The final push after a good nights rest everyone was up early and enjoyed a good breakfast at the Hotel before heading out. Again clear and cool we made our way up the side of Flathead Lake and through the Maris Pass on the way home. Some stopped at East Glacier for lunch while others headed home the front group had some bike troubles at the border but with shared knowledge were able to get it running again and on its way. I think some enjoyed being back on flatland but for me the last three hours of the ride was hard to endure after a weekend of fantastic scenery and great curves. But it was good to get home and rest after traveling over 1300 km. It was a true joy sharing this ride with everyone and enjoying their company on this ride.
Day four and time to head towards home we had a short day traveling back across the LOLO pass this time with cool/clear sunny weather. Stopping at the pass for a photo op. Lunch was again at the LOLO Peak Brewery since we enjoyed so much on the first time. We got into Polson early where we enjoyed the Hotels pool and spa and spent some time on the patio at the Mackenzie Pizza Company. All I can say about the third picture is what happens in Polson stays in Polson. We got such a good deal at the Hotel you could say it was a crime. Everyone hit the sack early after a long weekend of riding and getting ready for the final push home.
hay Three started with rain so time was spent at coffee sharing fellowship with the people at the rally. The system blew over and we got the bikes ready and rode the scenic highway towards Lewiston first stopping at a Casino to get out of an oncoming thunder shower after having lunch and donating some money to the great spirit the sun came out and we continued into Lewiston where we rode the old spiral highway up and down stopping at the top to take pictures afterwards. We then Headed back to Kamiah for a great BBQ supper at the rally. Again our group did very well taking home lots of door prizes and 50/50 money. The Idaho group do a great job hosting as always.
Day two and another 600 km day ahead. We rode south of Great Falls and down the Recreation Road along the Missouri River then across to the 200 and down to Lincoln for a stop at the High Country Jerky Factory before getting to Missoula. We did the impossible and got nine bikes through the city without losing anybody once arriving in LOLO we had lunch at the LOLO Peaks Brewery which had great food and we missed a thunder shower while having lunch.
We geared up and headed over the LOLO pass which is 99 miles of winding road. Once reaching the summit Idaho welcomed us with a hail/sleet/rain mix on the way down which we broke out of shortly afterward but was a reminder of what can happen on a long ride. We got into Kamiah and then the rain closed in for the night and into the next morning. Why is everyone so happy because the weather forecast was wrong. Though cooler temperatures we had a good ride down through Chief Mountain on our way to Great Falls for the night. We skirted some major thunder showers but made it to Great Falls unscathed. The evening was spent with food and fellowship lasting into the evening. There were some sore butts as we put in some good miles to get a good start on the trip.
Packing the bike we are off to Idaho tomorrow to the State Rally. Weather is iffy but we have gear for anything MN can throw at us short of snow. Looking forward to putting on some miles Chief Mountain , Old Hwy 91, LOLO Pass all on the itinerary, Time to wear some tread off the side of the tire and round out that prairie flat spot. Pictures and commentary to follow in the upcoming days.
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October 2022
AuthorDaniel Magee Categories |