Butte to Boise 'N Back

Apparently AT&T doesn't offer Internet service for my card thru Montana and alot of Idaho - where I have been for much of this week. So here is a qwik catch-up.

After delivering in Havre Sunday afternoon, I deadheaded down to Butte, MT and parked my truck and trailer. Monday morning I rode the bike 430 miles (10 hours!) thru the Bitteroot Mountains down to Boise, ID to visit my uncle. The ride was spectacular. I have pictures and stories to tell but not the time right now. To be continued - promise!

Tuesday we did some sight seeing around town in his car (boooo). I left Wednesday morning because I thought I had a load to get Thursday in Butte and I wanted to ride a different way back up. Long story short - the load did not go. But I found another one that actually pays better.

So I'm back in the truck with the bike loaded by dark Wednesday, after another fantastic ride (thru the Snake River Canyon this time). Unfortunately I had to deadhead another long hike down to Logan, UT to pick up this load - electronic signs - going to Greenville, SC.

So here I am in Kimball, NE enroute to SC. This trip takes me right back thru Belleville again so I will stay there Saturday night.

BTW, the picture posted here was taken in a lava field off US 20 in the Snake River Plain between Boise and Idaho Falls. You normally think 'volcano' when you see lava but not here. This exploded from the ground some 10 million years ago. This is a "must see" if you are anywhere near here.

AWWW Hail!

(I am in Billings, MT getting fuel this morning. I'm working my way north to Havre, mostly on 2-lane roads with infrequent internet service. But I wrote some late last night after a weather-filled day in North Dakota that I am now able to post. Here it is)

It rained on me three different times today (Sat). The first was a light rain in the morning heading down I-90. No big deal although the bikers riding out there probably felt different. The second time also turned out to be ‘no big deal’ even though I was on my bike at the time. That is detailed in my post just below. The third time was a ‘gully washer’ – literally.

After reloading my bike and a short siesta in Rapid City this afternoon, I continued trucking west toward Sturgis 30 miles away. I was hungry and thought perhaps I could find a place with truck parking and roll my bike off again. It was still a couple of hours until sunset.

Two things changed my mind pretty quick. First was the crowd or ‘lack of’ I should say. This is my fifth or sixth time here at this time of year. And considering it was Saturday night, I was expecting considerably more bike traffic. The campgrounds I saw were MORE THAN HALF EMPTY as were most of the motel parking lots. Apparently that was the mass exodus I’ve been seeing for two days.

The second thing that changed my mind was the weather. Angry purple clouds were forming just in front of me and bolts of lightning flashed to the ground followed 8 or 10 seconds later by the rumble of thunder. It was close. And we were both headed for the same spot – which turned out to be Belle Fourche, SD.

Because I had diverted up to Sturgis after my first delivery in Nebraska, I had to ’cut thru the woods’ just west of Sturgis to get back on route. I planned to get off I-90 and ‘wiggle’ up US 212 – a nice 2 lane hiway – thru Belle Fourche, across the corner of Wyoming and into Montana.

Since the skies were about to open up, I thought it made good sense to stop and eat while the storm blew past (good idea). I past three different restaurants, all with adequate parking for me, but couldn’t make my mind up what I wanted. You know what they say about ‘threes.’

As I made the left turn out of the last parking lot (bad idea), not two blocks in front of me was a wall of rain – literally. You could see the pavement wet and the rain falling in sheets up there yet it was still dry where I was. The smart move was to return to the restaurant. But I’m I guy. We don’t stop and we DON’T TURN-AROUND (very bad idea). Besides, it’s not like I haven’t driven thru heavy rain before. No Big Deal!

The rain was on me in the blink of an eye and I realized – too late – my rear slider-window was open about 10” (good idea turned bad). It wasn’t but just a few seconds more and then it began to hail – pee to pellet size. Visibility has gone to zero. It’s raining slightly in the window. I’m on a two lane road in town so there’s no place to just pull over.

AH-HA, there’s a parking lot. I’ve been saved! A quick right turn (really bad idea) into the parking lot and ….. the wind is now driving rain and sleet thru the open rear window all the way up to my dash! Get the truck-trailer straight, slam on the breaks, set the parking brake, 4-way flashers on, jump in the back and fight the window closed. My bed is soaked! And it’s getting worse because the hail is starting to melt.

Fortunately it was primarily just the top sheet and once that was off – and the window secured – the crisis was over. Or was it? The pea size hail is pounding the truck (and bike!!!!) and who knows what’s next. They had baseball size hail in Sturgis earlier in the week that caused alot of damage.

But not this time. The hail stopped within 5 minutes and the storm blew over in less than 20. I spent the time cleaning up inside my truck. I did stop at the next restaurant and eat. When I came out, I saw the most beautiful rainbow ever. It was a full and complete arch with both legs going all the way to the ground. The side closest to me was so bright it looked iridescent. My cheapy digital camera could not capture the beauty my eyes were seeing. Mother Nature has so many ways of showing off her splendor.

I drove 150 miles or so before stopping for the night. I’m beginning to climb in elevation from the plains. The Rockies are still a full day’s drive ahead but there are some good size hills here and a lot of elk out feeding along the roadside. I don’t like driving this at night. (Remember – 2-lane road thru the woods?)

Amazingly, I don’t think I have ever seen elk road kill. I have seen dozens of deer but never an elk. I think elk are much smarter than deer (their heads are bigger = bigger brain?). And they are faster too even though bigger.

But now it’s time to “…lay me down to sleep. I pray my soul the LORD to keep…”

It was so GREAT that it was HORRIBLE until the END

The GREAT thing was that I was sitting in a mom and pop diner (Parkway Restaurant - excellent food) in Rapid City, SD having breakfast at 12:30 local this morning on my bike. The HORRIBLE part was that I was alone. I hate that I spent some of the best parts of my life alone. Guess I don't hate it enuf yet, hmm?

For those that may not know, Rapid City is 30 miles from Sturgis - site of the Worlds Largest Motorcycle rally. Needless to say, when you have 5 or 6 HUNDRED THOUSAND bikers in town the 'fun' spreads over into the region. Ironic when you consider the resident population of the ENTIRE STATE is 750,000! Today is the 9th of a 10-day rally that has run annually since 1938 - except during WWII - based primarily on racing and stunts. It's gotten pretty big.

And that's because of the the phenomenal things around here to see. If you like to ride, then you will LOVE Sturgis,unless you fear crowds. Within a 200 mile radius, there are beautiful and historic things to ride and visit. And the ride is as fun as the destination. That's the best. Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Iron Mountain, The Badlands, Devils Tower, Hulett, Buffalo Chip, Crazy Horse, Old Fort Mead, Deadwood and on and on.......

But around here this time of year -- and THIS rally in particular -- the weather can become the headline (except in my blog). A nasty looking storm has blown up again this afternoon. That has been the story of the week I'm told. In fact, Aerosmith's lead Singer - Steven Tyler - fell off the rain slick stage Wednesday night breaking his shoulder. Supposedly he was air-evaced out. I wonder if Mr. Jack Daniels was involved? Or is he on the wagon. I don't remember.

But alas!, how did we get to Sturgis when I decided we weren't going to make it?

Friday morning I left KC, MO with my radiators en route to North Platte, NE and in fact, made that delivery last nite about 6:30 pm (they're 24/7). While plotting my next stop in Havre, MT (see my history in Havre below) I realized Sturgis was only 56 miles out-of-the-way. Not much when you consider the whole trip is 1400 miles. So we go straight north and catch I-90 west.

Friday morning I began noticing a lot of traveling bikers - driving and towing - going south on I-29 out of KC and even more going east on I-80 out of Lincoln, NE. By the time I got up on I-90 this morning it was a flood gate of bikes heading away from Sturgis. And I'm 150 miles out!

I understand riders. My 2003 has almost 80K miles. (that's not counting the 'towed miles') It's NOT garage furniture. So when I look across the medium and I see guys with the face-mask on and no windshield running 70+ mph -- I understand. Been there - done that.

The vast majority of the riders were the big touring bikes with the fairing, big windshield, big rear seat, luggage bag, radio, yada-yada-yada. Hey, they are still riders. It's all good. Unlike the weather this year.

I'm sitting in the Fire House Brewing Co. having a capuchino (it's only 1:30) watching the weather channel and - deja vu - there is a weather advisory for some town called Rochford. "Hey bartender! Is Rochford somewhere nearby? Ya," he says. "About 15 miles west of here."

By the time I have paid my tab and ran out the door, there are raindrops (just a few) on my bike seat. The sky behind me - west - is purple. My truck is east! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. (If this doesn't sound like my first nite in Austin for RoT, I'll eat my helmet!)

It takes me less than two complete circles of the block to remember which way is the truck - that and a helpful pedestrian. But in the END, I'm back and loaded (the bike) when the sprinkles get serious here. But it would appear this line of storm has gone more south because it's clear sky and sunny to the west now. Not so nice looking south. TG I have to go west.

Addendum to "On the Job..."

This add-on might make more sense after you read my post just below, from earlier this morning. The rain was qwik - THANK YOU! It was enuf to settle the dust and not turn everything to mud - WHEW. The unloading was also qwik. Unstrap and roll them off the side.

I took these pix just before pulling out. As you can see, they are setting the steel beams that will hold the roof up and keep later rain and snow off the folks inside. Construction sites always intrigue me.

The other shot is my bike on the trailer. I know it looks like I have only "one follower" but from the emails I get and phone conversations I have with friends and family, there are several. If you like, click on the link to the left and add yourself. I promise - NO SPAM!

Anyway, several people ask how I get my bike on and off. Here ya go. The ramp sits upright on the right side of the bike and keeps dirt and rocks off going down the road. I unscrew the front wheel pingel and drive my bike off. When reloading, I move the ramp to the other side and drive it up. I have an extension to add on the ramp to make it about 11' long - perfect (thanks Jim). It's about 20 minutes to load or unload. I love it.

On the Job North of Kansas City

Here I sit, at the construction site of the new Grace Baptist Church, waiting for the plumbers to show up and take these two 12"D x 25'L pieces of pipe off. I got somewhat frustrated sitting around Belleville for more than 2 days looking for something I could handle going west, preferably thru Sturgis. Eventually I started looking for ANYTHING worthwhile just to get me moving. I hate to sit! Makes my stomach upset.

So this came up and I booked it. On my way here yesterday afternoon I found a load out of KC going to Montana. Not only was it thru a broker I have hauled for before (twice) but it was going to a little town that I have been to several times.

Havre is in north-central Montana about 25 miles from the Canadian border. It the last town of any size before I crossed over into our northern neighbor while I was hauling campers last year. I have spent the nite there a couple of times. To bad I don't have a girlfriend there too. Might need to work on that part.

So when these plumbers show up - it's already 7:15 !!! - I'll go load a couple of locomotive radiators and head west. I have one stop in North Platte, NE and then on to Havre. The nice thing is the receiver works 24/7 so whenever I get there they'll take it. I should be in Havre Sunday evening sometime. Unfortunately, Sturgis is not along this route.

From there I am still more than 500 miles to Boise where my Uncle lives. Of course getting a load out of Havre, or any thing close, is going to be very difficult. I'll spend today looking for something to move me on Monday. Worse case scenario (I think), I deadhead 150 miles or so towards Helena or Great Falls - the largest towns going towards Boise. I park the truck and trailer and then take the bike to visit Unc. Hmmm, 2-wheeling thru the Bitteroot Mountain Range doesn't sound too bad.

GOOD NEWS -- I think my plumbers are here! BAD NEWS -- it just started to rain and I'm sitting out in a dirt parking lot! GTG.

"Don't Count Your Chickens Before their Eggs Hatch"

I need to remember that one. The trip did not develop and I sit here STILL in Belleville until tomorrow. I'm not sure if I should be so picky. I have been looking for a trip to go west. There was one I turned down going to MN, but I really didn''t want to go there. Mostly because getting out of there is pretty difficult. Not alot of industry - or people for that matter - except in small concentrated areas.

It was a beautiful day here - of course. The bike is STILL sitting on the trailer. Today's a riding day but I'm glued to the computer looking for work.

We'll try again tomorrow.

Sturgis just might happen

I'm working on a load going from the Milwaukee area to near Boise, ID - where my uncle lives who I have been promising for a year I would stop by. And Sturgis is smack-dab in the middle. I'll know more in the morning. I bid this load and the broker needs to call the customer.

I got into Belleville Saturday morning just after noon. Dropped the trailer, got a haircut, did NOT unload the bike (RAIN!), took care of a few other small chores and was at one of my bff's house with a cocktail in hand by 4:30. Life is good.

We - 3 couples and me - went to the 82nd Annual Mascoutah Homecoming. Mascoutah is a small town - about 6500 people - but this is a BIG event, especially after 80+ years. The parade is quite the deal with lots of antique tractors (farming community, okay); several marching bands; ambulances and fire trucks; and several floats from local businesses -- most of them throwing candy. Then there was the draft pull. Think of a tractor pull except with horses and mules. And of course we have amusement rides, lots and lots of GOOD food, beer, and music. It really was a hoot.

Sunday morning, after I cooked my world famous French Toast for the house, I went to my mother's rental house that she is trying to sell. (That was the main reason I ended up in Belleville anyway). Then Sunday night was dinner at my middle brother's house.

Monday morning I delivered my load about 70 miles west of here and then continued on another 60 miles west from there to visit a friend I had not seen for 12 years. Again, the rain prevented me from taking my bike - ARG! So I left it on the trailer and dropped the trailer at a truck stop and took the truck. It was really nice to hang with Conrad. He managed to bring up more than one event from my past I was trying to forget. Hey, but what are friends for?

As it turned out, I had an eye doctor appointment here this afternoon. Just a regular check-up. Nothing has changed since my last check-up 2 1/2 years ago. I guess that's a good thing.

I have been looking for a load all day to get me out west. I was doing a 'radius search' from St. Louis going out. Late in the day I did a 'destination' search from Boise and found this load out of Milwaukee. And there is a load from near here going to with-in 60 miles of Milwaukee. Now if I can put them together. I'll know in the morning.

And, as a bonus, two other couples are doing a 4000+ mile ride thru the west right now. They plan to come thru Sturgis on their way back here. Just maybe, I can work out the logistics and meet them somewhere along the way. Tomorrow will tell.