Wild West day 39

Moving on, we headed for Cody, Wy.  My plan was to pass through Cody then take the Chief Joseph Hwy (State Hwy 296) up to the Beartooth Hwy (US Hwy 212).  A quick stop at Wal-Mart and hello-goodbye, Cody.

We found the Chief Joseph and headed north.

Now, this road had real promise, but a quick stop was required.

As we headed up the Chief Joseph, we were followed (and usually passed) by motorcyclists, bunches of them.

Below is a 10 minute video taken by a motorcyclist last year riding up the Chief Joseph.  I chose this video because of the motorcycles.  There were literally hundreds of them up and down this highway and the Beartooth.

The Chief Joseph tied into the Bear Tooth Hwy just east of Cooke City, Mt.  So, actually, we didn't go into Cooke City.  Instead, we made a hard obtuse right turn and headed up the Beartooth.

We arrived at the Top-Of-The-World-Store/Resort at Beartooth Pass, only to find all the motorcycles in the world (so we thought). We pulled off in a parking area across the highway from the store.  Several motorcycles were parked there and as we stopped, a couple of women cyclists were just dismounting their bikes. I asked what was the big attraction and why all the motorcycles. One pointed to the Coors and Budweiser tents with the beer kegs stacked around and the other explained this was a pit stop for the annual Beartooth motorcycle rally.  Today is the 1st day of a 3-day rally held by Red Lodge, Mt. just up the road.  Oh great! There go our chances for a campsite near Red Lodge.

We continued on, leaving hundreds of motorcycles at the beer trough. Now keep in mind, this is mid-July.

Beartooth Pass was well worth the drive...and the motorcycles.  But, let me say, the motorcycles were NOT a problem.  It was not the old Hell's Angels.  Many were professionals (doctors, lawyers and such) and many were just good old boys.  All were mostly just motorcycle enthusiasts out for a good ride.

Rest stop...a scenic pull-off just outside Red Lodge.

Beartooth Pass on a Goldwing

Then we hit Red Lodge sometime around 5ish in the evening.  The motorcyclists were gathering for the evening.  Keep in mind, we are ahead of all those at the Top-Of-The-World Store and the scenic overlook and strewn up and down the highway.

And the last one as we continued on through town.

We continued on up to Columbus on I-90 west of Billings.  Found a Good Sam park that fit the bill for the night, Mountain Range RV Park.  A bit off my intended path and little more expensive than planned, but a nice park.

Tomorrow we're heading for the Little Bighorn Battlefield Monument.