Pretty pics. The one thing I wanted to see in ND that I just didn't get to was Teddy Roosevelt NP. Thanks for the pictures. Nice skoot.
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BikerGeek99
Yeah, it's a concrete corn cob. So?
MUCH better now. Lessee... Had a 7.8 from the Chinese judge on my hot tub belly-flop, had a nice shower to get rid of the road grime from behind my ears... Got lotsa pics, some stuff to tell ya, and a local brew by my side (Pig's Ass Porter, from Harvest Moon Brewing Company in Belt, Montana (which we just happened to ride by today, but that'll come later)).
Once we left the park, we saw, well, you know, scenery and stuff.
A couple of things I noticed while riding the slab in North Dakota.
First, road kill. I was expecting to see mangled elk and forest rats and homeless dyslexic caribou every hunnert feet or so. Know what the primary road kill was that I saw? Birds! And no wonder – the dang things dive-bombed us time and time again. Kinda weird. I swear I coulda swatted about a dozen of 'em at one time or another, they were THAT close. Stupid birds.
Second, road gators, AKA semi tires that shed their re-tread. There weren't any. Like, none that I can recall. Around home, they're all over the place.
Everyone should ride through this area at least once on their life on a motorcycle. As the saying goes, “Taking a road-trip in a car is like watching a movie. Taking a road-trip on a bike is like being IN the movie.” Truer words could never be spoken.
Coming up, I saw something on the side of a hill off to the right. I said to myself, “SELF! That looks like someone setup a bunch of rocks to spell something.” Sometimes I'm actually right!
Uhhh... OK. Yes, it says, “Home On The Range.” The next exit said the same thing. I dunno. I got nothin' here. Maybe next time I'm in the area I'll look into it in greater detail.
And, just down the road? Montana!
No, no, no.. Not THAT Montana. This one. Sorry it's blurry. Trust me, though. State number 7!! WOO-HOO!!!
Once we left the park, we saw, well, you know, scenery and stuff.
A couple of things I noticed while riding the slab in North Dakota.
First, road kill. I was expecting to see mangled elk and forest rats and homeless dyslexic caribou every hunnert feet or so. Know what the primary road kill was that I saw? Birds! And no wonder – the dang things dive-bombed us time and time again. Kinda weird. I swear I coulda swatted about a dozen of 'em at one time or another, they were THAT close. Stupid birds.
Second, road gators, AKA semi tires that shed their re-tread. There weren't any. Like, none that I can recall. Around home, they're all over the place.
Everyone should ride through this area at least once on their life on a motorcycle. As the saying goes, “Taking a road-trip in a car is like watching a movie. Taking a road-trip on a bike is like being IN the movie.” Truer words could never be spoken.
Coming up, I saw something on the side of a hill off to the right. I said to myself, “SELF! That looks like someone setup a bunch of rocks to spell something.” Sometimes I'm actually right!
Uhhh... OK. Yes, it says, “Home On The Range.” The next exit said the same thing. I dunno. I got nothin' here. Maybe next time I'm in the area I'll look into it in greater detail.
And, just down the road? Montana!
No, no, no.. Not THAT Montana. This one. Sorry it's blurry. Trust me, though. State number 7!! WOO-HOO!!!
BikerGeek99
Yeah, it's a concrete corn cob. So?
Once we made it into Montana, the scenery didn't change a whole lot, but it still rocked.
I'd put together a route taking us along Montana Highway 200 South for …. uh …. hundreds of miles across the gut of the state. When I set that route up, one thing came to mind: fuel. Stops for gas along the highway can be few and far between. So now we're looking at riding hundreds of miles across Montana on a 2-lane road, with no 'large' towns along the way. This could be interesting.
At our exit off the slab, there weren't any gas stations. Mmm-kay... Rode along, maybe 10 miles or so, nothing. So I started poking around on the GPS and all of the close ones were about 10 miles behind us.
Uh-oh. This could wind up being REALLY not good.
So I made a Command Decision: I turned around, went back to the Interstate, and back an exit where there were gas stations.
Now, crap like this is why I love road trips.
At that exit, there were 3 gas stations to choose from. An Exxon, Conoco, and something else that I've never heard of. I chose the Conoco because they had the largest store-front, representing a potential for post cards for Sooze.
Got something else entirely.
This is so awesomely campy in it's utter campiness... Everyone should go to exit 213 off of I-94 in eastern Montana, in the Glendive area, and go to the Conoco.
We pulled in, and I just started laughing.
This guy is adjacent to the Conoco station.
Yes, a damn dinosaur. After filling up, you know we just HAD to grab a pic or 10.
Yep, it has a 'baby' in its mouth.
After I took this pic, I got to thinking: ya know, if the engineers in Milwaukee would really think of adding this to their catalog, I don't think we'd have to worry about tailgaters! Who'd mess with a bike with a dinosaur sticking outta the Tour Pack?
Here it looks like he / she / it is hungry and trying to eat my windshield. Bastage.
I'd put together a route taking us along Montana Highway 200 South for …. uh …. hundreds of miles across the gut of the state. When I set that route up, one thing came to mind: fuel. Stops for gas along the highway can be few and far between. So now we're looking at riding hundreds of miles across Montana on a 2-lane road, with no 'large' towns along the way. This could be interesting.
At our exit off the slab, there weren't any gas stations. Mmm-kay... Rode along, maybe 10 miles or so, nothing. So I started poking around on the GPS and all of the close ones were about 10 miles behind us.
Uh-oh. This could wind up being REALLY not good.
So I made a Command Decision: I turned around, went back to the Interstate, and back an exit where there were gas stations.
Now, crap like this is why I love road trips.
At that exit, there were 3 gas stations to choose from. An Exxon, Conoco, and something else that I've never heard of. I chose the Conoco because they had the largest store-front, representing a potential for post cards for Sooze.
Got something else entirely.
This is so awesomely campy in it's utter campiness... Everyone should go to exit 213 off of I-94 in eastern Montana, in the Glendive area, and go to the Conoco.
We pulled in, and I just started laughing.
This guy is adjacent to the Conoco station.
Yes, a damn dinosaur. After filling up, you know we just HAD to grab a pic or 10.
Yep, it has a 'baby' in its mouth.
After I took this pic, I got to thinking: ya know, if the engineers in Milwaukee would really think of adding this to their catalog, I don't think we'd have to worry about tailgaters! Who'd mess with a bike with a dinosaur sticking outta the Tour Pack?
Here it looks like he / she / it is hungry and trying to eat my windshield. Bastage.
BikerGeek99
Yeah, it's a concrete corn cob. So?
Once we finished up that fuel, pee, coffee, smoke, and pictures with the dinosaur stop, we got back on Montana 200 and settled in for a long ride.
Picture of the cockpit.
The speed limit is 70 MpH for cars. Due to the fact that the pavement conditions can change quickly, and the fact that I like to look around at the sights, I kept our speed at or just below that. It was a nice, comfortable pace. And there wasn't much traffic anyway, in front:
Or behind.
But we did get some closer-up views of the local geology.
Did I mention there wasn't much traffic?
In the middle of nowhere, there was an actual rest stop! So we pulled in.
Not a whole lot going on, but a few photo ops.
Read it. Learn it. Live it.
These are both signs at that rest area.
Prolly all for tonight, kids. Still have lots more, though. Doubt I get more done in the morning, but I'll try to get more to ya tomorrow and get ya current. Been a long day today – lots of miles, and the last were some really trying ones.
Thanks for stopping in. More to come....
BG
Picture of the cockpit.
The speed limit is 70 MpH for cars. Due to the fact that the pavement conditions can change quickly, and the fact that I like to look around at the sights, I kept our speed at or just below that. It was a nice, comfortable pace. And there wasn't much traffic anyway, in front:
Or behind.
But we did get some closer-up views of the local geology.
Did I mention there wasn't much traffic?
In the middle of nowhere, there was an actual rest stop! So we pulled in.
Not a whole lot going on, but a few photo ops.
Read it. Learn it. Live it.
These are both signs at that rest area.
Prolly all for tonight, kids. Still have lots more, though. Doubt I get more done in the morning, but I'll try to get more to ya tomorrow and get ya current. Been a long day today – lots of miles, and the last were some really trying ones.
Thanks for stopping in. More to come....
BG
Great ride reports - keep 'em coming! Almost feels like we are riding along with you.
(thanks for the avatar pic also)
(thanks for the avatar pic also)
rushes
Well-known member
Solo
Well-known member
I am getting a serious case of wanderlust. Thanks for taking us along!!
BikerGeek99
Yeah, it's a concrete corn cob. So?
Thanks to all of you for your kind words. They are all truly appreciated, and thanks for following along with us. We're only on Day 4 of a 21-day ride, so lots more to come!
With our further ado, let's continue...
We continued on Highway 200, soaking in the views and vastness of the area.
Traffic was light, to say the least. Sparse would be a better way to describe it.
The speed limit was 70 MpH, but due to the fact that road conditions, while generally good, could change quickly, including sudden areas of washed-out / sunken pavement which could upset the bike, so I generally kept our speed a little below 70, which is pretty decent time, compared to the speed limits on 2-lane roads back home.
After not seeing any gas stations when we first started on Highway 200, I was cognizant of opportunities to refuel. If you're ever on this road for an extended amount of time – say, 300 miles or so – just make sure you take advantage of every opportunity to get gas. Do that, and you'll be fine. Otherwise, if you don't have an aux fuel tank like the hard-core LD guys do, you may have your own little adventure. I filled up at every opportunity except one (in Circle, MT) and we were fine. Fuel was never an issue nor worry.
See the little yellow triangles along the road on the right? These are areas where the road / shoulder is not in very good condition. Stay away from those things! They reminded me of the little red flags that the Canadians put up in a similar way. Saw quite a few of those up in Quebec a few weeks ago.
Did I mention that everyone should ride out here at least once in their life?
After all the rugged, bare-rock scenery, the terrain changed to over to rolling hills similar to North Dakota. This would not be the first change in terrain today.
And, on the plains, scub, just like what you see in the old western movies. Too damn cool...
From time to time, there were even signs of life out here.
With our further ado, let's continue...
We continued on Highway 200, soaking in the views and vastness of the area.
Traffic was light, to say the least. Sparse would be a better way to describe it.
The speed limit was 70 MpH, but due to the fact that road conditions, while generally good, could change quickly, including sudden areas of washed-out / sunken pavement which could upset the bike, so I generally kept our speed a little below 70, which is pretty decent time, compared to the speed limits on 2-lane roads back home.
After not seeing any gas stations when we first started on Highway 200, I was cognizant of opportunities to refuel. If you're ever on this road for an extended amount of time – say, 300 miles or so – just make sure you take advantage of every opportunity to get gas. Do that, and you'll be fine. Otherwise, if you don't have an aux fuel tank like the hard-core LD guys do, you may have your own little adventure. I filled up at every opportunity except one (in Circle, MT) and we were fine. Fuel was never an issue nor worry.
See the little yellow triangles along the road on the right? These are areas where the road / shoulder is not in very good condition. Stay away from those things! They reminded me of the little red flags that the Canadians put up in a similar way. Saw quite a few of those up in Quebec a few weeks ago.
Did I mention that everyone should ride out here at least once in their life?
After all the rugged, bare-rock scenery, the terrain changed to over to rolling hills similar to North Dakota. This would not be the first change in terrain today.
And, on the plains, scub, just like what you see in the old western movies. Too damn cool...
From time to time, there were even signs of life out here.
FjrVfr
Well-known member
I noticed that on my ride to Ohio a few weeks ago (sorry I couldn't fit in a visit - I think you were at CFR anyway). At least a dozen times birds were within inches of getting smacked. I've made the trip several times and never noticed that before. This time it almost seemed like a game for them.
One in Kansas was some huge bird of prey (falcon?) and all I saw was wingspan and talons. I was certain I was going to hit it. Had to wash out my helmet after the swearing that went on for that one (shorts, too). Perhaps my gray helmet looks like a tasty squirrel to them?
BTW - you are absolutely killing me with these reports. I just got back from a long one and I'm counting the minutes until I can get out there again. Keep 'em coming and have a blast you lucky dog!
canucklehead-biker
Well-known member
Nice report BG... I was through essentially the same terrain on my mad 2-day dash across the States last week... except I took the southern route (Iowa/Minny/SD) and angled north into MT once I got to Rapid City (actually just past Sturgis).
Although the roads are more or less straight, the scenery is magnificent and it is, as you say, somewhere everyone needs to wander through someday.
Ride safe, and enjoy the mountains in the days ahead
Griff
Although the roads are more or less straight, the scenery is magnificent and it is, as you say, somewhere everyone needs to wander through someday.
Ride safe, and enjoy the mountains in the days ahead
Griff
El Toro Joe
FYYFF
Great reporting Andy...keep it coming :good:
BikerGeek99
Yeah, it's a concrete corn cob. So?
Well, we're stuck with a crapola neenernet connection tonight, so I dunno if I'll be able to finish up the 13th or not but I'll try. If not, don't fret. I'll get 'er done soon as I can...
Because...
You're gonna f'in LOVE the stuff we saw today!
Oh, yeah, friends...
Life is good.
Because...
You're gonna f'in LOVE the stuff we saw today!
Oh, yeah, friends...
Life is good.
rushes
Well-known member
dcarver
Well-known member
Riding a Harley Ultra through the Badlands - sweet!
huron52
Well-known member
Found this road trip ride report from your Birthday wishes Andy.... Very cool report.
You have a way with words. I remember some of those places from our trip to CFR last year.
I could say... "Keep it up" but I know you will without even asking! :good:
You have a way with words. I remember some of those places from our trip to CFR last year.
I could say... "Keep it up" but I know you will without even asking! :good:
BikerGeek99
Yeah, it's a concrete corn cob. So?
Continuing July 13, 2010.
More of the same, old, boring stuff.
I saw this and started laughing. I call this, “Mother-In-Law Suite, Montana Style.” It's a little cabin, with no windows, in the middle of … well, nothing!
We did notice a gradual change in the views – more and more trees.
Modern technology is great. We have snail mail, the interwebs, and email. Someone out there has to invent smell mail (feel free to give me credit for the idea and a nice royalty, too) 'cause the smells were as intoxicating as bon bons are to fat people. Really – it was THAT good.
Down the road a ways was another rest area. We swung in there for a quick break and to check out the views some more.
DORK! Uh, I mean, GEEK!
The ride. At rest. The road leading back to the left is where we came from.
Looking across the highway.
The historical signs at the rest stop.
We still 180 or so miles to go, and it would turn out that they would not be easy miles.
More of the same, old, boring stuff.
I saw this and started laughing. I call this, “Mother-In-Law Suite, Montana Style.” It's a little cabin, with no windows, in the middle of … well, nothing!
We did notice a gradual change in the views – more and more trees.
Modern technology is great. We have snail mail, the interwebs, and email. Someone out there has to invent smell mail (feel free to give me credit for the idea and a nice royalty, too) 'cause the smells were as intoxicating as bon bons are to fat people. Really – it was THAT good.
Down the road a ways was another rest area. We swung in there for a quick break and to check out the views some more.
DORK! Uh, I mean, GEEK!
The ride. At rest. The road leading back to the left is where we came from.
Looking across the highway.
The historical signs at the rest stop.
We still 180 or so miles to go, and it would turn out that they would not be easy miles.
rushes
Well-known member
Did you see another human that day?
It looks like ya got the whole place to yerselves...
It looks like ya got the whole place to yerselves...
Bustanut joker
Well-known member
Keep reminding me I'm home and you two are out having fun.....
Insert Hank Hill here.....I'm going to kick your ass next time I see ya you dink!
Hugs,
:jester:
Insert Hank Hill here.....I'm going to kick your ass next time I see ya you dink!
Hugs,
:jester:
BikerGeek99
Yeah, it's a concrete corn cob. So?
Wrapping up July 13.
After the stop at that second rest area, we continued along Highway 200, feasting on the gorgeous skies and rugged terrain.
We're not sure if there is a greater number of cows per capita or bales of hay.
See all the little yellow-ish dots here? They're all those big-ass round bales of hay.
The trees came back. The contrasts between the rolling hills, the Badlands-style rock formations, the scrub, and the trees were amazing to behold.
We rolled through some small Montana towns.
I love this stuff.
The clock tower. Makes me think of the movie “Back To The Future!”
Our destination for the evening in Great Falls, MT. When I was checking the weather for Great Falls, the temps looked to be decent, but they said it would be windy.
Bah. Windy-schmindy.
Boy am I stupid sometimes.
It wasn't just windy. It wasn't even Windy. It was WINDY!!
Holy crap.
At our final fuel stop I noted that the wind had picked up a bit. OK, nothing I can't handle.
Then we got out on the road. Let me just say that this wind was some of the scariest wind I've ever ridden in. Just going along in a straight line, the wind would change the direction of the bike 10 times in 3 seconds. Really. I'm not kidding.
And that was in a straight line without oncoming traffic.
Every damn vehicle going the other way through off a wash that, well, I never knew what was gonna happen.
The worst, though, the one that had me thinking, “Oh, shit. This may not end well,” was heading into a turn. I was looking ahead at the oncoming traffic to try to gauge what we'd pass during the turn. I saw a truck. A BIG truck, with 2 trailers, and it looked like he was hauling ass, and I figured we'd pass each other mid-turn. The wind was pushing the bike ALL over the damn road and the turns were, at best, hairy, and here comes this guy.
Oh, crap.... I hoped for the best and prepared for the worst.
We made it. I'm not really sure how, but we made it. That wind off that truck shook my head violently side-to-side and front-to-back and moved that bike I don't know how many times. But we made it.
The last 120 or so miles were all like that. It was an experience that left me exhausted, both physically and mentally.
We made it to our hotel and walked to dinner at a Mexican place across the street. We didn't take a camera so, alas, no food porn. That's OK, though. Neither of us were in the mood. We were just happy to be off the bike and safely at out destination.
Total miles ridden this day: 480. And those last 120 or so were the most hellish miles I have ever ridden on a motorcycle.
After the stop at that second rest area, we continued along Highway 200, feasting on the gorgeous skies and rugged terrain.
We're not sure if there is a greater number of cows per capita or bales of hay.
See all the little yellow-ish dots here? They're all those big-ass round bales of hay.
The trees came back. The contrasts between the rolling hills, the Badlands-style rock formations, the scrub, and the trees were amazing to behold.
We rolled through some small Montana towns.
I love this stuff.
The clock tower. Makes me think of the movie “Back To The Future!”
Our destination for the evening in Great Falls, MT. When I was checking the weather for Great Falls, the temps looked to be decent, but they said it would be windy.
Bah. Windy-schmindy.
Boy am I stupid sometimes.
It wasn't just windy. It wasn't even Windy. It was WINDY!!
Holy crap.
At our final fuel stop I noted that the wind had picked up a bit. OK, nothing I can't handle.
Then we got out on the road. Let me just say that this wind was some of the scariest wind I've ever ridden in. Just going along in a straight line, the wind would change the direction of the bike 10 times in 3 seconds. Really. I'm not kidding.
And that was in a straight line without oncoming traffic.
Every damn vehicle going the other way through off a wash that, well, I never knew what was gonna happen.
The worst, though, the one that had me thinking, “Oh, shit. This may not end well,” was heading into a turn. I was looking ahead at the oncoming traffic to try to gauge what we'd pass during the turn. I saw a truck. A BIG truck, with 2 trailers, and it looked like he was hauling ass, and I figured we'd pass each other mid-turn. The wind was pushing the bike ALL over the damn road and the turns were, at best, hairy, and here comes this guy.
Oh, crap.... I hoped for the best and prepared for the worst.
We made it. I'm not really sure how, but we made it. That wind off that truck shook my head violently side-to-side and front-to-back and moved that bike I don't know how many times. But we made it.
The last 120 or so miles were all like that. It was an experience that left me exhausted, both physically and mentally.
We made it to our hotel and walked to dinner at a Mexican place across the street. We didn't take a camera so, alas, no food porn. That's OK, though. Neither of us were in the mood. We were just happy to be off the bike and safely at out destination.
Total miles ridden this day: 480. And those last 120 or so were the most hellish miles I have ever ridden on a motorcycle.
Great Falls can be cold. Ran through that area last year after WFO -- at night it was cold and rainy for me. Windy too, come to think of it. Nothing like you described, but I can't say it was a fun ride that evening. Glad you made it through.
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