First long ride
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 39
Likes: 4
From: Northeast GA
First long ride
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.
- 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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,556
Likes: 7,904
From: Long Island, New York
Make reservations in all noted locations, you are at the peak of tourist season.
My recollection is that gas is available in the park, but expensive. Best to fill up before you enter.
Traffic will be there, but on a motorcycle I have never had a problem, just be willing to be creative and you will do just fine.
You could see 20's at night and 80's during the day, you are in the mountains. If concerned, just make sure you get back to home base before sunset. If you are still on the road in the dark, you southern boys may freeze your mint juleps off.
Everyone likes a motorcycle out West
National Park Service website has links to all of their parks, they will have road closure updates posted.
My recollection is that gas is available in the park, but expensive. Best to fill up before you enter.
Traffic will be there, but on a motorcycle I have never had a problem, just be willing to be creative and you will do just fine.
You could see 20's at night and 80's during the day, you are in the mountains. If concerned, just make sure you get back to home base before sunset. If you are still on the road in the dark, you southern boys may freeze your mint juleps off.
Everyone likes a motorcycle out West
National Park Service website has links to all of their parks, they will have road closure updates posted.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 39
Likes: 4
From: Northeast GA
We are trailering the bikes from Ga to Ottawa (sp) Kansas to try and save some time. Only have 9 days for the trip and zero experience in time management for a ride like this. I think we are taking I35 to I29 up to Sioux Falls then I90 to Wall, SD. Thanks for any advise.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,589
Likes: 1,151
From: Brandon,Fl
There is gas at Old Faithful, at the falls and near the southern entrance. You NEED to be prepared for all types of weather. Get to the park entrance EARLY to avoid getting stuck behind someone in an RV who has never driven one before. While in Cody, on the west end of town as you are heading out there is a road called South Fork ( or something close to it ). You need to ride out about 10 miles until you get past the houses and then the scenery will surprise you.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,053
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From: Kansas
We are trailering the bikes from Ga to Ottawa (sp) Kansas to try and save some time. Only have 9 days for the trip and zero experience in time management for a ride like this. I think we are taking I35 to I29 up to Sioux Falls then I90 to Wall, SD. Thanks for any advise.
There are good routes that don't take the interstate if you're interested, such as Highway 75 north. They all get you to I-29, though. Here is a link with several options. I'd avoid the route through Lawrence. I travel to Omaha quite frequently, so I'm familiar with most of the highways. I usually avoid the interstate when I'm on the bike, but if I'm in a hurry I'll "slab it."
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 39
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From: Northeast GA
Thanks for the advice. I have never been to Yellowstone so this may be a stupid question but is the traffic really that bad and can you pass these slower drivers? Ive been told there can be some traffic for wildlife viewing and that's okay but I don't want to sit in stop and go traffic all day.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Brandon,Fl
Thanks for the advice. I have never been to Yellowstone so this may be a stupid question but is the traffic really that bad and can you pass these slower drivers? Ive been told there can be some traffic for wildlife viewing and that's okay but I don't want to sit in stop and go traffic all day.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 39
Likes: 4
From: Northeast GA
We were leaving the trailer in Ottawa because one of my friends has family there. Would love to go all the way to Omaha before ditching the trailer but I dont know where we would leave it for 9 days. Has anyone ever asked a Harley Dealership if you could park in their lot for a week or so.... I am concerned about the first day ride being so long. Its all boring interstate.