Almost there!!!

Tomorrow July 27th I will be able to visit Roosville port and then I will head to Polebridge and then Columbia falls. Its hard to believe I am this close to being done and turning around to head home.
I finally broke down and bought a night in a hotel in Kalispell. One of the first things I learned is that no matter how much planning you do, something will change.

I met a couple of guys doing the whole ride north to south. One was on a Honda XL650 and the other was on a Lime Green 06 KLR. It looked really familiar. LOL
They had stopped to fix a flat on the KLR and were just finishing when I rode up. They told me about a really bad section and advised that I avoid it. Not one to scoff at fate, I took their advise and later that night I worked out a different route.
I was going to spend my first night at the Canvas Cafe / Jeff Davis lodge. When I got there after riding all day and doing 260 miles I found that they had closed up. Hmmmm, Now what. I decided to ride to Banock state park and camp there. It was actually really nice.
276 miles for the day.

Day 2
WOW, It sure takes a while to pack up. Especially when I was tired and moving slow. I was up early, made oatmeal for breakfast and leisurely packed up. I was shocked when it took almost 2 hours. I need to get better at this.
I routed around the bad section but was able to ride some really awesome roads. Mostly paved but really great non the less.
I made my way to a Good Sam campground in Helena. Having a covered tent site and showers and a flushing terrlet was really nice. It even had a power outlet so I was able to charge the laptop, GPS, phone and iPod. I know, its a lot of stuff but I could not have done this without the GPS, family wouldn't let me go without a phone and having tunes is a must for me. The laptop, could have done without but times like this its really nice. I am able to pull my track log for each day and save it as well as use mapsource and streets and trips to figure routes. Its working really well so far.
208 miles for the day.

Day 3
I was up at about 7:30 and packed up in good time (1hr 30 min) including another morning shower. I gassed up the night before so all I had to do was hit the road. I routed around the bad section and picked up the route on Stemple Pass rd. I took it to Seeley lake. What a great road. All dirt but it was graded and in really good condition. I also got to ride some really nice slab out of Seeley lake. I landed in a motel in Kalispell. Having a real bed, internet, AC, and a TV. WOW I feel like im in heaven. I even splurged and grabbed Pizza Hut for dinner. No boiling water and having freeze dried tonight!!!
I called ahead to Columbia Falls and found a campground that has nice tent sites with showers and such. My plan is tomorrow I will go from Kalispell to Roosville Port. From Roosville, after taking a trophy photo, I will take the trail route to Polebridge for one of the famous sweet rolls. From there I will push on to columbia falls to the campground. Spend the night and then do going to the sun highway in Glacier and back to Columbia falls for another night. Then I will truly begin the trip home.
Im excited to get there. Im so close I can almost feel it. But I also cant wait to get back home. I miss my family and there truly is no place like home.
I would have uploaded photos but I forgot a card reader and the camera has a plug all its own. (how lame is that?) Oh well, it will give you something to look forward to.
I plan on doing a full trip report when I get home.
210 miles for the day

Things I've learned so far, I brought way to much stuff!!!! If I really tried I could lighten my load quite a bit.
The bike is running great and handling the load but I sure can tell its loaded. The first part, the rail road trail from Warm River realy beat me and the bike up. Long, straight and large whoops. What a pain in the whole body!
I found a small hole that got worn into the edge of my saddle bags. It hasnt gotten any worse so I think its going to be fine. Im not doing that damed part again.

Good dress rehearsal for more trips!!!

T-Minus 15 hours...

So I packed everything up and loaded it onto the bike, Checked it over again, cleaned and lubed the chain, checked tire pressure, and anything else that I could think of. I must admit that I am getting a little nervous and excited. Am I ready for this? Can I handle 12 – 14 days on the bike? Do I have what I need? I guess there is only one way to find out and I will put myself to the test first thing in the morning.
I found it interesting that a few months ago I felt like I had more time than I needed to get ready, now with the deadline fast approaching I feel pressured and rushed.

My family is being very supportive. They all know how much I love to ride and how much I am looking forward to this trip. The kids are being kids; trying to be playful and helpful at the same time. I’m sure I am going to miss them. No matter how frustrated I get with them, they are fun and entertaining to have around.

Well its time for Dinner, Hamburgers!!! Then some final inspections and then its early to bed.

Getting Ready

On July 24th, 2008 I am embarking on the northern part of the Continental Divde Ride. I am doing that part of the trail that is in Idaho and Montana. I have planned for alot more time than the ride will actually take; but I want to take my time and really enjoy the trip.
I am planning on camping for the whole trip except for a couple of nights at motels to get a good shower and do laundry. I have planned for 14 days as to give me plenty of time to go sight seeing if I choose. Maybe even take a day or 2 and just rest. I'll see what happens.


I am doing this trip solo. It is in part a soul searching, pondering, resting, and adventure trip all wrapped into one. The first for me of what I hope to be many more.
Those that dont have a passion for motorcycling or adventure touring have a hard time grasping the reasons I want to do this. When I talk about doing this or other trips I get many different responses.

There are those that say I'm crazy. Those that say they wish they were going with me. Those that say they dont have time. Those that say they cant afford it.
Its all a state of mind. I am crazy, just not stupid. Lots of planning and practicing will hopefully see me through.
I didnt have the time to go either, but I decided to make it. Do I have the time not to go?
I cant afford the trip either. But can I afford not to go. Its amazing how saving your pennies can add up.
And finally, can I afford to give up the peace of mind and serenity that comes from being astride your motor, twisting the throttle with nothing between me and mother nature.

So after several months of planning its all finaly comming together. I think I finally have all my gear ready. It sure looks like alot when you scatter it out all over the place.

(click on photo to see full size)



I thought it would be heavier than this.




I still have alot to get ready; going through and packing it all up and sorting and removing buly packaging. Im sure I'll take some out and probably add stuff, but thats how it goes.

I have gone over my bike and I belive it to be eager, willing and ready as ever.
My bike is a 2006 Kawasaki KLR650. For this trip I outfitted it with Kenda K270's. I know there are those that dont like them; however this is my second set and they really fit my riding style well. I chose Nelson Rigg CL850 saddle bags. They are built very well and are huge! I really like them.




I changed the oil and filter today, cleaned and oiled the air filter, lubed the chain and again checked it over. I think its more ready than I am. LOL

I am hoping to be able to update this on a nightly basis but that will depend largely on internet access.

5 days and counting!!!