Motorcycle Trip Aug. 2010
Travelers: Ernest Lenertz and Richard Becker
Motorcycles: Ernest has 1998 Honda
Richard has 1993 Honda & pulled a Aluma trailer
Miles traveled: Ernie traveled MPLS to Minot
Richard traveled 1,676 miles starting from Minot, ND
Our motorcycle trip started from Minot, ND, Thurs., Aug. 26, 2010, at 8 A.M. We met at Richard’s place and packed whatever in his trailer. The temp. was in the 60s, so only our leather jackets and gloves was need, as we headed West on US-2 and 52. West of Burlington, ND, we took 52 W. Our first stop was at the Cenex gas station outside of Kenmare, ND, to stretch. Up the road a bit we found a café in Crosby, ND, for breakfast. After gas we headed West on highway 5. At Plentywood, Mt., we stopped in the shade of a gas station for water and fruit. The temp. was in the 90s, so more suntan lotion was applied. At this gas station we ran into a delivery man from Minot, ND, making his rounds through North Dakota and Montana. We continued West on highway 5 for our next stop at Opheim, MT, for gas. It was decided to head North and cross the border into Canada. Still very hot, so we stopped often for water. Quick stop on the Canadian side. We traveled two lane side roads to Gull Lake, SK, for our last stop for day one of our trip. We found a nice campgrounds to pitch our tents for the night. Only $5.00 for a site close to the wash house. After putting up our tents we drove over to a truck stop for supper. Filled with gas, so we would be ready to leave early Friday. It was dark when we got back to our tents, so it was to bed. Little did we know when we took the campsite that it was very close to railroad tracks. Shortly after we got in our tents here came the first train, which continued on an hourly schedule through most of the night. The train driver loved to toot his horn every time he passed our campsite. We traveled 456 miles today.
Friday we were up early, packed and on the road before 8 our time. Took the Trans. Canadian Highway going West. A muffin and coffee along the way was good, as we had allot of miles to put on today. Weather was in the 60s low 70s. We had our leathers on all day as we rode into a good wind most of the day. Rode through Medicine Hut, Al., Lethbridge, Al., Pincher Creek, Al., then South to Waterton Lakes National Park. Took some pictures had a snack then headed South. Crossed the border on Highway 93. Just a few minutes spent at the USA border. If you have your passport it goes very quick. Arrived in Whitefish, Mt., around 10:30. Had a hard time finding a motel that wasn’t filled. Found one for $150. A bit over our budget, but we were very tired after riding 520 miles. A bottle of wine, crackers and cheese in our room ended a great touring day.
Day three Saturday saw us riding out of Whitefish with temps. in the 40s. Leathers, boots and heavy gloves were put on right away. At
Columbia Falls, Mt., we took highway 2 on our way through Glacier National Park. This is always a great tour on a motorcycle. On our way
up we had a small bear cub stop us for a few minutes. Our cameras were in our bike trunks. Richard was about to get off and get the camera, but figured mother bear must be close by and his red bike stopped wasn't a good deal. Around Logan Pass we found snow and road construction with a lot of sitting on the roads waiting for the pilot car or the green light. Coming down from Logan Pass we saw three small bear cubs running around beside us. Richard had his camera around his neck, but the cubs kept moving around. Again no photos or mother bear. After about 100 miles of great mountain riding we ended up at Browning, Mt. No rain or snow during the ride this time. A few years ago we ran into allot of rain and some snow coming down the mountains. At Browning we headed East on highway 2. West of Havre, Mt., we stopped at a rest area and Ernie ran into a lady who grew up in the Karlsruhe, ND, area. As the story goes they both new each other and each others families. Arrived at Havre around 6 P.M. All day the forecast had been for rain, but we seemed to be in front of the rain. Found a nice motel here in Havre with a garage next door to park our bike for the night. Again we bought a bottle of wine, crackers and some cheese that ended day three. We only drove 272 miles!!
Sunday, August 29, saw us up early watching it rain from our motel room. After coffee and a muffin at the front desk we decided it wasn't going
to stop raining so we better pack up and head East. The rain suits were put on and we filled with gas and headed East in a light rain. About 100
miles East it stopped raining. We stopped for breakfast at Malta, Mt. Filled our gas tanks in Glasgow, Mt., and again in Williston, ND. Still cloudy, cool with little wind. About twenty miles West of Minot the sun came out and temps. in the 70s welcomed us home.
Once again we thank God for another safe motorcycle trip. This trip found us in places we have never rode before. The road curves in Glacier
are always great to ride on a motorcycle. Thanks Ernie for mapping out this enjoyable route and I look forward to more bike trips with you.
Friday we were up early, packed and on the road before 8 our time. Took the Trans. Canadian Highway going West. A muffin and coffee along the way was good, as we had allot of miles to put on today. Weather was in the 60s low 70s. We had our leathers on all day as we rode into a good wind most of the day. Rode through Medicine Hut, Al., Lethbridge, Al., Pincher Creek, Al., then South to Waterton Lakes National Park. Took some pictures had a snack then headed South. Crossed the border on Highway 93. Just a few minutes spent at the USA border. If you have your passport it goes very quick. Arrived in Whitefish, Mt., around 10:30. Had a hard time finding a motel that wasn’t filled. Found one for $150. A bit over our budget, but we were very tired after riding 520 miles. A bottle of wine, crackers and cheese in our room ended a great touring day.
Day three Saturday saw us riding out of Whitefish with temps. in the 40s. Leathers, boots and heavy gloves were put on right away. At
Columbia Falls, Mt., we took highway 2 on our way through Glacier National Park. This is always a great tour on a motorcycle. On our way
up we had a small bear cub stop us for a few minutes. Our cameras were in our bike trunks. Richard was about to get off and get the camera, but figured mother bear must be close by and his red bike stopped wasn't a good deal. Around Logan Pass we found snow and road construction with a lot of sitting on the roads waiting for the pilot car or the green light. Coming down from Logan Pass we saw three small bear cubs running around beside us. Richard had his camera around his neck, but the cubs kept moving around. Again no photos or mother bear. After about 100 miles of great mountain riding we ended up at Browning, Mt. No rain or snow during the ride this time. A few years ago we ran into allot of rain and some snow coming down the mountains. At Browning we headed East on highway 2. West of Havre, Mt., we stopped at a rest area and Ernie ran into a lady who grew up in the Karlsruhe, ND, area. As the story goes they both new each other and each others families. Arrived at Havre around 6 P.M. All day the forecast had been for rain, but we seemed to be in front of the rain. Found a nice motel here in Havre with a garage next door to park our bike for the night. Again we bought a bottle of wine, crackers and some cheese that ended day three. We only drove 272 miles!!
Sunday, August 29, saw us up early watching it rain from our motel room. After coffee and a muffin at the front desk we decided it wasn't going
to stop raining so we better pack up and head East. The rain suits were put on and we filled with gas and headed East in a light rain. About 100
miles East it stopped raining. We stopped for breakfast at Malta, Mt. Filled our gas tanks in Glasgow, Mt., and again in Williston, ND. Still cloudy, cool with little wind. About twenty miles West of Minot the sun came out and temps. in the 70s welcomed us home.
Once again we thank God for another safe motorcycle trip. This trip found us in places we have never rode before. The road curves in Glacier
are always great to ride on a motorcycle. Thanks Ernie for mapping out this enjoyable route and I look forward to more bike trips with you.