I am watching you guys!!

[rksaw]

Well, we're sure that as the time gets closer, the plans will get clearer.

[bigjohn]

This is starting to look very promising. Lodging in Billings means I wouldn't have to open up the camper that night.

Ricky - if it pans out you might be able to met up with Kris and I in Everett. That'ed be awsome.

[Netnorske]

Originally Posted by bigjohn

This is starting to look very promising. Lodging in Billings means I wouldn't have to open up the camper that night.

Ricky - if it pans out you might be able to met up with Kris and I in Everett. That'ed be awsome.

I agree with John....this IS starting to sound promising! I also agree it would be awesome if Rickyboy (and/or his bud from Calgary) could join us in Everett, but we can meet up with them in Missoula if that works better for them.

That makes four, and if Greg and/or Rich end up going, we would have a nice group for the ride to Custer! Who knows who else from the NW region might commit before then...??

Having a place to hang/party/crash in Billings for a night is a bonus for sure, but we will need to decide on a Hotel/Motel in Missoula for everyone to hook up and make some reservations there too. I'm open to anything and haven't done a search, but something close to I-90 would probably be best.

I will do a search...

Heck....the choices are endless...

Days Inn
Holiday Inn Express
Ramada Inn
Red Lion
Mountain Valley Inn

Missoula is not very big so it really probably doesn't matter, but the Ramada Inn is right off I-90 at exit 104.

[bigjohn]

There is also a courtyard at I90 & US 93. I've stayed there a few times. I'll be looking for a campground closeby, shouldn't be too hard to locate.

Yep, found a bunch. Jim & Mary's Camground on MT200, just north of I90 will work just fine. Small, away form the freeway, pull throughs, clean bathrooms. My kind of place.

[Netnorske]

When we leave Missoula, MT Hwy 200 is the one I would like to take towards Billings via Helena. We can ride it a pretty fair ways before turning SE on MT Hwy 141. That ties into Hwy 12 which leads into Helena. From there we just continue to follow Hwy 12 east all the way to MT Hwy 3 where we turn south into Billings.

Looking at the route on Google Earth....the scenery appears to be quite awesome along that road with a huge variety of landscapes to enjoy!

Since we have three days to get there, it would be nice to get off I-90 for part of the way. We can save that for the marathon ride home. If anyone wants to PM me their email address I can send you a map of the route. Let me know what you guys think...

Cheers...Kris

[bigjohn]

I've ridden 200 before. Beautiful route, expecially between Great Falls and Sandpoint.

[bigjohn]

Originally Posted by Netnorske

When we leave Missoula, MT Hwy 200 is the one I would like to take towards Billings via Helena. We can ride it a pretty fair ways before turning SE on MT Hwy 141. That ties into Hwy 12 which leads into Helena. From there we just continue to follow Hwy 12 east all the way to MT Hwy 3 where we turn south into Billings.

Looking at the route on Google Earth....the scenery appears to be quite awesome along that road with a huge variety of landscapes to enjoy!

Since we have three days to get there, it would be nice to get off I-90 for part of the way. We can save that for the marathon ride home. If anyone wants to PM me their email address I can send you a map of the route. Let me know what you guys think...

Cheers...Kris

Just took a closer look at the route using MT200 - US12 - 212 and 385. I like it. Just about all off the super slab. It'll be a good trip.

[schoeney]

All sounds great you guys....can't wait. If I can't make the whole trip to Custer I may try to meet up with you in Grand Coulee (or somewhere along your route) and ride into Missoula with you.

This adds a few miles to my trip but the I have driven the direct route into Spokane from Portland many times in my cage....boring! So I thought I would try something new and more scenic.

If Rksaw or anyone else ends up coming through or near Portland I will go whatever route they prefer so they don't need to ride alone. I am really looking forward to this and meeting all of you.

[rksaw]

After I find out what church VM is going to give me, then I'll be able to determine whether I'm able to join you or not. I'm getting a little anxious, and today's nice weather didn't help much.

[bigjohn]

Originally Posted by schoeney

All sounds great you guys....can't wait. If I can't make the whole trip to Custer I may try to meet up with you in Grand Coulee (or somewhere along your route) and ride into Missoula with you.

This adds a few miles to my trip but the I have driven the direct route into Spokane from Portland many times in my cage....boring! So I thought I would try something new and more scenic.

If Rksaw or anyone else ends up coming through or near Portland I will go whatever route they prefer so they don't need to ride alone. I am really looking forward to this and meeting all of you.

Well, here's an idea, if you can get off work on Friday and head up here, we will probalby have an extra bed. Or at least a couch. Might be able to squeeze in one other as well got a couple of couches, too.

[schoeney]

Wow, really appreciate the offers guys. But my parole officer won't take my my ankle bracelet monitor off until the day you leave

Just kidding.

I will probably just meet you on the east side of the Cascades. I know I am missing a nice part of your ride but I am trying to keep the amount of days gone within reason. I am still hoping to go all the way to Custer not just Missoula but won't know for sure until May. It is hard for me to plan so far ahead when business sucks so bad.

[rksaw]

Hopefully it's just bad now, but will pick up as we get closer to May and June!!!

Either that or it will stay bad and they'll never miss you and you'll want to take a couple days off. :) Just kidding.

[Netnorske]

Originally Posted by schoeney

It is hard for me to plan so far ahead when business sucks so bad.

I feel for all you guys who have your own businesses. I am fortunate to work for a local municipality and have for the past 30 yrs. The paycheck just keeps on coming...whew...but...my 401k is totally in the toilet.... :'( Just gotta believe it will all come back....and it will eventually.

You are more than welcome up here anytime schoeney...with or without the ankle bracelet... Heck...we will have to meet up someplace next spring for sure...well before we head east.

[schoeney]

Yes Kris..I would like to meet both you and John o one of my trips to Bellingham...even if I am not on the Nad.

I will be going to Seattle for the Motorcycle Show in December I think Friday the 12th to miss the weekend crowd.

I will also be in Bellingham for my daughter's knee (ACL) surgery Dec 17th until probably the 20th. maybe we can hookup for coffee or a bite to eat?

[Netnorske]

Originally Posted by schoeney

Yes Kris..I would like to meet both you and John o one of my trips to Bellingham...even if I am not on the Nad.

I will be going to Seattle for the Motorcycle Show in December I think Friday the 12th to miss the weekend crowd.

I will also be in Bellingham for my daughter's knee (ACL) surgery Dec 17th until probably the 20th. maybe we can hookup for coffee or a bite to eat?

That would be great! I plan to go to the motorcycle show as well...and could probably get down there that Friday afternoon. We could hook up there for sure!