An April Ride in Idaho: A Little Snow, a Little Mud

[SpudRider]

About a week ago I took one of my favorite rides to the Blackfoot Reservoir. I had traveled this route earlier in the month, riding into the sagebrush to bypass a snowdrift crossing the gravel road. However, on this day, the snow had receded a bit from the road.



Therefore, I decided to take the shortest route, through the short patch of snow. It couldn’t be that bad, could it?



After all, I had my Kenda, K760 Trakmaster tire on the rear wheel, didn’t I?



The snow patch was only twenty feet long, right?



Surely the melting snow was firmly packed. I had no need to test the route first, by walking it, did I?



Fortunately, my modified YamaZong is light. However, I certainly gained some newfound respect for the springtime snows of Idaho before I continued on my journey.



Spud

[Weldangrind]

No kickstand needed for the photograph.

[FastDoc]

It's good exercise, Spud!

At least it does not look like you had far to drag the bike to get it out.

[AZ200cc]

Looks kinds fun, For You ......I would be inside drinking cocoa

[MICRider]

Lol! I can see that your next mod will be tire chains?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

It's good exercise, Spud!

At least it does not look like you had far to drag the bike to get it out.

Actually, I got off the bike, and working the clutch, I was able to rock the Zong out of the snow hole. I then powered the Zong through the snow while walking alongside the bike. Did I ever mention I really like my Kenda, K760, Trakmaster rear tire?

Traveling farther east, I reached the Blackfoot River. I descended into the canyon, and stopped to enjoy the scenery.





Leaving the canyon, I continued eastward through the beautiful, remote countryside.







The canyon of the Blackfoot River deepened a bit, so I rode to an overlook to enjoy the scenery.



The trail to the overlook was so sloppy, I managed to cake both tires with mud! 8O However, I kept my balance until I was on firmer ground.

When I reached the north shore of the Blackfoot Reservoir, I noted the lake was still frozen. However, the road was much drier than it was during my last visit. I stopped to get some photographs from my favorite vantage points before I continued riding to the south.







Spud

[MICRider]

Beautiful pics Spud, looks like it was an awesome ride! (Except for the getting stuck part!) You guys still have quite a bit of snow, when does it usually melt off?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by MICRider

Beautiful pics Spud, looks like it was an awesome ride! (Except for the getting stuck part!) You guys still have quite a bit of snow, when does it usually melt off?

Thank you, Stew. The snow usually disappears from the lower elevations (5,000-6,000 feet above sea level) by the middle of May. At the higher elevations (9,000 feet above sea level) some snow can remain until August. However, the snow will be gone from most of my favorite mountain trails by June.

Spud

[SpudRider]

Continuing south, along the east shore of the reservoir, I was rewarded with more beautiful scenery.



I stopped frequently to enjoy the views, and to take a few photographs. However, I encountered many muddy sections of road, and the Zong started to get a bit dirty.



The lake was still frozen, and the mountains were still covered with snow.



Also, many migratory waterfowl had stopped at the lake, taking a short respite from their long trip north for the summer.



The lake is beautiful at all seasons of the year, but I particularly enjoy viewing it in the spring.



Because of the drifting snow, and the muddy roads, I did not encounter another person during the entire ride. I enjoyed the scenery alone, accompanied by only the beautiful waterfowl.



Leaving the lake behind, I exited the gravel road near Henry, Idaho. During my ride I had encountered a little snow, and a little mud. With a contented heart, I turned southward, toward Soda Springs, and rode the pavement back home.



Spud

[AZ200cc]

Wish I could ride like that here, Everything is shut down or requires permits or tags, PLus the old folks try to run You over every chance they get......You're a lucky guy Spud.

[FastDoc]

There is a lot that is great about The Great Northwest.

Except for the weather, there is little I miss about Kalifornia anymore.

I just spent the afternoon shooting with my buddy at my neighbor's range. We shot 1911's, a German 8mm Mauser, and an AR-15. We shot for hours off his porch, then drank homemade beer by the fire. Before shooting I rode Q on some dirt roads on the way to his house.

Life is good in The Great Frozen Desert. 8)

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by AZ200cc

Wish I could ride like that here, Everything is shut down or requires permits or tags, PLus the old folks try to run You over every chance they get......You're a lucky guy Spud.

Thank you, AZ. Indeed, Idaho is a great place to ride a dual sport motorcycle.

Spud

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

...I just spent the afternoon shooting with my buddy at my neighbor's range. We shot 1911's, a German 8mm Mauser, and an AR-15. We shot for hours off his porch, then drank homemade beer by the fire...

We can also practice our banjo pickin'!



Spud

[FastDoc]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

We can also practice our banjo pickin'!



Spud

Might not be Heaven, but you can see it from there.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Might not be Heaven, but you can see it from there.

Amen, brother Bill!

Spud