August 11-16, 2005
Last year, Ken and I took our first Edelweiss
Bike Tour riding the “real mountains”
in the Alps. We enjoyed
our experience so much, we decided to take another tour
this year. After studying our choices, we chose Montana,
the Big Sky Country, since it is close, pretty, and
we had never been there. After talking with our friend
from Missoula, we opted for the on/off-road tour. Edelweiss
provides the motorcycles, scouts the best roads, hires
skilled and personable tour guides, and handles all
the travel and lodging details. All we had to do was
show up!
|
Ken, Bart, JoAnna, Mark, and Scott—pausing on
the road to Garnet Ghost Town. |
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Discussing the day ahead. |
We started each day with a meeting to discuss
the route. Our group was small and comprised of good riders.
I decided to forego the map marking, follow the group,
and enjoy the scenery. When we return to Montana, I’ll
study the map more diligently (or simply follow Mark and
pick up his maps). |
Beauty all around us! |
|
| Each day, we headed in a different direction. Missoula is
an Edelweiss Touring Center which means you generally return
to home base each night—no packing your luggage every day.
We like that! However, the day we rode to Glacier, we did stay
in White Fish in northern Montana. It seemed that each day the
roads and rides were even better than before. Ken and I were
very glad we had taken the off-road option as we were able to
explore two old Gold Mine Ghost Towns, and see sights that would
have been missed had we stayed on asphalt the entire time. Our
last day included riding Lolo Pass into Idaho. While we did
not ride any off-road that day, no one was upset—Lolo is
a great road! |
Montana is known for fly fishing. |
The Rockies are spectacular! |
Greater beauty lies beyond asphalt |
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Last year, it snowed in the Alps the Saturday before we started
our tour. Would you believe this year was a record low when
we were at the top of Logan's Pass in Glacier—36°—and
it snowed at Swan Lake. Fortunately the snow was after we
left! Everyone who knows me, knows that I do not like cold
weather, but I did manage to survive without my electrics.
|
Ken—what a view! |
It was 36° on top of Logan Pass. |
JoAnna and the F650CS |
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Once again we were well pleased with our Edelweiss
experience. They are definitely a first class operation.
You would have to spend weeks, if not months, finding
the great roads that the Edelweiss tour guide has scouted
for the tours. This would be OK, if you have lots of
free time. However, if time is limited and you want
to make the most of your free time, go first class—go
with Edelweiss and let one of their excellent tour guides
recommend the best roads!
Scott, we thank you!!!
If you get a chance, take an Edelweiss
tour!
|
Our Tour Guide Scott Elledge (the Deer Splitter) at
Flathead Lake |
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