Eric and Frank go west part 1

[Yamifj1200]

LETS SEE SOME OF THE WEST RIDE AUGUST 2009


  Frank and I met up in Roanoke Va. to tow our bikes out to Lee Carkenord's house in Denver Colorado.  Lee and his wife Louise were nice to let Frank and I park the van and trailer safely behind their home while we were away on our adventure.

  Friday evening Frank decided to drive straight through from Roanoke Virginia to Limon Colorado.  Excited about the trip we drove all night talking about our plans and discussing routes. The time went by quickly as we drove through West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and into Colorado. We were getting very tired and got a hotel room in Limon Colorado.






Sunday morning we drove the last hour and a half to Lee's house unloaded the bikes packed them up and headed north to meet up with Lee at Ayers Natural Bridge just southwest of Doulas, Wyoming; riding north out of Denver was a true adventure. It was great to see Lee again and catch up on the last few years since we had been together.  We all enjoyed the evening laughing and talking about motorcycles and some of the routes great through the western states we planned on riding through.









  Monday morning we said our so longs to Lee. Frank and I rode west on interstate 25 through Casper and on to Buffalo Wyoming.  Nice weather and light traffic made the ride a breeze and we were in Buffalo in no time at all. Heading west out of Buffalo on route 16 west we are beginning to see what the mountains in the area are like. The road was perfect with continuing sweepers until we reached the top of the pass. The weather was gray and cold as we neared the top a welcome change from the heat and humidity we had left back at home. Once over the pass we made our way through copper canyon and on to Worland.












We headed south on route 20 to Thermopolis so Frank could check out the natural hot springs. I have to say after the tow out and riding for a couple days the hot springs were a welcome relief.


Tuesday morning, We rode northwest on route 120 to Cody Wyoming then onto route 296 the Chief Joseph memorial highway on our way to route 212 the Bear tooth pass. The scenery in Wyoming was fantastic from the open plains to the huge mountain passes. Making our way into Red Lodge Montana on the Bear tooth pass was simply amazing. You can see just how powerful nature has be to create such a place. We were both impressed with how rugged these mountains are and at just over 11,000 feet the view was inspiring as well as being breath taking literally.



















Wednesday, We headed out of Red Lodge on route 78 making our way to Columbus Montana where we picked up interstate 90 and headed west. Frank and I had a great lunch in Big Timber Montana in a little bar there. Back on the interstate we continued west where we picked up route 89 north riding up to Great falls Montana for a hotel and a good night's sleep.