March 8, 2010

Gorgeous day in Great Falls. 56 Degrees, no wind. I was in the garage doing some minor dinking around and the Iron Horse called out to me. He had been sitting idle since late October. I turned the key and saw it had battery life, so full choke hit the starter button and he roared to life. I just had to throw on the jacket and go blow the dust off both of us. Nothing like the first ride of a new year. Have to watch out for the islands of sand and gravel on all the street and road corners. The pot holes have been busy over this seemingly longer than usual winter. What a thrill! Now the struggle to balance yard and house work with the urge to play begins. Spring fever? Yeah

Say Hi To Dave

Be sure to visit my friend Dave over at GreaterFalls.com!

The Alone Ranger finale?

It's Spring of 2010 at this posting. I've been thinking of selling the Iron Horse.

Found another, bigger, more accessoried bike.. interested? 22 thousand miles on

a 2005 Yamaha 1100 V-Star. $5,500 if you act now!

POWDER RIVER LAST OF THE 56

Powder River County Courthouse - Broadus, MT

Population: 1,858 in 2000 Established 1919

The last county! The 56th to be checked off the list. We celebrated by having lunch, reading the Sunday Billings Gazette, fueling up and getting back on the road. Craig and I are heading back on Hiway 212 which will take us through Lame Deer, Crow Agency and Little Bighorn Battlefield. A pretty ride through the meadows and valleys. 2.5 hours later we pulled into Hardin, a mere 315 mile run since breakfast. I thought about pushing back to Great Falls that evening, but another 300 miles in the dark was not as tempting as home cooked meal and a visit with Craig's other half Carla and their sons, David and Jonathan. I got home about 3PM. Rode in heavy rain from Hardin to almost Eddy's Corner. Particularly challenging was getting through the muddy road construction near Judith Gap. It was good to be home, and done with this summer of riding.

Friends ask if I would do it again. Yes, I would, but next time I will take the time it should take to appreciate the scenic beauty Montana has to offer, and to visit with the people who make a living and grow where they are planted. I been thinking of combining a ride with the goal of shooting photos of the vanishing cabins, homesteads, ranches, and elevators. I will some day buy a camera that will help capture this wonderful state of Montana.

Dynamic Duo Road Photos

Crossing the Powder River on Hiway 12 heading to Miles City. Going to Broadus for lunch and the last County to check off the list of 56.

Dynamic Duo "On the Road"

Leaving Party Town

After breakfast we headed back towards Baker.