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Cutbank Montana - breakfast at the
recommended greasy spoon. Delish
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"How was our Montana trip?
"So glad you asked!" The one and only motorcycle long distance venture in 2018? OK it was a busy year - moving, rain storms, impassible driveways, etc etc. So this one was a good one!
Stayed in a very clean out of the way motel in Drayton Valley... $89 a night with continental breakfast, then overnite at our buddy's place just out of Stavely Alberta, where we all had a wonderful evening along with their three dogs, two cats and a couple of horses. In the morning we rode south, then crossed into the USA to a great little greasy spoon for breakfast..on the recommendation of a sweet US border guard.
Then to White Sulphur Springs Montana and our very comfy room...chicken fried steak and beers for dinner.
it was great to see the guys! I was also pleased that 12 Mikes Hard Lemonade only cost $14US! What a bargain! It's $28 in Alberta for a dozen.
And perhaps you have noticed we travel like Napoleon? Always looking for the next chicken fried steak, amazing pancakes or super burgers? And we always find them!
One of the planned activities was we went to the gun range, with a local guy, who is like road maintenance, deputy Sheriff, weed control, ag inspector...etc etc and essentially his wife and kids fill in other positions. Great guy! These Montana folks, including their kids, all had a Lot of small arms and rifles...it was fun! Everyone knew their stuff, all smiles and courtesy...Loved it! Wonderful hospitable people - the real deal.
Anyways the Montana guy offered to me to shoot this .3030 pistol with a huge silencer and a scope...said Don't put your eye on the scope, it kicks back. Big gun! I nod, ok, aiming for a gong target up the hill as instructed.
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| Love these guys! Great bunch. |
Now I was feeling pretty cocky, since I'd been hitting everything with a .22 rifle just before this. I was being called Annie Oakley. Yeah, that didn't last long..hahaha . So I confidently put my eye on the damn scope and Kablam...kicked back alright! Hit my safety glasses, almost knocked me on my ass. He said You okay? You bleeding? No, no blood. Just mortally wounded ego. And a puffy eye.. everyone looked...oooh You Got Scoped! What a dumbass I was. Yes and in three days I developed a lovely shiner. Yeah which Mac boasted it was from him! Bah!
The trip home was great - we had our riding legs back,
As we are just heading out after breakfast in Turner Valley, I'm pulling out of a gravel parking lot, sharp right turn, fitting into the parking lane and next thing I knew Bang I fell over. I swear I heard "old lady down! Old lady down" as traffic stopped, the town truck put on his big orange rotating lights, two other bikers and some customers ran out to help the senior off the ground. Mac was surrounded by a mass of concerned passers by and couldn't even get off his bike to help, two men had their hands under my arms trying to lift me...I said thanks give me your hand and I will stand up...they picked up my bike...I was MORTIFIED! I may have said I'm getting too old for this shit...thanked everyone and rode to the gas station around the corner. John got our wee first aid kit out, I washed my slightly wounded elbow, put on guaze and tape, gassed up and we headed north! So once THAT scabbed over, and the huge bruise bloomed (mid forearm to mid upper arm, very pretty) I looked l like I'd been in a bar brawl.
Other than that, it was great..lolol cant wait to do it again! Only this time with less falling down. 3,000 memorable kms, lots of laughs, a few Oh No's, fell in love with my new full face helmet and rain suit (remained dry as a popcorn fart! Lol) a bruise or two and some really tasty meals. Yup this was my idea of a good time.
And next year? Oh we are planning it already, booking rooms, it's going to be epic!!
