Cold, Cold, Cold

The ride from Great Falls to Missoula was gorgeous, but, yes, cold. I don't mean to go on and on about problem weather. To state the obvious, on a motorcycle the weather has a huge effect on the rider's experience. It was probably in the low to mid 40s. I had on all my gear but at 70 mph, that wind is bitingly cold.  My heated jacket liner is getting an undeserved rest back in Issaquah. It wouldn't be a Carlos motorcycle trip without forgetting something. I didn't forget it so much as it didn't occur to me that I might need it. Montana...mountains...any other hints?

I stopped for lunch in Missoula at the Tamarack Brewing Company. I tend to eat unhealthily on my motorcycle trips so I was in the mood for a salad. Got the baked brie on spinach salad. With bacon and candied walnuts. It probably wasn't much more healthy than a cheeseburger. It was delicious, though. As was the stout that accompanied it. 

More rain between Missoula and Spokane, but not nearly as bad as Sunday. Made good time on I-90. Had a comfort stop at some tourist trap, the 50,000 Silver $ just east of the Montana-Idaho line. As I was getting off the bike a fellow in shorts and short-sleeved shirt said "Dude, you are hardcore." My response: "That's one thing you could call me."

New tires tomorrow. I'm so thankful to have made it. Let's hope the rear tire doesn't blow up on the way to the shop tomorrow.