Weather is unpredictable- now showing 90% chance of rain in Banff on Friday. Saturday is now the best day, but not holding my breath. I’d like to spend the day in Glacier NP today. The campgrounds show mostly full (or likely to be full by the time I can get there). I stopped in Great Falls at a motorcycle dealer. I got a second pair of gloves in case of extended wet or cold weather. I also would like a … Read More
Watching the weather in Banff and Icefields parkway. It looks to be rainy with Friday being a beautiful day. I am taking some extra time here to pick the best weather through this part of the ride. I stopped at the US Forest Service office for some recommendations for dispersed camping in the Lewis & Clark National Forest. Dispersed camping is where you have no camp neighbors – you just camp in the forest. This is my favorite type of … Read More
I woke up to a beautiful morning and took a walk up the campground canyon. The ride today started with one of the most scenic rides to Spearfish. A pinetree lined canyon accented by rock formations and a creek, this was a great start to the day. Heading through Bel Fourche and west through a bit of Wyoming and Montana. I spent some time at the Battle of Bighorn National Monument. The intro video ar the visitor center was intetesting. … Read More
I explored South Dakota a bit more taking a side trip to the badlands, the minuteman missile historic site, and some fun towns in the Black Hills. Deadwood and Lead are places I’d like to return to. I camped in a secluded campground in the Black Hills. A lot of friendly locals in the campground. One of the first questions each person asked me is how I found out about this campground. The locals say it is the best in … Read More
I continued across South Dakota on highway 14 (this is one of the Sturgis approach routes and also recommended by a South Dakota friend). After a rainy day, riding in 70 degrees and sunshine was welcome. Temperatures got much hotter by the end of the day (low 90’s). Ispent a good amount of time in Pierre. SD. I had a enjoyable chat with a man whose father had helped build the Alaska Highway. He told me how the teams relied … Read More
The morning was beautiful and clear in La Crosse, but a storm was on the way. Prepped for rain, I took out on I90. This stretch of highway is rather scenic, starting by the river, then ascending through lush greenery to the river bluffs. As the rain approached in the distance, I filled up with gas. A farm implement mechanic shot the breeze with me for a good bit… From his military background, his love for Minnesota, and the 200K … Read More
I started to ride early today. Mists rising from the cornfields went with the morning sunrise. Today is a day of rural roads and unexpected discoveries. Taking route 14, I saw signs that it is the Frank Lloyd Wright path. So I followed the path to end up at Taliesin. I took the four hour tour (I have a lot of notes and photos which I’ll upload soon). For now, it was a great morning. After a nice lunch, I … Read More
Another long day of riding – From Cincinnati to Monroe, Wisconsin. I am far enough north to find cooler weather. I took some side roads. At this shady spot by a corn field, the only car that passed by stopped to talk. I like the countryside. I found a simple campground and set up camp for the night. It was nice except for the mosquitoes. I fixed a nice dinner of Cuban Mojo with Portuguese Sardines. 0
I start my trip today. July is often one of the hottest times of the year along my route. I’ve been watching the weather forecast closely as it calls for showers. I am awake early and the weather radar currently is clearer than expected. This weeks shift in the jet stream should result in cooler temperatures where my journey begins. Today’s ride should take me as far as Cincinnati. This is longer than I normally ride, but I’d like to … Read More
