Continuing the journey

[Ritten]

Alot of you have already read about the mishaps I had last year during my planned ride up to Glacier Nat. Park during which I had to turn around half-way due to bike issues...A ride started and ended through adversity (http://www.dualsportridersoflouisiana.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13). With my most recent project offshore coming to an end, and much needed rig repairs putting the next one on hold, I recently found myself with a few extra day to this hitch off. Why not finish the ride I started??

So, with the bike all packed up, and a good night's sleep, I embarked on the journey to continue at least one of two goals I had made less than a year before. After a party in Sedalia, Missouri (seems like I'm always up here), I would head out to Montana and work my way down the Rockies, OR I would head west to Colorado and explore as many high passes that I can. Maybe I can get both.

All packed and ready to go...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_0922.jpg

Everybody, I'd like you to meet "Em". Appropriately named after her proper owner, my Goddaughter, Emily. Em also goes by "M" which of course stands for monkey....duhhhh. She decided to hich a ride and come along on the trip to make sure I am reminded of the 3 1/2 year old waiting for her Parrain to get back home.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_0923.jpg

I wanted to get to Sedalia in one day so that meant a pretty hard day of riding was called for. 800 miles will take about 12 hours via interstate and the interstate's just don't provide many photo oportunities. There is the occasional zebra striped rock though and Em thinks it feels a bit like home.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_0933.jpg

I pulled into Sedalia last night and was grateful to have access to a shower and a bed. The decision to go west or northwest I'll make after the weekend depending if I have all three weeks to spend on the road.

[weave]

29 Y.O. Oilfield trash, Single, new GS !!!!
Ted my hats off to ya.

[JayD]

Popcorn2 Popcorn2 Popcorn2

[Doug]

... depending if I have all three weeks to spend on the road.
Bow12


I can honestly say, I have never had the opportunity to use that phrase. :p



Popcorn2

[Flying Low]

man, i can't wait to see how this goes!

have a great time Ted, we're all back here on pins and needles.

[Ritten]

Well, just so you guys know that I'm suffering by not riding this weekend I figured I'd included some pictures from last night's party. You can really see how bored I was and not having any fun all...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1044.jpg

The birthday girl and I.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1046.jpg

After the party we hit the bars to help drink the boredom away. It's was rough, but somone had to do it. The blurry pictures help to portray the buzz going on.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1062.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1064.jpg

Sunday, the day of rest, will be used for just that. This morning will be spent with good friends, talking and catching up on good times, and I'm sure an afternoon nap will be included at some point today.

[Juice]

Where did Yall Geaux Chuck E cheese?






http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1064.jpg

[slopdogg]

Damm ted it looks like i'm rubbing off on u. I love dem womens too pay on player.

[Ritten]

Where did Yall Geaux Chuck E cheese?


Hey man, that's just how the bars are here in Missouri. It sure isn't Bourbon St.!!!!

[Ritten]

Ok.....The rest of the trip is planned, the GPS programed, and family notified. Glacier National Park it is!!! I'm planning to tent it for the next few nights, so I'll be sure to update when I get a chance. I'm off to bed here shortly. It's 1600 miles from here to Glacier, so I'm looking at a little bit of seat time. No rush though, so I'll be taking my time through Nebraska, the Badlands of South Dakota, maybe roll into Sturgis on something other than an H.D., and just cruising the highways of America that I've always dreamed of seeing.

[Pentabilly]

Ted, I am not worthy!! Bow12

Once again, we're all waiting anxiously for your report...

[Rocky]

I think our Boy Ted is going to Rack up a few states on this little run.

[nickatnite]

All I can say is wait until the 24th thru the 27th. If the gawds are favorable, it will be of epic proportions!!!!


BMW's RULE!!!!

[Ritten]

All I can say is wait until the 24th thru the 27th. If the gawds are favorable, it will be of epic proportions!!!!


BMW's RULE!!!!


Yea, you right brother!! Rack 'em up.


The weekend passed by way too fast and this morning's weather reflected the mood. It was a gloomy disposition to have to leave Chris and Stephanie's house after only a few days spent with them, but it's their turn to come down to Louisiana and party. I had checked out the radar before putting on all my gear and it didn't look good. Red, yellow and green covered the radar over Kansas city, so it looked like I'd be getting seriously wet. Em decided to ride up front rather than get all of the rain in the back.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1125.jpg

It worked out good because she was able to sport the DSRL shirt at each state line crossing so I wouldn't have to break out the tripod or remove any gear.

The rain never fell harder than a light shower, but it came and went over the course of 600 miles. Drizzling, misting, raining, stop, raining, stop, drizzling.......I kept my rain gear on all day, and rode without any music. I didn't take that many pictures either due to the hassle of having to fish out the camera from under a rain-fly, and the sights being pretty much the same all through out Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska.

There were a few interesting things along the way. My kind of town.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1134.jpg

Flash this picture over and over in your mind and you'll get an idea of riding up here...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1135.jpg

I'm staying the night in Bassett, Nebraska which is about 140 miles southeast of the SD Badlands. With all the rain and 700 miles done, a rough case of monkey-butt had me pull into a motel early for the evening so I can catch up on sleep, and be ready for tomorrow.

[Fitty]

Lookin' good Ted. I'll be out that way next month. You're making it hard for me to wait.

[Rocky]

Awesome Ted. keep chomping away at those miles and let us live through your eyes for the next week. Thumbs up Brother!!!!

[nickatnite]

Yea, you right brother!! Rack 'em up.

There were a few interesting things along the way. My kind of town.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1134.jpg

.

Definitely my kinda town. How ironic tho~ the town of Beemer and a Bp sign in the background!!!

[CajunRider]

All I can say is wait until the 24th thru the 27th. If the gawds are favorable, it will be of epic proportions!!!!


BMW's RULE!!!!

Yes... Yes, they do...

[Ritten]

Well guys, I've reserfaced again finally after an awesome week. Currently I'm in Rawlins, WY heading into Colorado tomorrow. The report I've kept up with as I'm riding, but the pictures have simply overloaded what I can do on the road. If I get a little while I'll post up some more of the journey and clue ya'll in as to where God's country really is located.

[Ritten]

Did you ever wake up in the morning and get the feeling that it had turned a lot cooler outside while you slept? The air in your room feels different somehow and you just know that when you take that first breath of morning air outside your door, it’s going to be cool, crisp, and dry. Well, I felt it when I woke up, but it sure WASN’T the case. It was warm, muggy, and not a single hint of breeze to sooth me while I sweated to get my gear packed and the bike weighted down.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1143.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1145.jpg

The ride into South Dakota was nice and the skies seemed to have cleared up from yesterday’s torrential downpours. Warm though it was, the jacket kept the sun off, and the vents kept air circulating just enough to keep me cool. I was finding it a great pleasure to again be out on the road, and the songs I set up on the iPod were serving the moment…


"Took a look down a westbound road, right away I made my choice
Headed out to my big two-wheeler, I was tired of my own voice
Took a bead on the northern plains and just rolled that power on..."

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1160.jpg

The mountains teased on the horizon, but I knew they wouldn’t be much further.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1151.jpg

A shot just for you Nick…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1159.jpg

This guy was riding with me all morning…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1153.jpg

The lonesome road gives one ample time to contemplate his life in both retrospect and vision.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1150.jpg

The detail of the City Navigator v7 is pretty amazing in that I saw this road marked on the map as a shortcut and figured I’d follow it to a future bend in the highway. The problem is that it ended about a mile into the country side with a barbwire fence not far after that. So much for that off road encounter.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1161.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1162.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1163.jpg

The prairie dogs were all over. The 12x zoom on the S2 comes in handy with these little buggers. They are gone once you get within 50 yards of them.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1164.jpg

I could see the landscape changing with each mile I got closer to the badlands.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1168.jpg

[Ritten]

For those of you who don’t get out of state much, this is wheat. This is what bread is made from. It’s the same stuff yo mamma tried to get you to eat more of when you were little.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1171.jpg

Trying to get an artsy shot…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1173.jpg

Getting closer…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1175.jpg

Boooyaa…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1177.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1178.jpg

I didn’t ride far around the park as I was getting low on gas. 190 miles already on the tank and the closest station as per the GPS was 44 miles away. That would cut it close, but on the way out of the park I found a little hole in the wall with some old pumps outside. Something told me I wasn’t on the bayou anymore when a pretty sun withered fella welcomed me to “his land” as his arm arched the horizon. I took off my helmet and dismounted the bike saying how glad I was to be there. He then asked for a couple of bucks to get his wife a sandwich which I willingly handed over after pumping and paying for the gas. By the time I had my helmet back on, the camelbak filled, and climbing on the bike, I looked over just in time to see he and his wife walking out of the store with a sandwich and TWO six packs of beer!! I just hope my two dollars went towards the can of beer that he finds too hot to drink. I took a quick snap of the longhorn skulls across the street. It just seemed kind of morbid.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1180.jpg

Here I am riding across South Dakota when I spot this dude out in a field. Extinct my ass!!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1181.jpg

I decided I needed to go see Mt. Rushmore since I had never been there. The sky was completely cloudless except for right above the monument. The darkening cell was climbing and growing by the minute so I paid to park ($8 rip-off) ran up the stairs, took a few shots, and ran back to the bike.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1183.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1185.jpg

The wind had already started to pick up and the temperature had dropped 10 degrees…..it was about to open up. By the time I got down the mountain and out of town, I could see the rain drenching the whole area I had just come from. The entire rest of the sky was still bright blue with out a hint of white.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1189.jpg

Sturgis, SD isn’t far from the monument and being lunch time I figured I’d roll in and grab a bite to eat. Roast beef po-boys just aren’t the same anywhere other than South Louisiana but the little “cajun” café did pretty good at trying to simulate one. Sturgis is a pretty dead town during the other 51 weeks out of the year and unless one knew better, to ride through the town would be about as exciting as riding through Kansas.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1190.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1192.jpg

[Ritten]

I hit the Wyoming state line and although the black hills were nice, I was ready for a change of pace. Here’s some moving shots along the way.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1198.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1199.jpg

This picture does a good job of summing up how I felt that afternoon. Just easing along the back highways I felt free and “in place”. With a day like this, who wouldn’t?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1200.jpg


"We rolled across the high plains
Deep into the mountains
Felt so good to me
Finally feelin' free..."

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1202.jpg

I approached Devil’s tower and could see it clearly from 13+ miles away. I’m sure with a clear line of sight, one could see it even further.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1203.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1204.jpg

The GPS showed 13.3 miles to the entrance.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1205.jpg

How does one get so excited over a rock?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1206.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1208.jpg

I took one of the gravel roads off of the paved one and ended up on this ridge. It provided for a great shot.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1211.jpg

And the only sound you hear is the wind caressing the grass around you...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1215.jpg

After I left the tower, Wyoming became the rolling hills I had expected. It was a long afternoon and evening of chomping the final miles to the Montana border. Expecting to stop at the line for gas and information on places to camp, I started cussing when I crossed over and saw a sign stating that the welcome center was 54 miles ahead. No stations…….nothing. I could make it, but my back teeth were already floating, I was seeing yellow, and dark was coming fast so minimizing my stops was a priority. 30 miles in I found a station that was two minutes from closing.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1218.jpg

I found a KOA not far after, pulled in, and had camp set up in no time.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1220.jpg

Em was hungrier than all hell and ripped open the beef jerky. I figured I’d dine on the gourmet stuff tonight and finish it all off with a Romeo y Julieta. Good thing dark isn’t until well after 9.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1223.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1224.jpg

The problem was that it was already 9:30, and by the time I had finished B.S.’ing with the neighboring campers, it was dark and nightly feeding time for the birds they call mosquitoes. These things put Louisiana ‘skeeters to shame!!! I just left everything out and crawled in the tent to try and get some sleep.

KABOOOOOMM……I jumped up and had to think for a minute what was going on. My watch said 11:30 and it was dark, except for the flashes I kept seeing every few seconds. Lighting and thunder were popping all over and the wind sounded like it was going to rip the rain fly right off the tent. I ran outside and grabbed my helmet, and arranged everything so it wouldn’t get blown away, then dove back in the tent and did my best to get used to the noise. Not three minutes later, it started. Hard and sideways, the rain was beating the tent to a pulp and I could feel droplets that were either coming through the fly or being blown up under it by the wind. I put the laptop in it’s Ziploc bag, wrapped up the camera, said a prayer that my bike is still there in the morning, and pulled the silk sheet over me knowing I could still keep warm even if it gets wet. I’ve slept in an inch of water due to a suck-ass tent, and I figured I might do it again.

[Fitty]

Thanks for posting all of this Ted. It's great following along with you. So, did you make it through the night?

[nickatnite]

I

30 miles in I found a station that was two minutes from closing.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1218.jpg
.

I like the Dril Quip sticker you got on the Jesse's. Wonder where THAT came from..

And as far as that voice mail the other day.....


Bruce was in need of some of your guidance out here on setting a Form-A-Set squeeze pill and I overheard him talking to Ronnie about "I didn't reach him, he must be out riding his bike again".... I started laughing at Bruce and you know how he is. Bruce was like, "What's so damn funny?". I replied and told him that you were riding up in the badlands headed to glacier Nat'l park and talking mud shit was the LAST thing on your mind....


Ride safe pal.

[weave]

Were ready,Time for more adventures by Ted. Monday morning here is gonna suck worse than those pesky skeeters your dodging.

[Ritten]

I like the Dril Quip sticker you got on the Jesse's. Wonder where THAT came from..

And as far as that voice mail the other day.....


Bruce was in need of some of your guidance out here on setting a Form-A-Set squeeze pill and I overheard him talking to Ronnie about "I didn't reach him, he must be out riding his bike again".... I started laughing at Bruce and you know how he is. Bruce was like, "What's so damn funny?". I replied and told him that you were riding up in the badlands headed to glacier Nat'l park and talking mud shit was the LAST thing on your mind....


Ride safe pal.


ACTUALLY.......the sticker is the Mexico badge that both Bayou Boy and I bought in San Miguel. I had one on each Jesse, but the rain I ran through the first day tore the port side one to ribbons.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/nobullshit.jpg

And thanks for letting Bruce know what the deal was. I haven't had cell service since Missouri (Nextel) and I was worried that he got the material we returned from the Confidence and there was a problem or something. Be sure to tell him that I can't always be running the job for him and I've got a life that I need to live at some point. Besides, he can always call Lyman for advice!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAA...Owned

(seriously though, tell him to call Mike Leeper or Alton Evans......the three of us have run a million FAS's.)

[Ritten]

I awoke to a soft light and had to stare at my watch a minute or so till my eyes focused right. 7:30am and I was still dry!!! I felt around the sides of the tent and on the floor….I’ll be damned, it’s dry too! I had slipped inside my sleeping bag during the night and was pretty impressed with the performance of all the gear being the first time I had used it in such a storm. Getting dressed in the tent, I could see water puddles between the tent and the ground cloth and a small wet spot at the foot of the sleep pad. Unzipping the fly I noticed the bike still upright (yessssss) and everything right where I left it. Now I was hungry and it was time to celebrate. Mmmmmmm…..mac and cheese with bits of beef jerky.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1225.jpg

Sometime during the night this big rig pulled up right outside of the campground, not 50 feet from my tent. I never heard him, even without earplugs.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1226.jpg

I took my time breaking camp as I really didn’t sleep well and was still moving slow. Getting back on the road always lifts one’s spirits though.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1227.jpg

It always seemed like the mountains were just past the horizon.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1232.jpg

Montana, for me, has always been a dream to ride. The term “big sky” always conjured up thoughts of wide open plains, undulating hills that were draped in a soft layer of grass, a treeless horizon that stretched on for an eternity. Seems to me, my imagination was pretty accurate. The motion of riding a motorcycle for this long becomes soothing and hypnotic, and each sway and roll has me feeling more and more a part of the country side itself. It’s as if I can just reach my hand up and glide my fingers along the canopy of blue, or hold my hand out and feel the golden velvet of grass that cover the hills. The mountains on the horizon seem to cheer me on with each mile and follow me along until I’m handed off to the next in line. My thoughts and spirit have been here for a while, it just took some time for my body to catch up.


"Life's like a road that you travel on
When there's one day here and the next day gone
Sometimes you bend sometimes you stand
Sometimes you turn your back to the wind
There's a world outside every darkened Door
Where the blues won't haunt you anymore
Where the brave are free and lovers soar
Come ride with me to the distant shore
We won't hesitate to break down the garden gate
There's not much time left today..."

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1228.jpg

I finally turned westward for the last time and headed into the mountains. Only 30 miles left to Glacier.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1238.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1239.jpg

I was contemplating getting a room instead of putting up the tent as it would enable me to leave most of the gear behind while out riding in the park. The KOA in St. Mary had all of their camping cabins full, but the regular cabins were open. $155 a night!! No wonder!! For a last resort I would come back and get a tent sight, but checking out a motel down the road, and closer to the park, I found a room for half of what the cabins were. Hell with it……with a view like this, how could I pass it up?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1250.jpg

It is to be noted that at this point I was not so pleased with the pictures I was getting from the S2 so far. They were coming out grainy and underexposed, especially for daytime shots. A quick call to my father and he instantly knew what it was…..too high of an ISO. I set the camera from 400 to 50, and things were much better! Thanks Dad.

Two nights were booked, all of the gear unpacked, boots off, a warm shower, and time to chill out on the porch. I had made it to the furthest goal!! I sat there and finally got to enjoy that cigar, which, although very mild, had just enough hint of vanilla to it to go well with a Sprite. The view was spectacular and the breeze coming off the mountains was only in the mid 60’s. It would really suck to never get to experience such beauty…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1251.jpg

The GS just kept staring off into the mountains.......soon......very soon.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1267.jpg

The bed was fluffy, warm, and with the night breeze blowing through the room (I left both windows open) I couldn’t have slept better in my own…

[scooterhose]

Popcorn2 Cool12

[weave]

Nice prose Ted.....thanks

[Rocky]

Awesome repot dude. Stay safe out there on the open plains...

[Flying Low]

thank you for sharing this beautiful country with us. some of us are not blessed with the ability to travel as you do. so, thanks for taking us on your ride. i can't wait to hear/see the rest of your travels.

have a safe trip.

[nickatnite]

Besides, he can always call Lyman for advice!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAA...Owned

(seriously though, tell him to call Mike Leeper or Alton Evans......the three of us have run a million FAS's.)


Done deal... You gonna get my ass kicked over her by uncle Jesse...


And speaking of Lyman, you know e got run off ANOTHER Bp job?

He was over there on the Tuna boat filling in and guess who got transferred to that rig? Spaz....


Spaz landed and saw him there and had Lyman off of there by that afternoon!!

Now THAT is owned.....

I was thinking about finding a subscription card to Playgirl and fill it out with Lyman's name but send it to Spaz's house. How do you think that would do?

[Ritten]

I woke before the alarm got a chance to scream at me, and I packed only my tools, and what items I might need for a day ride. The motel didn’t have any one room available for two nights, so I had to book one for each night. No big deal as they agreed to keep my bags in the office while I was out riding. You should have seen the look on the lady’s face when I dropped off two 60lbs. Jesse boxes with camping gear still strapped to the tops! The park rangers didn’t man the gates till 8am, but I was there at 7:15. Following the gift shop cashier’s recommendations, I just went on in and would pay my dues on the west side.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1269.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1270.jpg

From beginning to end, the entire park was a sensory overload. Pictures just don’t do it justice but until you can go there for yourself, you’ll have to imagine these as being 500 times their size and completely filling your entire being. Here, on my way in, I was welcomed by a rainbow.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1272.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1275.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1277.jpg

The clouds were moving quick and I could see some of them dumping rain in the valleys. It was already in the 50’s and if I was going to get wet, I’d be COOOOOLD!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1285.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1293.jpg

Higher up I ran through a few sprinkles but nothing too bad……yet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1295.jpg

Can you find the big horns in this picture?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1297.jpg

How about with 12x zoom?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1296.jpg

I came upon this crew making repairs to the road, and noticed the cloud starting to decend down into the valley below. It had to be moving at 50-60 knots.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1298.jpg

Don’t mind me, I’m just here to take pictures…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1299.jpg

I made it to the Logan’s pass visitor’s center with only about 10’ of visibility. The clouds were moving quick and every now and then I’d get a shot of the surrounding peaks. The rain would come and go just as fast as the clouds and after waiting a few minutes I figured I would hop on the bike and just ride it out. It cleared up about a half-mile later.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1303.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1305.jpg

Enjoy…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1310.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1313.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1326.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1337.jpg

[Ritten]

I rode out of the west side of the park and decided to go eat lunch in Kalispell. The local diner was just the ticket (as always) and with a full stomach, and a warm sun, I headed back towards West Glacier. Getting back in the park midday proved to be A LOT harder than it was the first time as now I had to wait…….and wait………and wait. A line of bumper to bumper cars had built up and each had to ask 20 questions about the park while paying for a pass. When I got to the front, I figured I might as well get a complete national park pass……I’ll being going into 3 or 4 more before the trip’s done.

The weather had done a complete turn around, and although there were still a few clouds in the sky, they were higher and above the peaks.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1338.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1339.jpg

This fella could be seen balancing on the rocks about 500’ up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1350.jpg

The Logan Pass center which was covered by clouds earlier was now nice and dry.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1353.jpg

The boardwalk behind the center follows a trail up to some of the glaciers a mile and a half back. The local wildlife loves to show off for guests.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1354.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1360.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1357.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1363.jpg

One small step for man, one bitterly cold step for a coon-ass.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1364.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1365.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1374.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1375.jpg

[Ritten]

Leaving the park, I opted to take one of the northern entrances still on the US side, and got a few more vistas.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1382.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1383.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1384.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1385.jpg

The entire rest of the day was amazing and sureal to the point that I was numb from being awestruck. I took my time basking in the warm sun while I rode the few miles back to the motel. Once again, the wind that was blowing through the area that morning had died down to a slow breeze and was carried with it the scent of the northern woods that I had come to enjoy all day. A crisp scent of spruce, cedar, and aspin makes for a great aroma therapy, and I took it all in with pleasure.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1387.jpg

[Rocky]

Bravo Big guy......... Awesome shots and commentary. I have really got to make my way out west.

[silas]

Excellent pics. West is where its at...

[Fitty]

Incredible pics Ted! Man I can't wait. I'll be there around August 20. Is there any way you could post a map of the park that shows the route you took riding around in it and where you took some of these pics? I knew it was going to be good but I'm not sure I realized it would be this good.

Thanks

[HeReaux]

dang,i just thought it was purdy here..

be safe ted..

[weave]

Ted, your a real rider, the distances you covered in such a short periord of time is mind boggling. Glad you made it back safe and hopefully were gonna get more story, but one thing I just gotta know.... is your butt still hurting.

[Ritten]

After a great night's sleep, I awoke to another cool room aided by the night breeze blowing through. Packing the bike had become somewhat of a ritual by now and took almost no time to do. The gas station right up the road served as a starting point for the day and I road out along the southern rim of the park to catch the highway that would lead me to Yellowstone. The views did not disappoint.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1399.jpg

The highway was a completely enjoyable ride.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1401.jpg

I once dated a girl from Coeur D' Alene, Idaho who spoke nothing but praise about the area up here and growing up in Missoula, Montana she always swore that I would one day need to see it. I could now see why she so loved this area.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1402.jpg

That evening I rode into Yellowstone...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1406.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1409.jpg

Riding into the northern portion of the park I decided to set up camp in the Mammoth Springs area, and look around a bit before nightfall. There is nothing like being able to camp in a scene like this. One gets to watch the sunlight blaze the mountain peaks as the evening draws to a close, and then sleep underneath a starlit sky that can humble you more than any fireworks show.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1410.jpg

This is where you have to keep any food, water bottles, or toiletries. The bears up here haven't figured out how to open them.....yet.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1412.jpg

I store away all of my stuff and figure I'll do a little exploring around the springs. These guys are so used to people that they just graze out on the lawn of the welcome center, mear feet away from the cars parked with snapping cameras inside.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1415.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1436.jpg

Here's some shots from Mammoth Springs...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1417.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1422.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1429.jpg

I make it back to the campsite and set up everything for the night. The scrambled eggs and bacon were a good change from the usual, and the crown and coke were a good supliment to the evening. The flask, a present from my brother, came in handy.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1439.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1438.jpg
After a hot meal, a smooth drink, and a long day, I crawled into my tent and tried not to think about bears.

[Ritten]

Incredible pics Ted! Man I can't wait. I'll be there around August 20. Is there any way you could post a map of the park that shows the route you took riding around in it and where you took some of these pics? I knew it was going to be good but I'm not sure I realized it would be this good.

Thanks

Actually, Glacier only has one major road.....The Going to the Sun Road. There are a few other roads that dead end after a few miles unless you plan on some serious hiking, but staying in the US it is the only way across the pass.

Weave, I rode back from Albeuquerque, NM to Houma in 28 hours which ended yesterday. That's 1200 miles that I was trying to make in one sitting, but ended up getting a room to rest my weary ass. The heat of north Texas just takes too much out of a person.

[Juice]

Awesome dude, Just absolutely incredible. I'm glad you made it home safe Bro. So where to next? I know you are already dreaming of distance lands?

[Ritten]

Awesome dude, Just absolutely incredible. I'm glad you made it home safe Bro. So where to next? I know you are already dreaming of distance lands?


Man, my heart will always be in Colorado and when you see the rest of the report you'll know why. Right now I have no plans for a ride other than Vegas, but sometime when I find myself with a week off and no plans, I'll head back up there with the truck and the 4 wheeler and conqure the pass that bit me this week.

[Ritten]

Nature has a way of waking you up when your room is a tent and this morning would be no different. An early light usually does the job, but I was sleeping past that, so a flock of crows decided to start sqwaking in the pine tree right next to me. If I'd have had a pellet gun I would have slept another hour, but that's the bummer about national parks. So I drug my ass out into the cool morning air and broke camp around 6:30am. At least I'd get to beat most of the RVs and tourists to the better parts of the park.

It was in the high 50's, but I could tell that it was warming up quick with the sun out. Riding south through the park I started to see whisps of steam coming from bald spots set back from the highway in the woods every so often. This big guy was grazing in a field as I rode by.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1448.jpg

It was a gorgeous morning though and between the scenery, the cool dry air, and the GS below me, I thought I was in heaven.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1449.jpg

Earlier I refered to the scent of the north woods, but if you've never ridden through them, it's a hard sense to describe. It's like that first cool fall morning when you walk outside and you just want to breathe it all in. I rode with my visor up to help savor the moment.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1451.jpg

Just sitting on the side of the road without a care in the world.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1456.jpg

You can read alot about the geothermal activity going on in Yellowstone online, so I'm not going to go into much detail, but there were hot springs, vents, and geysers ALL OVER the place. It's something to think what the first explorers thought they found when they came across this place.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1461.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1462.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1468.jpg

Here's steamboat Geyser
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1471.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1474.jpg

The cool morning air and the lack of wind made it hard to get a really good picture of the pools and all the colors from the algae in them. The water was boiling in some of them.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1476.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1485.jpg

You can see that there's a BIG portion of the park that was affected by the fires a few years ago. I'd venture to say that over half of the park was scorched and has new growth.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1491.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1499.jpg

I watched this geyser blow it's top from about half a mile away and it had subsided by the time I pulled up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1503.jpg

Waiting around for about 10min. it started to steam and gurgle and then it let loose.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1508.jpg

And of course no trip to Yellowstone could be complete without witnessing Old Faithful. There were benches on the boardwalk surrounding the geyser and after a 30min. wait, they were packed with about 1000 people waiting for the 90min. interval to come to an end.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1510.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1515.jpg

Speaking of 1000 people, the nice quiet park that I had enjoyed for most of the morning had been transformed into Disney World. RV's and campers were EVERYWHERE and it was a hassle to try and do anything. Waiting in line to get out of the Old Faithful area, I had my first pang of homesickness and I was ready to go. That moment was a low point in the trip and I decided not to spend another night in the south end of the park. It was only lunch time, so I decided to ride into the Grand Teton national park, which is connected to Yellowstone, and continue on with the trip.

[Ritten]

The Grand Tetons were amazing to see, but after the entire past week, and compared to Glacier, the grandeur of them may have been tarnished a bit. The campers and cars doing 20mph through the park weren't helping my spirits any either and I was getting fed up with it. I ride in accordance with my mood, and although it's usually laid back and easy going, when I get aggrivated I start to pull the "sport" side out of the GS. And it does it WELL!!! That difference is probably also why I am more comfortable taking long trips by myself.


"I woke last night to the sound of thunder...
how far off I sat and wondered...
started humming a song from nineteen sixty two...
aint it funny how the night moves...
when you just dont seem to have as much to lose...
strange how the night moves...
...with autumn closing in"


The "night", for me, was the trip.

I did make sure to take the obligatory pictures every now and then though.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1520.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1523.jpg

Later on that afternoon, the tension had gotten the best of me and I decided it was time to hit the highways again. I routed the GPS for Grand Junction, and rolled it onto the highways of Wyoming. It was good to be out in the open again and I was feeling better already.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1524.jpg

For a few miles I even got off the beaten path, onto a MORE beaten path.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1527.jpg

It was good to be back in the high desert plains again though and I was once again able to sit back and enjoy an open highway stretched out to the horizon, with nothing but my thoughts and memories to occupy my time.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1534.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1531.jpg

Looks like this old clunker had seen better days.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1535.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1537.jpg

No telling what you might find in some of the little towns along the back highways.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1544.jpg

The heat out here gets pretty intense and you have to leave your face shield down while moving to prevent your face from being baked by a blast of hot air. However, the jacket actually kept me cool by allowing a slight bit of wind to reach me and let the body's natural cooling system work. I'd never be able to ride through this with mesh as I'd burn up in a half hour. Between mid-afternoon, and when I stopped that evening, I had drank over 5 liters of water without peeing once.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1545.jpg

The famous and historic split rock mountain.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1546.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1547.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1548.jpg

You had to constantly keep an eye out for the pronghorns as they were all over and unaffected by passing cars. The occasional set of bones along the highway reminded me about what could happen.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1552.jpg

I really thought this was cool. You can see the tracks in the second picture.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1555.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1556.jpg

I called it quits for the night around Rawlings, Wyoming, just before the Colorado line. I was beat from the dealings with tourists that morning and a pretty good afternoon of riding. I decided to treat myself to a nicer hotel room and get some laundry done as well.

[nickatnite]

Dude...

I think I love Jackson Hole and that area are ound Yellowstone as much as you do Colorado... Everytime I have been up there it's always the winter and most of the roads that you went down, I had to go down by smowmobile....

[Pentabilly]

Ted,

You are most definitely one who can say, "I have lived my life to the fullest!" Completely amazing! Your grandchildren are going to be so blessed and inspired, hearing about and seeing all of your lifes journeys.

Do you prefer gold, white gold, silver, or platinum?

[Fitty]

Actually, Glacier only has one major road.....The Going to the Sun Road. There are a few other roads that dead end after a few miles unless you plan on some serious hiking, but staying in the US it is the only way across the pass.
Thanks. I knew about Going to the Sun Road, but I wanted to make sure I didn't miss out on any other roads in that area.

[Flying Low]

WOW! ..i'm speechless. when i think you've written a great ride report, you come out and top it with another one. Ted, congratulations on another great trip!

[Ritten]

Ahhhh.....it was so nice to have a late wake-up call. Check out wouldn't be untill noon and I enjoyed every second of it. The maid knocked on the door twice until I realized I should put the "do not disturb" sign out. I've also discovered that riding pants are designed like jackets and damn near wash themselves in rainstorms, however, after a week of riding through the desert, there's no rain to wash them and they can almost walk by themselves. The night before I filled up the tub and agitated them by hand with a bit of shampoo, rinsed them out, and hung them up. 12 hours later they were dry and somewhat clean. I just had to get a shot of this for Craig on my way out of town.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1558.jpg

Riding out of Wyoming was bittersweet as it's a gorgeous state and I enjoyed it thoroughly, but it was nice to be "home". Colorado holds a dear place in my heart for some reason I never could quite put my finger on. The mountains seem so much more personal and involved compared to the distance of the Tetons, or the majestic solitude of Glacier. This would be my fourth bike trip through the state, but my only return to the passes I fell in love with years ago.

I rode towards Grand Junction, but took a southern route off of I70 to go over Grand Messa and the pass. It was 109 degrees according to the electronic billboard on the highway when I took this picture at the base.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1559.jpg

And on top of Grand Messa, it was in the lower 60's. Only 20 miles difference.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1561.jpg

The alpine meadows were full of flowers here also.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1563.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1564.jpg

I rode down 550 and as I was coming up on Ouray, I could see the thunderstorms among the peaks drenching the town. It didn't look like I was going to make it without getting wet, but I saw the sign for the Ouray KOA four miles north and decided to see if a cabin was available. The Kampin Kabins are basicly a room with a bed and matress but when you have a sleeping bag, and the sky is about to open up......it works well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1566.jpg

The lady at the desk informs me that they just put in WiFi last week, so I should be able to access it from my cabin. She hands me the key and I can hear the raindrops starting to fall. I unpack, and get online to post a bit of this report. The whole idea of bringing my laptop is nice, but I scoff at myself for becoming one of those yuppies I vowed never to turn into. Ohhh well, I'm sure I'll get over it.

[Ritten]

Ted,

You are most definitely one who can say, "I have lived my life to the fullest!" Completely amazing! Your grandchildren are going to be so blessed and inspired, hearing about and seeing all of your lifes journeys.

Do you prefer gold, white gold, silver, or platinum?


Thank you Rach. There's so much more of life that I need to live to actually have grandchildren, but it's been great so far. hehe. I don't think I live fuller than anyone else, it's just that I'm a bit more of an expressed romantic than most. My written words are the only way I've been able to share these passions thus far. When you think of it that way, it's kind of sad. But I will say that my Goddaughter was wide eyed and silent when I told her about the buffalo, riding through the clouds, and playing in the snow.

And although I'm curious why you'd ask.......platinum.

[Ritten]

My plans for the day involved an early start and riding through Ouray down to the beginning of Ophir pass. Taking the pass over the mountains would be a short-cut to Telluride where I would pick up Imogene pass and ride it back into Ouray. A loop that should last all morning with, from what I'm told, are the grandest views on this side of the state. I filled up at the station in town and went to look for the trailhead.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1567.jpg

Ophir was marked on the GPS but Imogene was only partially mapped. I was told that Ophir was an easy trek, but I had to wonder what vehicle it would be easy in. The beginning was promising as it just seemed to be a dirt/gravel road.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1568.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1569.jpg

There were some sections that were tricky on the loaded GS, but completely doable. The juice was certainly worth the squeeze!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1570.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1573.jpg

That's the edge of the road in the foreground.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1572.jpg

The higher I got to the top, the rockier it became until the trail was nothing more than packed softball sized rocks.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1574.jpg

There was plenty of this funny white looking mold growing on the rocks.qwer
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1575.jpg

It's ALL downhill from here...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1578.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1581.jpg

This is the trail in front of me which I did on a 450lbs bike, with 150lbs of gear, street tires, and not alot of offroad experience. I do believe my rear sphincter kept the bike upright the entire way down.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1582.jpg

Zoomed out a bit...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1583.jpg

The valley before me...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1584.jpg

Ophir is your literal mountain town. It looked like it was mostly time share cabins and things, but the road out to the highway was MUCH easier since it was a full lane wide, and actually grated.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1587.jpg

[Ritten]

Once I was back on the highway it was only a few miles into Telluride. Just before rolling into town, I saw a group of riders with whom I met the night before at the KOA. They were on Harleys and K bikes, but were still interested in hearing about the pass once I pulled over on the side of the road to see what was wrong. One of the group had a set of gloves fly out a trunk, and before long we departed our seperate ways.

Telluride comes across as being a very rich town, with a Mercedes, a lexus, and a dirty wrangler in each driveway. From the start of the pass, though, it all looks the same to me.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1590.jpg

The road going up was MUCH harsher and washed out than Ophir but I managed to keep the bike going up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1591.jpg

The trail eased up and smoothed out a bit higher up, but the grades were getting steeper. The first gear on the GS really needs to be lower for this kind of riding, but it just kept on bogging and pulling.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1593.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1594.jpg

Then it happened...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1595.jpg

Coming around this corner...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1596.jpg

I noticed that the trail took a really steep climb up some loose stuff so I squared up the bike, stood up, leaned forward and rolled on it. The pig tossed side to side but was making headway until I came to the right hand turn and cut it just a bit too short. The loose gravel on the inside of the curve swallowed the rear tire, the engine bogged and died. I slid downhill for three or four feet, dragging the front wheel, before the bike came to a stop. I was shaking from head to toe, and took a minute or two.....just standing there on the bike.....to evaluate the situation.

There was no way to get off the bike as I didn't know if I'd be able to get back on it and keep it from falling off the ledge. The back tire was wedged, so I was either powering it out, or lay it over and rotate it on the head. Once I got my composure back, I figured I'd try the first. Slipping the clutch at WOT and still bogging the engine was scary, but when the bike would inch forward, and slide back two feet, my heart would drop. Finally, I figured the only way out was by going down, so I let it drop on the left side.

I was out of breath and decided to keep all of my gear on while standing so close to a 200' cliff. Rotating the bike so it would be level when I picked it up, I pulled on the front tire and got it in the position you see in the picture. Now for the hard part........it wasn't happening. At 11k feet up, this bayou boy isn't quite as good as he once was, and it took everything I had just to attempt to pick it up, much less actually do it. So I waited by the trail side knowing that jeeps and 4x4's have been up here all day and eventually some kid would come along and want to show off in front of his girlfriend. Sure enough, a tahoe came up the trail not 10 minutes later and two guys gladly helped me right the bike and roll it to a semi-level area.

I remounted the Jesse bag that popped off during the rotation (they're supposed to come off when hit) restrapped everything, and fired her up. She knocked for a few seconds and then was purring as if nothing happened. The ride down the mountain, the way I came, had me wondering how I got passed some of the spots that I did. Right then I made it a goal to come back on either a dirtbike or a 4 wheeler and conquer this pass eventually.

The last goal of my trip was in front of me and the (paved) passes that I wanted to ride on my Aprilia last year were waiting.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1600.jpg

First off was Lizard head pass...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1602.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1604.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1605.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1608.jpg

The afternoon thunderstorms had returned, but I was in it already. I knew I'd dry off as soon as I made to lower elevations and desert climate anyway.

The beautiful Red Mountain
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1609.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1610.jpg

The little town of Silverton has the world famous railroad. This is one of the places to be during the fall, just when the first snows come.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1614.jpg

Molas
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1615.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1616.jpg

And the last one before Durango.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1619.jpg

I rode on into Durango with half a mind to stay there for the night, but it was still early and with everything done, I was officially ready to head home. So I fueled up, and rolled south to capture a few more miles before sunset.

[Ritten]

Rolling out of Durango I still had about 5 hours of daylight left, which meant I could rack back a few hundred miles. The border into New Mexico is barely outside the city limits and I was rolling through, and drying off, the desert once again.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1621.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1623.jpg

My entire mood and riding style changes when I'm heading home with no planned stops along the way. Gas stops are quick and efficient, my speed goes up just past the limit, and cars are passed whenever they get in the way. I made it to Albuquerque, NM that night and with nothing unpacked but a change of clothes, I showered, popped two PM's, and crawled in bed. I had a feeling I MIGHT try to make it all 1200 miles home the next day.

Tuesday morning rolled around and I slept in till 9:30 which meant I was out for over 10 hours!! Invigorated I started out to see how far I'd get. The ride home there were NO pictures taken, there were many thoughts, but mostly it was a comatosed blast along the interstates and highways of north Texas. By the time I made it to Dallas, I finally got cell service back, and called home. I was feeling plenty good enough to ride the last 450 miles home even though it would put me at the house around 4 in the morning. By the time I got to Shreveport, I could feel my body shutting down, so I filled up, grabbed some dinner, and a room at the Motel 6.

The last 300 miles felt like it only lasted an hour and it was great to be home.

[Fitty]

The last pics are incredible. I'll have to say you went above and beyond what a loaded down GS is supposed to do. Or at least what most people do on them. Very impressive. I think this picture is my favorite. Takes my breath away.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/RSTed1000/Montana%202006/IMG_1582.jpg

[Doug]

Welcome home Ted.
An amazing journey,
well done...

[Ritten]

I took this trip as a realization of an unfinished goal. I was gone for 13 days, rode for 11 of them, and logged just over 5500 miles. The numbers boggle my mind cause it really didn't feel like I did that much. The bike ROCKS and I have to give BMW props for building one of the toughest, most versatile, fun, and enjoyable bikes I've every had the pleasure to ride.

Out there on the road you think about alot of things and you become thankful for even more. Your close friends become closer to your heart, your family becomes an even deeper part of who you are, and your understanding of the world outside your home becomes just a little bit broader. You learn that people are inherently good, and that trials and obstacles really do make you stronger. When I go on these rides, it's usually to chase a goal, but in the end, I always seem to come back with a dream.

Thanks for all the encouragement along the way guys. I truly hope to bring ya'll more from the road as the years go by.

[Bacon]

Hey Ted,

That sucks taking a trip that long and not finding a single good photo opp.
Good thing the mountians of south LA are close and you can ride them anytime you want.

Latter Dude
Tim
Ps I sent the link to a few of your friends down here.

[Drivin&Cryin]

Nice Job Ted. Those pics are incredible. I'm looking forward to many more in the near future. This dual-sport stuff is starting to grow on me.....

[jason70360]

Well you keep making me wish my school would go by quicker! August 2008, it's on. The first trip we need to make is to watch the GP race at Luguna Seca. You, Brad and I could make a week of it. Hit the back rodes there, watch the race, and hit some different ones on the way back.

I am still wondering about the FJR1300 or the 1200 GS? Paul offered his FJR to me to take Tara on a short day trip to see how she likes it. I might take him up on it once it cools off some. I want to compare the ride between the two and then I'll make up my mind.

I will probably sell the speed demon around Mardi Gras if I can get the right money for it. Don't forget to give me a call when you come in.

[Ritten]

Well you keep making me wish my school would go by quicker! August 2008, it's on. The first trip we need to make is to watch the GP race at Luguna Seca. You, Brad and I could make a week of it. Hit the back rodes there, watch the race, and hit some different ones on the way back.

I am still wondering about the FJR1300 or the 1200 GS? Paul offered his FJR to me to take Tara on a short day trip to see how she likes it. I might take him up on it once it cools off some. I want to compare the ride between the two and then I'll make up my mind.

I will probably sell the speed demon around Mardi Gras if I can get the right money for it. Don't forget to give me a call when you come in.

Welcome to the site man, I was wondering when you were going to sign up. If you want to set up a ride for August then this is the place to do it. Somone needs to start logging the eastern states for the race, so perhaps we could hit the gap or Suches.

[chappy]

I have said it before but I will say it again. You can buy all the slick bike touring mags like Rider and Road Runner but you won't find better writing or pictures than I just enjoyed here! Thanks Ted.

[jason70360]

I won't know until later next week, but I NEED to go on a ride before classes start back up. I will let you know as soon as I find out something. One problem I still don't have any bags except my tank and camelbak (it is pretty huge though). If we are only going for a couple days I should be fine.

My best chance to go will be the 9th through the 11th. I can leave as early as 5pm on the 8th but have to be back around 4pm on the 11th. I know it is short but its all I have for now between our two schedules.

I hope I don't look like this on the trip rocket.ride . He looks tired! Where is the damn smile little Wal-Mart guy.

[Rocky]

Man, you should write a book. You know that people pay good money for stuff like this. You should try your hand with some video editing next round. Juice told me that he was going to bring video editing into ride reports on his Coast 2 Coast. A full length digital video would bring your adventures to the next level.




I have said it before but I will say it again. You can buy all the slick bike touring mags like Rider and Road Runner but you won't find better writing or pictures than I just enjoyed here! Thanks Ted.

[Ritten]

Man, you should write a book. You know that people pay good money for stuff like this. You should try your hand with some video editing next round. Juice told me that he was going to bring video editing into ride reports on his Coast 2 Coast. A full length digital video would bring your adventures to the next level.



Thanks Rocky. I've actually thought about putting a book together and have made it one of my life goals, but I can't see me getting into video. We've all heard the cliche' that a picture is worth a thousand words, right? For me, the enjoyment isn't so much in showing a picture, but rather being able to create it through those thousands of words. Being able to choose each for it's translation, and the color that it brings to the over-all story is what gets me going. It's like creating a painting in the reader's mind with each brush stroke of a word.

When I'm asked to do it with something so personal as my trips, it's a pure high.

[JayD]

Out-flippen-standing Ted































as usual ! ;)

[jason70360]

Man, you should write a book. You know that people pay good money for stuff like this. You should try your hand with some video editing next round. Juice told me that he was going to bring video editing into ride reports on his Coast 2 Coast. A full length digital video would bring your adventures to the next level.

Ted he's right! You should send some of your stuff to some magazines. Think about it you could get paid to do what you love!

[URLOOZN]

Ted....that was absolutely amazing.

Here I am stuck out at BP Thunderhorse for 7 more days and you go giving me a riding chub with all those pics! I'm the guy with the Alaska trip next spring and I'm thinking we may have to share some GPS numbers for my trip home! I hope my trip is as memorable as yours seemed to be. Kudos on the commentary also. I have a minor in English so I enjoy well written material. I'd have to say yours is worthy of much praise. You know what? Even though I'm older than you.....I want to be just like you when I grow up!

[Ritten]

Daaaaaaaamn........ANOTHER one working for BP??? Between you, Nick, and I, we're going to make their stock plumet due to a drop in work efficiency. Hell, they'll have a company email going out soon banning the viewing of DSRL!! If you run into Danny (mud engineer with MI) make sure and let him know that he's now stuck working with another dedicated motorcycle adventurer. He was my relief on the Confidence for the past 2 years.

Thanks for the praise and let me know if I can assist with any routes going through that area.

[URLOOZN]

Roger dodger. Keep the rubber side down.
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....THIS time.

[shortie]

Now does everyone know why Ted has his signature??? :)

Thanks for sharing with us again! I love your reports!

[iridefar]

Actually, Glacier only has one major road.....The Going to the Sun Road. There are a few other roads that dead end after a few miles unless you plan on some serious hiking, but staying in the US it is the only way across the pass.

Great pictures. I tried to ride through GNP last year on my way back from north-west Canada. Unfortunately it was sleeting when I got to the US/Canada border and they had closed the Going to the Sun Road. I was so p*ssed. I plan on going back soon.

[Dusty]

I read this report on your return but I just got around to registering. Absolutely amazing man. We can all learn a great deal from others travels if we just pay attention.