Motorcycle Rides, Events & Rally Articles

The Evolution of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Aug 1, 2023 Damien Heenan

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the world-renowned "Granddaddy of 'Em All," has journeyed from its humble inception to become one of the globe's most prominent motorcycle rallies. This annual gathering in South Dakota's scenic Black Hills has grown from a local event to an unforgettable spectacle of camaraderie, freedom, and a shared passion for the open road. Join us as we explore its rich history, enduring resilience, and vibrant present.

As a follow-up to ABATE’s Black Thursday event this year

Mar 5, 2020 Mike Toursal

As a follow-up to ABATE’s Black Thursday event this year, we have an update about Washington State legislation of interest to motorcycle enthusiasts. This is a short session, so timing was important. First, let’s consider the law making it legal for motorcycles to park at an angle to the curb. It passed as HB 1058-2019-20 unanimously in the House, but time ran out before it could be addressed in the Senate, where it was numbered SB 5656-2019-20. Angle parking is safer for motorcycle, and, since more than one bike can occupy a parking space, it saves room. According to ABATE, that space is much needed in cities like Bellevue, where more curbside space is badly needed. Sponsors of the bill included legislators Irwin, Blake, Van Werven, Bergquist, Walsh, MacEwen, Shea, Jinkins, Wylie, and Goodman Barkis in the House and Fortunato, Hasegawa, Takko, Brown, Becker, Padden, Wilson, L., Schoesler., Short, Holy, Warnick, Sheldon, Honeyford, Saldana, Hobbs, Palumbo, and Randall in the Senate. Lane sharing, which would allow motorcycles to move ahead between stopped lines of traffic, was offered as SB 5254-2019-20, but did not more forward this year. Lane sharing would be safer for motorcyclists because it would reduce chances of rear-end collisions, lower rider fatigue, and help prevent overheating. It would help relieve congestion because cars could move up into the spaces vacated by the motorcycles. This bill was reintroduced and retained in its present status in the Rules Committee, which is a good thing. A third ABATE goal is to allow riders to decide what safety gear they need. This is addressed in the House by HB 1125-2019-20 sponsored by Blake, Griffey, Walsh, and Young and in the Senate by SB 5007-2019-20 sponsored by Rolfes, Sheldon, Braun, Brown, Fortunato, Kuderer, Oban, Short, Takko, Wagoner, and Warnick. The bills mandate liability and health insurance (the same as for an automobile) for anyone who rides without a helmet. It also creates a five-year pilot program to track and study the statistics around head injuries. As of this writing, none of these bills have passed both House and Senate. You can use the Washington State Legislature’s website to track the progress of bills and also to find contact information for legislators. If your local legislators don’t sponsor or vote for bills you approve of, do contact them. It would also be helpful to give a quick thank-you to legislators how sponsor bills you like, whether or not you’re in their district. You can also find information on the ABATE of Washington website under the Legislative tab.

Black Thursday is an annual event held by ABATE of Washington State

Jan 8, 2020 Mike Toursal

Black Thursday is an annual event held by ABATE of Washington State at which motorcycle enthusiasts join to lobby their legislators about issues of special interest to the motorcyclists. This year, Black Thursday falls on January 16.The event begins with an optional ride to the capitol at Olympia from the Hawks Prairie Casino KSU at 10:00 a.m. At 10:45 a.m. speakers will address the rally from the steps of the capitol building. After the speeches, group photographs will be taken.Inside the building, in the Columbia Room, you can enjoy coffee and donuts and mingle with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts as you prepare for lobbying.During the day, you can meet with your state representative and state senator. You’ll find some helpful tips for a productive meeting in this week’s Safety Tip.In the evening, the “Biker Bash” Meet and Greet gives you another opportunity to meet legislators. It’s a BYOB affair at the Red Lion Inn (formerly the Governor Hotel) at 621 Capitol Way in Olympia.You can, of course, lobby your legislators without attending the Black Thursday event. You might make an appointment to meet them at a more convenient time. You can phone their Olympia office and speak to the legislator or to the staff. Or, you can visit or phone their local office.The issues of special importance to ABATE this year are explained in a Black Thursday Packet you can download here: https://www.abate-wa.org/Legislative/BlackThursday. The link is at the bottom of the page.The Helmet Choice Pilot Program bill allows for riders (21 years old or older) to choose whether or not to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. This bill requires the WA State Traffic Safety Commission to gather data on motorcycle fatalities related to head injuries over a three-year period. In the Abate Black Thursday Packet, you’ll find studies and statistics related to the safety of helmets and accident and fatality statistics from states where helmets are optional for adults.Another issue is allowing lane filtering, in which, under certain specified condition, motorcycle riders can filter between two lines of slow or stopped traffic. This law would use the recommendations of the California Highway Patrol. This law is HB1515 & ESB5623. The Motorcycle In-depth Accident Study (MAIDS) showed that, if just 10% of the vehicles were motorcycles and their riders used lane filtering in a traffic jam, overall traffic congestion would be decreased by 40%. That’s because motorcycles would not be in the lines of cars, taking up space. The study showed that lane filtering can reduce commute times for everyone by twenty minutes or more.Lane filtering reduces the chances of rear-end collisions for motorcycle riders. It also reduces their exposure to toxic exhaust fumes, which can cause heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, and more, according to a 2014 University of Washington study.There’s a problem with the lane filtering bill now being discussed in the legislature. The language of ESB5623 has been changed since it was passed by the Senate Transportation Committee. Right now, it’s language is so restrictive that it essentially defeats the purpose of the bill and restricts riders to dangerous areas of the highway when they filter forward. ABATE, and many other Washington State motorcylists want the original language restored.Another issue is parking. The Parking bill would let motorcyclists park with their rear tire to the curb and it would allow more than one motorcycle to park in the same space.Black Thursday is a marvelous opportunity to make your voice heard in company with other motorcycle enthusiasts. If you can’t take advantage of it, then please let your legislators know how you feel about these issues in person, by phone, online, or by snail mail. Every voice counts, and it’s up to you to be heard.We welcome you to share your experiences with your legislators—from any state—on the Eagle Leather Facebook page.

Biketober in Daytona

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

Biketober in Daytona Is Coming Up A 12-Mile Scenic Ride You Don't Want to Miss When you go to Biketober in Daytona, start at Riverfront Park at the corner of Main and Beach Streets, right downtown. Stop at the Official Daytona Bike Week Welcome Center to pick up your guide to the events of the week and enter the Chamber of Commerce drawing for a bike. Then browse the vendors and bike builders who are set up in the Park. You won’t want to miss the races at Daytona International Speedway. Both CCS and ASRA races are held at the world’s first motorsports stadium. Bring your helmet and driver’s license along if you want to take a demo ride or two. It’s a great chance to check out various manufacturers. Harley Davidson’s Thunder Alley has a bikini contest. The Midway boasts the Full Throttle Bike Show. If your ride is distinctive, you can show it off here, too. You’ll find lots of vendors on the Midway and you can camp in the infield! Biketober was started over twenty years ago by the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, so one of the goals of the event is to showcase the scenic beauty of the whole area. Five official top rides help you experience the area. The Old City Rendezvous is a round-trip ride to St. Augustine that takes about three hours. Along the way you can visit Tomoka State Park and the Tomoka River Basin, North Peninsula State Park, Flagler Beach and Pier, Marineland, and, of course the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine. Take the Steel Horse Scoot to Deland and back. It takes about an hour and a half. You might want to stop at the Barberville Roadside Yard Art and Produce or the Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts or visit DeLeon Springs State Park, Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge or the Volusia County Speedway. Detour a bit and enjoy the renowned breakfast all day at the Old Spanish Sugarmill Restaurant. The River to River Tour takes you from the Halifax River in Daytona Beach to the St. John’s River, which is an American Heritage River. On the Lighthouse Tour you’ll see the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse and Lighthouse Point Park as well as the Marine Science Center and Birds of Prey Aviary and the ancient Turtle Mound. But perhaps the most popular ride is The Loop. Ride through a veritable cathedral of trees and over a bridge to the Intracoastal Waterway. Stop and enjoy the country side when the spirit moves you. Follow the Old Dixie Highway to Ormond Beach and then find Ormond Park and the famous Fairchild Oak Tree. It’s a short ride, just 22 miles, but it will give you a glimpse of Florida’s natural beauty. The nightlife in Daytona Beach is famous, with dozens of venues offering free music and food and drink specials. With over a hundred thousand motorcycle enthusiasts attending, you’re sure to find new friends! Share your Biketober adventure with the Eagle Leather community on our Facebook page.

"Bucket List" Rides

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

If you ask motorcycle enthusiasts what rides are on their Bucket Lists, you’ll get some favorites that probably appeal to most everyone, and others that are less well known. This blog is about a route that’s been named one of the ten best in the United States, but which you might not know too much about. Migrating buffalo marked the trail first; then Native Americans followed. In the 1930s the Natchez Trace was made a parkway by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It’s a National Scenic Byway that runs 444 miles from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez. Not only will you see a variety of gorgeous scenery, but you’ll find neither trucks nor stop signs. After doing the sites of Nashville, country music capital of the world, head out on the Natchez Trace Parkway. You’ll be able to camp or take advantage of motorcycle-friendly bed and breakfasts just off the Trace. There are no amenities on the Trace itself, so you might want to bring a picnic lunch and be sure you have plenty of water. About ten miles from Nashville is Emerald Mound. Covering eight acres, it’s the second largest mound in the United States and was built as a ceremonial center by people of the Mississippian culture between 1200 A.D and 1730 A.D. You can hike to the top of the main mound where you’ll see two smaller mounds, one at each end. Imagine the colorful ceremonies, processions, and rituals in which the sophisticated inhabitants participated. Please do not play on the mound, but treat it with respect as the sacred site it is. Five miles farther along is the Mount Locust Inn and Plantation. It’s the last standing inn that once housed Kaintucks traversing the Trace. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Kaintucks sailed flatboats down the Mississippi to sell their goods in Natchez and New Orleans. They walked to Trace to get back home. A day’s walk brought them to Mount Locust, where the Fergusons and then the Chamberlains operated a “stand.” For a quarter, a weary traveler got a meal of corn meal mush and milk and could sleep on the grounds. Soon the family put up a building just for the travelers—a true luxury then. The park ranger will tell you fascinating stories about the matriarch Grandma Polly, who kept the inn going. At milepost 41.5, take time for a walk on the Sunken Trace. The trail is actually worn deep into the ground by generation upon generation of travelers. It’s incredibly beautiful and a chance to be truly immersed in our nation’s history. At milepost 54.8, you can take a short trail to the abandoned town of Rocky Springs. You can stroll through the town, visit the cemetery, and take advantage of the picnic grounds. There are restrooms and a primitive campground—first come, first served. After you’ve passed through Jackson, Mississippi you’ll find the Ross Barnett Reservoir and can enjoy the view from the overlook at milepost 105.6. Down the road a piece, at milestone 122.2 take the self-guided tour through Cypress Swamp. It’s a short half-mile with boardwalks through water tupelo and bald cypress—you might see an alligator! The Little Mountain Overlook is one of the highest points in Mississippi. It has a picnic ground and campground. At milepost 232.4 you’ll find Bynum Mounds, six Middle Woodland period burial mounds from 2000 years ago. Two of them have been restored. You can learn about the early Native Americans who lived here through interpretive exhibits. Another archeological site is the Chickasaw Village Site at milepost 261.8. You can see the outlines of a Chickasaw winter home, a summer home, and a fort. Take time for the short nature trail that explores Native American uses of local plants. You can also access the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail for longer hikes. Before leaving Tupelo, Mississippi, visit the Tupelo National Battlefield where twenty thousand men from North and South fought to a standstill on July `14 and 15, 1864. At Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site, the South fought under the command of Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Though Forrest’s troops won a victory, the long-term effect was costly. From Tupelo, you’ll head north. Do stop at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center at milepost 266 to see the film and displays about the Natchez Trace. A park ranger is there from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Christmas to answer questions. If you like, you can get your passport stamps for the Natchez Trace Parkway, the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trial, the Tupelo National Battlefield, and Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield. At milepost 269.4, take a short walk on the Old Trace and find the gravesites of thirteen Confederate soldiers. Who they were and how they died are a mystery to this day. Another Middle Woodland mounds site is at milepost 286.7. There are six visible mounds and interpretive waysides. Colbert Ferry operated in the early 1800s. Now there’s a bridge over the Tennessee River, but you can enjoy a picnic where George Colbert once docked. Just about three miles away, at milepost 330.2, Rock Spring Nature Trail is half-mile loop past Colbert Creek. The Merriwether Lewis (yes, that’s the Lewis and Clark guy) Monument is at milepost 385.9. You’ll find a log cabin typical of the period and displays about Lewis’s life. What’s more, there a campground, a picnic area, and hiking trails. Like all the campsites on the Trace, they are available first-come, first-served. At milepost 401.4, get off the main road and ride two miles down the Old Trace to The Tobacco Farm. There are only two places you can ride on the Old Trace, and this is one. At the farm, you can learn all about growing and drying tobacco. Take the short hike that starts at milepost 404.7 to Jackson Falls. The paved trail takes you down nine hundred feet into the gorge. You’ll find picnic tables at the trailhead.

ABATE of Washington Black Thursday 2019

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

ABATE of Washington will hold their annual “Black Thursday” event on January 17. The event gives Washington motorcyclists a chance to let state legislators know what they think of proposed laws and changes to laws that affect all motorcycle enthusiasts. It begins at 10 a.m. with an optional ride led by COC from Hawks Prairie KSU to the state capitol building. Speeches will be given on the capitol steps beginning at 10:45. You can enjoy coffee and donuts inside the building in the Columbia room. Nosh with fellow riders and probably buttonhole some legislators. The day will end with a Meet and Greet at the Governor Hotel, 621 Capitol Way. The Meet and Greet is BYOB, and there will be live music. ABATE of Wisconsin is dedicated to freedom of choice. For example, ABATE is often said to oppose helmets, but actually it just wants riders to be free to choose between wearing and not wearing one. Eagle Leather is partnering with ABATE of Washington to present a Question and Answer session about proposed laws and changes to laws. This session will be held from noon to two p.m. on January 26 at the Eagle Leather store in Lakewood. Brian Lange, ABATE of Washington’s Legislative Affairs Officer, will try to answer all your questions. These are some of the items you might have concerns about: Lane splitting or lane sharing is the practice of riding between lanes of congested traffic. It’s been legal in California for a while now, and many studies have shown that it’s relatively safe. We talked about lane splitting before. The Vulnerable User law applies to you as a motorcycle rider or as a pedestrian as well as to people riding bicycles or animals. Altogether, vulnerable users account for about forty percent of fatal accidents on Washington roads. When a vulnerable user is struck and substantially injured, for example at a stop sign, the driver at fault is often just given a traffic citation for “failure to stop.” ABATE would like to see a law that enhanced the penalty to the level of a gross misdemeanor under certain conditions. Those conditions would separate accidents from the result of reckless behavior and would include behaviors that already violate the law such as speeding, driving distracted or under the influence, failing to stop, and so on. The Motorcycle weight fee currently is the same for a recreational vehicle that might weigh four thousand pounds as it is for a thousand-pound motorcycle. ABATE would like to see the fee lowered in proportion to the actual weight of the motorcycle. After all, lowering the fees will encourage more people to use motorcycles instead of cars. And since motorcycles weigh less, they make for less wear and tear on roadways and also reduce emissions. Motorcycle parking is an issue because the way we’ve been taught to park our bikes is actually illegal and riders are being ticketing for illegal parking when they either back into pull forward into the curb. The law (RCW 46.61.575) says, in short, that all vehicles have to have two wheels parallel to the curb. ABATE wants to amend that law to clarify that it’s not for motorcycles. Otherwise, our bikes will be taking up a full parking space, and that’s a lot of space, since there are over a quarter of a million of us. ABATE wants to see a helmet choice pilot program. The information packet for Black Thursday (available here) cites many studies purporting to show that helmets don’t significantly change fatality rates for motorcyclists. ABATE wants the state to conduct a study to see how allowing motorcycle enthusiasts to choose whether or not to wear a helmet affects fatality rates. At Eagle Leather, we support the use of helmets, but ABATE just wants riders to be able to choose. Whatever your opinion on these legislative matters, we urge you to inform yourself on the issue and then let your state legislator know what you think. Our Question and Answer session on the 26th is a great way to start getting informed. We’ll have the coffee pot on!

ABATE's 'Black Thursday' Update

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

Not so long ago, on January 17, ABATE of Washington State had its annual Black Thursday group lobbying day at Olympia. We followed that by inviting representatives Brian Lange and Louise Bentley from ABATE to a Question and Answer session at Eagle Leather. We talked with Brian today and he has a lot to share. If you wonder whether your phone call, email, or face-to-face meeting at your legislator’s office in Olympia or in your district makes a difference, the answer is a resounding yes. So few people bother to get involved that your voice is important. It doesn’t matter what party you belong to—legislators represent and listen to all the people in their districts. You can express your opinion and build relationships with your legislators when the legislature is in session or in the interim. To contact a legislator, go to http://leg.wa.gov/ to find your state senator and representative and their contact information and to get the official title of the bill or bills you want to talk about. The key, Brian says, is to build a relationship with the legislator. Keep calm, be factual, and explain your position on the issue or issues. Does this work? It might take time, but it does work. Brian cites the example of Senator Christine Rolfes. Five years ago, she was opposed to helmet-choice. This year, she introduced a helmet-choice bill in the Senate. Now let’s look at the issues of special concern to motorcycle users. The Vulnerable User law applies to you as a motorcycle rider or as a pedestrian as well as to people riding bicycles or animals. Altogether, vulnerable users account for about forty percent of fatal accidents on Washington roads. ABATE would like to see the penalty for accidents involving vulnerable users raised from a traffic citation to a gross misdemeanor when the driver violated the law, for instance by speeding or distracted driving. This bill passed the House unanimously and is now in the Senate transportation committee. The helmet choice program under which the state would conduct a study to see how allowing motorcyclists to choose whether or not wearing a helmet affects mortality rates is dead in this session. At Eagle Leather, we support the use of helmets, but ABATE just wants riders to be able to choose. On the other hand, the motorcycle parking law stands a good chance of passing this year. Right now, parking anything but parallel to the curb is illegal, and some riders have been ticketed for it. Both the Senate and the House passed bills to make the way we always park legal. Now they must adjust the differences between them and send the bill to the governor. ABATE will issue a Call to Action when the bill returns to the House for another vote. We’ll announce that on the Eagle Leather Facebook page, so stay tuned. The Q and A session at Eagle Leather was the first time ABATE Washington was hosted at such a gathering in a retail store. Brian told us that the event was such a success—thanks to our wonderful customers—that ABATE arranged for similar meetups in the Tri Cities and in Yakima, and those were also successful. Hey, we started a trend! Brian asked us to remind you of the Mt. St. Helen’s Memorial Run on May 19 starting at 49 and I5 and following one of the best motorcycle runs in the state. See the Eagle Leather Ride Guide for details—and send your pix to the Facebook page.

Game Plan: Blustery Weather

Jun 11, 2019 Eagle Leather

Safety Tip of the Week Wind: Not Always A Breaze As promised, we have more safety tips about riding in windy conditions. This time, we’ll look at riding techniques that may help you defy the wind on those rare occasions when you must ride on blustery days. You’ll find that how you position your body is vital. We’ll start with the easier situations. When the wind is coming from behind you or ahead of you, duck down and ride behind your windscreen. Pull your arms and legs in. The goal is to decrease wind resistance. In a headwind, you may have more control if you drop down a gear and smoothly accelerate into the wind. Obviously, you cannot continue to accelerate indefinitely. If the wind is slowing you down to the point that you’re impeding traffic, it’s time to get off the road. Take a break or choose a different roadway. In a tailwind, you might choose to trail your rear brake slightly. Remember to leave some extra stopping distance and be careful that the wind doesn’t push you past your comfort zone or cause you to go too fast for road or traffic conditions. Crosswinds are more problematic. Try not to grip the handlebars too tightly. You’ll have better steering control if you move forward in the seat and lift your elbows so you’re riding motocross fashion. Try sticking out your knee in the direction from which the crosswind is coming. This seems to create a kind of sail that pushes your motorcycle into the wind and thereby counteracts it. It will take practice to learn to do this correctly. Putting a little pressure on the handlebars in the direction of the crosswind will cause your motorcycle to lean into the wind and have a similar effect. You can also use your body weight to counteract a crosswind. Shift your sitting position a bit in the direction from which the wind is coming. A steady wind is trouble enough. Blustery winds with variable speeds are worse. Slow down and ride loose. Keep your elbows out. At any moment, you might find it necessary to accelerate, lean, and steer to keep your bike under control. Even when the wind is steady, anything that blocks the wind can cause trouble. When you ride into the lee of a building, line of bushes or trees, even a semi traveling next to you, it will be the same as if the wind stopped; if you’re still leaning into the wind, you’ll tip farther. And when you pass that barrier against the wind, you’ll be hit again. Be wary! On windy days, ride in the center of your lane. Give yourself room so the wind doesn’t blow you off the road or into traffic.

Gear Up and Ride!

Feb 10, 2019 Eagle Leather

Gear Up and Ride! January 09, 2012 Eagle Leather is thinking about hosting more and different types of events for riders in the Northwest -- the type of event that provides a chance for you to get together with your friends and talk and learn about bikes and things that make them go.Would you take a few moments and let us know what type of event you would break the door down to attend? List it on our Facebook page and let other Eagle Leather friends weigh in. If we get great feedback, we'll sponsor it!

Marina's Ride To The Arctic Circle.

Feb 10, 2019 Eagle Leather

Marina's Ride To The Arctic Circle July 19, 2011 Ride to the Arctic with Marina Rockinger by virtually following her 1,800 mile motorcycle ride through rugged Alaska.Marina is going on an adventure; riding on ferries, biking through tundra and probably stopping for a few moose/caribou crossings to get from Seattle to the Arctic Circle.Marina will journal her adventure online, sharing video using a GoPro camera and photos now through July 23 and you can follow her progress at http://www.kvi.com/featured/125216424.htmlWatch a video of Marina gearing up for her ride at Eagle Leather. Eagle Leather Gears Marina for a Ride to the Arctic Circle from Rich Carr on Vimeo.

Every Ride Starts At Eagle Leather

Feb 10, 2019 Eagle Leather

Every Ride Starts At Eagle Leather August 12, 2011 What's that you said? Your feedback is enhancing the way Eagle Leather does business. Via your feedback. Seems "Gear For The Ride" includes a lot of "Ride Knowledge"...the how tos, where ats, where'd you gets, and far outs that make riding a motorcycle why you ride.Within this email, you'll see just a few ways we're now striving to make sure that knowledge is your knowledge. For example, how'd you like to take part in Eagle Leather's 'Ride Test'? We'll give you Gear, you tell us about it, and it's yours FREE! Want to join with a few dozen other Riders and enjoy yourself this weekend? We'll tell you how...Eagle Leather has realized over the years that what we're really doing is making your next Ride more comfortable, more protected, or more enjoyable. You've told us that again and again, and that input has not only made us one of the largest Motorcycle Gear stores in the United States, it's made us and you a part of a pretty select community of Riders.Because of this, we're implementing two new methods for you to provide feedback to Eagle Leather to make sure you're heard, and to make sure you're rewarded! Eagle Leather Facebook"Like Us" and you'll Like what comes next!Tell Eagle LeatherThis is a 10 Question Survey that, once completed, enters you into a monthly drawing for a $100 Eagle Leather Gift Certificate! Of course, nothing is as great as seeing you in the store! Whether you're starting a Ride, needing some new Gear, Advice, or just to hang with us and share a few stories about your last Ride, we love to hear from you.

Jake and Omar

Feb 10, 2019 Eagle Leather

Jake and Omar August 12, 2011 DAY ONERoad trip start about 830, we head into Sumner to fuel up then took the back roads to the valley freeway until we reached highway 18 cutoff although Gary was riding right past it when I hollered over the CB (we have headsets)… I asked him where he was headed he said he looking for the highway 18 exit, DUH!As we traveled towards Kent we hit some low clouds so I was glad I pulled on my leathers at the house… by the time we got to Tiger Mountain the sun was shinning again, it never stopped until sunset here in Libby MT… The route as noted was really an excellent choice with the weather right around 85 degrees until we dipped into the valley just before sulfur spring at that point someone turned up the hear, I could have used a cooler jacket, something other than my denim jacket to keep the sun from baking my red-haired-pale skin... also puffy pants to the list of thing I would like to have to keep my junk comfy.We rode through Coulee City, in to Spokane then up the 95 to Bonner's Ferry, took a hard right towards Libby when someone turned heat way day... although I could feel the heat radiating off of the back of my neck the coolness brought some relief...I found myself struggling with the tunes most of the day... i have XM radio which worked fine outside of the tall trees, valley's and mountains... i had my ipod wired to my AUX port but the head set just wasn't close enough to my ears to give me good quality sound, I wonder if a 3/4 helmet with a face shield to keep the rain off of my face would work better?Funny thing... I found myself making comments to Omar about this and that, his rebuttal was almost always ''Yes it is!'' so I started counting, I'm up to 33 of those for the 473 mile stretch... I'm guessing these at least that many a day for the rest of the trip! Diggin' these headsets...Day TWO We left Libby the home town of my racquetball partner Steve Hartmann, born and raised there… took the horse shoe championship rating right from under his pop at the age of 17… The temperature at the bank was showing 54 degrees I opted for my leather coat and jeans from the start but an hour out of town I pulled over to put on my chaps and heavy gloves… along the route we pulled over to stop for the rain clouds as it seemed we were chasing them into Kalispell… the roads were damp but not soaked.., you could smell the road… Happy to have Rain Gear once again... Just outside of town was a small restaurant called ‘Bo jangles’ so we stopped there for some grub… it was still pretty cool so I left the garb on for the time being… while we pondered the ominous dark clouds east of us we asked the waitress if any of them knew what the conditions at Logan’s pass were… one little cutie suggested dialing 511 so we did so… overcast with rain… I left the decision to Omar since I had ridden over the road to the sun, he opted out… we followed the 83 out of Kalispell along flathead lake, it was a nice ride, sunny skies… too many bugs, I think if I had that ½ or ¾ helmet with a face mask I would have needed peel-offs due to the spattering of insects on my glasses! Gear Bucketlist addition noted... By the time we got to Seely lake it was warm enough for denim jackets only… meaning we removed the leather not all of our clothes ‘except’ for our denim coats… oddly the honies young and old were thick in this little tourist trap like town, I talking 8, 9 and 9.5’s of all ages, it was a shame to leave… Further down the road we hit the outskirts of Helena when the O-Man spotted a place for a cold beverage… it was good to relive the keester for a spell while we had a couple of beers… we finished there about 1pm following the 12 out of town towards Harlowton… about 10 miles from Helena we ran into construction, a pilot car we had to follow for miles at which time Omar said ‘’I have to pee, bad!’’ a few more miles of that before we took a right onto a dirt road… I stepped behind a tree while he kept lookout, then it was his turn… about mid-stream some old grandma type rounded the corner and spotted Omar wang-chunging on the tree… she snickered, hooted then drove by at a slow pace laughing out loud... After we fueled up in Townsend I followed my GPS (from my cell) when all of a sudden we were headed onto a dirt road… so without further ado I made a decision, good, bad or other… miles later were ere on the 90 headed east dodging some big clouds… somewhere around reed point I downloaded the weather channel app… spied a dark rainy cloud the size of Washington headed our way… roughly 6 showers later we were idling into Billings to get a room for the evening… That’s the day in a nutshell…

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