PNW Riders

maidenjade · 06-25-2008, 12:10 PM

will lead to somewhere.

Boyfriend and I had no specific plan as to where we were going. Once on the road, we pretty much went with the flow and stayed away from the freeway. We made each day's decision based on the weather. When in south Idaho, it was hot. So we headed towards the highlands and ended up in the Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. Then we yearned for some twisties and we did Lolo Pass and Beartooth hwy. After that, it was time to head home via Cascade hwy 20. More twisties!!!

It was a 9-day trip and we averaged about 340 miles each day. We camped out each day and ate out. At the gas station, a couple of years ago, people generally asked me where I was from, what bike was that and where would I be heading next. Now all they asked was how many miles I got from my DRZ400SM.

It was a great trip, an excellent opportunity to sharpen my cornering skills, with only two unpleasant encounters. One happened along hwy 200 in MT when a white car with TN license plate purposely tailgated me so close (I always rode behind my boyfriend) that I could see the faces of the driver and passenger (a guy and a girl about age 20-something). The left lane was clear but he chose not to pass. Luckily, he only did so briefly and sped off with his girlfriend laughing. The other encounter was in north Idaho where we ate at a cafe and the lady owner was unfriendly towards us because I am Asian. I said so because when a Caucasian couple walked in, she was very friendly towards them and chatted with them for some time. Even when my boyfriend paid for the food at the counter, he said she wouldn't look him in the eyes when she talked (and he is Caucasian). Maybe she hates bikers??? There was a "Every Wed Bike Night" sign outside the establishment next to her cafe.

Okay, I know you all are waiting for the pictures…

Courthouse in Dayton, WA.

Winding Road Next 77 miles. Yes, I missed the sign. I don't know how but we both missed the sign.

Lolo Pass, MT.

Beaverhead mountains, MT.

I love the name of this town in MT.

The Grand Tetons.

Marina in Coolter Bay campground, Grand Tetons national park.

The awesome Beartooth hwy.

A free campground (or by donations) near Columbus, MT.

Another interesting name for a town, MT.

Check out the art work on the building. Inchelium, WA.

More art work on the other side of the building. Inchelium, WA.

I'll be going for more trips since I don't have to work during summer.

DoubleD · 06-25-2008, 01:41 PM

Beautiful pictures and what a fun trip. I love no plans just go where you want. I haven't been to those places in a while glad to see they have not changed much. Sad to hear some of the people have not changed much either.Love the art work, like I stated above very nice pics....MrsD

Runout · 06-25-2008, 01:46 PM

Great pictures from a great adventure! The ones with no itinerary are always the ones where you find the best places.

Yup - bummer about the knuckleheads you met. I've started thinking of the prejudiced ones in small towns as just part of the local flavor. It never surprises me how many of them are still out there.

Thanks for sharing!

zooki600 · 06-25-2008, 02:02 PM

God damn!

Lil'Bit · 06-25-2008, 02:54 PM

awesome pics. love the one of the Tetons!

JW · 06-25-2008, 03:17 PM

Oh wow, those are some great pics!! looks like alot of fun on the Drz thanks for sharing.

bikenut · 06-25-2008, 03:58 PM

Thanks for sharing MJ! Looks like you had an great trip with good weather to boot. And it wasn't you at the restaurant - it was the bf's hair

maidenjade · 06-25-2008, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by bikenut

Thanks for sharing MJ! Looks like you had an great trip with good weather to boot. And it wasn't you at the restaurant - it was the bf's hair

donbcivil · 06-25-2008, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by Runout

Great pictures from a great adventure! The ones with no itinerary are always the ones where you find the best places.

. Nice adventure & pics!

Yup - bummer about the knuckleheads you met. I've started thinking of the prejudiced ones in small towns as just part of the local flavor. It never surprises me how many of them are still out there.

Yeah, I hate hearing about stuff like this.

There's not much lamer than a bigoted wanker...

maidenjade · 06-25-2008, 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by DoubleD

Beautiful pictures and what a fun trip. I love no plans just go where you want. I haven't been to those places in a while glad to see they have not changed much. Sad to hear some of the people have not changed much either.Love the art work, like I stated above very nice pics....MrsD

When I came home, I did some research about racism in north Idaho. Even though racists still exist (honestly, they will never die out), the town folks in Sandpoint where I had the unpleasant encounter are not too happy when Richard Butler moved into Hayden lake which is close by.

Runout · 06-25-2008, 05:02 PM

Hayden Lake had a huge Aryan Nations compound there for many years. There are many places in this country I still drive through without stopping.

Clackamas · 06-25-2008, 05:05 PM

Well, I see your bike. How'd it get to all those places?

maidenjade · 06-25-2008, 05:08 PM

Originally Posted by Runout

Hayden Lake had a huge Aryan Nations compound there for many years. There are many places in this country I still drive through without stopping.

I thought Sandpoint was a more liberal town but I guessed wrong. But this encounter is still better than the one I had in Cour d'Alene years ago and I was alone.

maidenjade · 06-25-2008, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by Clackamas

Well, I see your bike. How'd it get to all those places?

Here's one just for you, Clackamas.

Ciao998 · 06-25-2008, 05:14 PM

Northern Idaho

Ciao998 · 06-25-2008, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by Runout

Great pictures from a great adventure! The ones with no itinerary are always the ones where you find the best places.

Yup - bummer about the knuckleheads you met. I've started thinking of the prejudiced ones in small towns as just part of the local flavor. It never surprises me how many of them are still out there.

Thanks for sharing!

Nothin to do with small towns I don't think. More to do with "old white money"

maidenjade · 06-25-2008, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by Ciao998

Northern Idaho

Regardless, Idaho, north or south, has a lot of great roads to ride.

donbcivil · 06-25-2008, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by maidenjade

When I came home, I did some research about racism in north Idaho. Even though racists still exist (honestly, they will never die out), the town folks in Sandpoint where I had the unpleasant encounter are not too happy when Richard Butler moved into Hayden lake which is close by.

The history of racism in the US is long and weird.

For example, I was surprised to know that Indiana was a KKK stronghold. I thought they were a Southern group. Seem to recall there was even an anti-KKK political party there.

donbcivil · 06-25-2008, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by maidenjade

I thought Sandpoint was a more liberal town but I guessed wrong. But this encounter is still better than the one I had in Cour d'Alene years ago and I was alone.

What happened in Cour d'Alene?

maidenjade · 06-25-2008, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by donbcivil

What happened in Cour d'Alene?

Two skinheads refused to move their cars from the gas station (only two pumps) even though I parked my car behind one of theirs and waited patiently. They just sat in the cars and waited, and looked at me from their mirrors. I realized their "game" and drove off. They yelled all kinds of names after me.

paranoid · 06-25-2008, 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by bikenut

Thanks for sharing MJ! Looks like you had an great trip with good weather to boot. And it wasn't you at the restaurant - it was the bf's hair

Hey!!!

Ok, maybe it was....

Photos from Beartooth Pass, elevation 10,940ft.

Outside of Ennis, MT, we stopped at this lookout and tried to figure out where the rain clouds were headed. Saw a good lightning show in the distance, as well. We went in the opposite direction. Not having plans is definitely good.

If you ever wind up in Wisdom, MT, try the pizza at this joint. Seriously good. The bartender was pretty cool, too. We hung out there for a good 2 hours just chatting away. The locals that were there, drinking at noon on a Monday, were also pretty cool people. But be aware, they call the mosquitos "population control."

Originally Posted by Clackamas

Well, I see your bike. How'd it get to all those places?

Not only did she ride her bike to all those places, she washed it every night at the campgrounds we stayed at.

Even the animals in Idaho were white!

And so were the mountains!

I think we actually went into and out of Montana about 3 times on this trip.

Even though we both missed the "77 mile" sign, I at least caught this one...

And finally, Grand Teton National Park. The coyotes were howling pretty close by to our campsite. Even though a lot of people don't care for them, they sounded pretty cool.

And I don't have pictures of either, but I totally recommend Bridge Creek Backcountry Kitchen, in Red Lodge for their steak. Top notch. I'm already planning a road trip in October just to eat there again.

For some damn good BBQ, there's Bubba's in Jackson, WY. I can't describe how delicious the ribs are.

And I also ate two consecutive meals at Sonic, in the Tri-Cities.

About the only thing that could've made this trip any better would've been a Waffle House next to our campsite in Grand Teton. The only food mistake I made was ordering fish and chips at a restaurant in Montana. I seriously need to remember that for next time. Riding away from the restaurant, I kept wondering about the steak that got away...

SparkyZ · 06-25-2008, 08:56 PM

Wished I had known you were going to be over this way, Idaho Falls is like 50 minutes from my front door.

Glad you had a great trip and enjoyed the Tetons.

maric_57 · 06-25-2008, 09:21 PM

you are a savage... i can't believe you rode a drz that far. i've never, ever heard of anyone riding one that far before. awesome.....

maidenjade · 06-25-2008, 10:40 PM

Hey, my DRZ is now Beartooth pass-able...

donbcivil · 06-26-2008, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by maidenjade

Two skinheads refused to move their cars from the gas station (only two pumps) even though I parked my car behind one of theirs and waited patiently. They just sat in the cars and waited, and looked at me from their mirrors. I realized their "game" and drove off. They yelled all kinds of names after me.

Morons....

R.W. · 07-07-2008, 07:11 PM

WOW, how did I ever miss this thread, LoLo, Beartooth & Chief Joseph Hwy
are my next road trip, thanks for the pics & the restaurant reviews


06-25-2008, 12:10 PM	#1
maidenjade Karma Rules! Joined: Oct 2006 From: Nowhere	A Trip to Nowhere... will lead to somewhere. Boyfriend and I had no specific plan as to where we were going. Once on the road, we pretty much went with the flow and stayed away from the freeway. We made each day's decision based on the weather. When in south Idaho, it was hot. So we headed towards the highlands and ended up in the Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. Then we yearned for some twisties and we did Lolo Pass and Beartooth hwy. After that, it was time to head home via Cascade hwy 20. More twisties!!! It was a 9-day trip and we averaged about 340 miles each day. We camped out each day and ate out. At the gas station, a couple of years ago, people generally asked me where I was from, what bike was that and where would I be heading next. Now all they asked was how many miles I got from my DRZ400SM. It was a great trip, an excellent opportunity to sharpen my cornering skills, with only two unpleasant encounters. One happened along hwy 200 in MT when a white car with TN license plate purposely tailgated me so close (I always rode behind my boyfriend) that I could see the faces of the driver and passenger (a guy and a girl about age 20-something). The left lane was clear but he chose not to pass. Luckily, he only did so briefly and sped off with his girlfriend laughing. The other encounter was in north Idaho where we ate at a cafe and the lady owner was unfriendly towards us because I am Asian. I said so because when a Caucasian couple walked in, she was very friendly towards them and chatted with them for some time. Even when my boyfriend paid for the food at the counter, he said she wouldn't look him in the eyes when she talked (and he is Caucasian). Maybe she hates bikers??? There was a "Every Wed Bike Night" sign outside the establishment next to her cafe. Okay, I know you all are waiting for the pictures… Courthouse in Dayton, WA. Winding Road Next 77 miles. Yes, I missed the sign. I don't know how but we both missed the sign. Lolo Pass, MT. Beaverhead mountains, MT. I love the name of this town in MT. The Grand Tetons. Marina in Coolter Bay campground, Grand Tetons national park. The awesome Beartooth hwy. A free campground (or by donations) near Columbus, MT. Another interesting name for a town, MT. Check out the art work on the building. Inchelium, WA. More art work on the other side of the building. Inchelium, WA. I'll be going for more trips since I don't have to work during summer. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-25-2008, 01:41 PM	#2
DoubleD Superbiker Joined: Mar 2007 From: Greenacres Washington I Ride: 1991 Honda CBR1000f	Beautiful pictures and what a fun trip. I love no plans just go where you want. I haven't been to those places in a while glad to see they have not changed much. Sad to hear some of the people have not changed much either.Love the art work, like I stated above very nice pics....MrsD __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-25-2008, 01:46 PM	#3
Runout MotoGP Contender Joined: Sep 2006 From: protesting at the mall I Ride: faster than I should, but slower than you.	Great pictures from a great adventure! The ones with no itinerary are always the ones where you find the best places. Yup - bummer about the knuckleheads you met. I've started thinking of the prejudiced ones in small towns as just part of the local flavor. It never surprises me how many of them are still out there. Thanks for sharing! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-25-2008, 02:02 PM	#4
zooki600 MotoGP Contender Joined: Sep 2006 From: Seattle	God damn! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-25-2008, 02:54 PM	#5
Lil'Bit Pit Crew Joined: May 2008 From: Lynnwood, Wa I Ride: 2001 Sv650s	awesome pics. love the one of the Tetons! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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06-25-2008, 03:17 PM	#6
JW jasons_r1 Joined: Dec 2005 From: Federal way Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: hmm	Oh wow, those are some great pics!! looks like alot of fun on the Drz thanks for sharing. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-25-2008, 03:58 PM	#7
bikenut Crazy Bad Ass BITCH Joined: Sep 2006 From: Renton I Ride: 89 VTR 250	Thanks for sharing MJ! Looks like you had an great trip with good weather to boot. And it wasn't you at the restaurant - it was the bf's hair __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-25-2008, 05:02 PM	#11
Runout MotoGP Contender Joined: Sep 2006 From: protesting at the mall I Ride: faster than I should, but slower than you.	Hayden Lake had a huge Aryan Nations compound there for many years. There are many places in this country I still drive through without stopping. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-25-2008, 05:05 PM	#12
Clackamas MotoGP Champion Joined: Aug 2006 From: Lord Tennyson Building Blog Entries: 4 I Ride: '07 HD XL1200C	Well, I see your bike. How'd it get to all those places? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-25-2008, 05:14 PM	#15
Ciao998 MotoGP Contender Joined: Sep 2006 From: kennewick/wa I Ride: Ducati 998	Northern Idaho __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-25-2008, 08:56 PM	#22
SparkyZ Endorsed Joined: Jun 2007 From: Poky, ID I Ride: CBR600	Wished I had known you were going to be over this way, Idaho Falls is like 50 minutes from my front door. Glad you had a great trip and enjoyed the Tetons. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-25-2008, 09:21 PM	#23
maric_57 Zone Head Joined: Jul 2006 From: meridian, idaho I Ride: gsxr 750 / husqvarna smr450	you are a savage... i can't believe you rode a drz that far. i've never, ever heard of anyone riding one that far before. awesome..... __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


06-25-2008, 10:40 PM	#24
maidenjade Karma Rules! Joined: Oct 2006 From: Nowhere	Hey, my DRZ is now Beartooth pass-able... __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


07-07-2008, 07:11 PM	#26
R.W. WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Aug 2006 From: Port Orchard WA & Santa Rosa CA I Ride: 99 VFR	WOW, how did I ever miss this thread, LoLo, Beartooth & Chief Joseph Hwy are my next road trip, thanks for the pics & the restaurant reviews __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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