Beartooth Adventure

Tuesday, June 22

The big day has finally arrived, after way too many tales of the greatness of the Beartooth Highway by a certain individual, it was time to encounter this momentous experience. If you are suspecting that this is the same individual that had demonstrated limited integrity at weather compentence near St. Joe, you are so right.

With a dozen bikes lined up, many with passengers, they set off for the experience of a lifetime, little did they suspect what lay ahead. Topping off the gas tanks, they set off for an awesome display of mountain beauty and great riding on the famous Chief Joseph Highway. Checking out the breath taking vistas along the way, all were just beaming with the joy of the experience. The whole while their somewhat trustworthy guide constantly remarking that this is only an apetizer for what is to come. That guide could hardly hold himself back, anxious to share the world class views and amazing switchbacks of the Beartooth Mountains.

They press on, nearing the end of Chief Joseph, it is obvious that serious clouds are setting in. A turn onto Beartooth Highway made it obvious that rain gear just may be in order. Pulling off into what may be a dubious qualification for a "pull off"; rain gear was donned with much jovality and some slight concern for weather. Back on the road and starting up the first of many mountains, it was soon obvious that rain gear was definitely necessary.

As if weather was not enough of additional flavoring for the experience, the dreaded sign that a traveler fears most, "Caution, road construction ahead". To spice things up even further an additional sign warns, "Motorcycles use extreme caution". Blissfully they journey on.

Reaching a store up the mountain appropriately named, "Top of the World"; it was time to take a break, visit a bathroom, pickup some more trinkets and briefly assess weather. By this point the rain was taking on a more interesting appearance, better known as snow. Refusing to give up hope in the leader, they ride on. Working their way further and further up the mountain, snow becoming heavier and heavier. snowflakes were now the size of quarters. When they hit you in the face they feel like frozen frisbees. Visiability is now down to barely the tailights of the bike in front of you; forget checking out the mountains that rise miles out in the distance. Carefully inching their way along, around switchbacks, up the mountain, on and on. The sides of the roads were clearly evident by the snowbanks often towering above the bikes themselves. Fortunatley through all of this, the snow was not freezing on the road surface.

Goggles had long ago fogged up and rendered themselves useless, windshields were collecting snow and ice, fairings had become covered. The whole procession had the appearance that one would more likely associate with snowmobiles rather than motorcycles.

Cresting the high point and starting the descent, the backside of the mountain was not under the same weather conditions. They were now out of the snow storm. There was a rest stop that saw the riders clearing windshields and fairings of the accumulation of snow and ice. Amazing, everyone was in great spirits, consumed with laughter and fun. Silliness subsided somewhat, bladders emptied, camera data cards filled, it was time to head on down the mountain. The ride down was much less eventful, no snow, no rain, some ability to take in the views, partially redeming the integrety of the leader.

They arrived in the quaint little town of Red Lodge and invaded a local cafe. The party was still on. There was no end to the joking, exaggerated story telling and teasing. Food was good, the friends and fellowship was spectacular. Following lunch it was time for cruising the stores and getting the obligatory shirts from Beartooth Harley.

Back in Cody the balance of our group had spent the day taking in the local sights, the town, food and all the tourist things. Way too intelligent and boring for the rest of us. The evening was capped off by a visit to the Cody Cattle Company, a buffet and outstanding music. Beverages were hoisted in celebration of a great day of adventure. Quietly a few of were celebrating the fact we made it back.