Monday, April 30, 2012

Everyday for 7 Weeks–Day 3–Billings to Missoula

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I woke up after a good night sleep, and was excited to get going and finally see some mountains. When I stopped for the night last night, I didn’t realize the mountain views were literally just around the corner. You can see them below if you squint! My first view of mountains and they were even snow covered ones. (Bear Tooth Mountains to be exact).

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day3 - Billings to Missoula

I was very happy to see them. I was also happy to see the sun and blue sky.  Another bike showed up after me; must be nice to have room for a bike cover! lol.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day3 - Billings to Missoula

Then my old friends the clouds, wind, and rain decided to rain on my fun. The wind was much worse than yesterday, but not the rain. It rained just enough to be annoying, and fortunately not a soaking. I left my rain gear in the bag. It fits well, but the wind pulls on it more than my coat and it wears me out faster in heavy wind.

I found Reed Point. The large amount of sheep on the side of the road made me pull in to take a peek.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day3 - Billings to Missoula 

Very run down. Nearly everything for sale. I did like the wooden sidewalks though. You don’t see those very often.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day3 - Billings to Missoula

After looking at the maps last night, I also decided to abandon the interstate as soon as possible and get on US-12. I had wanted to take it yesterday, but didn’t. Today, I exited I-90 on to US-89, and started to second guess myself. It was a boring straight road going almost due north.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day3 - Billings to Missoula

There were mini-mountains on either side, but the nice snow covered ones I had been drooling on for the last 100 miles faded away in my mirrors. I was not sure I had made the right choice, but I was committed due to my fuel range. I didn’t have enough to turn around.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day3 - Billings to Missoula

I had planned to get gas in Wilsall. I rode through the town, but I didn’t see a gas station. It was a very small town established in 1910. I turned around and pulled up the bar. A couple guys walked out and I asked them about gas. They pointed near the south end of town “by the yellow sign” one of them said.

I pulled into the “gas station”. It was only two pumps and a credit card machine; no building or sign. No wonder I missed it. The yellow sign? It said “redit ards ceptd” a few letters missing. No mention of gas.

Gas in Wilsall, MT

I got some gas and continued on. I was started to worry as I looked to the west. Those small mountains had snow on top. I would have to go that way soon. hmm. Finally US-89 met up with US-12 and I started heading west. There was a pull off spot to add tire chains. Dang. I forgot to bring those.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day3 - Billings to Missoula

I rode up the “mountain” and into a pass inside of Helena National Park. Wow. Stunning scenery. The pictures don’t do it justice since the good parts didn’t have a convenient turn out to stop. (and my gopro was safely in my top case… doh!)

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day3 - Billings to Missoula

The snow on the sides of the road was a bit distracting at first, but I didn’t have any traction problems. It began to rain again, but nothing more than a drizzle. The road twisted back and forth between the tall canyon walls. Large rocks, tall pines, and snow. A great looking combination.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day3 - Billings to Missoula

I made it to the other side and stopped for a snack.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day3 - Billings to Missoula

The rain took a break too.

I stared at the trees. It looks like there were burned, but I am thinking disease since the others around them are still ok. I’ve seen this “pattern” many times over the last few hundred miles.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day3 - Billings to Missoula

US12 was proving to be as good as I had heard, and the really good parts were on the other side of Missoula over 100 miles way. I hope the weather holds tomorrow, so I can go explore Lolo.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day3 - Billings to Missoula

US12 had one more surprise in store for me just west of Helena. MacDonald Pass right on the continental divide at 6320 feet. The heat (66F is heat after all this!) of Helena melted away as I climbed up the pass. I was rewarded with a stunning view. My favorite of the day.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day3 - Billings to Missoula

On the other side, I followed US12 back where it turned into I-90 and into Missoula for the night.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day3 - Billings to Missoula

It was very rainy and windy, so I found a cheap motel in the downtown area. There was a “Sturgis or Bust” sign from the 50s out front, which helped me decide. $50 after tax didn’t hurt either. A small non-chain motel. It’s mostly clean.

Only saw two motorcycles today just as yesterday, but neither waved today unlike yesterday. Saw antelope, bald eagles, deer, and a rabbit.

I am liking Montana.

The only statue I saw today:

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day3 - Billings to Missoula

 

 

Full Flickr Album with 49 pics 

 

Today's route:

 
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Other Posts in the series:

15 comments:

  1. Hahaha about the "gas station" ... that reminds me of my first gas stop in North Dakota back in 2010... the first station was closed and I was already long past the point the gas was low enough for the "distance to empty" to read a distance.. and I came on a "gas station" much like that one... only it wasn't gravel.. it was wet wet mud (had been raining on me) ... just 2 pumps, the credit card thing... no shelter .. no store... nothing.... took me awhile to figure out how to actually pay for the gas... (it did have diesel and LP I think as well... something weird like that).. nearly dropped the bike from the side stand sinking into the mud... blah... I wonder if I still have the photo somewhere..

    Probably covered in your prep blogs, but what is your computer setup like? are you charging off of the bike, or electrical at tent locations?

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    1. I stared at it for a few minutes as well trying to figure it all out. It had diesel, E85, regular (85.5), and premium (87). When did 87 become premium?!

      Yes, I got lucky with the wet gravel. lots of trucks had packed it down, so it was pretty solid.

      I didn't really cover that... I am using my netbook as I have on previous trips. So far I've been lucky with wifi and not had to use 3g which will end as soon as I goto Canada. I CAN charge off the bike, but have been using outlets in the places I've been staying. (no tenting yet as it has been to wet and rainy). I can't charge in the rain, so things might get interesting later.

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  2. Chris, It's a ton of fun tracking your progress. Thanks for blogging the trip.

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  3. It's fun to follow along. I checked the Lolo Pass camera. I see the road is clear but wet, and it looks like a lot of snow still on the side of the road. Have fun!

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    1. I see that you have a separate flickr folder for every day. Great idea. I'll have to try that this year on my blog. I seem to post the best pics, then the others tend to get lost in my computer or photobucket. Nice way to organize, and made even better with the GPS feature!

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  4. I am glad the rain wasn't too bad for you yesterday. Fingers are crossed for more sunny skies today.

    I agree with those views you took a picture of outside of Helena, beautiful.

    And $3.69 for regular gas. It is $4.03 for regular here in Corvallis.

    I am really enjoying following your trip. Thank you for taking the time to blog it.

    Oh and from someone who rides an SFV how are you doing on the SV? Seat not killing you yet?

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    1. I DID get more sun today. Please keep those fingers crossed until we meet in about four week? mm'kay?? thanks! :)

      yea, different states seem to have very different prices on gas. Must be the varying about of tax they add.

      Thanks for the comments. I enjoy reading them!

      I've never sat on a SFV, but I assume they are similar. I don't have any issues with my SV, but I also like to get off it regularly and take breaks. You can check it out when we come visit.

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  5. Chris:

    most McDonalds & Starbucks have free WiFi. Hotels are free but most will need a password.

    We were in Missoula last July, then we headed south on Hwy12 (Lolo Pass). Make sure you fuel up, next gas is at Kooksia. Exit hwy on left and go about a mile

    so far we are really enjoying your photos

    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast
    My Flickr // My YouTube

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    1. yes, they do! need to have a town big enough for them first though. :)

      Hwy12 was great.

      thanks for the comments :)

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  6. Thanks for updating us Chris, this is motivating for me to do a smaller trip than yours but I feel like it's big enough for me to start. It would be driving my Honda Shadow from Texas to Utah. Have a great riding day!

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    1. awesome! you should do it! You'll have a have a great time. My first moto-adventure was MN to AZ. Texas to Utah will cover some great scenery as well!

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  7. Enjoying the ride! The pictures are really interesting--wonder why there are so fun bikes. Perhaps that'll change come the weekend--some of us have to work! ;-)

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    1. So fun bikes? autocorrect mishap? I heard a few more today in CdA, but still not seeing them in large numbers like MN. There was a pack of cruisers at a gas station east of Lewiston. They didn't wave.

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  8. The scenery reminds me a bit of Alberta. Nice!

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