So i just back earlier today on my trip with my dad, and all i can say about it is that it was absolutely incredible. There is no way to express how much fun i had on this trip. From the variety of people we met, culture, scenery and roads i would definitely say that it is one of the highlights of the summer for me and that i hope that i will embark on many more in the coming years.
My dad was an awesome riding partner for somebody who hasn't ridden a bike for over 20 years, it came back to him quickly over the 5 days we were gone. We started the ride conservatively taking breaks often to take in the scenery and as the ride went on so did we. Taking only breaks for gas and the odd scenic picture. The Harley he rented grew on him as well, before he had taken the bike out for a day's test ride he has a pretty negative view of them, but they had an awesome rental deal for him that he couldn't resist. He ended up taking a 2009 Dyna Low-Rider, which worked out perfectly with the smaller stand-over height and ample low-end torque for the passing lanes.
My Ninja was working beautifully for me and i grew to appreciate it even further. Taking it on some of the tightest and twisty roads i have ever experienced really brought the bike into its prime, with the awesome handling and smooth power-band made it an incredible experience. The only downside to the bike, which would apply to any sport bike, was the positioning. I found that i had to walk around a bit every-time i stopped for gas to stretch out my knees and give my "O Ring" a break but it was something that i didn't really see it as a problem because it forced me to absorb the scenes and talk with other bikers around me while i was taking a break.
Anyways i guess ill stop rambling and actually start talking about the trip....
We started from my house in Calgary Alberta and made it down through Montana, Idaho, a small portion of Washington and BC to visit my girlfriend at Mara lake.
Day 1: We stopped at Waterton which is located just north of the Canada, US border at around 5 PM. I've heard of the place but never been and i was stunned by the scenery that Waterton has to offer. The ride over was conservative, however i think that it worked out for the best because the ride through pincher-creek was probably the worst wind i have ever experienced, it was actually so bad that i found myself leaning in the opposite direction around some corners which was somewhat scary....
some pics...
Leaving for the trip
The view from the hotel
Some wildlife in town
Day 2: We leave Waterton at around 8 Am and head for glacier national park in Montana with the intention to ride the going to the sun road. However there was lots of construction going on so the riding was slow and jam packed with traffic making it less than enjoyable. However the scenery was incredible the whole day. We stayed the night in a small town called Thompson Falls near Sandpoint, the people there were friendly and several introduced themselves to us and told us where to get some good eats, see some cool stuff etc...
Just entering Montana
Glacier National Park
Day 3: We start towards Nelson BC. This requires us to ride through sandpoint, Idaho and some small towns in Washinton. This was by far the hottest day i have ever ridden, as temperatures reach a scorching 35 degrees. Yet the road was too awesome and twisty to care, i was too focused on the next turn to care how hot it was.
Taking a quick photo break before entering Sandpoint
Looking to bad-arse for my own good
Day 4: We change course and head for my girlfriends cabin as it is only about 5 hours away. She has a beautiful place nestled right on the beach of Mara lake so it made for an awesome destination. I didn't capture too many pictures, just a few after THE BEST 30 km i have ever ridden in my entire life, hands down. So twisty and smooth with awesome visibility. we also met a guy on the ferry named george who road a Harley as well, i forget what it was but it was a classic of some kind, probably the touring frames. He was a professional sport racer back in his day and was a joy to watch handling some of the corners on his huge cruiser. I lost him after about 5 minutes and met up with him at a small cafe and we swapped stories and got something to eat.
Along the shoulder of this awesome Highway
The Gold Pan Cafe...awesome food!
Day 5: No pictures today. We leave my girlfriends cabin to head home as i have to work on the weekend
. I would have stayed out there as the weather couldn't have been better and the water was just too inviting. I found this was the most boring day of the ride, Hwy 1 is always busy and today was no different, people passing at ridiculous speeds weaving in an out of traffic, not fun. We made it home safe and sound just in time for dinner.
I am now trying to plan out another trip to take soon. This trip was too good not to do again.
I had missed the details of your Mara trip but it looks like it was a great time. Some of my best bike trip memories are with my own dad and it's a great thing to do. Ireland would be awesome riding. Hopefully you can make it happen.