The Bumblebee and the Vespa 2014

I think it's time for me to redefine what this new blog is about. In the past I've posted individual blogs for motorcycle/motor scooter rides to places like Alaska, Nova Scotia, Key West, Mexico, Canada, New York, etc. That's all well and good but it seems nowadays I'm dividing my rides into shorter ones comprised of two or more weeks each on different bikes. The total time and mileage is about the same, it's just split into multiple rides with a break somewhere in the middle.

The summer of 2014 serves as a good example of that wherein I rode south to Tombstone, AZ on my '92 BMW R100GS Bumblebee/Ural sidecar rig, (phew!) then returned home for a few days and set out again on my '07 Vespa 250ie motor scooter to visit Canada. That summer has gone and the seasons have changed as will the reports, some will be about shorter rides, some will be about maintenance, and maybe on occasion I'll post a photo or two just for interest. I may even introduce other bikes, a few of which are lurking under cover in the barn...

Navigating this blog is easy, just scroll down the list of posts by date to whatever interests you, click on it and you're in. Photos can be viewed in larger format by clicking on them.

Finally, if you'd care to post comments please do so, I'd love to hear from you. CLICK ON "NO COMMENTS" TO ENTER YOUR REMARKS. That seems really silly but that's how it works. The entry window is located at the bottom of each screen. Thanks for visiting, I hope you enjoy your stay.

LL

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Jul 06 - Day 04 2015 Tour - Missoula, MT


I love old buildings...how weird izzat?

Leaving Kenniwick early I planned to ride highway 12 all the way to Missoula, MT. The route I chose avoided major highways and followed pristine rivers through forests in a general eastern direction. It was going to be hot again so I'd be taking it easy enjoying the slower pace.

I reached Walla Walla by mid-morning and stopped for breakfast, then back-tracked a couple of miles to see an historic site commemorating a major battle between the locals - Native Americans versus the US Army. Eventually the Army won.



Small digs for a family





With Walla Walla behind me I rode through miles & miles of Washington's grain fields. Well, maybe not actually through the fields, that would be dumb wouldn't it? More like next to them. On pavement. See?




Pomeroy seemed like a welcome rest stop & photo op. I sat on a bench in front of  the local agra-biz  office and gulped down a cold can of designer drink. Been consuming a lot of that type of stuff lately, gotta keep the electrolytes up to speed. Whatever those things are. Ask Linda....




If I lived in Pomeroy this is the house I'd want. Wot?

Hot Dogs!

Note the temperature reading....Phew!
Shortly after leaving Pomeroy I reached the scenic drive that follows a meandering river nearly all the way to Missoula. Sidecar pilots take note, the sign says it all.



This would be a major workout
My bike's outfitted with an electronic deer whistle and today I saw it in action. The first doe I encountered looked up, then ran upwards through the brush and away from the sound. The next one I saw was several miles down the road; she stood her ground but shook her ears and stamped her front foot. Beats heck out of having them jump in front of me.

I also saw moose on two occasions, the first one was standing in water eating the tender greens and the next was busy snacking on whatever moose snack on when not in water. Eh? 


Road side snack time

I arrived in Missoula right at 7:00 pm mountain time which made me an hour later than I expected. Not a 
problem though, I scored a nice room at the local Super 8, had a small pizza at the Pizza Hut next door, and crashed for the night.  

Today's mileage was 385, tomorrow's a whole new day. This ain't so bad.

LL

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1 comment:

  1. LindaJuly 7, 2015 at 10:47 AM

    Pomeroy looks like a nice little town! Wouldn't you know, they have their own Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/places/Things-to-do-in-Pomeroy-Washington/107485312614263/

    I'm glad you're keeping hydrated. Don't tip over. xoxox

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