The York Burger and the Hill that Bit.

Over the past year, my friend Rick and I have been hounding Pete about buying a motorcycle.

"Pete, you need to get a motorcycle... all newly divorced guys need one." Rick quipped.

"Yes Pete, I got one when I divorced, Rick got one.. now you should get one." 

"Well...", said Pete, not committing just yet.

Knowing Pete has an appreciation for travel, I invited him to the house to watch the two-wheeled adventures of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman in their "Long Way Round" and Long Way Down" TV series. Over the next few nights, Pete's interest peaked as we watched each episode; the months of persuasion were about to pay off...

Over the summer, Pete decided to take the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation class, yet couldn't find the time to get out into real traffic. The three of us talked about getting together for a day ride, but could not coordinate a time mutually beneficial. But with winter rapidly approaching, our riding days were numbered... we quickly organized a ride.

Our plan was to head towards Wolf Creek and the Recreation Road. However, storm clouds moved in and hung over the intended route. A last minute decision was made to ride to the York Bar for a famous burger. Our ride to York was cool with spots of rain and our new rider was taking to his motorbike with great confidence.

Near Vigilante Campground

Since Pete was doing so well on his first ride, after the delightful burgers we decided to continue up to the Vigilante Campground were the road turns to gravel.

York Rd

At the campground, we took the opportunity to take a few photos and talk about where to go next. Pete was enjoying the challenge of the gravel road and Rick suggested the Jim Town Road. I wholeheartedly agreed knowing there would be some great locations for photographs and video.

"Maybe we can find a good forest road?" I asked.

"Pete and I scouted for deer around here last year." 

"You lead the way.."

Near the top of Jim Town road, Rick led the group on a nice soft road leading towards Hedges Mountain. As with most forest roads, this road deteriorated the further we rode into the hills, but not to a point we couldn't handle. The road now was marked with sporadic rocks and roots, climbing off camber to a ridge line. At a turn in the road, Rick hit one of those roots at slow speed with his big 1200GS and... over he went. The three of us raised the hefty BMW back on two wheels and helped Rick get moving again. Pete and I avoided the root...

"Let's keep goin!"

Not knowing what lay ahead, we continued to the ridge above to make our next move. Soon we came to a grove of trees and a steep, shale covered hill stood before us. All were in agreement to ride up the hill,

"Stay on the throttle and don't get boged down, stand on the footpegs!" I suggested.

Leading the way, I made it to the top without issue and waited for the others to catch up just over the crest of the hill. After a couple minutes with no signs of Pete and Rick, I dismounted and walked back to see where they ended up. One side of the road was Pete with his F650 laid over on the ground; on the other side was Rick whose big bike was resting on the engine guards. Seems as though Pete hit a rock that through him off balance.. and off the road. Rick, trying to avoid Pete during his tumble, rolled off the throttle, lost all momentum and set the bike down where he stopped. Despite the carnage, the riders were fine, a few pieces broken... but what a view!

After we pulled the bikes up and surveyed our situation, I thought it best not to go further.  We hadn't hadn't planned to go off road, so we hadn't packed any water or even a map, and it was getting late. We rolled back down the mountain, over the shale and roots and rocks, back to the soft tame forest road that was enjoyable to ride. Being very thirsty, the closest establishment was O'Malleys near Canyon Ferry Lake, so we made it our next stop.

Sitting around the bar, chugging the water our bodies craved, we reviewed the days ride. I was very proud of my friends. Rick handled the Big BMW with ease; you'd never know he hadn't ridden the bike before today. But it was Pete who amazed us all. On his first day on a motorbike, he tackled the rocks and the roots and the hills without fear; a natural born biker. Hope this is the first of many motorcycle adventures he will take.

The day ended with the leisurely ride back to Helena, through wind, rain and traffic. As we pulled into the shop, I took off my helmet and said,
"So Pete... when are you gonna get a bike?"
"Soon, my friend, soon."

The Three Musketeers