escapefjrtist
Searching for Dry Roads
Very nice RR and pics KJ, keep it coming!
--G
--G
'datree Amigo's; justa Strut'n down the ROCKIES!
- Thread starter Top_Speed1
- Start date
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Top_Speed1
Panama Canal Crosser
Thanks guys!, I enjoy and soak up everyone else's wonderful journey's so now it's time to give back 
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Day 5) Weds 7/22 Gillette WY to Bozeman MT [map]: https://mapq.st/1Auqhab [489.4mi, 9hr-16min Seat Time] Upper Blue on map
Today was to be an almost 500mi day. Not a problem normally, but, this was to include Yellowstone Nat'l Park and the traffic within. I was pretty nervous about this when planning. I tried to book rooms close to the perimeter of Yellowstone, but $225/rooms were the low-side, some were boasting $349+ range and when we wanted 3 rooms? (1ea to ourselves), ferrrr-get-it!
Also in my planning was to get the Beartooth Hwy in on the next day prior to going to Billings for 3 days and a Bike Rally that we would attend. It all worked out very well, but it was a longggg day! Let's get it started, 6am,.... of course!
Coming North/West out of Gillette WY, I decided to skip the easy I90 way, so up WY16 (turns into 14) we shall go...
Now cutting more West towards Sheridan, we start to get some glimpses of the Big Horn's
The Big Horn's Runway ;-) giddy-up dar lil ponies!
Let's climb!
Always look'n back for the other 2 Amigo's...
Still trying to seek out apogee... Smiles are so huge here tbh, I didn't want it to ever end!
A brief stop, almost atop the 'Horns, I was already slappy-happy with the views! but!, could there be even more?
So we climbed a little more, trying to soak in the scenery at the same time twist a little throttle. My dilemma was that I didn't want it to go by so fast I that couldn't remember! ...tough choice, so a little of both I said!
Made it with tons of smiles. I also knew this was to be nothing compared to the likes of 14K feet at Pikes Peek (at the end of our trip). So... we soaked up these 8-10K of elevations as a "teaser".
Onward we must go... and back down and out of the Big Horn Mtns...
Starting our decent...
It's now becoming clear that the West side of the Big Horns (on 14A) is the most beautiful side...
Are ya with me guys? ....ahhh yes! And try taking all this in, have a spirited ride on some sweet ass roads, and still manage the camera! ...yes, I was sober ... I had to be!
...with it's rock formations and desert like base. Wow, impressed would be an understatement!
After making this turn, I see somebody didn't fare as well, yikes!
Starting to mello down (somewhat).
And the 2 Harley guys we dusted off at well over 100? (and weren't exactly puttzing either!)... I'm sure we didn't get good reviews from them... and, I was still wanting (much) more throttle!... and did in a bit....
I can still snap pics at 100, but it get's put away in a minute (cuz I got the need fer some speed!)...
You have this ~5mile stretch going down between 2 waterways. Clear visibility, radar detector on full alert, I twist one up... I see Rick is following, Bob? well not so.
The camera was tucked away, we hit 136 on the GPS, dream-o-meter (Speedo read 145). I had more throttle to go, but with a full array of luggage I decided that was enough need for speed.... plus no Bob anywhere in my rearview. But, I did see Rick here upon slowing down under the 100 mark and starting to wait for Bob....
pic post limitations...
TBC
<---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
Day 5) Weds 7/22 Gillette WY to Bozeman MT [map]: https://mapq.st/1Auqhab [489.4mi, 9hr-16min Seat Time] Upper Blue on map
Today was to be an almost 500mi day. Not a problem normally, but, this was to include Yellowstone Nat'l Park and the traffic within. I was pretty nervous about this when planning. I tried to book rooms close to the perimeter of Yellowstone, but $225/rooms were the low-side, some were boasting $349+ range and when we wanted 3 rooms? (1ea to ourselves), ferrrr-get-it!
Also in my planning was to get the Beartooth Hwy in on the next day prior to going to Billings for 3 days and a Bike Rally that we would attend. It all worked out very well, but it was a longggg day! Let's get it started, 6am,.... of course!
Coming North/West out of Gillette WY, I decided to skip the easy I90 way, so up WY16 (turns into 14) we shall go...
Now cutting more West towards Sheridan, we start to get some glimpses of the Big Horn's
The Big Horn's Runway ;-) giddy-up dar lil ponies!
Let's climb!
Always look'n back for the other 2 Amigo's...
Still trying to seek out apogee... Smiles are so huge here tbh, I didn't want it to ever end!
A brief stop, almost atop the 'Horns, I was already slappy-happy with the views! but!, could there be even more?
So we climbed a little more, trying to soak in the scenery at the same time twist a little throttle. My dilemma was that I didn't want it to go by so fast I that couldn't remember!
...tough choice, so a little of both I said!
Made it with tons of smiles. I also knew this was to be nothing compared to the likes of 14K feet at Pikes Peek (at the end of our trip). So... we soaked up these 8-10K of elevations as a "teaser".
Onward we must go... and back down and out of the Big Horn Mtns...
Starting our decent...
It's now becoming clear that the West side of the Big Horns (on 14A) is the most beautiful side...
Are ya with me guys? ....ahhh yes! And try taking all this in, have a spirited ride on some sweet ass roads, and still manage the camera! ...yes, I was sober
... I had to be!
...with it's rock formations and desert like base. Wow, impressed would be an understatement!
After making this turn, I see somebody didn't fare as well, yikes!
Starting to mello down (somewhat).
And the 2 Harley guys we dusted off at well over 100? (and weren't exactly puttzing either!)... I'm sure we didn't get good reviews from them... and, I was still wanting (much) more throttle!... and did in a bit....
I can still snap pics at 100, but it get's put away in a minute (cuz I got the need fer some speed!)...
You have this ~5mile stretch going down between 2 waterways. Clear visibility, radar detector on full alert, I twist one up... I see Rick is following, Bob? well not so.
The camera was tucked away, we hit 136 on the GPS, dream-o-meter (Speedo read 145). I had more throttle to go, but with a full array of luggage I decided that was enough need for speed.... plus no Bob anywhere in my rearview. But, I did see Rick here upon slowing down under the 100 mark and starting to wait for Bob....
pic post limitations...
TBC
Top_Speed1
Panama Canal Crosser
Now saying goodbye to the Big Horns' :-(
And the 130+ Speeds...
This fast straight-away flushes into Big Horn Lake (14A goes right thru the middle of it). A (cho-choo) train ahead makes for the perfect stoppage to let Bob find us... and he did, it took about 5 minutes ;-)
Lovel WY is about 5mi West of the reservoir, so we seek a gas station and a snack stop...
... After Lovel and heading to Cody... kinda bland, well, after what we just went through with the 'Horns anyways.
Still interesting enough for me to snap some moving pics...
Ahhh Cody! Beautiful Cody! And we sure needed a PB!, and, lunch was very much on the fellas agenda
When ya got a full bladder, you kinda pick the 1st spot that isn't a FF restaurant... this looked homemade enough for me!
Lunch was good, but not worthy of FP pics however. A ride thru Cody and outta town heading towards Yellowstone! (WY 14/16).
Oh no, not another tunnel!... Okay, this one looks much bigger than the Needle's Tunnel...
Exiting the tunnel... was grand! I know these pics just don't have the depth, but in person we were floored by these views...
Water shots are of the Buffalo Bill Reservoir, just West of Cody (You have to ride this stretch, wowa kazunga!)...
Sheep Mountain is in the far background. (don't get too excited you sheep herders)
Glorious road and ride, great views to the left and right....
These shots^ were all several miles apart, so the views keep you perky and waiting for what is next...
And then every once n awhile, you'll get a WFT moment thrown in there...
I'd say it 'mellow's down' getting down into the Yellowstne Valley, but that creek flowing towards and into the enormous Yellowstone Lake, makes for some great ride along company.
And we finally caught some traffic, but, nothing we couldn't pass, and quite easily
Entered Yellowstone...
Yellowstone Lake is BIG. Takes a few fun miles to wrap around it. We saw plenty of the burned out tree also from years back. Still has an ugly effect, Forest Fires Suck! So here's our first glimpse's of the lake...
I tried to be efficient and have our "leg stretchers" also as our Kodak moments. Worked most of the time
A little further down the road, we will get in another Lake stop/photo op however...
The distant Mtns (over the lake) looked so impressive, not so in the pics however :-( One thing to remember, we are at 8,000 ft already (lake level). Just a thought to throw in there...
Rick is looking at his YS map for "Old Faithful"... hehe, silly Rick, I already had this in our route. But... I let him check it out, entertained him as well I guess.
Heading from the Lake over to Old Faithful, we ran into road construction. Bad! They laid down the fresh hot tar, grated on the stones and told us to head out over them. It sucked moose bawlz!... and for like 5 miles! I have pics but I don't wanna be reminded of it!
Yellowstone Nat'l Park
TBC
And the 130+ Speeds...
This fast straight-away flushes into Big Horn Lake (14A goes right thru the middle of it). A (cho-choo) train ahead makes for the perfect stoppage to let Bob find us... and he did, it took about 5 minutes ;-)
Lovel WY is about 5mi West of the reservoir, so we seek a gas station and a snack stop...
... After Lovel and heading to Cody... kinda bland, well, after what we just went through with the 'Horns anyways.
Still interesting enough for me to snap some moving pics...
Ahhh Cody! Beautiful Cody! And we sure needed a PB!, and, lunch was very much on the fellas agenda
When ya got a full bladder, you kinda pick the 1st spot that isn't a FF restaurant... this looked homemade enough for me!
Lunch was good, but not worthy of FP pics however. A ride thru Cody and outta town heading towards Yellowstone! (WY 14/16).
Oh no, not another tunnel!... Okay, this one looks much bigger than the Needle's Tunnel...
Exiting the tunnel... was grand! I know these pics just don't have the depth, but in person we were floored by these views...
Water shots are of the Buffalo Bill Reservoir, just West of Cody (You have to ride this stretch, wowa kazunga!)...
Sheep Mountain is in the far background. (don't get too excited you sheep herders)
Glorious road and ride, great views to the left and right....
These shots^ were all several miles apart, so the views keep you perky and waiting for what is next...
And then every once n awhile, you'll get a WFT moment thrown in there...
I'd say it 'mellow's down' getting down into the Yellowstne Valley, but that creek flowing towards and into the enormous Yellowstone Lake, makes for some great ride along company.
And we finally caught some traffic, but, nothing we couldn't pass, and quite easily
Entered Yellowstone...
Yellowstone Lake is BIG. Takes a few fun miles to wrap around it. We saw plenty of the burned out tree also from years back. Still has an ugly effect, Forest Fires Suck! So here's our first glimpse's of the lake...
I tried to be efficient and have our "leg stretchers" also as our Kodak moments. Worked most of the time
A little further down the road, we will get in another Lake stop/photo op however...
The distant Mtns (over the lake) looked so impressive, not so in the pics however :-( One thing to remember, we are at 8,000 ft already (lake level). Just a thought to throw in there...
Rick is looking at his YS map for "Old Faithful"... hehe, silly Rick, I already had this in our route. But... I let him check it out, entertained him as well I guess.
Heading from the Lake over to Old Faithful, we ran into road construction. Bad! They laid down the fresh hot tar, grated on the stones and told us to head out over them. It sucked moose bawlz!... and for like 5 miles! I have pics but I don't wanna be reminded of it!
Yellowstone Nat'l Park
TBC
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Top_Speed1
Panama Canal Crosser
Con't ^
Old Faithful is only a 25mi ride from the lake shore. You get close, you start to smell the sulfur
The surrounding walk and walk-ways all feature steaming bubbly little "eruptors" (can't really deem these as geyser's?)
Walking around, waiting for Ole Faithful (on the hour eruptions), Bob and I were checking things all out. One thing that was kind of cute, all these "bubblers" had names and name tags to boot.
You probably could spend literally a whole day here, we chose to preview the small geysers and when the "big one" hit, we're outta here! (well, so we thought!)
So knowing Old Faithful was to blow at 3:15pm, Bob and myself hurried back to the bleachers where Rick was saving our spot. Yes, they actually have a crowd that lines up every hour to watch the big money shot ;-)
*** INSERT OUR SEATS HERE ***
So, Old Faithful looks like this for 55 minutes out of the hour...
.........
......
...
.
Okay, enough foreplay, let's get to the Money Shot!....
Now some of you may want a cigarette, maybe it's sleepy time especailly now that the big shew has ended. I guess those 'money shots' are not all what they are cracked up to be, BUT!, this one was pretty darn cool. I gotta say, I'm glad I did it, and, it is now officially checked off my bucket-list (or is it a Bike-it-list?)
Traveling North on 191, we kept on seeing geysers... everywhere! Man, we were not in Kansas anymore!
Pretty neat surroundings but since we did a lighter lunch, we boyz were hungry!...So, I was hoping for dinner soon!... maybe?
More geyser stops along the way, we passed on these...
Catching back up to the OF geyser "let out traffic". Not good, don't they know we are starving!?
Getting close to the YS Park West Exit (well Entrance of course for some).
On exit, Bob wants to get the semi-mandatory signage pic... I oblige!
But then upon mounting up? Came some very dark clouds. Out of nowhere! And bammmmm, started out as rain but quickly went to hail. Damn, that was quite a shock going from Steamer's and mid 80's to marble sized Hail. We went went through it across 20 to West Yellowstone (town). It had stopped just before we entered the quaint little town (looked expensive however!). FOOD was on our mind!
I found a place called 'The Buffalo' it was right in town, very convenient. But, It was packed, we only waited about 5 mins however for a table, not too shabby at all! I had the Prime Rib M/R, pretty tasty after all that tourist crap we just packed in!
We still had 85mi up to Bozeman where we were to bed down for the night. It was nearing dark, I was not wanting to navigate around or even worse (through) the night time critters that this place would and could omit. Yikes! Let's go boyz!
Now on the outskirts of Bozeman, cutting it close! Our Days Inn was greeting us in pretty much complete darkness. The latest by any of our legs on this journey... but oh was it worth it!!
happy campers, all 3 Amigo's! KJ cracked open a couple Beers for the nightcap. I think Bob and Rick crashed, as I didn't see them till morning!
Up next... Beartooth Hwy (the whole leg; from Yellowstone over)
TBC
Old Faithful is only a 25mi ride from the lake shore. You get close, you start to smell the sulfur
The surrounding walk and walk-ways all feature steaming bubbly little "eruptors" (can't really deem these as geyser's?)
Walking around, waiting for Ole Faithful (on the hour eruptions), Bob and I were checking things all out. One thing that was kind of cute, all these "bubblers" had names and name tags to boot.
You probably could spend literally a whole day here, we chose to preview the small geysers and when the "big one" hit, we're outta here! (well, so we thought!)
So knowing Old Faithful was to blow at 3:15pm, Bob and myself hurried back to the bleachers where Rick was saving our spot. Yes, they actually have a crowd that lines up every hour to watch the big money shot ;-)
*** INSERT OUR SEATS HERE ***
So, Old Faithful looks like this for 55 minutes out of the hour...
.........
......
...
.
Okay, enough foreplay, let's get to the Money Shot!....
Now some of you may want a cigarette, maybe it's sleepy time especailly now that the big shew has ended. I guess those 'money shots' are not all what they are cracked up to be, BUT!, this one was pretty darn cool. I gotta say, I'm glad I did it, and, it is now officially checked off my bucket-list (or is it a Bike-it-list?)
Traveling North on 191, we kept on seeing geysers... everywhere! Man, we were not in Kansas anymore!
Pretty neat surroundings
but since we did a lighter lunch, we boyz were hungry!...So, I was hoping for dinner soon!... maybe?
More geyser stops along the way, we passed on these...
Catching back up to the OF geyser "let out traffic". Not good, don't they know we are starving!?
Getting close to the YS Park West Exit (well Entrance of course for some).
On exit, Bob wants to get the semi-mandatory signage pic... I oblige!
But then upon mounting up? Came some very dark clouds. Out of nowhere! And bammmmm, started out as rain but quickly went to hail. Damn, that was quite a shock going from Steamer's and mid 80's to marble sized Hail. We went went through it across 20 to West Yellowstone (town). It had stopped just before we entered the quaint little town (looked expensive however!). FOOD was on our mind!
I found a place called 'The Buffalo' it was right in town, very convenient. But, It was packed, we only waited about 5 mins however for a table, not too shabby at all! I had the Prime Rib M/R, pretty tasty after all that tourist crap we just packed in!
We still had 85mi up to Bozeman where we were to bed down for the night. It was nearing dark, I was not wanting to navigate around or even worse (through) the night time critters that this place would and could omit. Yikes! Let's go boyz!
Now on the outskirts of Bozeman, cutting it close! Our Days Inn was greeting us in pretty much complete darkness. The latest by any of our legs on this journey... but oh was it worth it!!
happy campers, all 3 Amigo's! KJ cracked open a couple Beers for the nightcap. I think Bob and Rick crashed, as I didn't see them till morning!Up next... Beartooth Hwy (the whole leg; from Yellowstone over)
TBC
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Nice!!
escapefjrtist
Searching for Dry Roads
Recognize many of those roads / pics from our trip to Spearfish in June...nice routing KJ!
--G
--G
Niehart
Pie Smuggler
+1Recognize many of those roads / pics from our trip to Spearfish in June...nice routing KJ!
--G
We even ate at the same place. Food was okay but the ancient waitress was too funny.
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Top_Speed1
Panama Canal Crosser
Funny!!! and I'll have to pass this on to the boyz as I think we had the same comical waitress! she was a hoot!+1Recognize many of those roads / pics from our trip to Spearfish in June...nice routing KJ!
--G
We even ate at the same place. Food was okay but the ancient waitress was too funny.
hppants
Well-known member
Really enjoying this ride report. More please....
Top_Speed1
Panama Canal Crosser
Day 6) Thurs 7/23 Bozeman MT to Billings MT (map): https://mapq.st/1vTVbVr [285.5mi, 5hr-32min Seat Time] Magenta (top one) on map:
This was to be our shortest of our 16-day venture, reasoning was to get to Billings and check-in for our 3 day stay (yes! finally no 1 and done's) and wander over to the Metraplex for the MOA Rally by mid-afternoon-ish... hoping anyways!. So today was just the "Beartooth Hwy". But we were to do the whole leg of it as we already had the Yellowstone passes, so why not I thought?
Rick was wanting to hit Mammoth Springs & Falls, so I put this on our route that would be on our ways to the Beartooth coming in from the West anyways. Made sense, plus you just don't get this kind of stuff on the East Coast (so), why not take it in!?
In full gear, the guys want to climb up the stairs... all the way! Well, it was still early (7:30am by this time) do I said why not?
Not thinking of the altitude (around 8+K ft) I ventured with them... my mistake!
We met a fellow rider and his Son... rode from Venezuela! ...and going to the same Rally as us.
Huffing and puffing with sweat rolling down my back, my dry wicking shirt was to now be "wicked", el natural!
Rick now saying "he's seen enough!"
212 Stretch West; through North Yellowstone
I constantly check the map and our current location within the .gpx loop. The built-in GPS is great, but the 2D overall view is best for keeping track of our progress!
And I'm keeping my eye's straight ahead as well...
Prior to climbing the Beartooth Zig-Zag, it's kinda rolling stuff with a background looking over the almost plains like tundra
Oh boy, I see a bunch of Bills...
Rolling down (from I90 to 89 South) to North Yellowstone, then to 212 prior to the left turn-off that becomes the 212 Beartooth... and, we find critters! Usually if you see a wad of vehicles, it's usually because of critters. These were the Buffalo type, and everyone had to slow stop and drool (of course).
So waiting in line, I had about 4 cars ahead of me, and Bill decides to come out to teh road and align right up with me! WTF! I yell over to Rick asking him if he's seeing this, he yell's out "Yeah! they're like Bulls, they don't like your Red Bike!" I'm like holy sh**, are you serious!? I see the Bulls hoof start to do the "ready set go" motion, like trying to get traction.... The camera was put away sorry!... I yelled over to Rick to pull up in front of me to run interference. Yeah right, he's shakes his head no. Luckily... Bill started going back down to the grass. Now I'm a big guy, but no match for Bill! Dang, I was lucky... and technically Bill, my bike is Orange. JS'NS!
Bye bye Bill!
Okay, enough of the 4 legged animal crap, let's get outta here!...
Coming up: Zig-Zagging our way up and down the 'Tooth
TBC
This was to be our shortest of our 16-day venture, reasoning was to get to Billings and check-in for our 3 day stay (yes! finally no 1 and done's) and wander over to the Metraplex for the MOA Rally by mid-afternoon-ish... hoping anyways!. So today was just the "Beartooth Hwy". But we were to do the whole leg of it as we already had the Yellowstone passes, so why not I thought?
Rick was wanting to hit Mammoth Springs & Falls, so I put this on our route that would be on our ways to the Beartooth coming in from the West anyways. Made sense, plus you just don't get this kind of stuff on the East Coast (so), why not take it in!?
In full gear, the guys want to climb up the stairs... all the way! Well, it was still early (7:30am by this time) do I said why not?
Not thinking of the altitude (around 8+K ft) I ventured with them... my mistake!
We met a fellow rider and his Son... rode from Venezuela! ...and going to the same Rally as us.
Huffing and puffing with sweat rolling down my back, my dry wicking shirt was to now be "wicked", el natural!
Rick now saying "he's seen enough!"
212 Stretch West; through North Yellowstone
I constantly check the map and our current location within the .gpx loop. The built-in GPS is great, but the 2D overall view is best for keeping track of our progress!
And I'm keeping my eye's straight ahead as well...
Prior to climbing the Beartooth Zig-Zag, it's kinda rolling stuff with a background looking over the almost plains like tundra
Oh boy, I see a bunch of Bills...
Rolling down (from I90 to 89 South) to North Yellowstone, then to 212 prior to the left turn-off that becomes the 212 Beartooth... and, we find critters! Usually if you see a wad of vehicles, it's usually because of critters. These were the Buffalo type, and everyone had to slow stop and drool (of course).
So waiting in line, I had about 4 cars ahead of me, and Bill decides to come out to teh road and align right up with me! WTF! I yell over to Rick asking him if he's seeing this, he yell's out "Yeah! they're like Bulls, they don't like your Red Bike!" I'm like holy sh**, are you serious!? I see the Bulls hoof start to do the "ready set go" motion, like trying to get traction.... The camera was put away sorry!... I yelled over to Rick to pull up in front of me to run interference. Yeah right, he's shakes his head no. Luckily... Bill started going back down to the grass. Now I'm a big guy, but no match for Bill! Dang, I was lucky... and technically Bill, my bike is Orange. JS'NS!
Bye bye Bill!
Okay, enough of the 4 legged animal crap, let's get outta here!...
Coming up: Zig-Zagging our way up and down the 'Tooth
TBC
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hppants
Well-known member
I was hoping for a buffalo story!!!
beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
Redfish Hunter
Gone Fishing
This is Damned Good Stuff! I have been waiting to read this one at home with a few beers and I am really enjoying it. Thanks for taking the effort, I know how much work goes into a Ride Report like this.
A few Redfish Thoughts...
1. Your friend Rick is skinny and weak. If my body was that puny I would be shooting steroids with a Cajun Injector Marinade Needle.
2. Your BMW looks really, really good. We saw one like yours in Montana last month (truck, family vacation) and Pop asked me what it was. He said it looked like something he would like to ride. I agreed with him.
3. The "After Old Faithful I gotta leave NOW crowd" is a pain in the ass. As Old Faithful was gushing and the crowd was yelling, my 11 year old son was looking confused. He asked me, "Where are the fireworks? You said it was gonna Go Off!" I tried to explain it and he said, "But Daddy, that is just a lot of water. What is the Big Deal?" I am still not sure which one of us actually Got It.
4. We enjoyed Yellowstone but Grand Teton just South of there is prettier.
5. Keep going. You sure have my attention.
A few Redfish Thoughts...
1. Your friend Rick is skinny and weak. If my body was that puny I would be shooting steroids with a Cajun Injector Marinade Needle.
2. Your BMW looks really, really good. We saw one like yours in Montana last month (truck, family vacation) and Pop asked me what it was. He said it looked like something he would like to ride. I agreed with him.
3. The "After Old Faithful I gotta leave NOW crowd" is a pain in the ass. As Old Faithful was gushing and the crowd was yelling, my 11 year old son was looking confused. He asked me, "Where are the fireworks? You said it was gonna Go Off!" I tried to explain it and he said, "But Daddy, that is just a lot of water. What is the Big Deal?" I am still not sure which one of us actually Got It.
4. We enjoyed Yellowstone but Grand Teton just South of there is prettier.
5. Keep going. You sure have my attention.
Top_Speed1
Panama Canal Crosser
Thanks guys! It's coming... I did get very entertained by Andrews overview^
...Tetons coming up later and agree!
....and Don, maybe you'll get the Debbie Bikini pics in person at EOM (if they have a pool?)
....and Don, maybe you'll get the Debbie Bikini pics in person at EOM (if they have a pool?)
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Top_Speed1
Panama Canal Crosser
CON'T
Day 6) Thurs 7/23 Bozeman MT to Billings MT (map): https://mapq.st/1vTVbVr [285.5mi, 5hr-32min Seat Time] Magenta (top one) on map:
Getting past the fear of being charged by a Buffalo Bill, we had altitude in mind, and besides, my iPad was starting to show the zig-zags were getting close!... still some minor climbing (easily at 8K already here)
Road was getting wet, I'm thinking not really rain as much as just being up in the clouds.
Kinda tough looking at everything, finding your line; as you do wanna have some fun too!, but then again, I also have the darn camera. There was more than a few times I got a 'HS moment' and had to ditch the freeze-frames.
The very "peak" was too cloud-soaked, so after apogee we descend down to just below the layer
Packed to the gill for 16 days, it would of been nice to rip these roads up more is sport mode, but still fun and... did I mention? COLD! (36F here)
'Getting High' poser... and, shameless only because it's not a selfie! ;-)
The peak that I mentioned (cloud covered) is in the B/G, so we came from that direction (West).
At that last stop, Rick states that there is a better vantage point (yep, he's been here before) and, he thinks it may be in the clear from the clouds. So, I suggest that he take the lead. I (now) get a shot back then at Bob! Hey, new sight for me! "Haven't seen ya much on this trip ole buddy!"
My head is on a swivel, so much to take in...
First time all trip that I didn't have to lead, kinda nice watching someone else's line for a change and correcting/learning from that. Nice!
Rick finds a pull over lookout, but after stopping he states in not the one. But, still good enough, plus they had bathrooms for a much need PB.
Guess chipmunks don't mine the 10K altitude
Terrible views here btw Rick! ;-)
Going back down the BearTooth (heading East towards Red Lodge for lunch) a little more agressive, so the camera was tucked away. I think the preferred routing would be to ride this great road going both ways. Unfortunately, we only did it going from West to East. A revisit is in order down form the Zigs.... camera back out...
Weather was funny, in and out clouds, changed rapidly. Red Lodge for lunch is only about 5mi from the base of the Mtn. Here, looking back at the base and of course my brew crew..
In Red Lodge, the weather was quite warm (again). It seemed like all we were doing was putting layers on, taking them off and repeat. But, who cares?, this place was awesome-in-esses! Pretty cool town to boot as well!
Observing the many of food holes in town, we chose..
And per the waitress' recommendation, I had the Tex-Mex slop plate. Pretty good but can't rank it as any top food-porn of the trip.
I had to get the boyz to our Motel... (Billings is a quick hr ride North of Red Lodge), so we needed to check-in and head to the Rally in Billings. I organized a "K16 Owners Group" within the overall Rally. So we were like a sub-group within the other almost 6K bikes. We had 44 signed up my website, and, 1 special one was of canine nature!. I did name tags and lanyards for our group as well, yep, Tobi gets one as a pillion! (2BikersAndABorderCollie)
Tobi's custom RDL seat! ;-)
Beer Beer Beer time! You can bring your own in, and, I did! A Rally Report coming up, and yes, I spotted more than 1 gorgeous 2014 Red FJR here! (pics or it didn't happen of course!)
TBC
Day 6) Thurs 7/23 Bozeman MT to Billings MT (map): https://mapq.st/1vTVbVr [285.5mi, 5hr-32min Seat Time] Magenta (top one) on map:
Getting past the fear of being charged by a Buffalo Bill, we had altitude in mind, and besides, my iPad was starting to show the zig-zags were getting close!... still some minor climbing (easily at 8K already here)
Road was getting wet, I'm thinking not really rain as much as just being up in the clouds.
Kinda tough looking at everything, finding your line; as you do wanna have some fun too!, but then again, I also have the darn camera. There was more than a few times I got a 'HS moment' and had to ditch the freeze-frames.
The very "peak" was too cloud-soaked, so after apogee we descend down to just below the layer
Packed to the gill for 16 days, it would of been nice to rip these roads up more is sport mode, but still fun and... did I mention? COLD! (36F here)
'Getting High' poser... and, shameless only because it's not a selfie! ;-)
The peak that I mentioned (cloud covered) is in the B/G, so we came from that direction (West).
At that last stop, Rick states that there is a better vantage point (yep, he's been here before) and, he thinks it may be in the clear from the clouds. So, I suggest that he take the lead. I (now) get a shot back then at Bob! Hey, new sight for me! "Haven't seen ya much on this trip ole buddy!"
My head is on a swivel, so much to take in...
First time all trip that I didn't have to lead, kinda nice watching someone else's line for a change and correcting/learning from that. Nice!
Rick finds a pull over lookout, but after stopping he states in not the one. But, still good enough, plus they had bathrooms for a much need PB.
Guess chipmunks don't mine the 10K altitude
Terrible views here btw Rick! ;-)
Going back down the BearTooth (heading East towards Red Lodge for lunch) a little more agressive, so the camera was tucked away. I think the preferred routing would be to ride this great road going both ways. Unfortunately, we only did it going from West to East. A revisit is in order
down form the Zigs.... camera back out...
Weather was funny, in and out clouds, changed rapidly. Red Lodge for lunch is only about 5mi from the base of the Mtn. Here, looking back at the base and of course my brew crew..
In Red Lodge, the weather was quite warm (again). It seemed like all we were doing was putting layers on, taking them off and repeat. But, who cares?, this place was awesome-in-esses! Pretty cool town to boot as well!
Observing the many of food holes in town, we chose..
And per the waitress' recommendation, I had the Tex-Mex slop plate. Pretty good but can't rank it as any top food-porn of the trip.
I had to get the boyz to our Motel... (Billings is a quick hr ride North of Red Lodge), so we needed to check-in and head to the Rally in Billings. I organized a "K16 Owners Group" within the overall Rally. So we were like a sub-group within the other almost 6K bikes. We had 44 signed up my website, and, 1 special one was of canine nature!. I did name tags and lanyards for our group as well, yep, Tobi gets one as a pillion! (2BikersAndABorderCollie)
Tobi's custom RDL seat! ;-)
Beer Beer Beer time! You can bring your own in, and, I did! A Rally Report coming up, and yes, I spotted more than 1 gorgeous 2014 Red FJR here! (pics or it didn't happen of course!)
TBC
escapefjrtist
Searching for Dry Roads
Nice ride KJ! We rode BT opposite of you beginning in Red Lodge, nevertheless great sights in either direction!
--G
--G
Top_Speed1
Panama Canal Crosser
Day 7) Fri 7/24 Billings MT (MOA Rally)
Getting up in the morning and not having to pack back up for another Motel change was refreshing, and 3 nites at one Motel was going to be pretty sweet! So, this Friday was quite warm, even in the mid-morning I was already thinking of refreshments, adult wise of course...
We started our K16 lineup here daily. It wasn't as nice as a place as Minneapolis was, not nearly, but we made dooo
Some sights of our (smaller than Minneapolis diggs) but quite adequate; MetraPark surroundings...
There was plenty of entertainment to be had...
https://vid105.photobucket.com/albums/m215/gokartsrus/BMW/MOA/MOA15/Day7%20Fri%207%2024%20Billings%20MT%20MOA/20150724_134627_zpsojkbnaeg.mp4
and more...
https://vid105.photobucket.com/albums/m215/gokartsrus/BMW/MOA/MOA15/Day7%20Fri%207%2024%20Billings%20MT%20MOA/20150724_135031_zpsosvrj8bt.mp4
Being an FJR guy at heart, I seek out and find those by nature. I find 2 gorgeous '14s justa hanging around?... but, could not find any owners to chat with! :-(
And another...
It was getting close to Noon and getting hot out! The mid 90's were making me thirsty! (Okay, mid anything gets me thirsty!). So I suggest to the guys we go into town to find some local Breweries and do our own "Pub Crawl". Rick mentions that he wants to visit Carters. I'm good with it, my only request was the Montana Brewing Co. So, off to Carters for some appetizers...
Rick, being a brand new proud Grandpa, finds the right attire.
Bob was AWOL when we made these Pub Crawl plans. But Tim (from Arizona) wanted in, he fit right in with us knuckleheads, and quite well at that!
KJ (topspeed) - Rick (pura vida) -Tim (C4)
I started out with a sampler of "off the wall" selections... I then "settled" for a pint of Amber (pic'd far right)
Next up was my selection...
This place is huge, inside and outside. Right on one of the main drags in downtown Billings. Beautiful neighborhood!
We went for the air-conditioning, but had a wide variety and brisk moving crowd going by us for entertainment.
We all bought a round, what was to be only one!, turned out to be a few. Super-fun and we were just laughing our ***** off (at probably nothing?) but it was just 'one of those times!' ;-) and.... Friday's happy hour at the MBC Rocks! All 3 of us nutjobs will heavily endorse this place!
There's a story here (of course there is!). On our way up the Big Horn's on a very sharp sweeper, I come across this guy flying downhill at me towing a canoe (so I thought at that blurry and quick moment). It was a left tune for me, he was coming at me and I "really" thought" that dang canoe was going to not make the grip and turn. All's I could think of was 'windshiled wipers".
We made it, barely. But out of the blue I see this guy (correct bike, canoe was blue as well) So, I flagged this guy down when I saw him at the Rally. Sure enough, it was him on that date and time. I wanted to kick his ass at that time, now coming back from our Pub Crawl (juiced!) I make friends with him! (note to kids) Alcohol is a terrible thing. Stay away from it! (And I know NOW, it was a kayak).
You can always tell if you are drinking?... you take stupid pictures of stupid stuff!
Steve (KCMOSteve) try's to shed some sensible (something?) upon us nitwits... not sure how well we could comprehend at this point, but sorry Steve... I'm sure it was good!
This is the beautiful Ms Vicki. She helped me hand out the registration name tags and lanyards, and who got the Blue or Blackie BMW one's. She did a great job (cudos!) and I always appreciate good help!. ..special thanks also to my buddy Matt for lending me his gorgeous wife.
The MOA organizers were nice enough to drop us off a big table and chairs, so basically we could party with our group out in the parking lot, and in front of our bike line-up. Love the parking lot socials!
We gained a few to our group as well!
My assistant, off duty now ;-)
[END OF FRIDAY]
TBC
Getting up in the morning and not having to pack back up for another Motel change was refreshing, and 3 nites at one Motel was going to be pretty sweet! So, this Friday was quite warm, even in the mid-morning I was already thinking of refreshments, adult wise of course...
We started our K16 lineup here daily. It wasn't as nice as a place as Minneapolis was, not nearly, but we made dooo
Some sights of our (smaller than Minneapolis diggs) but quite adequate; MetraPark surroundings...
There was plenty of entertainment to be had...
https://vid105.photobucket.com/albums/m215/gokartsrus/BMW/MOA/MOA15/Day7%20Fri%207%2024%20Billings%20MT%20MOA/20150724_134627_zpsojkbnaeg.mp4
and more...
https://vid105.photobucket.com/albums/m215/gokartsrus/BMW/MOA/MOA15/Day7%20Fri%207%2024%20Billings%20MT%20MOA/20150724_135031_zpsosvrj8bt.mp4
Being an FJR guy at heart, I seek out and find those by nature. I find 2 gorgeous '14s justa hanging around?... but, could not find any owners to chat with! :-(
And another...
It was getting close to Noon and getting hot out! The mid 90's were making me thirsty! (Okay, mid anything gets me thirsty!). So I suggest to the guys we go into town to find some local Breweries and do our own "Pub Crawl". Rick mentions that he wants to visit Carters. I'm good with it, my only request was the Montana Brewing Co. So, off to Carters for some appetizers...
Rick, being a brand new proud Grandpa, finds the right attire.
Bob was AWOL when we made these Pub Crawl plans. But Tim (from Arizona) wanted in, he fit right in with us knuckleheads, and quite well at that!
KJ (topspeed) - Rick (pura vida) -Tim (C4)
I started out with a sampler of "off the wall" selections... I then "settled" for a pint of Amber (pic'd far right)
Next up was my selection...
This place is huge, inside and outside. Right on one of the main drags in downtown Billings. Beautiful neighborhood!
We went for the air-conditioning, but had a wide variety and brisk moving crowd going by us for entertainment.
We all bought a round, what was to be only one!, turned out to be a few. Super-fun and we were just laughing our ***** off (at probably nothing?) but it was just 'one of those times!' ;-) and.... Friday's happy hour at the MBC Rocks! All 3 of us nutjobs will heavily endorse this place!
There's a story here (of course there is!). On our way up the Big Horn's on a very sharp sweeper, I come across this guy flying downhill at me towing a canoe (so I thought at that blurry and quick moment). It was a left tune for me, he was coming at me and I "really" thought" that dang canoe was going to not make the grip and turn. All's I could think of was 'windshiled wipers".
We made it, barely. But out of the blue I see this guy (correct bike, canoe was blue as well) So, I flagged this guy down when I saw him at the Rally. Sure enough, it was him on that date and time. I wanted to kick his ass at that time, now coming back from our Pub Crawl (juiced!) I make friends with him! (note to kids) Alcohol is a terrible thing. Stay away from it! (And I know NOW, it was a kayak).
You can always tell if you are drinking?... you take stupid pictures of stupid stuff!
Steve (KCMOSteve) try's to shed some sensible (something?) upon us nitwits... not sure how well we could comprehend at this point, but sorry Steve... I'm sure it was good!
This is the beautiful Ms Vicki. She helped me hand out the registration name tags and lanyards, and who got the Blue or Blackie BMW one's. She did a great job (cudos!) and I always appreciate good help!. ..special thanks also to my buddy Matt for lending me his gorgeous wife.
The MOA organizers were nice enough to drop us off a big table and chairs, so basically we could party with our group out in the parking lot, and in front of our bike line-up. Love the parking lot socials!
We gained a few to our group as well!
My assistant, off duty now ;-)
[END OF FRIDAY]
TBC
bigjohnsd
2021 BMW R1250GSA
Nice RR, sorry we missed you in Spearfish. Next time you're here I'll show you the great roads, you rode some of the good ones.
TomInPA
Well-known member
Enjoying the trip report K.J. I've been to many of those places, and you seem to have packed in a lot in a little time.
Thanks for the update on the trip report KJ. I was starting to go through withdrawal having not seen an update in days.
