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105th Roadside News: Day 3 - Missoula, MT to Billings, MT- August 21, 2008
Maverick and Radio - Aug 21, 2008
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Maverick’s Notes
For the first 90 minutes, this 3rd day of Harley-Davidson’s 105th Ride Home from Seattle was essentially a duplicate of Wednesday. Estimates of participants on the Seattle route are 40+ as of the beginning of day 3.
We covered 105 miles during the first hour and one half and we were soaked. Riding the West Central canyons and mountain passes was surreal as clouds were suspended at eye level and sometimes lower in the valleys next to the highway and fields in the distance. Imagine being able to touch the clouds! This is what motorcycling is all about.
Time seemed at a stand still but for the reality of commingling autos, trucks and motorcycles negotiating ascents, descents, and curves between speeds of 55 to 75 miles per hour.
Approximately 20 miles west of Butte, Montana, the rain stopped and roads were dry. Shortly, the sun warmed us physically and emotionally.
Weather and road conditions were ideal for the remaining 180 miles.
West Central Montana is incredibly beautiful.
Radio’s Notes
A quick peek out the hotel window this morning confirmed my suspicions – rain again. As we loaded up and prepared to leave for Billings MT, there were smiling faces and laughter though as we listened to the music playing loudly from John’s bike. John always has great music to enjoy at every stop.
The rain stayed with us from Missoula to Butte where we stopped for coffee and to dry out in the warm sunshine at Thunderbolt Harley-Davidson. Some riders were confident enough to shed their rain gear. As dark clouds still hovered above, others chose to play it safe and wear their rain protection.
The mountains were beautiful today with the fog in the canyons and low clouds tucked around the trees. Even the rain couldn’t ruin their beauty. And, as we rolled out on the plains along I-90, the sun peeked out; a reminder why we all love riding.
We completed our 300+ miles early enough to clean up and enjoy dinner with new friends met on the ride. Clean jeans and styled hair – I feel like a new person! It’s the simple things in life that make you happiest.
Oh, tomorrow’s forecast: sunny!
Click here to view Missoula to Billings photos.
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