Thanks for the info I'll give it a try and let you know later this summer.

 

I use Tyre to plan our routes. This video will explain how:

 

This is what I need step by step instructions. I'm pretty technologically challenged so it really has to spelled out for me to get it the first, after that I'm usually good.

 

It can get hot crossing Montana, make sure you stay hydrated.

 

yep but you wont go hungry! crossed eastern Montana on HWY 2 and got covered in grass hoppers enough to make a couple sandwiches !! LOL

 

I know this is the first time I have actually bought a cup holder to have on the bike so I can have water during the day.

 

Love HWY 2, headed home on it front Glacier NP into the UP of Michigan, really didn't have to look at my maps the whole way home.

 

We are heading out with no plans or any deadlines. We are taking 2 weeks, riding 2 lane out and back. We are not booking hotels or anything because most of the travel will be during the week so we should be good for rooms I hope.

 

Having tried a number of different routes out there I gotta say, just hop on I-90 and get it over with. The 2 lane between here and there is pretty shot. They just don't keep the 2 lane up the way they do interstate. I've done 14, 18, 20, 30, and a bunch of other variations. It takes twice as long and it's not at all scenic. You can easily make Rapid City in 2 days. We grind it out in one usually, but that's us. This way you get to spend more time in the good stuff versus plodding along on choppy 2 lane through corn country.

 

For me it's a toss up between interstate and 2 lane. That high speed comes with unwanted proximity to Peterbuilts and soccer moms in mini-vans late for the game. I'm a Marriot Titanium level but I still use Motel 6 app on the road, need a room , tell it where your headed and then pick you room by distance and price. Just click to buy. Simpler accommodations than the Marriott but I'm have always been treated well.

For planning I used to use paper maps, but now that has been replaced by Google maps on my phone or iPad. I have started trying to use Waze but I find I like just going ... thataway. I have less stress with fewer plans.