Friday 27 July 2012

Hes Ride Day 7, Thursday

Today we head for home, it's a bright sunny day as we leave Kalispell. As we headed north on #93, the road construction and traffic was heavy, so it slowed us down a little. After a 20 min wait at the border, we continued on to Ferni, were we stopped for lunch at the former Rippen Richards, there's been a name change since the last time, and is now called The Bridge Bistro. The road into the Crowsnest Pass was the usual freight train. Lots of traffic, with little chance to pass, not to mention the "over 40 k, lose your bike until the court date" policy that BC has in place.

While stopped for fuel in Blairmore, we met some south bound riders that warned us of  bad weather ahead on the #22, near the Nanton turn off. They said there was 6" of hail on the road, and a Harley had hit the ditch (ouch).

As we made our way north, you could smell the rain. The clouds were dark and just looked nasty, so we suited on the side of the road. It was a good thing too, as we ran into heavy rain, but  thank god, no hail. Luckily it only lasted a few km, then cleared up. We finished the last leg with out incident and arrived home around 6:30. I can't think of a better way to spend a week. If you own a bike, you really need to do this at least once, you won't regret it. Watch for the re-cap of the entire ride, complete with pictures and product reviews. Part of enjoying an adventure such as this is knowing how to prepare, and with over 25 years on the seat, I still  learn something new ever trip.











It was great ride and had a lot of laughs. I really did enjoy myself, and  know Rick also had a great time (it was his first Hes ride, and also the longest). I've only been back a few hours and I'm already starting to look forward to next years run, maybe we'll do a 9 day ride instead. To all the boys on the ride, thanks, and I hope you enjoy the Blog and the memories. Feel free to leave your comments.

Thursday 26 July 2012

Hes Ride Day 6, Wednesday

The ride leaving Coliville started off great, nice sweeping corners, no cops, traffic was light, and road surface good. It was a great road for large sport bikes, and Don also enjoyed it on his wing. Once in Sandpoint, we decided to head down highway 200 S E,  then over to the #28 north. Leaving Sandpoint we had a minor  GPS / operator malfunction that sent us north.

We backtracked and found the 200, then continued south. There was some road construction part of the way, but then moved smoothly along Lake Pend Oreille road. I was looking for a lunch spot, hopefully something on the water so we could take in the scenery.  I noticed a sign for a floating restaurant and we decided to stop and check out, it turned out a great spot lunch. We sampled their Rocking Dog IPA, very nice. Sitting on the water and having lunch is sure a great way to spend your day.

 Unfortunately, we had to get back on the road. We continued S.E towards the connector for the #28 north. It was amazing how quickly the scenery changed. We went from city, to forest, then cottager country and lakes, and finally the prairie with rolling hills. (AWESOME), The #28 dropped us out east side of Flat Head Lake, we then continued north to Kalispell with the final destination being the Outlaw Inn. With another great day of riding behind us, it was time to get some supper and rest. One of the highlights of dinner was the Caesar drinks we ordered. They were nothing like we had seen before, complete with olives/ peppers/ limes /celery that looked like a tree branch, and topped off with a jumbo shrimp. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meals. After we left the restaurant, we headed back to the motel and dropped in the lounge for a night cap.














Tuesday 24 July 2012

Hes Ride Day Five, Tuesday

We hit the road at 10:30 am. heading north to Colville Washington, With a  distance of 572 k, it was going to be the longest ride of the trip. We stopped in the town of Milton Free to get some lunch and supplies. When we stopped at a store,  next to us were 2 wonderful little girls waving at me. The oldest asked if she could take a picture of us, I replied, of course, but you need be in the picture as well. I told their father we would be posting their picture on the blog, and he should check it out (shameless promotion you know). If your checking it out " Hello girls, it was wonderful meeting you today." We decided to have lunch at a little mexicain restaurant in town that  the girls father had recommended called La Ramada, the food was very great and the service was 1st class. After lunch, we continued north and managed to run into more road construction. They have a different way of re-surfacing some of the road down there. they use a process called "Chip Seal". It's a process of putting down a fine gravel ( imaging small sharpe rocks) and then putting tar over top. It was a nightmare to ride, not to mention getting pelted by rocks from on-coming vehicles. Ricks Gopro met it demise (picture coming soon) when the mount broke, not to mention getting run over by a car or truck. The temperature was hot but no unbearable. The rest of the ride to Kettle Falls and Colville went smooth, nice roads and  little traffic.Most of the day was uneventful,except for the two dogs that chased there owners car out onto the road, Rick's quick reaction prevented an incident, but probably woke him up. We arrived in Colville at 7:00 pm and checked into the Comfort Inn. We had dinner at a  little restaurant called " Tony's Italian Eatery." If you're ever in Colville, and want a good meal, make sure to check them out. The food and service are second to none, and they make you feel like your part of the family. What more can you ask for.













Monday 23 July 2012

Hes Run Day Four Monday

Today is the day the group split the 5 day guys go north and the rest of us will continue west. We were on the road around 10:00 am our destination today is the town of Enterprise in the state of Oregon, 280 k  away, we got separated due to a GPS issue and human error, rick got missed placed, Marty and myself spent two hours adventuring touring on sport bikes, it made for a interesting morning, we all finally meet up in hells canyon at a small gift shop / service station with a nasty clerk from hell, the after noon turned out to be a lot better great ride, lots of twisties, again spectacular scenery, arrived in Enterprise around 5:00 pm. After cleaning up we headed to a local micro brewery call Terminal Gravity Brewing, one of the best Hawaiian chicken sandwiches I have ever had, everyone said the enjoyed there meals just as much, after washing my bike, I settled down for quite evening. and look forward to tomorrows adventure, Our destination is Colville Washington.













Hes Ride Day Three, Sunday

Sunday morn Rick and i took some time to explore Salmom , we found some cool old buildings, one in particular caught our attention, it was founded in 1895. One can only imagine what it was like back then, "The real Wild West" after a brief tour of the town we started towards Macall, 438 k away, there was very little traffic which makes for a great ride. The scenery was spectacular, due to our tour of the town, we had to make up time to meet the group for lunch and red lake lodge just out side of Stanly, we then headed for the saw tooth pass, the traffic was heavy and the heat was unbearable worst was getting stuck behind a lot slow moving vehicles, the traffic never got ant better for the rest of the trip. we arrived in Macall around 6:00 pm, at the rustic inn, it was a impressive site two see 25 motorcycles all lined up in front of the motel. On arrival we were given a free drink coupon for a local Micro Brewery which was across the parking lot at the motel, this was a little gem from the moment we walked in, we felt at home, the beer was cold and, the food was great, not to mention the outstanding service. Thanks to Ben and Cristy of Salmon River Brewery. If you are ever in Macall be sure to check them out. Thanks again guys.