A late start and some mechanical issues turned into a great day. The three of us left the hotel around 10:30 and went to the GPS store to get some fixes for Eric and Kevin both. After everyone had been helped we hit the road pointed toward Glacier National Park. We had just gotten on the highway when Eric’s bike stalled. I had to turn around and ride backwards on the expressway to get to him. I gave him my spare fuel hoping that he was just out of gas. The bike started up and we went straight to the next gas station. After filling up we got back on the road ready to begin another sunny day in the saddle. At the top of a hill, his bike stalled again. We tinkered with it for a few minutes, trying everything possible. Eric ended up calling the motorcycle shop that was less than a mile away to come give a tow.
I made the decision to go ahead and get started with the miles alone. I left them by the side of the road once the tow truck was on its way. I headed south straight for the border; I missed the lower 48 and wanted back in. Once I left Calgary the ride was chock full of farms and small towns. The countryside was beautiful, lots of green pastures full of cows and horses. It wasn’t long before I made it to the US border. I slid through with ease. After about six border crossings I am used to all the questions.
Once in Montana, the scenery changed a little. I had the Rocky Mountains on my right on the way down, and now I was in them. I drove about 20 more miles and saw the entrance road to Glacier Park. There is one road that cut through the park and it was closed 12 miles in. I knew this but still wanted to drive in as far as possible to see what I could. I was impressed with the huge mountains and one very large blue lake. There were rocky cliffs high above the road, and great vistas of some glaciers in the distance. There was a nice contrast of color in the rocks, some grey like granite and some a “mars” red.
I left the park and continued south, passing over a 6000 foot pass with post forest fire trees all around. The road became twisty and fun, and continued for a long time. I finally stopped at a gas station south of the park to figure out where my final destination would be. I chose Helena, Montana; I figured it would be populated and have some nice camping spots since the weather was so nice. The ride though Montana was amazing, I think this is one of the most beautiful states I have been in yet. The huge skies and rolling hills are shadowed by the Rocky Mountains in the background. Lots of cattle spread out on vast ranches. The only part I didn’t like was a very long section of new road that was covered with very thick soft gravel. I thought I was done with this crap! I stood up and powered through the thick sections. I was so tired after my long day that my legs were shaking and I started to get a bad thought about crashing in the middle of nowhere alone. But I cleared my head and made it through the rough stuff. The amazing scenery continued all the way into Helena. I stopped at three possible RV/ campgrounds near town, one seemed too open and uncomfortable for tents, and the others were non-existent.
He was mad because we didn't eat at Quizno's
Sounds like fun
