We let the bikes cool down a bit then we headed east on I-80 towards Elko.


Sunset in Neveda along I-80.

That was the last picture of the day. We got into Elko about 8 PM and the usual routine followed. Dinner, shower, sleep. Day 6 would be a little better milage wise but it would be a HOT one as well.


Until tomorrow.....

[Grnarrowe]

DAY 6

Today's route...


would take us east on I-80 to NV-233 which turns into UT-30, then up Stone Rd to ID-38 to I-15 to US-20 into Rexburg, Idaho. A total of 373 miles or so.

We left Elko about 8 AM and headed east, at Wells we stopped for gas.


Even the Interstate has great views

Then it was back on I-80 for a short while to NV-233 where there was pretty much nothing until you got to Montello, NV.



Gas & groceries in Montello, NV. Also a bathroom break.


Main St Montello.


That way to Utah.

We got into Montello about 9Am or so and it was starting to get hot. We both then ditched our jeans and rode in our Underarmor & riding pants. No need for a sweat shirt today. After a while we entered Utah and Nv-233 became UT-30. A very lonley stretch of road. A couple of cars passed by the other way and we got passed by 2 cars. Oh, we were doing 70 thru here and we still got passed, I guess no cops = no speed limit.


Nevada that way..


Utah this way.



Not a whole lot out here



UT-30, hope ya got a big gas tank, we went thru Rosette & Park Valley UT and there was nothing in these towns.

At one point I looked in my mirror and I see Vicki waving her arm and pointing to our left. I look left and see a jet off in the distance banking away from us. It had twin tails and twin engines so I'm not sure if it was an F-15 or an F-18. I didn't stop because by this time Vicki needed a bathroom break, so we didn't stop until we got to Snowville,UT. By then it was about 11:30 so the usual routine took place, gas, food, bathroom, ice & water. We then went up Stone Road which led us into Idaho.


Little shack in the desert.


Along ID-38, this actually turned out to be a nice little road. Except for the one cow that was on the side of the road but we were warned.




ID-38

We made it to I-15 without any more stock interferance and haeded north towards Rexburg. At one point there were some clouds that were creating some shade about a mile in front of us so I tried to get to it as quick as possible but by the time I got there it was gone! DAMM!!! Sometime after that I saw a sign for a rest area so I pulled off so we could get a bathroom break and some ice. It was here that I noticed my front tire was cupped. At first we thought it was the road but as we inspected both fronts we found they were cupped. From this point on any frisky cornering would be an adventure.


Rest stop in Idaho. This group was on their way back to Kansas from Yellowstone.



Several views from the rest stop.

We then got back on I-15 and headed to US-20 and got to our hotel by 4:30PM. Now this was WAY early for us so after we got to our room we sorted all of our clothes for laundry detail, but first we went to the hot tub to soak our knees. We asked about the laundry facilities and found that they had one washer and one dryer, which was in use. But we gathered up or laundry and headed downstairs to wait which wasn't long. We also needed some food but all of our clothes are dirty except for or swim suits and a t-shirt each. Luckily for us there was an Applebees next door that had orders to go. So we decide what we wanted, I call them and place our order then after 15 minutes of lounging in our room I walk over to pick it up and if you show them your room key you get 10% off, sweet!

When I get there I have to wait a few minutes so I sit on the bench that they have along the window and there's this couple with their son, about 10 and annoying as hell. He's laying on the bench on the opposite end and he's bouncing his leg off of it so I get to feel this after being on the bike all day, great. BUT dear friends, Karma is about to visit this little wretch. They get their order and all junior has to do is carry the three industrial sized shakes they ordered. BUT being the restless little puke that he is he DROPS THEM  . AHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!! is what I was saying on the inside. Now the little rodent is saying "sorry" over and over. Well I was happy but the parents were not, they became VERY quiet all of sudden. They were also staying at the same hotel we were at so I was expecting police there in about 40 minutes but I guess nothing came of it.

So Vicki and I had dinner in the laundry room of the Americinn in Rexburg, ID. After finishing dinner I took what laundry was done up to the room and Vicki brought the rest up a little later. As we had already showered we retired for the evenining for tomorrow would take us to Yellowstone National Park.

Stay tuned for a preview of tomorrows sights.




Yellowstone

[Nodaclu]

 

What a wonderful report!

I'm always curious to see what people from other parts of the country think of Nevada - land of heat, sand and rude people.  

Glad to see you made it though okay.

[Ears]

DAY 6

Utah this way.

No wonder it took forever to find civilization. I just noticed the "NEXT SERVICES 93 MILES" sign. DOH!

When I get there I have to wait a few minutes so I sit on the bench that they have along the window and there's this couple with their son, about 10, annoying as hell. He's laying on the bench on the oppistie end and he's bouncing his leg off of it so I get to feel this after being on the bike all day, great. BUT, dear friends, Karma is about to vist this little wretch. They get thier order and all junior has to do is carry the three industrial sized shakes they ordered. BUT being the restless little puke that he is, he DROPS THEM  . AHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!! is what I was saying on the inside. Now the little rodent is saying "sorry" over and over. Well I was happy, but the parents were not, they became VERY quite all of sudden. They were also staying at the same hotel we were at so I was expecting police there in about 40 minutes but I guess nothing came of it.

So Vicki and I had dinner in the laundry room of the Americinn in Rexburg, ID. After finishing dinner, I took what laundry was done up to the room and Vicki brought the rest up a little later. As we had already showered we retired for the evenining for tomorrow would take us to Yellowstone National Park.

Stay tuned for a prieview of tomorrow's sights.

  Dear , spell check can be your friend, along with punctuation. (Sorry-couldn't resist.)

[Grnarrowe]

No wonder it took forever to find civilization. I just noticed the "NEXT SERVICES 93 MILES" sign. DOH!




  Dear , spell check can be your friend, along with punctuation. (Sorry-couldn't resist.)

How could you miss THAT sign???

All fixed now, happy?

[Grnarrowe]

 

What a wonderful report!

I'm always curious to see what people from other parts of the country think of Nevada - land of heat, sand and rude people.  

Glad to see you made it though okay.

Is it something I said or is it something in the water?  

[Nodaclu]

Is it something I said or is it something in the water?  

Water? What is this water thing of which you speak?    

I don't know what happened. When I first moved to Nevada in '94, I can promise you it was nothing like what it has become. It's so bad now that I actually visit Los Angeles to find decent, polite, courteous people!! (God, I wish I was joking about that part.)  

There are a few decent people left in Nevada, but most of us have been driven underground and are in hiding at this point.  

[Grnarrowe]

Shall we continue?

Day 7

Today's route..


Today would take us to Yellowstone but first we needed to get the oil & filters changed on both bikes. At this point we had traveled 3200 miles. The night before we had found a place close by that might be able to do the oil & filter change. I had brought the filters with us just in case, our plan was to get there at 8 AM when they opened, we got there about 8:30 which was fine as their entire service dept was in a meeting. At least that's what the parts manager told us. After a few minutes one of the service guys shows up and I ask if they could change the oil & filter on both bikes, I told him I had the filters and they had the oil so 30 minutes after that the bikes were done.  

So, a big   to..

Rexburg Motor Sports. They were a half mile away from the hotel and helpful.


Chili was impressed by the quick turnaround time provided by them.

We then headed on to Yellowstone which was 83 miles from Rexburg. A stop for gas in Island Park, ID.



Then on into YNP



I would love to try fly fishing at Yellowstone. There are several rivers in YNP that can be accessed from the road. The above picture was taken along the Firehole River that runs along the Grand Loop Road. I saw a program on tv where you can go into the back country hiking into it with Lamas, it looked really neat.


Chili enjoyed the peaceful view here.




Even YNP has a river or two that run along the road.

And there were a couple of geysers here too.





This seemed to be a popular place, go figure.




All the springs around Old Faithful were just incredible. The water was crystal clear, but, it was also VERY hot. There were some people with their kids there and they had something to measure the heat and some were 180 degrees, so no bathing here.




The minerals coming out of the springs discolored the rocks quite a bit.






The springs drained into another river. Not sure if there is anything in the river.


Another boil over.




Old Faithful.


Chili did a little shopping, he stuck me with the bill.







Vicki at the divide.




After the divide we went toward West Thumb as we were going to loop around the park. We stopped at Yellowstone Lake..





We then went past West Thumb, I was looking for a place to stop for a bathroom break and did not see a pull out in time so I went past it and was looking for a place to turn around . I did not find a pull out but I pulled over to the side of the road. The shoulder was wide enough but it sloped away from the road. I motioned to Vicki to turn around so we could go back. I wait for a break in traffic then started to turn around. I'm not sure what happened, if I was going to slow or if I turned to sharply or both but I went down. Somehow as I fell I hit the kill switch but the bike is now on top of me. My left ankle is pinned under the center stand, which is VERY painful and my left wrist is pinned under the faring. How that happened I have no clue. I could not move, I couldn't get the bike off of me and did I mention I was in PAIN from the center stand digging into my leg just above my ankle. Vicki ran up to me and was able to lift the bike enough for me to get my wrist out from under the bike. At this time I was able to get an angle on the bike and push it off with my right leg. As I was pushing the bike up two guys showed up and helped Vicki get the bike upright and back to the side of the road.  I was able to get up, nothing broken on me or the bike. These two guys made sure I was okay, we thanked them and they went on their way. This one woman in a car that was behind us was stopped and as she went by us she slowed and asked if we were okay, we said everything was fine and the pickup behind her starts honking his horn. What a worthless turd! He must have been from around here cause all of the people we met out west were great. We stayed by the side of the road for a few minutes to let the adrenaline rush subside. There was a few scratches on the bike, the left engine cover had a few more scratches on it, the left side of the fairing has a small scratch and the left bag has a scratch on the black piece and my thermos holder is scratched up a little. I thought I would have some nice sized bruises on my wrist an leg. No such bruises appeared. I had one small bruise on my leg, that's it. I was very lucky here today.

No pictures of this mishap so maybe it didn't really happen.

Let's get back to the pictures of YNP.



Yellowstone river north of Fishing Bridge.




Even the roads in the park are a bit twisty. Thanks to Teddy for making this a national park.




There are still some areas where you can see the damage done by the 1988 fires.


Vicki does a self portrait photo, nice shot if I say so myself.




It was time to head on back to Rexburg for dinner which was at Applebees, 10% off? I'm there, for a light dinner then a shower, pack up and some sleep. Day 8 would take us back thru YNP to the Beartooth pass and on to Cody, WY.

More later....

[Jetpilot5]

An absolutely great report, can't wait to read the rest of it.  Someday I hope to do an epic bike trip like this.

Didn't happen to see my Mom working at the gift shop in the Old Faithful Inn did you?  She says lots of people on bikes this year.  I told her to keep an eye out for coffee drinking sport-tourers from Illinois and Wisconsin.

[Grnarrowe]

It's later

DAY 8

Today's route...


Today we're off to Cody, WY. UP US-20 into YNP and thru the park to US-212 and the Beartooth pass. My original plan was to go to Red Lodge, MT gas up then head back down US-212 to the Chief Joesph byway, WY-296 and into Cody. But we did not have the time and I did not want to be on 212 or 296 in the evening or at night so we took MT-308 to MT-72 south to WY-120 into Cody. We got into Cody about 7PM or so, got to our hotel had dinner at the restaurant next door then went for a walk to downtown Cody. Cody is a great place to visit, friendly people and lots to do. We were in Cody for 2 days and I'd go back. So lets get to today's photos.



In YNP.


Falls start here then...



go down this way.

The problem with watching all this water is that it leads to you having to make a pit stop.


After the falls we stopped at a gas station in the park where we ran into a guy on an FJR from Florida. We talked to him for about 45 minutes a little longer than we wanted to but it's always good to meet new people. We then started to head north into YNP..





In my opinion the north end of the park is the best part. The views are second to none and there are less people up this way.  





After we left the gas station we saw a sign that said "Narrow winding road". You be the judge..




The speed limit in the park was 45MPH. I never felt the "Need for speed" going thru here. I mean, why?..


We eventually crossed the Yellowstone River









Getting close to the NorthEast entrance to the park.



Another river, I believe it is the Lamar River.

At this point we exited YNP and headed to Cooke City, MT. When we were talking to the guy from FLA he told us that the road from the NE Entrance to Cook City had been taken out by a slide. It was open just 4 miles of gravel, I hate gravel. The fact that it was gravel didn't bother me, it was the fear of getting a flat on either bike that worried me. But we made it to Cooke City without incident. We stopped at the Soda Butte Lodge for lunch but first we got gas, for the bikes.


Lunch for the bikes was here.


Lunch stop for us.

Then across the street for some merchandising.


The also had a few stuffed critters here.




CHZBRGR!!!!!!!!


Cooke City, Montana.

Then it was onward and upward to here.






We stopped at a place called the Top of the World general store.

This was just across the road from it.


Here's the sign. But the top of the world is actually down the road a bit.


THIS is the top of the world.


Chili was impressed, as was I.





This may be the only time that snow and our FJRs are on the road at the same time.


As we came around a corner like this one there was a car stopped in the middle of the road!   Good thing we weren't going fast otherwise it might have been painful. They did move up and pull off the road but why would you stop around a blind curve?


Just beautiful up here.

After reaching Red Lodge we turned east on MT-308. This was a nice road, fairly smooth and nice sweepers.


MT-308

We then came up on this.




The Smith Mine. It was abandoned after an accident that killed 23(?) miners.

We got into Cody about 7PM and got to our hotel. They had bears throughout the town like Chicago had cows sometime ago. This one was in front of our hotel.



By the visitors center


Careful buying a house here, it's a bear market. (ba-da-bum)


Buffalo Bills hotel, the Irma.


Keeping an eye on traffic.



Gettin a little honey.


And the Buffalo Bill historical center just a few blocks from our hotel. We did not get a chance to go thru it as some people said it takes a full day to see it all. We then went back to the hotel for a good nights sleep as tomorrow we would be heading out to the Chief Joesph byway.

[Grnarrowe]

An absolutely great report, can't wait to read the rest of it.  Someday I hope to do an epic bike trip like this.

Didn't happen to see my Mom working at the gift shop in the Old Faithful Inn did you?  She says lots of people on bikes this year.  I told her to keep an eye out for coffee drinking sport-tourers from Illinois and Wisconsin.

No we did not see her as we did not get a chance to get to the Inn. We did see someone with a name tag (Dorthy) and it was then that I remembered someone told us to look for her, we just didn't remember it was you. Next time you talk to your mom ask her if she was at Old Faithful about 2 PM to the right side of it. If she was then we were sitting right in front of her.

[cyclebabble]

Thanks for the great report!  If all goes according to plan I will be making my way out west at the end of the month.  I have been devouring ride reports that have anything to do with Wyoming, Colorado & South Dakota.

Thanks Again, looking forward to more!

Chris

[Ears]

Thanks for the great report!  If all goes according to plan I will be making my way out west at the end of the month.  I have been devouring ride reports that have anything to do with Wyoming, Colorado & South Dakota.

Thanks Again, looking forward to more!

Chris

Chris,
If you plan on doing any of the national parks, get the annual pass. It won't work for the state parks like Custer, but it's great for breezing thru the entrances of Yellowstone and Glacier. http://www.nps.gov  It worked for both of us, even tho we were on separate bikes.

[Grnarrowe]

Okay, let's see... What day is this?  OH YEA!!!

DAY 9

Todays route


Today was just a jaunt up the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway to Cooke City then back to Cody. We had wanted to go to the Grand Tetons but time & distance were against us.


The begining.






The road starts to climb almost as soon as you get on it. The curves here are not the tight curves you find up higher. And with the front tires cupped any frisky cornering or tight corners would be an adventure.







And there were some great views here too.


One overview on CJSH is the Dead Indian overlook. Why would you shoot the marker?


There is a road down there, see?


A local, he seemed to be unimpressed.




We could hear these two working the road, I bet they were having fun.




After leaving Dead Indian Overlook we came to a bridge that went over a deep gorge.


I forget the name of the bridge but the views were something else.




Looking down from the bridge.








You are here. How do they know????  


Beartooth from CJSH.



We got into Cooke City MT and had lunch at the Soda Butte Lodge again and got the same waitress. We could have gone back into Yellowstone then headed to the south entrance and gone to the Grand Tetons but we would have gotten there just in time to take a few pictures then leave to head back to Cody. Besides, there was no direct way back to Cody so we'll have to go back and get to the Grand Tetons another time.

After lunch we went back to the Chief Joesph Hwy and on back to Cody.


Yellowstone trading post in Cooke City. Got 3 t-shirts for $20 here.


More rushing water passing under CJH.




Saying goodbye to Beartooth.


Still some curves left to do.










 



Leaving the Shoshone forest along the Chief Joseph.


We saw these signs along some of the roads. We could not see where it was damaged. They should have these signs posted at all the border crossings when you come into Illinois, the roads here suck.


We don't see any damage from here...


or here.



Watch your food, I think Yogi is looking for a pic-a-nic basket.


The end.

It was back to Cody at this point. We wanted to have dinner at the Irma hotel. This is the hotel that Buffalo Bill built and named after his daughter. We had the prime rib buffette. Not bad but not all that great.


The bar at the Irma


Chili needed a booster seat for the bar.


The Irma Hotel.

After dinner we went back to our hotel and got everything ready to go in the morning. We would be doing almost 500 miles and we wanted to see the Little Big Horn and Devils Tower so a shower and some sleep would be the end of another great day.

To be continued yet again....

[Grnarrowe]

DAY 10

Today's route..


Today would start our journey home. For the most part we would be heading east. My original plan for today was to head east on US-14A to US-14 then to I-90 to The Little Big Horn. Then east on US-212 to Alzada MT then south to Devils Tower then onto Spearfish, SD. When we left The Little Big Horn and started to go east there was a road construction sign and one that said motorcycles consider alt route. So not knowing what the road was like I deiced to play it safe and head back east on I-90. This ended up taking us out of the way and adding time so by the time we got to the Devils Tower exit it was 6 PM and after a long hot day we decided to pass up DT. On a side note I think I saw it from the highway but I could be wrong.

On with the photos then.

We left Cody about 8 AM, gassed up the bikes, put air in the tires and headed east on US-14A. I chose this route cause it looked twisty on the map.  It was but I didn't figure on the elevation change.


For a while the land was flat but then we started to climb up some more mountains. The road had a 7% grade to it, at least that's what the sign said.



For some reason this road made me nervous. It looked like they were repairing it in some sections, it may have been damaged by a slide. As there was nothing on one side of the road and rock on the other side this may have been the cause of my nervousness, but the views from up here were fantastic.







Eventually the road flattened out and we were on a high plain, the temps were cooler up here and there was some snow up here as well.

We then started down the other side which did not bother me as much as going up. We saw the Fallen City,


which was a rock formation that had broken off and supposedly was to look like a city in ruins.


Looks like a bunch of rocks to me.







US-14 on the way down. This had some nice 180 turns to it coming down just before we got into Ranchester, WY where we stopped for lunch. We saw a VFR with FJR bags on it and it had Illinois plates on it. Anyone here?

After lunch we headed north to the Little big Horn.


We reentered Montana for the 735Th time, or so it seemed, to go here.



The site of Custer's last stand


Monument to the fallen 7Th Cav soldiers.


Markers show where the soldiers fell on that day.


Gen Custer fell here, he was reburied elsewhere, I forget where.


There were other markers scattered about as well.


There was also a memorial for the horses of the 7TH Cav.


There were these markers for the fallen Indian warriors.


And this piece of art. I forget it's exact meaning but it was a beautiful work of art.



Looking over the battlefield.


There also is a graveyard here. It includes some who fell in battle but it also has others, not sure of the exact details though.


This explains some of it.



After leaving The Little Big Horn and finding US-212 under construction we doubled back down I-90 where we reentered WY for the 984Th time, or so it seemed.



Alongside I-90. This about sums up our trip along I-90 through Wyoming to Spearfish, SD. By the time we got to the exit for Devils Tower it was about 6PM and we figured it would be too late to go see it. So we headed on into Spearfish for the night and our usual routine ensued, food, shower, sleep as we would have one more long & hot day to contend with.

To be continued......

[Grnarrowe]

And that long hot day would be...

DAY 11

Today's route..


This day would be the last day of curves and twistys, which would suck as we were becoming quite fond of them. Even though we had a few more days of travel left it was beginning to be a letdown(?) as we were on our way home.

First order of the day was breakfast at the hotel, hey it's free. We then got our gear loaded on the bikes and headed to Wal-e world for some water and a few other items. I got talking to a guy on a Connie while Vicki went in for our supplies. I forget where he was from but we talked about the differences of the Connie & the FJR and where we had been. Our next stop was for gas then onto Spearfish Caynon.


Another great road, US-16A


More beautiful views, and best of all..


Chili approved!  

We gotinto Deadwood and frankly we didn't see any reason to stop. So we headed south on US-385, I would have taken Nemo Road but it wasn't where I wanted to go, should have anyway but, oh well. The ride on 385 was as scenic as any we had been on. Not real twisty but just enough.


After a while we stopped here for a bathroom break and to take in the sights.










Our 3 intrepid travelers in this tale.



US-385 in South Dakota.

After leaving our little rest area, actually we left due to the underpowered, overpriced and overtly noisy V twins that entered the quiet rest area, we headed towards Custer and Iron Mountain Road thru Custer State Park. We had ridden this road last year but we did it at dusk  . I wouldn't recommend that but we had to get to Custer and well we got there. This time it was late morning when we got there and it was much better to do it in full daylight. Why? Cause the road does this a few times..


You start down here to get up above.


But you have to go around , to the left, more that 180 degrees. FUN STUFF!!  




Some views from under the bridge.

We got going again and after a short while we got stuck behind a car and a Murano. The Murano was slowing for EVERY corner and all I could think was "A Fool and his Murano..." Well the fool finally pulled off and the car in front of us, with Illinois plates, starts moving! Yea! Then for some reason after a few miles HE STARTS SLOWING DOWN!!! BOO!!! We pulled of into a pull out to let the bikes cool off as it was a hot day and thanks to fools like the ones above both bikes were running hot.

So it was picture taking time again!


Take the time




Even with the cloud cover it was hot.


Iron Mountain Road.




Me & Chili.


We did and we loved it.



Enough with the pictures, I NEED SOME LUNCH!!!

Chili was right it was time to go for some grub, but first we went to SD-87, Needles Hwy. We had done this last year but this time I only did 1 stop and that was at the visitors center by SD-89. Of course we ended up behind some knucklehead in a Prius(?) who couldn't drive the dam thing. Everytime a car would approach from the opposite direction he would slow down. At one point he did this in a corner, where he almost stopped!! I had my visor up and being the kind gentle sole that I am I yelled at him. My words of encouragement to him were "YOU DON'T STOP IN THE MIDDLED OF A CORNER YOU F@#$^%! IDIOT!!!" Luckily for me he had his window down and took these encouraging words to hart and started moving again. And guess what!? RIGHT, he pulled off into the VC also. Although I don't think he stuck around as 1) there were just a few places to park or 2) I was right behind him and he may have been a wee bit nervous. This wouldn't have been so bad but they just repaved SD-87 and it would have been a lot more fun without Mr Prius in the way.

After our merchandising stop, we bought 2 sweat shirts, we headed down SD-89 to US-16 then back south on SD-87 to the Blue Bell Resort for lunch. We had stopped here last year and it was so good that we stopped here again. And since 87 is twisty Thur here helped, also there was no traffic in front of us!  

Now if you remember about day 4 our front tires had cupped , going in a straight line was okay but any aggressive cornering was or could be an adventure, we were about to take an adventure. Due to the conditions, no traffic in front of us, a nice curvy road and add a couple of flatlanders and you get not one but TWO STNr's going into a 35MPH left hand curve at about 50MPH, WITH CUPPED TIRES no less!!! Both stayed upright but BOTH had an "OH SHIT!" moment. Now for me left hand turns were the adventure, I was having lots of fun when we came up to this left hand-er and I just went with it and realized I was going in TOO HOT!!! Did I panic, YES, for a split second then I kept telling myself "watch where you WANT to go and lean, lean, LEAN!! Now power power POWER your way thru, and holy cornering ability Batman it worked!! Did I slow down after this, NO WAY!!! THIS IS FUN!!!     Vicki had pretty much the same experience, had the front tires not been cupped it would not have been anything to write about. Just another meh moment.

We got to Blue Bell and had some Bison burgers which were very good.


Chili saddled up to the bar but we had to go. It was after 1 PM and we had to get to Mitchell, SD today so no ale for Chili.

After leaving Blue Bell and having an uneventful ride back up SD-87 to US-16 then East to SD-79 to I-90 we headed east. It was still hot but we were moving and we ended up here..


We had gone thru the Badlands last year but this time we were going west to east. There are some great views here also. If you haven't been to the Badlands you should go. Skip Wall Drug thou, it was a let down last year so we did not go this year.











It was HOT going thru the Badlands but we did have our water and we stayed hydrated. We then got back on the interstate and headed east to Mitchell, Sd where we would be stopping for the night. We made one stop for gas on the way to Mitchell.


The sun was going down and by the time we got top Mitchell it was 9PM. I missed the sign for the hotel as it was not lit up but we turned around without mishap and got checked in. We met a bunch of people on BMW's as they had stopped here on their way to Gillette, WY for the BMW rally. I guess this explains all the BMW's we were seeing.

By the time we got into our room we were to tired to go for food, so we had a pizza delivered. No not Di Gerono(SP?) Domino's, not the best pizza but after a long hot day it was better that starving, just.

Then it was time for a shower and some sleep. The next day would be hot but less miles as we were only going to Sparta, WI.


More to follow...

[Grnarrowe]

Lets finish this up, shall we?

DAY 12

Today's route..


Today would take us from Mitchell, SD to Sparta,WI. Since we used the slab there were very few photos taken.

We left Mitchell about 8 AM after getting some breakfast, remember it's free, some gas for the bikes and some ice & water for us. Again today would be a hot day going across SD, MN then into WI.

We stopped for a break after entering MN. At the rest area we were surprised to find it manned, we asked if all of them were and the guy said that some were, the major stops along the interstate I believe.

I also took time to check out the bug kill on the front of my FJR also.






Not a whole lot but most of that was from the beginning of the trip.

As we continued on thru MN it was HOT and I was just dreaming of the pool at the end of to days ride. I figured I would check in then walk on into the pool directly after checking in. BUT as we neared the WI border we could see clouds over Lacrosse(sp). As we got closer to the border we got under the clouds and it cooled off by about 15 to 20 degrees. This was welcomed. For a while it looked as if it might rain on us but we made it into Sparta, WI before any water started to fall from the sky.

When we got to the Super 8 I checked in while Vicki used the restroom. After getting the key for the room I went to check it out. This is what I found.


The front room..


The bedroom which had its VERY OWN Hot tub!


Chili & blue await the hot tub fill up.


It also had a fireplace.

Now you may be wondering what's a room like this doing in a Super 8, better yet what's it cost? I was pondering those very thoughts. I was surprised when I opened the door at first. After dropping my gear in the room I went out to get the rest of my stuff off the bike and by this time Vicki had exited the restroom so I took her to the room and said something like you wont believe this room. I then opened the door and she was amazed. There was a card on the back of the door which had the price of the room on it. According to this card this room ran $225 a night! Now I paid, with tax, are ya ready?? I paid $78.00!   That's right, $78 dollars for a suite at the Super 8 in Sparta, WI.  Stay there if you're passing thru. OH! There is a pool and hot tub for the masses to use but since we had our own hot tub..............

Thus ended Day 12 after dinner, shower & a relaxing soak in our PRIVATE hot tub.Tomorrow would find us back home after a good nights sleep


CHILI!!!!!!

DAY 13

The final route...


The last day of vacation dawned a bit over cast. It had rained a little last night after we got in. We also heard on the news that there had been some flooding in Lacrosse. The original plan was to take the back roads south and east to get home. But due to the rain we had had before we left we just slabbed it to US-12,hmmm. To bad US-12 thru WI isn't like it is in Idaho.

We left a little later this morning after the free breakfast, about 9 AM. We got into Lagrange, WI, one of the Region 4 haunts, where stopped for lunch. Now prior to stopping we knew we were home due to the slow moving cage in the left lane. US-12 goes from 4 lanes at I-94 where we picked it up down to 2 lanes then back to 4 for a short time then back to 2. Well where it opens up to 4 lanes this cager, going slow I might add, stays in the left lane even though there is a sign that says Slower traffic keep right. He didn't, he stayed planted in the left so we did the correct STN pass on the right while doing a wheelie and a head stand!  

Any way we got to our lunch stop





We also got some dessert for later.


I noticed that Chili is quite the chow hound and he may well have a drinking problem. It may be time for a Chili intervention. But enough about the troubles of an inanimate object.


The alphabit roads in WI are quite fun




Chili also rode a different kind of bike then it was homeward bound.

We got home about 1:30PM July,17 2008..

WITHOUT THE USE OF A TRUCK!!!!!!!!!!!      

Thus ends our vacation for 2008.

Overview:

Would I do this again?  YOU BET!!

What would I do differently?  I would do the route in the reverse order and maybe cut out going thru NV & UT. I would like to spend more time at Yellowstone and at Glacier National Parks. We did do most of the roads everyone has talked about,

Going to the Sun Hwy.  Check
Lolo Pass.  Check
Beartooth Pass. Check
Chief Joesph. Check
Rattle Snake Ridge. CHECK!

For those of you who live out that way you have some GREAT roads.
For those of you who are thinking about going out that way, STOP THINKING about it and just GO!

We had a great time and we hope to do another trip like this sometime in the future.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed the photos as much as we enjoyed taking them!  

[Hardware]

This is an awesome report...of an even more awesome trip!

I envy you both!

[Virginian]

Wonderful ride report and a good read while at work daydreaming!  
Thank you,
Eric

[wheatonFJR]

OUTSTANDING ride report there Pete.  

Glad the FJRs did better this time around.  Looks like you guys previewed my trip for next year.

[Orson]

Thanks for all the pictures  

Great report  

[Grnarrowe]

Thank you all for your comments, hope you can get out that way and ride the roads and see the sights we did.

One final note, about a week after getting home I took Vicki's bike down to get the front tire replaced, on the way down to the shop it started to rain. Light rain at first but 2 miles from the shop it started to POUR! With the vent on my helmet destroyed on day 2 by a rock flung into the air by a semi in Sask, Canada, this let more than the usual amount of water into my helmet.

I was going to try to wait until the end of the year to replace it but sine Jarrow, now Caberg does not have a US distributor it would be difficult to replace. At least you'd think so. Well Vicki found http://WWW.DESIGNERHELMETS.COM they are in the UK, Halifax to be a bit more specific. I ordered a new Caberg Justissimo GT and a week and a half later the postal person delivered it to my front door. I thought it would be at least 5 to 8 weeks before I got it, so a big to Designer Helmets. Price shiped to my door was $327.61 US plus my CC charged an additional $6.55 foreign transaction fee, so fo $344.16 I got the helmet I wanted.

It is much quietier that my Jarrow and looks a whole lot better, see?


The new, complete with top vent cover


The old, without.


Side by side.

With the top vent closed I do get a whistling noise at some speeds but a much better helmet overall.

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

Time to add video mounted to the bike Pete.  

[Oddball]

Nice report.  Don't know how I missed it, but you sucked me in with Westward Ho 2 or How to ALMOST end a vacation before it starts.  Now I'll go read the rest of that one.

[Heath3n]

Nice report.  Don't know how I missed it, but you sucked me in with Westward Ho 2 or How to ALMOST end a vacation before it starts.  Now I'll go read the rest of that one.

Same here! This was great report w/ beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing!

[Ramseybella]

I love epic tours like this. Magical and Stunning!

Your report was what makes me want to ride the world.

My last Epic was Santa Fe, NM to Idaho Falls, West Yellowstone, Grand Tetons south to Grand Junction to Ouray Colorado then back to Santa Fe.

I wanted to do more but the weather turned on me last part of the ride.

Loved every minute of it even 112 degrees in Moab, UT late July.

Hoping to do Redwoods and back to Yellowstone again this new season, God willing.

Thank you again for sharing your cool Odyssey.

http://goo.gl/maps/X4mqz


View Larger Map

[flips21]

A great read for the middle of winter.  

Thanks