Letting the Wind Decide

Summer is short in Montana. One could bet that May through September are the six solid riding months, but this year winter lingered through May and into June. Suddenly, six months turned into five. Having spent a month doing my duty for King and Country, I rode very little... and five months turned into four.

Feeling the crunch that the summer was going to get away from me, my endeavor was to ride as much as possible; cataloging routes, taking photos, meeting business contacts and enjoying the open road. 

Wetting my finger and raising it to the air, I set off from Helena with no real plan. The prevailing winds were blowing SW, so I started towards Livingston, MT to visit friends. My preferred route to the SW is always Hwy 69 that runs southerly from Boulder to Cardwell. I spotted a route on the map that cut across to Three Forks and was curious and decided to take an adventure. The loose gravel of Dunn Ln gave way to a sandy two-track in a dry and barren landscape reminiscent of something you might experience in Kenya. In fact, if I had seen a Zebra or a Giraffe, I wouldn't have been the least surprised.

Price Rd and the wheat fields.

The route continued on as Price Rd, dissecting farms, ranches and a subdivision until it reached Highway 287. Crossing the Highway, I decided to take Old Town Road and the back way into Three Forks. "Old Town" refers to the old town of Three Forks that was moved to accomodate the Milwaukee Road Railroad in the early 20th Century. 

My goal was to stop and check out the Sacajawea Hotel as a possible host destination for future motorcycle tours. Up the stairs and through the squeaky wood doors, I was transported back in time. The lobby, with its dark wood staircase, columns and reception desk, makes a delightful first impression; the Big Band Jazz playing in the background added to the atmosphere. I was immediately hooked. After a wonderful introduction and discussion about future cooperation, Dorothy Meyer, the Hotel Events Coordinator, took me on a tour. She showed me a couple of rooms, Pompeys Grill and Sacajawea Bar; I was even more impressed now. Although I didn't want to leave the Hotel and considered staying the night, I decided to continue on to Livingston but promised to return in a few days.

Sacajawea Hotel - Three Forks, MT

The afternoon heat was increasing as I swung a leg over the bike and started the engine. I slowly made my way to Bozeman, stopping briefly at the Headwaters State Park to pay my respects to the mighty Missouri River. Upon reaching Bozeman, I stopped at REI to pick up some supplies and see a friend of mine. We had planned on getting a beer after her shift was over, but decided to wait until later in the weekend as I was too pooped from riding in the heat.

Livingston is a short drive over the Bozeman Pass by Interstate. But always in favor of avoiding the Interstates, I chose the backroads through Bridger Canyon and Jackson Creek. When I finally pulled into Livingston, I stopped at the Town and Country Supermarket and called my friend Justin.

"Hey, I'm gonna pick up some beer, what kind do you want?"

"Yes.." he replied.

Rephrasing the question, I asked.."Do you want Bayern Amber or Keystone?"

"Yes.." he repeated.

I then realized I'd asked a silly question. Like myself, Justin fears no beer and so long as it is cold and wet, any beer will satisfy. Though I like Montana craft beers, I chose Keystone because the cans fit better in the panniers. Ah, the sacrifices we make traveling by motorcycle.

Tacky, yet refined

The day ended with a perfect, windless night. Anyone familiar with Livingston, Montana appreciates those few days the wind DOES NOT blow, so we sat out on the patio watching the Absaroka Mountain Range turn orange, then purple and sipped on some ice cold brews. Tomorrow I'll be on my way towards Yellowstone Park and points beyond with no agenda. 

"Where ya gonna go from there?" asked Justin.

"Dunno. I think I'll just wet my finger, hold it in the air and let the wind decide."

Evening in Livingston