Rally Routes

[Dormer]

To the riders who are asking about routes to the Spokane rally, I would be very disappointed if any of you choose to ride the interstate slab! If you are coming from the east or south east you need to go through Cody Wyoming, Chief Joseph highway and the bear tooth pass and Yellowstone park all in the Northwest corner of Wyoming ( South west corner of Montana). Next Central Idaho, Ketchum/Sun Valley north to Stanley, Salmon, North to Lolo pass west into the panhandle of Idaho. North to Spokane. If you want to see some country, ride twisties and have a great vacation DO NOT RIDE THE INTERSTATE. We have the best riding in the states in this area. Welcome and be safe.

Dormer.

[kbasa]

I can cast a vote for Yellowstone, Chief Joseph, Beartooth Pass and the surrounding roads as being some of the best I've ever ridden. Specatularly beautiful and challenging roads make you decide whether you want to look or ride. We spent a lot of time looking between thrilling rides.

[Montana]

I would add to that, a note about the last 100 miles of I-90 in MT and from MT through the panhandle of Idaho: If you're short for time or riding two-up on a fully loaded LT and your passenger has had enough twisties, then don't overlook riding this particular stretch of the superslab - it literally is SUPER! It is mountainous, along the rivers and over the summits, divided two-lane with highspeed sweepers, and corners where you run the risk of running off the road and down into a ravine if you aren't paying attention.

There are no bad options in this area. I-90 is pretty nice cruising from the junction with I-15 and it doesn't get boring again until you're practically at the fairgrounds exit. (No offense to the rest of WA - it's pretty at the Cascades, too.)

[prowler]

As mentioned before, you miss a lot of the real beauty of this country plus you forfeit some of the true riding pleasure by traveling by way of the super-slab. However, if you have come too far and you're dead tired and can't wait for Spokane to come into view then maybe the highway is your best bet. One thing about the super-slab is certain .......... it saves time.

Question: For those of us traveling from the East and wanting to check out the parks and the backroads with their twists and turns and yet want to live out of a tent, are there plenty of campgrouds along the way after you pass through Yellowstone? The Rand McNally map shows they are far and few between.

[Montana]

"Plenty of campgrounds?" Yes.

Any space available? Maybe. Mid-July is high season and lots of folks go to BLM sites and live there all summer, only moving because they stayed the limit. Then they move to the next BLM site and live there. I've seen 'em have astroturf and container gardens at their camp sites.

My recommendation is always to look ahead at least a day if not two, and call ahead to where you want to be, if you are wanting commercial/private/developed campgrounds. Otherwise, plan on stopping early in the day if you want State/Forest Service space, and anything on a lake will probably be full Thurs-Mon.

In Glacier Park I've found the best thing is to cruise through the campground around 9:30 am and claim a space as someone is pulling out, set up, and then ride locally all day. Next morning, move out early. I pack along bright orange surveyor's flagging and tape off the parking spot for my site, to show it's occuppied; being on a bike means very little stuff is visible and the site looks available.

[prowler]

Thanks, Montana, for the good information on camping. I'll remember what you said about "checking-in" early in the day. I'll also be sure to get the latest, updated map when I cross the state border.

My main concern with camping facilities is finding a place to pitch my tent at night during my trip from Indiana to Spokane. Past experience tells me it is hard to determine where I'll be from one day to the next while sight-seeing since the terrain is often new and unchartered plus the hours can slip away. If I alter my route to make my first-ever trip through Yellowstone Park it is hard to estimate how many hours will pass while I gawk and snap pictures. Also, there's the unexpected July rains which can slow down [or stop] the rider's progress and make it challenging to figure ahead.

Maybe it's time to open the wallet and be prepared to find a motel room from time to time. Hard to do for an aging "mizer." What do you think?

[kbasa]

When we went to Yellowstone, we camped out side the west gate (if memory serves) at the KOA. We had a full day to ride around the park and gawk without having to worry about where we were staying. Forget about camping in the park unless you make reservations right now.

[prowler]

Thanks for the tip, Dave. I'll remember that.

Happy trails.

[kbasa]

Oh yeah, there's a corner of the park (southeast?) that has all the geysers, paintpots, pools and the like. It also has the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which is well worth the hike down to see. I should try and find some of my pictures and scan them.

That corner also seems to have all the traffic, so get your "I'm riding in traffic" Mojo working before you head out. Despite the traffic and the bearjams, it's still a fabulous place to visit.

[Montana]

Bear jams and buffalo jams and elk jams. Sounds like lunch.

This is Yellowstone:
http://www.chromeheads.org/discus/messages/8/76344.jpg

So is this:
http://www.chromeheads.org/discus/messages/8/76343.jpg

[prowler]

Awsome pictures, Montana! Looks like someone could easily lose themselves in the beauty and magnitude of the park for more than just a couple of hours. I'm truly looking forward to the ride and the scenery.

Thanks for sharing.

[aterveen_1487]

Hey don't forget about the Black Hills BMW Buffalo Roast ( www.blackhillsbmw.com ) as we are going to be putting on one heck of a rally. The city of Spearfish is closing down main street Friday evening for a Bug-N-SPLAT (show and shine if u must) with an open container during the welcome ceremony. Saturday: morning there is a scheduled poker run with fabulous prizes to be given away. That evening there will be a prize ceremony and WILD WEST BUFFALO FEED, not to mention a LIVE band. Don't miss out on the best SD has to offer. How many places can you go to see what we all have to offer...Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse monuments, ride three canyons, see water falls, explore some of the biggest caves in the world..ex Jewel and Wind Cave, see historic town such as Deadwood(recently shown on HBO), Hill City, legendary Stugis...and get to experience a real life wild west buffalo feed. Don't miss out on this one! You can check us out at www.blackhillsbmw.com . Hope to see you all there!

[aterveen_1487]

http://www.spearfish.com/canyon/

[knary]

FWIW,
I rode some of those roads this last fall. I'm itching to get back there as soon as I can. A bunch o' pics and such can be found here...

Enough: a beartooth, some breasts, and a boob (http://www.conary.org/bike/index.php?report=enough)

http://www.conary.org/bike/assets/trip/enough_big/IMG_2178.jpg

yep. tooting my own horn again. I know. it's a problem.

[aterveen_1487]

were was that pic? Was that in the Black Hills of SD?

[aterveen_1487]

more pic

[aterveen_1487]

more pic

[dkaag]

If anyone has questions on Jellystone, you can email me off-list at dkaag@turbonet.com. My wife does research there, and we have been going to the Park, winter and summer, for over 30 years, so we know the Park pretty well. Here are a few hints on camping: Most of the primitive campgrounds, like Indian Creek near Mammoth, and Pebble Creek, have the advantage that they are pretty small for "hard-siders", don't allow them to run their generators, and have special sites for motorcycle and bicycle campers (bear-proof storage containers), which tend to be open when all of the other sites are filled up. Otherwise, if you are planning to camp in the Park, it is best to camp outside the night before, and then hit the campgrounds in the Park at about 0930-1030 to find a recently-vacated spot.

[56216]

When we went to Yellowstone in 98,2000 and 2001 we stay in restful accomodations.
MADISON HOTEL,MOTEL,GIFT SHOP - 139 Yellowstone Avenue.
Box 1370 West Yellowstne,Montana 59758
phone 406-646-9766 or reservations only 800-838-7745
email: MadisonHotel@wyellowstone.com
Surprise low price it wasn’t worth pitch tent in KOA and not too many people know about it.
Just take it ease; we planning stay one night this year on the way from Paonia.:dunno

[TheSuperScoot]

In 2001 I had good luck with our old friends at KOA. Nice thing about KOA's is that you can call ahead in the morning and make a reservation for that evening. There seem to be quite a few in the northern Rockies. Also, they often have a little spot that nobody can squeeze a class A motorhome into.

Re: Yellowstone. I showed up on the way home from Redmond with no reservation, and hit the main desk at the visitor's center about lunchtime. They had an early check-out, and some cancellations available. Unfortunately, you have to go to the reservation desk at the visitor's center in person, but the folks there told me they usually have some spots open up every day. But of course, it's a gamble. :dunno

To echo Chris' comment about the Madison Hotel/Motel/Giftshop/LiveBait, I've spent many pleasant nights in old motels in small towns, all of which were more comfortable than my tent. The AAA guide is helpful in finding some of the inexpensive, independent motels along the way.

[Unregistered]

I-84 to Boise.

Highway 21 to Idaho City. From Idaho City to Lowman it gets a bit twisty. Lowman over 7200 ft Banner Summit to Stanley. Left on Highway 75 to Highway 93 to Salmon over Lost Trail summit at 7000 feet north to Lolo, MT, Head west on Highway 12 and the famous "Curves next 77 miles" road. Highway 12 will take you into Lewiston. 95 north on the Idaho side to Coeur d' Alene, i-90 into Spokane. Or 195 north right into Spokane.

For those is a hurry, leave Boise on Highway 55 through Horseshoe Bend, McCall, New Meadows where you connect with Highway 95 through the Riggins canyon. When you reach White Bird, you have two options, Up the highway hugging the side of the hills, or through the town of Whitebird and up the old highway with its 78 hairpin turns in just a couple of miles. This was the original roadway until the early 80s. It reminds me a lot of the switchback roads of Europe. You connect back up with Highway 95 at the top of the hill. When you reach Grangeville, head into town and take Highway 13 into Kooskie. Another wonderful twisty road. Be cautious on the early part of 13. The road is old and the center is higher than the outer edges. You will grind off metal if you are going through the left handers at a high rate of speed. Head west on Highway 12, yes the same one that comes down from Lolo. This route follows a river into Lewiston. It helps keep the temps down a few degrees over the direct Grangeville to Lewiston route.

Keep in mind that much of southern Idaho is high desert. It will be cool in the mornings, and can reach 100+ in the afternoons. Carry plenty of water. The road out of Riggins runs next to the river in the bottom of a canyon. Midafternoons through there are like riding in a solar collector.

I would post pics of these routes, but I dont see an easy way to do that. If you have any questions, drop me a line!

Gene Chapman
00 K1200LTC

[94042]

This is the view south on Highway 95 just north of White Bird, the town, in Idaho. This is the area of the old highway, WHite Bird Hill, with the 70+ hairpin switchbacks. What a view!

[94042]

Highway 12, Lolo Pass heading west from Missoula, MT to Lewiston, ID.

[94042]

Highway 12 from Kooskia ID heading east to Missoula MT.

[94042]

Somewhere along Highway 12 in Idaho heading west.

[aterveen_1487]

take a look at a pic one of my buddies, Richard, took...this is the kind of riding that is waiting for you at the Black Hills BMW Stampede. You can inquire and register for the rally at www.blackhillbmw.com Hope to see you there!

It's less than 2 months away!

[turbo]

Ah yeah that is what I am talking about...catch me if you can!:burnout I know you said "S" curves, but come on man that looks like way too much fun!

[94042]

And another alternate route from I-80 in Wyoming. North on 191 from Rock Springs to Farson, Pinedale and Jackson Hole. From Jackson Hole to Idaho Falls to Arco and up Highway 83 to Challis, over Trail Creek Summit to Lolo, Highway 12 to Lewiston.

This is the view back toward Jackson Hole from the 8500 foot mark along Highway 31.

Gene

[94042]

OOps....should be highway 93 into Challis, not 83.

Gene

[94042]

Photo from May 29th, 2004. Looking south to the mountains on the south side of Stanley, ID as we approach from the north on Highway 75.

[94042]

A panoramic view east from Galena summit

[94042]

The scene back upon the 79 switchbacks along this short stretch of the old Whitebird Hill highway. The new highway 95 road is to the right along the side of the hill.:clap

[Unregistered]

Great folks own the Wyoming Motel in Wheatland, WY. Park right in front of your door. More info wyomingmotel.com Exit 80 off I-25, business loop I-25 1 to 1-1/2 miles motel on right.


Bev Fontaine
MOA #5791