Got back a few days ago from a ride from the Bay Area to Mt. Saint Helens, WA
across Idaho, and into Montana. The roads around Mt. St. Helens (not to mention the
scenery) are awesome. But, if your GTS travels across the U.S. take you any where
near the Montana/Idaho area, make sure that you take Hwy 12 from Lowell, ID to
Missoula, MT. It's a spectacular 100+ mile road with thousands of twisties (and only
an occasional cage). In fact, just outside of Lowell, there's a sign that I can't
seem to get out of my mind. It reads, "CAUTION, Winding Road Next 77 Miles." I've
ridden most roads in the western United States, and this is definitely one of the
finest, prettiest roads I've ever ridden. For most of the ride, the road hugs a
spectral river to the south. If you slow down to catch your breath, you may see fly
fisherman wading in the river below. The GTS was made for this road.
Also, if anyone's into mountain bike riding (I find it a nice, aerobic
compliment while on motorcycle vacations), Helena, MT and Bend, OR have excellent
rental bikes and great trails within a few miles of the downtown bike shops.
Mike Cordon
'94 GTS (the non-surging model)
P.S. If you're in Missoula, drop by Fred's.
