The Northrop Grumman Biker-wannabe Day Ride 2009

The Day Ride went off without a hitch. The weather was gorgeous and nobody had any mechanical problems. We had an excellent breakfast at the Avon Cafe. The only minor downside to the day was the monster headwind from Helena to Drummond. It cost me nearly an extra gallon of gas. Well, the headwind coupled with 85mph on I-90 between Garrison Junction and Drummond. We did the longer route, including Pipestone Pass and Whitehall. I made it back to Helena and the car show at Broadwater Park by 3pm.

The Pintler Scenic loop, as it climbs out of Philipsburg, isn’t super twisty. Neil lead the group from Helena to Drummond, and I took over until Whitehall, since I was the only one who had done the run before. I behaved myself until we got to Pipestone Pass, keeping the speed within 5mph of the speed limit. But Pipestone beckoned and I had to stretch her legs a bit and grind off some of the side tread of my tires. Periodically I slowed down to make sure there were still three bikes behind me, though they were back a ways. I only dragged my floorboards once, on the final tight curve coming down the east side of the pass. Fun fun fun…

Took only a few pictures but they’re up on Picasa now. And since I mentioned the car show, I have a few pictures of that too.