Category Archives: Overnight Rides

See America Ride

See America Ride: Southwest Loop Adventure, June 2021

The Idea Sparks

In April 2021, Richard L. came across an article in GWRRA Wingworld Magazine describing a scenic loop through Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. Inspired, he mapped out a route and invited a few of us to join. Lesley and I jumped at the chance, and soon, plans were set: four parties, five bikes, and an epic adventure ahead.

Planning the Journey

Motelling was the unanimous choice—no complex camper setups, just cargo trailers and comfortable rooms. Our route would wind through Montana, Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado. Flexibility was key, but we had a rough itinerary:

  • June 14: Missoula, MT
  • June 15: Idaho Falls, ID
  • June 16: Vernal, UT
  • June 17: Poncha Springs, CO
  • June 18: Durango, CO
  • June 19: Blanding, UT
  • June 20: Bryce Canyon City, UT
  • June 21: Green River, WY
  • June 22: Rock Springs, WY
  • June 23: Idaho Falls, ID
  • June 24: Cascade, ID
  • June 25: Spokane, WA

We hoped to ride the Durango/Silverton Train, visit Dinosaur National Monument, and maybe reach Four Corners—if COVID closures didn’t get in the way.

Day 1: Missoula, MT

A good night’s sleep and a packed trailer kicked off our ride. We met Richard at Black Sheep Sporting Goods in Coeur d’Alene, ID, after a small parking mix-up ("...in the corner by the Costco gas pumps"—if only we'd heard!). After picking up Alex & Anne, the adventure officially began.

Lunch at the 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar was quick and light. We pressed on to Missoula and checked into the Super 8. The first night brought surprises: a vibrating floor (thanks to an overzealous washer/dryer), water woes, and a coffee cup shortage. The staff responded quickly, and the mysterious noise finally stopped at 10 PM.

Day 2: Idaho Falls, ID

After a rough continental breakfast and sharing a lone coffee cup, we fueled up and headed south. Riding US 93 through Salmon and Darby (home of the Chief Joseph Ranch from "Yellowstone"), we made it to Idaho Falls.

Day 3: Rock Springs, WY

Departed Idaho Falls, bound for Rock Springs, Wyoming. The scenery and roads were as impressive as expected, though details for this leg are sparse—sometimes the best adventures are the ones you simply experience.

Day 4: Return to Idaho Falls

After discussion, the group decided to head back—sometimes, plans change and the road calls us home sooner than expected.

Day 5: Back to Missoula

It's over. The journey winds down as we return to familiar territory.

Day 6: Homeward Bound

Final leg—heading home, carrying stories, memories, and a renewed love for the open road.

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Reflections

Though not every plan was realized and not every destination reached, the See America Ride was an adventure of camaraderie, scenic roads, and the thrill of exploring the Southwest. Sometimes, the best part of a journey is the journey itself.

*Missoula, here we come—and until next time, keep the rubber side down!*

Trip to Enterprise Oregon

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The route from our home base in Washington down to Enterprise, Oregon was a favorite among our GWRRA WA-N group, and for good reason. We started early in the morning, with everyone gathering in a nearby parking lot—GoldWings gleaming and riders buzzing with excitement. Even in the chase car, we felt the familiar pre-ride thrill as maps were double-checked and radios synced.

Our journey took us south through the rolling farmlands and pine forests of eastern Washington, crossing the Snake River at Clarkston before winding into northeastern Oregon. The roads here were a rider’s dream: sweeping curves, gentle climbs, and long stretches where you could see for miles. For most of the group, it was about the ride—the feel of the road and the views that seemed to change with every turn. For us in the chase car, it was a chance to watch the formation from behind, seeing the GoldWings in their element against a backdrop of blue sky and distant mountains.

We made several stops along the way, as was tradition. At Pomeroy, the group always paused for coffee and a stretch, sharing jokes and stories from previous rides. Just outside of Anatone, we pulled over to admire the breathtaking vista overlooking the Grande Ronde River valley—a spot where many photos had been taken over the years. The descent into Oregon was marked by winding roads flanked by pine and fir, the air growing crisp as we gained elevation.

Driving through Joseph Canyon, the scenery shifted to dramatic cliffs and deep river gorges. Even from inside the car, the sense of adventure was palpable. Riders waved as we passed, and we could see the joy in their faces. It was late afternoon by the time we rolled into Enterprise, a charming town nestled at the foot of the Wallowa Mountains. The sight of the group all together again, bikes lined up in front of the motel, was always a highlight.

That route became a part of our collective memory—a journey marked by laughter, beautiful landscapes, and the kind of camaraderie that only comes from traveling together. Whether on two wheels or four, it was a trip worth remembering.