Quick Trip To Great Falls For Lunch With Linda

Although the forecast was for thunderstorms with possible hail, we decided to make the run to Great Falls for lunch anyway.
The ninety miles to Great Falls on I-15 takes us through Wolf Creek Canyon and the stunning views of the same canyon walls that Lewis and Clark saw on their trek through Montana in 1806.
The highway follows the Missouri River and has railroad tracks running through the same canyons and in and out of those railroad tunnels.
Riding through on a motorcycle/sidecar rig is very different from cruising through in a car.
Lois used to say, "now slow down so we can see everything."
It didn't seem to matter that we had driven through this stretch of highway many, many times, it was always the same.
"Slow down now so we can see everything."
Riding slower on a bike with a sidecar is more comfortable since the bike can't lean into the turns and curves.
There are many of those as you ride through the canyon.

Daughter Linda at the Wolf Creek Canyon scenic turn out.
The 90 miles passed quickly and by noon we were having lunch at Appleby's Restaurant in Great Falls.
The threatening weather forecast failed to materialize and the ride home was great.
Making a round trip through the canyons allows two different views, and beautiful both ways.
This is a day trip I have enjoyed over and over again and it never fails to live up to expectations.
As we ride through we have to think, "What was it like for Lewis and Clark and their team all those many years ago?"
I always look forward to topping the North Hill and seeing the city of Helena and surrounding areas spreading out below.
This is what the 1806 explorers saw as they came through the opening in the canyon walls.
They named it, "The Gates To The Mountains."
As the canyon walls open, the mountain ranges slowly come into view.
Well, we can try and describe it, but if you are a biker heading for Yellowstone or Glacier National Parks, be sure and include a ride from Helena to Great Falls on I-15 as part of the ride.
The canyon views will not disappoint.

So a good day trip it was and it was good to get back on the road if only for a few hours.

The United Sidecar Association National Rally is coming up June 25th.
They are calling it, "The Monumental Rally."
It takes place in Sturgis, SD with side trips to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument and many other scenic South Dakota places.
Visit www.Sidecar.com  and click on USCA National Rally for more information.

I may continue on to the Twin Cities after the rally and have a visit with twin brother Dean and kid sister Vivian and their families.
It will be good to see them again and it's always a great ride across Southern Minnesota.
The ride home could turn out to be an Iron Butt Ride from Minneapolis to Helena.

Life is good.
Thanks Linda for joining me on a great ride.

Watch for me, I'll be in the Right Lane America.

Del "Lonnie" Lonnquist