Saturday, July 3, 2010

And Then There Were Two

Our morning started out in Kalispell, Montana with breakfast at Perkins' reataurant, which is not a bad place if you have to find something.

Our plan for the day was to finish off our week of riding together with a ride on one of the most well-known (among bikers anyway) and spectacular roads anywhere -- The Road to the Sun in Glacier National Park in Montana. It was originally built when cars were first invented. It is hard to imagine how they built it with mules and carts as it clings tentatively to the side of the mountain.

I first drove this road on a family holiday 20 years ago. Again, I had thought it would be a wonderful motorcycle road, never thinking I would ever one day actually drive it.

This year's ride provided a different experience than previously and from what I had expected. Spring thaw had been harsh to the road. Much of it had been washed away and so construction challenges were prevalent. There was so much more traffic than I expected, no doubt due, in part to being the US July 4th weekend. Finally, fog, rain, sleet/snow provided the final challenge. The rain gear came out at the beginning of the road, and didn't come off till the end. At least we were colorful --Ben in his "Harley orange" Bob in his red and white, and me in my yellow pvc.

The run was ended at Johnson's restaurant and campground where the potato soup warmed the innards and provided us with one last meal together. From there George and Bob headed back to Kalispell to continue their ride together for another week, while Ben and I rode the 20 miles to the Canadian border.

Ben and I rode to Medicine Hat where we end our vacation week and begin a week of radio station and donor meetings throughout Alberta.

It has been a wonderful experience in many ways. Great men to travel with, good roads to ride, wonderful memories to cherish, and the catharsis of having had nothing to worry about except keeping the shiny side up and my knees in the breeze.

(PS --Thanks to Bob for the pictures!)

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