Wow

Dave and Kim at Beartooth Pass

Today's blog is submitted by guest bloggers, co-riders, Dave and Kim. We approached the day leisurely, got on the bikes around 8:00 a.m. and cruised the curvy highway to Red Lodge Cafe. Toni, our waitress from the Chrome Bar the night before, recommended the establishment, nestled midway down the street of quaint buildings. After breakfast, we strolled the sidewalks until we stumbled into Montana's Candy Emporium to discover every sweet treat imaginable including childhood favorites and samplings of Huckleberry flavors. Also visited the HD store where the guys logged our mileage from the day before for HOG's Million Mile Monday. One of the sales ladies pulled up pictures of Bear Tooth Highway on the Internet explaining that there was ten feet of snow up there a couple of weeks ago and that the temperature would be 30 degrees lower than the 70 degrees we were feeling currently. She was accurate in her statement.

Red Lodge Cafe in downtown Red Lodge, Montana

Cruising the Beartooth Highway on July 1st

We put on our leather and zig-zagged up the switchback highway. The scenery was extraordinary. Each turn featured a magnificent view of the mountains surrounding us. Roger asked us what we thought, and we replied, "Wow!" there simply was not a better word to describe the beauty of the terrain, sky and the glory of God's hand found in nature.

The Bear's Tooth

Name sake of the Beartooth Mountains, note the fang like rock formation.

This is Roger and Barb's third visit out west. It is no wonder why they love this trip. It has been a wonderful opportunity to experience this tremendous display of beauty with such admirable individuals. Our love of the road, food and fellowship has developed a remarkable camaraderie.

Chief Joseph Highway

It took us nearly 8 hours to travel the 100 miles of scenic Bear Tooth and Chief Joseph Highways to Cody, WY, worth every minute. Cody has a small town feel, with lots of activity. It boasts a nightly rodeo, interesting historical sites, Buffalo Bill's Historical Center and more. Our accommodations are phenomenal, as is the owner of Cowboy Village. The decor is log cabins and cowboys, as one might suspect, but the beds are the best in the west. It surprises you with a rustic elegance.

Cody Cowboy Village
After dinner at the Rib & Chop House, we attended the Stampede Rodeo. Fortunately, we sat in the grandstands protecting us from inclement weather. Out of the blue, a wicked storm blew through including down pours and lightening taking out the lights and scoreboard. But the show went on. The participants and commentators never missed a beat, they continued to perform without hesitation. It was another amazing evening of our adventure, WOW!

Dave and his new friend, the chipmunk