Turd on the Run

[flynrider]

Quitting the job to go on a motorcycle ride? Sounds great! I did the same thing way back in 1987. Quit my job in June and figured I'd find something when I got around to coming home (which I did).

I also started in New Mexico and followed the Rockies all the way up to Banff/Jasper Nat'l Parks up in Canada. From there I headed west and followed the coast back down. Visited friends and family along the way and never regretted a minute of the trip. As I recall, it was about 5,500 miles over the course of six weeks.

Snow shouldn't be an issue in August (forest fires are the usual concern), but after the first or second week in Sept., all bets are off in the high country. Could be great biking weather, or it could be snowing.

One thing I'd encourage you not to miss is US Hwy 12 from Lolo, MT to Kooskia, ID. One of the finest motorcycle roads I've ever ridden.

From there you could head south through Hell's Canyon, past McCall and almost to Banks, then cut east on State routes 17 and 21 (also a great motorcycle route) to Stanley, which is at the north end of the Sawtooth Valley. That'll give you a good taste of some of Idaho's best roads.

Keep us posted on your plans. I'm sure a lot of other western forum members will be able to feed you some gems.

I usually ride my CB11 back from Idaho to Phoenix sometime in Sept. Maybe our paths will coincide at some point.