Heading to see Old Faithful?

Last summer I made my first trip to Yellowstone National Park (other post about YNP trip- Osprey Falls,  Mesa Falls).  If you have not visited the park you need to.  It has so much to see and do.  Of course when you are there you need to keep yourself well nourished and in doing so you may as well enjoy the food.  Let me recommend three worthy eateries.

If you enter YNP through the east entrance Cody, Wyoming is the last town prior to the park.  Cody has a lot to offer.  There are museums, shops, and a lot of restaurants.  Arguably the most historic and famous is The Irma Hotel, Buffalo Bill's historic hotel named for his daughter.

The Irma was built in 1902

The Irma offers buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Patrons may also order from the menu.  The dinner buffet includes Prime Rib, Salmon, Catfish, BBQ Ribs, salad bar, various vegetables and soup, as well as numerous desserts.  Everything was great!  The Prime Rib was tender and delicious.  I really enjoyd the Italian Wedding soup.  No one in our group had a complaint about the food.   The turn of the century atmosphere was enjoyable.  So while in Cody stop by 1192 Sheridan Ave. and enjoy the daily gunfight show prior to an enjoyable dinner.

A great bowl of soap at the Irma

Enjoy the daily gunfight show on the street outside The Irma

If entering YNP through the west gate you will travel through West Yellowstone, MT.   West Yellowstone is literally outside the west entrance and is a great location to stay when visiting the park if you don't want to stay inside the park.  At 115 Yellowstone Avenue we found the Outpost Restaurant.  We had just ridden in from a long day on the bikes.  We were hungry and it was a little on the cool side.

I ordered the Beef Stew with cornbread and salad bar.  The stew hit the spot!  Big hunks of tender beef, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, etc.  The cornbread was standard cornbread but I found it a great combination with the stew.  My friends ordered various items and enjoyed their meals.  The cost of the meal was not excessive and actually a good value for a tourist town.  While you are visiting the area shops stop by the Outpost for some tasty grub and then visit Yellowstone Motorhed for any motorcycle needs including Hawg Wash to clean your bike.

Yellowstone Motorhed for your motorcycle needs while in the YNP area

It is not a complete trip to YNP until you see Old Faithful and the historic Old Faithful Inn.  Now that I have eaten (twice) at the Old Faithful Inn I can say you are missing out if you don't take time to enjoy at least one meal in the inn.

The required photo of Old Faithful.  It is very impressive.

 The historic inn lobby

Old Faithful Inn dining room

The Old Faithful Inn offers buffets at breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as a full menu.  After view the famous geyser we ate lunch at the inn.  My son and I enjoyed the lunch buffet.  The grilled trout was the highlight of the meal for me.  Light, flaky, and well seasoned the trout was great.  I also enjoyed the bison chili.  Various vegetables, potato soup, and other dishes were available.  For once I don't remember what was served for dessert.  I think that was because the rest of the meal was so good.  We enjoyed lunch so much we decided we would ride back in from West Yellowstone for breakfast one morning.

Two days later four of us left the campground early and enjoyed a hike and a view of the Grand Prismatic from a higher vantage point before joining the rest of the group for breakfast back at the Old Faithful Inn.

Steam rising in the cool morning air from the Grand Prismatic

Breakfast at the inn did not disappoint.  Hot cakes, fresh fruit, yogurt, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, cereal, milk, juices, and more!  It was an awesome spread.  Sometimes buffets are just average food.  This buffet was anything but average.  The servers kept the food fresh and hot.  It seemed there was a continual flow from the kitchen to the buffet line.  Everything tasted great.  I loaded up at this breakfast deciding I would just skip lunch.  I am really glad we made the early morning ride.

Yellowstone National Park is an awesome place.  Make sure to enjoy some great food while you are there.

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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Best Motorcycle Road Trip Book

Photo by freddie marriage on Unsplash

 Motorcycle Books

I have enjoyed reading some of the best motorcycle books available, although I do not seem to have as much time as I wish for reading.  I have read books about the motorcycle club life, about the therapeutic qualities of riding, about trips taken on motorcycles and how to properly ride a motorcycle.  I have read books written by motorcycle club members, law enforcement personnel, daily riders, long distance riders and a musician who rode.

However, when I find a book about motorcycling, written by a motorcyclist and includes great photos I have found a book worth the time and expense.  Bikers seem to have the ability to relate the information in terms another biker understands. 

When I consider all the motorcycle related books I have read, one stands out as the best.  This book was written by motorcyclist, Gary France about his 21,000 mile trip through the United States of America and includes life details leading up to his adventure and including his adventure.  His trip "over the pond" from England and the ride through the USA is titled "France in America."  I find it funny we have France from England writing about America.

It All Started With a Blog

Gary started blogging about his upcoming motorcycle trip in September 2009, although he had began his initial planning around Christmas 2007.  He soon began posting updates on his plan and his research and acquisition of items he wanted for his trip of the USA.  Many bloggers were able to give him opinions, reviews and insights into gear, accessories, attractions, roads and more which helped Gary with his planning.

Gary's route for his amazing trip  Photo by Gary.  Used with his permission.

In January 2008 Gary commented on my blog's post concerning Spearfish Canyon, SD.  Through some comments back and forth I was able to help him post hyperlinks in his blog posts.  From there I started following his preparations and his trip.  I was able to suggest some roads, restaurants and sights.  We have not met face to face, but hopefully  we will in the future.

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Gary continued to post periodically as the trip neared.  By the time he arrived to the United States several bloggers had arranged to meet him at various times and locations on route.  I was unable to work it out, especially since I was in Texas.  I visited Yellowstone Natinal Park for my summer motorcycle trip, but I was there in June/July and Gary arrived in Yellowstone National  Park in August.  We just could not meet up.

Gary experiences a "Bison Jam" in Yellowstone National Park.  Photo by Gary.  Used with his permission.

Yellowstone Canyon.  Photo by Gary.  Used with his permission.

Sharing The Trip

Gary's photographic talents were evident.  The photos he posted were beautiful and he wrote just as well.  It was not long until he had a large following.  If you go to his blog (although he stopped posting on his "Flies in your Teeth" in October 2016) you can see his original photos on the blog.

Gary visited Bishops Castle in Colorado.  Photo of Gary's book

Gary visited so many great places that most Americans haven't seen.  He rode along the northern states and down through the Rocky Mountains.  Gary would stop every time his motorcycle's odometer rolled over another 1,000 miles and capture the moment.

Big Horn Canyon   Photo by Gary.  Used with his permission.

One of Gary's 1,000 miles photos.  Photo by Gary.  Used with his permission.

 Miles and Miles to Pages and Pages

As his trip was nearing an end readers started encouraging him to publish a book.  After he recovered back in England he mulled over the idea of a book.  After some time he decided to publish a book of his trip.

He includes his personal story that brought him to the point of retirement, trip planning, the sights and people on his trip and later the book itself.

Pikes Peak Highway  - Photo by Gary.  Used with his permission.

The book is a great resource for anyone wanting to plan a trip.  He includes details and information that is not always covered in traditional travel books.  His personal story and his approach to the photographs make the book come alive.  The book is full of high quality photographs that will pull at your adventurous heart.

Million Dollar Highway in Colorado.    Photo by Gary.  Used with his permission.

Virginia City, California - Old West feel.  Photo by Gary.  Used with his permission.

Not Just for Bikers

I highly recommend France in America for anyone interested in traveling American.  It is more than just a "motorcycle" book.  It is a book about the desire for adventure, the enjoyment of new horizons and the appeal and uniqueness of these United States.  All of this from the view point of an Englishman from England.

Gary's Generous Offer

Gary offered to send his book to everyone who made a comment on his blog during the actual trip.  I took him up on that offer.  When I received the book in 2013 I was so impressed the quality and quantity of the book.  This is a high quality book with vivid photographs and impelling writing.  I have referred to it often and spent time just looking at the photos.  I have shared the book with close friends and I have recommended it frequently.  Do yourself a favor and get the best motorcycle book out there.

Helpful with my trip plans

When I was I planning my week of riding in the Alps in 2017 Gary provided me with great information and suggestions of roads, laws, etiquette in Europe and other helpful tips.  His knowledge of riding in Europe is extensive. 

Gary Keeps Rollin'

Gary now owns and runs TOUR1 a motorcycle tour company in England.  TOUR1 provides many tour options, including a WWII D-Day Landing Tour.  I have it on my list to go on one or more of the tours in the years to come.  If you have desire to tour Europe on a motorcycle you should visit Gary's TOUR1.

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

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Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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Top Waterfalls to See in Idaho and a Must Ride Scenic Byway

When something is located near a world renown site it can easily get over looked.  That is the case with the Mesa Falls in Idaho.  Just 50 miles southwest from the west entrance to Yellowstone lies two awesome waterfalls, the Upper Mesa Falls and the Lower Mesa Falls.

The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway (ID 47) is a 29 mile road that runs east of US 20 and connects with US 20 at both ends, Ashton, ID on the south end and 9 miles south of Island Park, ID on the north end.  The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway also intersects the Teton Scenic Byway just east of Ashton and both are great roads to ride.

The Henrys Fork River runs through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and is a tributary to the Snake River. The river cuts through the basalt rock and surrounding landscape to create two eye-popping waterfalls.  The waterfalls are the last notable falls on the Snake River that have not been impacted by manmade influences.  

We took US 20 from West Yellowstone to Island Park where we stopped for breakfast at Pond's Lodge in Island Park.  Pond's Lodge has cabins, a gas station and a restaurant.  The restaurant is a nice establishment with friendly and attentive service as well as good food.  The log siding building is charming and it has sportsman decor.  More importantly they served a great breakfast.

 The trophies on the wall watch over the customers

Huckleberry Pancakes

My son and I enjoyed huckleberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, and hash browns.  The huckleberry pancakes were delicious, the eggs and hash browns were cooked to order and it all tasted great!  The other seven in our group were also happy with their orders and we all left with full stomachs, so I guess you can say we were satisfied.

Heading south away from Island Park we turned east on ID 47 a.k.a. Mesa Falls Scenic Byway and rode 13 miles to the entrance of the Mesa Falls area.  The road and parking lot are well paved.  There are restrooms, a visitor center, a gift shop, boardwalks and a viewing platforms.  The park is well maintained.  Fees were $1/ motorcycle and $5/car.  (Fees may change)  Access to view the Lower Mesa Falls is from the Grandview Campground and Overlook.

Upper Falls in the morning sunlight

 

The Upper Falls is 114 feet high and 300 feet wide (the Upper Yellowstone Falls is 109 feet).  The roar of the falls can be heard long before the waterfall is seen.  The morning sunlight and spray from the falls create an impressive rainbow.  The spray creates a lush ecosystem on the side of the canyon below the forest.  The secluded area was peaceful and crowd free.  We saw various birds including an osprey.  The wildflowers were blooming and were colorful. 

 

We thought this rock at the base of the Upper Falls looked like a bear.

 

The falls are the last two major undisturbed waterfalls in Idaho.  Most have been impacted by irrigation or hydroelectric projects.  The pristine wilderness around the falls is a hikers paradise, although grizzly bear have been seen in the area according to park signs.  There is a one mile hiking trailing from Upper Falls to Lower Falls.  The trailhead is located at Upper Falls between the two parking lots on the east side.  There are other longer trails for those wanting to hike more.

Awesome Photo opp!

The river heading toward Lower Falls.

Lower Falls is not as high, but it sure is beautiful.  Notice the hiking trail on the edge of the canyon.

 

When you are visiting Yellowstone taking some time to visit the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls well be very rewarding not to mention you will encounter a lot less congestion.  The ride/drive to the falls is beautiful and the falls will make you smile.

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

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Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        

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Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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Must Visit Scenic Roads in America

Since I started seeing the world from the seat of a motorcycle I have notice rivers and mountains are the two best road designers and when they collaborate the resulting road is awesome.  When planning rides I look for the roads near rivers and/or mountains.  

Mountain roads are never straight for very long

 

I have ridden in only 28 of our 50 great states; however, I have developed quite a list of roads that I would love to ride time after time and I would recommend to fellow riders.

I had hoped to develop a "Top 10" list, but I found it very difficult to narrow it down to just ten.  Some roads provide awesome and/or breathtaking views while other roads provide great curves making it impossible not to smile.  Both types are great, but difficult to compare; however, here are my top 10 list.

 

Scenic Roads #6 - #10
Scenic Road #1 - #5                     


"Scenic Roads" are roads with great views and/or wildlife viewing opportunities.  These views are worth slowing down for and/or parking the bike to enjoy the surroundings for a moment.  Some of the "roads" I have chosen are really combinations of roads fitting together as one ride/route.

The views are just better from the seat of a motorcycle

Disclaimer: I realize my experiences are not as vast as many riders; however, I hope the information provides useful. It is not an exhaustive list of the thousands of great roads in the USA, but it covers a decent amount of this great country.

10) Colorado 65 a.k.a. Grand Mesa Scenic Byway  Map - 63 miles. - The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway starts about 17 miles of Grand Junction on I70 (exit 49) and ends when it intersects CO 92 near Delta, CO.  The Grand Mesa is the largest mesa in the world!  The road has numerous great curves and rises almost 6,000 feet to 11,000 feet and the temperature drops as the elevation rises.  The visitor center sits at 10,200 feet and has a great view of Island Lake.  Winding down the south side of the mesa CO 65 runs through the neat small town of Cederedge.  

Island Lake seen from the visitor center

 

9) Pine Junction area to Woodland Park, Colorado - County Road 126 & CO 67 - Map - 47 miles.  With Mt. Evans near the northern end and Pikes Peak at the southern end riding either direction provides a great view of two of the 53 14er's (mountains with peaks at or above 14,000 feet) in Colorado.  The route runs through the Pike National Forest and crosses the South Platte River at Deckers, a good place to stop for a drink, snack, and the view.  When in Woodland Park my son and I have to eat at our favorite Colorado restaurant, the Hungry Bear,!

Never Summer Range as seen from CO 14

 

8) Colorado 14 a.k.a. Cache La Poudre Canyon Road - Map - 89 miles.  The road runs between Walden, Colorado and the CO 14/US 287 intersection on the west side of Fort Collins.  Carving through the canyon CO 14 runs along the Cache La Poudre River, through the Roosevelt National Forest, over Cameron Pass (10,276 feet), and through Colorado National Forest (east to west).  This area, known as North Park, is the "Moose Capitol of Colorado."  While on my 2010 summer trip we say two bull moose and two cows!  Be careful and watchful especially during dawn and dusk.  The road is surrounded by the beautiful Medicine Bow Mountains and snow capped Never Summer Range. 

 

 

Mountain Goat beside the Mt. Evans SB - keep your eyes open!

7) Mount Evans, Colorado - Squaw Pass Road (CR 66 and CO 103) and Mt. Evans Scenic Byway  (CO 5) - Map - 32 miles.  Squaw Pass Road, starting at the intersection of CR 66 and CO 74 a few miles south of I70, has a lot of curves as it climbs up the side of the mountain towards Echo Lake and the entrance to the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway.  Squaw Pass' elevation is 9,807 feet and offers great views.  The Mt. Evans Visitor Center sits at about 10,600 feet and is near beautiful Echo Lake.  From the visitor center CO 5/Mt. Evans SB climbs to the summit parking lot (about 14,150 for parking and the summit is 14,264).  Mountain goats are a common site near the summit.  The view of the surround mountains is incredible!  One can see the tops of other mountains and on a clear day Denver can be seen.

Mesa Falls is worth stopping to see.  My son taking picture of Jerry at the falls

 

6) Grand Tetons, WY - Map - 261 miles.  I am kind of cheating on this one because it includes multiple roads, two national parks, and three states but it is a route we rode one day during our Yellowstone trip.  The route : West on US 20 from West Yellowstone/ MT through Island Park, ID (great breakfast place) turn south on ID 47 a.k.a. Mesa Falls Scenic Byway (beautiful - worth the ride and time) to Ashton, ID, turn east on ID 32 a.k.a. Teton Scenic Byway to Tetonia, ID, turn south on ID 33 to Victor, ID continue on ID 33/WY 22 a.k.a. Teton Pass Highway to Jackson, WY, turn north on US 191/US 287 through Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park back to West Yellowstone.  The views of the Tetons from both the west and east side are incredible.  The mountains seem to just rise out of the surrounding flat land.  The opportunities to see deer, elk, bison, moose, antelope, and even bear are plentiful.  (I will post about the roads through YNP later).  There are numerous places to stop and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

View of the Tetons from SH 33 near Driggs, ID

 

Check out this link to view video of Scenic Roads #6 - #10.   

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz Videos

  

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Come Ride With Us 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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