In order to prevent getting lost on today's trip we agreed to the following rules:
1. We would discuss the next stop and agree to wait for everyone at unmistakeable road junctions.
2. A rider is responsible for keeping track of the rider behind him.
3. Maps with the day's route - fully discussed - will be held by each rider.
Following these rules, I printed out maps with the day's route outlined on them. The manager at the Best Western was nice enough to print enough copies for me to pass one out to each rider. We agreed to not try to bunch together too closely on the first 8 mile leg due to crazy traffic in Bozeman itself. I had witnessed three accidents in a short trip the day before on Bozeman's streets, and I wanted everyone to look out for themselves rather than try to stay with the group. It worked well and we met up at the 1st road junction outside of town.
The next agreed upon stop was Ennis Lake. Unfortunately John was doing his yoga and in a deep meditative state as he rode by the turn-off for the lake while he was leading, and no amount of horn-honking and arm waving could disturb his inner peace. So we rode on past.
At the next scenic vista turn off we took a photo and pee break. We were surprised to note that this area a few miles outside of Virginia City was a burial spot for a woman. Her marker was right there 30 feet or so from the parking lot! Be careful where you pee there! As we prepared to leave, two gals from South Carolina pulled up to take pictures with us. One was missing her Harley as they were driving cross country together and wanted to chat with some bikers. Before you know it Jim G. had suggested that since they were also going to Virginia City that she should ride on the back of Steve's bike to get there. In no time flat she was up for it and away we went.
We arrived in Virginia City 15 minutes later and parked for an afternoon of eating, shopping and sightseeing.Colleen and I decided on a name for the South Carolina gals while we were taking the open-air bus tour of the sites in town - "Thelma and Loise." There was an uncanny resemblance with age, dress and personalities.
After leaving the historic old mining town and ex-capital of the Montana Territory, we rode on to Dillon. With straight roads and no traffic, I became posessed when I heard Meatloaf's "Bat Out of Hell" on the Sirius radio. I took the BMW up to a new personal record for me, and probably for that bike. Somewhere between an indicated 132 and 133 MPH. At that speed the wind on the outside of my bare legs was burning more than the engine heat from the inside of my legs. Must've been friction on my leg hairs or something. I then pulled into the Best Western and waited for the crew.
That night we ate together at a steakhouse downtown. After dinner we explored a historic railyard and boardwalk before heading back for shut-eye.
No comments:
Post a Comment