VFRing in Nevada, Idaho, Montana and Washington

Well it is that time of the year again and I am off for another northern adventure.  They always head north when you live in San Diego and summer is on.  Although San Diego is usually the wildest weather I experience.

This year I am headed to Nevada, Idaho, and Montana to arrive in Washington State sometime in mid July �.maybe. I am back on the VFR saddle again after my long tour to Alaska last year on the more“ performance” orientated KLR.  I hope to hit Glacier NP and ride the Road to the Sun IF it is open by the time I get there.  I missed out in 2009 when I returned from my BC tour because of what they call “Snow”.

I made one major mod to my bike for the tour.  I added SW Motech racks and Hepco Becker hard bags.  Every other tour, I have made on the VFR I have used the Cortech tribag setup, which while still functional just does not inspire me anymore.  I had to ditch my Ventura tail rack and configure a seat rack�so we will see how that works out.  I will do a review when I get back.

I also added articulating mirror extenders �again from SW Motech.  I have missed the extra over the shoulder room, since I replaced my old condom mirrors and the block extenders I used back in day.

Here is my setup at the ribbon cutting ceremony near my home.
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Comparison with softbag setup for BC tour in 2009.  Yes lots of crap...then and now!
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As regards gear I am using the same camping gear although I just about popped for a new tent after examining one of the fast setup and more head room tents designed originally for firefighters.  Here it is in Utah where I looked at it while on a quick MC tour to AZ and UT in May. Maybe next time but I was concerned about the extra pole length (compared to my North Face Tadpole) and wanted to ensure I had the hard bags and new seat rack figured out first.
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For the first time I am taking my laptop in hopes of keeping current on the trip report.  Sort of a dynamic log instead of my typical after the fact sanitized review of my travels.  We will see how it works out.

It looks like I am solo as my riding buddy is laid up.  I leave on Friday.

Already have my route mapped out with aid from this site.....thanks Mountain area VFRs. So no longer planning but I guess I will take another shot at a ride report when I get back.

Here are my Spot tracks for anybody who wants to follow along.
http://share.findmes...EhDkbZ62PMv6Epg

Leave me a msg if you want to hook up.  Should be in Great Basin NP on Sunday and Boisie on Monday.
619-985-1224.  Not counting on cell of Internet though.

Enjoy your trip! Going to the Sun is a great, beautiful road. Don't miss the Beartooth Pass either. It's a bit broken up and the bottom but the views from the top are astounding.
Looking forward to following your SPOT tracks.

I will turn this back into planning.

Here is today's maps with plowing status for Glacier.

http://www.nps.gov/a.../roadstatus.cfm

This encourages dawdling but I am going as this point even if I can not get thru

Bonus,

Not sure of your route, but I came down the #93 and from Missoula to Salmon there are a few contruction sites and dusty in sections. No real wait times just slow going. Polson Mt to Big Rock is all clear. Big Rock to the Glacier Park had 1 site for paving but it should be clear by the time you get there. Ride Safe and enjoy. I arrived in Vegas on Sunday and its hot.

I am heading  up to Lolo on the 93 on 6/29.  Glacier/going to the Sun is still snowed  in so ......................probably change  of plans.

Did some diirt riding today on the west side of Cascade Lake today..................a VFR ain't NO KLR!