So, I’ll pick up where I left off…
From Red Lodge to Seely Lake.
We left on the edge of a storm, but from the weather service it looked like we’d be skirting the worst of it and so it was. A drop of two feel along the way, but nothing much. Our intention was to make Kalispell, MT, but often when traveling by motorbike the best of intentions are hosed. We got a late start out of Red Lodge, after playing late into the evening with the Harley crew in Red Lodge. Unclear heads and stormy skies made us alter the route a bit, we actually did some interstate to make up time, but as soon as possible, got back on the better roads less traveled. We never even considered it was a weekend and that Seely Lake would be totally booked. Whoops.
It was dusk when we arrived in the “almost” missed storm having ridden several miles in real rain. We were both spent and ready for food and a life altering single malt, but no rooms to be found. There were two motels, both owned by the same gentleman, who claimed to be full, though neither appeared either full or soon to be, but what do we know? He spoke of a “dude ranch” called Rich Ranch out of town 5 miles up a dirt road. Well, what to do, except do it. We gassed up and and headed up the road, that was not only unmarked but didn’t look like there could possibly be anything ahead but ranches and possibly some faint banjo music.
The road, though well traveled was still muddy, wet and the sun was waning and I was simply having helmet thoughts, that included, “is someone having a go at us?” We made it to Rich Ranch just as the last rays of sun, lit the roadway and it was a superb fine! The cabins were gorgeous, on the high end of affordable, but hey, it was a place to lay one’s head and we did just that!
In the morning we were pleasantly greeted by muted sunrays, fog rising from the earth and some seriously muddy motorbikes. The bikes could and would be soon washed, as I was told my Note. He does like a clean machine, where I would probably have let it wear off. 😉 Anyway, the coffee was great and we were off fairly early, heading to Kalispell, bike wash and off to Canada to get ourselves back on schedule.
Note’s bike
The cabin in the morning light
The road
Real coffee mugs beats the hell outa the styrofoam!
View from the cabin deck…nice eh?
We came by this lake the night before, but it was difficult to really see.
Now you can see why we needed to wash.
A local girl and her dog chatted with us for a bit.
A quick bite and we were off to Lake Kookanusa a combined word for Kootenay, Canada and USA, is that right Bill? And what a well kept secret. This road was amazing going up the west side of the lake with new tarmac and lots of turns and twists.
It was on this road that I got the treat of the journey…a ride on Bill’s KTM.
First off, get situated on a bike that’s at least 5 inches too tall. Wow, that took some getting my head around. I could lean and touch on the very tip of my boot. Well, heck, once moving I was fine, and I’d have at least an hour or so before I’d need to stop. I’ll ponder the dilemma later. :whistle
Man, is that KTM mean for riding and twisties. It was an entirely different sort of ride than the Bandit. I found the experience completely exhilarating! If ever there was a hooligan bike, it’s the KTM supermoto. Wow. :rad I must admit to my experience much more stimulating than Bill’s ride on my Bandit, but hey I was only following his suggestion and was sorry when he wanted his bike back!!
The dam whose name escapes me was mid-way up the road.
Shot from the KTM…woohoo!!!
Nearing the Canadian border, we stopped to reinforce our sustenance and saw this amazing machine!
Another view
The line at the border wasn’t too bad, though it was a bit hot waiting. I was thrilled that there were absolutely NO issues getting into Canada this time, contrary to my first solo excursion. I guess one is way less conspicuous when not being a female traveling solo!
After some beautiful riding, we made our destination of Coleman, Alberta and our first night in Canada.
Here’s Bill as we were getting ready to leave the following am.
We met this gent from BC who had ridden 1000K to arrive here to visit family and friends. Meet John and his beautiful Coni.
Ok, we have experienced some amazing sights already, but I don’t think I was prepared with what was yet to come. Jaw-dropping breathing vantages were around nearly every bend, including “the sheep of the dead”. 😉
I am certain these sheep were simply rements of themselves and instead of eating brains they were licking salt off the highway. They refused to budge and were downright obstinate. They also were molting and very scary looking.
Breathtaking…
We made it to Canmore, Alberta just outside of Banff. We decided to stay here, as the cost was substantially less and the options more. We had an odd dinner in a local bar/restaurant with probably one of the most “interesting” characters we met on the journey. She had heart, to say the least and a very trying attitude! I ordered a prime rib sandwich to Bill’s prime rib dinner. When they arrived, it was virtually the same size, only Bill’s was a bit thicker piece of meat. My price…$13, his $32. I can only smile at his reaction…bloody hell!
Bill desperately needed a rear tire at this point so we opted to remain in Canmore one more day, and I’d have a down day while he ran into Calgary for a tire. It was nice to take a breather and he was back early enough, that we could have done some local riding only chose not to. Tomorrow, the Icefield Parkway and Jasper.
Walking around in Canmore…
Still skirting the storm
A gratuitous self-portrait out of moto gear…ahhhh a day off riding!
Stay tuned…;), more to come!