Road Trips Let us know where you've been on your Harley, the best places to visit on a bike, etc.

First long ride

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Old May 6, 2021 | 06:33 AM
  #11  
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My bro’s and I trailered bikes out west a couple years back. One of them got online and found a good deal at a storage facility along our route. We parked the trucks and trailers inside for not a crazy amount at all. Had no worries of theft or vandalism, didn’t go out of our way and didn’t spend a fortune.
 
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Old May 6, 2021 | 06:45 AM
  #12  
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There are some road closures in Yellowstone this year.

https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

We stayed in the park a few times, Canyon, Grants Village and at Lake Lodge. Reservations maybe hard to get and it can get $$$$. We also prefer Cody if rooms in the park are not available.

https://www.yellowstonenationalparkl...summer-lodges/

Never had a problem getting fuel in the park. Traffic has never been a problem for us but you do need to be on your toes. Traffic will come to a stop anywhere to photograph a Chipmunk or Bear.

Elevation can run 6 - 8,000' so you need to be prepared for 4 season riding. Good rain gear is a must and also acts as a great outer layer if it is cold.

You are going to love the Park, Old Faithful and the Canyon area can get congested but are worth the time it takes to view the sights.

Enjoy your trip.
 
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Old May 6, 2021 | 12:53 PM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by TriggerHappyJack
I will be taking my first long ride toward the end of Aug 21 and my route goes KS/SD/MT/WY/CO/KS. We have a plan but still trying to stay somewhat flexible. There will be two of us riding and both of us will be on Road Glides. No camping planned just hotels and friends houses. The first part of the route seems pretty easy going up to Rushmore, Sturgis and over to Billings MT. We will then be heading South from Billings through Red Lodge and taking Beartooth Highway to 296 to Cody. Staying in Cody for maybe two days then into Yellowstone. Our plan is to stay in a lodge in Yellowstone for one night before we journey out down HWY 26 through the Wind River Reservation toward Denver. Here are my questions.
- In late Aug, how much traffic can we expect traveling through Yellowstone?
- Is there a place to check for road closures prior to entering the park?
- Is it still cold at the higher elevations. We live in Ga so anything under 50 is cold.
- Any issues with finding gas in the park?
- Are the lodges motorcycle friendly?
Thanks for any advice or recommendations.
Looks like you have tons of responses - have a great trip.

Not sure how old you are - if a senior, consider a lifetime park pass. I think they are $80. If you are a vet, they are free.
 
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Old May 6, 2021 | 01:16 PM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by cycle7447
Looks like you have tons of responses - have a great trip.

Not sure how old you are - if a senior, consider a lifetime park pass. I think they are $80. If you are a vet, they are free.
Did they bring the Vet's free pass back?
In 2019 they told me they had discontinued that so I paid the $80.
Money well spent either way.
 
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Old May 6, 2021 | 03:54 PM
  #15  
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For lodging I'd recommend either Cody (east). West Yellowstone (west) or Jackson Hole (s/w) as opposed to staying in the park.

All are kind of expensive but are probably cheaper than staying inside the park.
W stayed in side the park many years ago (early 90's) and they were very biker friendly.

U need to book your rooms now and if you find something that you like better later on you can always cancel, but at least you will have somewhere to sleep!'

Animals (especially the Bison) can and sometimes do block the two-lane road.....after all, it is THEIR territory.
Be patient but get no close to them that you must.
In 2010 we left West Yellowstone one morning heading east through the park and as we cam around a curve we had a very "close encounter" with a HUGE male (so close we could smell him) basically a stand-off, until he decided to allow us to SLOWLY and VERY CAREFULLY go around him

If you're into firearms, be sure to hit the museum in Cody and allow at least 1/2 a day (or more) to see everything.​​​​​​
 
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Old May 6, 2021 | 04:36 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by Vernal
There are some road closures in Yellowstone this year.

https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

We stayed in the park a few times, Canyon, Grants Village and at Lake Lodge. Reservations maybe hard to get and it can get $$$$. We also prefer Cody if rooms in the park are not available.

https://www.yellowstonenationalparkl...summer-lodges/

Never had a problem getting fuel in the park. Traffic has never been a problem for us but you do need to be on your toes. Traffic will come to a stop anywhere to photograph a Chipmunk or Bear.

Elevation can run 6 - 8,000' so you need to be prepared for 4 season riding. Good rain gear is a must and also acts as a great outer layer if it is cold.

You are going to love the Park, Old Faithful and the Canyon area can get congested but are worth the time it takes to view the sights.

Enjoy your trip.
Speaking of chipmunks, throw a pack of nuts or crackers in your bags and when you stop at the vista on Beartooth you can help fatten those guys up!!!
 
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Old May 6, 2021 | 06:31 PM
  #17  
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Thanks to everyone for the help. Looks like I may need to adjust our plans. I'll post my dates and routes incase anyone is in the area and wants to join for a ride or a beer.
RLTW!
 
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Old May 6, 2021 | 08:58 PM
  #18  
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Ask the local dealer where you are thinking of dropping the trailer & truck. Some will let you.
 
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Old May 8, 2021 | 08:24 PM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by Nokkon Wud
Did they bring the Vet's free pass back?
In 2019 they told me they had discontinued that so I paid the $80.
Money well spent either way.
I never heard that is was discontinued. A quick check says it is still in force.

I got mine for just $20 before this was available.

How long will free access be available?

Free access for veterans and Gold Star Families will continue indefinitely, unless the Secretarial Order and/or FLREA are amended, superseded, or revoked/expired. The Gold Star Voucher is valid for one calendar year. New vouchers for successive years can be obtained by downloading a new voucher and completing the self-certification (see information in the question above). Annual Interagency Military passes are valid for one year from the month of issuance.
 
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