A Ride to the Bair Family Museum

October 28, 2022

After a bit of snow last Sunday, our weather has improved and we have temperatures in the mid-50s and no precipitation so I planned to get the bike out for another ride.  I had attended an art thing at MSUB a week or two ago and they had some prints of French painting from the Bair Family Museum who has the originals.  I’ve known about the Bair Family for years since their name is attached to so many things around here due to their philanthropy but I was sketchy on the details.  I figured that their home museum in Martinsdale, about 120 miles away, would make a good destination.

I got going about 11am and after starting the bike, which I knew was very low on gas, I noticed that the gas gauge was flashing.  No problem as I am head to the gas station but as soon as I got going, the information on part of my dashboard went blank.  I got gas and when I started it up it was still blank.

I stopped and posted a query to our FJR group and continued on my way.  About 3 miles later the information reappeared.  OK, I guess this is something.

The ride to Broadview was windy.  A cross wind coming from the left.  I hoped it wasn’t going to be like this all day.

I stopped in Lavina and checked the group feedback and was told that this is a feature and what happens when the bike is very low on gas.  Well, it wasn’t THAT low as it only took 4.4 gallons in its 6.5 gallons tank, but when I had first fired up the bike it was on its side stand and the lean might have made the fuel sender think it was lower than it was.  It’s fine now.

While I was in Lavina, why not a few photos?

I turned west on Hwy 12 and headed toward Harlowton.  Now I had a strong headwind.  I checked on my dash panel where it shows me my current miles-per-gallon and I was getting in the low 30s.  I average 54 MPG so this shows what a wind will do.

I made a quick stop at the Harlowton rest area.  Snow on the mountains in the background.

It was about 30 miles to Martinsdale from here and it was a nice ride.  It goes through lots of farm land and a huge Hutterite Colorny.  I turned south on Hwy 294 and a mile and half later I arrived.

I first went through the museum to see the painting, Native American works, and some photography.  

The have quite a few C.M. Russell works.

I went out to the lobby to join the guided tour.  It was small group, me, 2 people from Helena, and the tur guide.  The guide walked us over to the house and gave us a detailed history of the family.  Once inside, she provided lots more information and explained the sources and background on the pieces there.  I won’t repeat that here but here’s an assortment of photos.

We went to the barn next.  It’s been converted to displays, restrooms, and a gift shop.

It was getting late as I’d been there over 2 hours and I had at least a 2 hour ride back home.  I headed out but stopped for a photo or two before I got back on Hwy 12.

About halfway back to Harlowton, time for a few photos.

Since I’d brought along an empty growler, I stopped at Galley’s Brewing in Harlowton for a fill.  And, what the heck, I can make time for a quick IPA.

Getting near Billings I had to stop for another picture of two.

I should mention that the wind had not abated on this return trip but it was behind me.  My miles-per-gallon increased to about 66.  I got home just after dark.  A great day.

236.8 miles

A Quick Trip to Pompey’s

October 21, 2022

There is no question that the weather is changing.  It was cooler this morning and barely any blue sky.  With rain predicted for tomorrow and 1-3 inches of snow on Sunday I knew that today was my last chance to get out for a ride for a few days but I had to get a few things out of the way first.

Getting some laundry underway followed by doing the grocery shopping came first and a good thing to do early.  Then I worked on my mosaic a bit, getting it grouted.  Then it was up to Zimmerman Park with the dog for a 2-3 mile run.  A bit more work on the mosaic came next and I think it’s proceeding nicely.  I am doing “the Four Season” on the foundation wall on the north side of my garage with 5-feet devoted to each season.  I’ve had winter done for a while and now have spring completed.

We dig some fertilizing and weed killing application at the other house ahead of the incoming rain and then it was time to ride.

I wanted a different direction that heading south and I wanted to be back in an hour and half so I headed off to Pompey’s Pillar.  The park is closed this time of year but walk-ins are allowed.  My plan was to ride out there, check out the picnic area adjacent to the gate and then ride back.

I went through Billings Heights, avoiding Main Street by taking Bitterroot which turns out is under construction.  I had to detour on Hawthorne for a ways but eventually got out to Mary Street and headed on past Dover Park.  Hwy 312 to Pompey’s is about 30 miles and straight a road as you will find.  There was not much traffic and I just relaxed and cruised until about 5 miles from Pompey’s when a strong cross wind from the north came up.  The temperature dropped from 66 to 60 degrees and it really looked like fall.

I pulled into the picnic area and park the bike.  It’s pretty small but covered by large trees.  I guess this is a place hunters use because there was a sign for hunter check in and a notice that hunting wasn’t allowed until November 1st to protect public safety.  OK.

I took advantage of the stop to put my thermal liner in my jacket and change out to my heavier gloves.  Then I shot some pictures.

That’s Pompey’s Pillar in the center background of that bottom photo.

I headed back but turned a quarter mile along the way onto Bundy Road.  There is a bridge across the Yellowstone River here and a chance to see Pompey’s Pillar from the west, from outside the park.  With fall colors around, I wanted to take a look.

Looking west on the river.

Here’s the old bridge.

And, of course, some motorcycle pictures.

The ride back was quick and I got home before Friday afternoon traffic became an issue.

About 75 miles today.

A Quick Trip to Fromberg

October 19, 2022

I keep hearing that our weather is going to change so I’m trying to get as much riding in as I can.  Today was busy with a trip to the gym, some chores at the computer, and an outing with the dog.  We hiked along the Yellowstone River and he got to do some swimming.

I did manage to get the bike out at 2:20pm.  I headed west on my usual route with the goal to go check out a few things in Fromberg.  The ride was great as the temperature was in the mid-70s and there was no wind.  Traffic was really light and I just cranked up the tunes and relaxed.

When I got to Fromberg I I took the road that goes behind the high school which becomes the Fromberg-Joliet Road.  I was looking for fall colors, saw some, but was intrigued by the new paving on the road.  I followed it for a mile or two until it ended and gravel took over.  Time for some photos.

I looped back through the Main Street of the town, crossed the highway, and headed east to the Bridger-Fromberg Road.  I’ve ridden this several times but today I was mainly interested in the side road that goes to the Gebo Barn and whether I could ride my bike on it.  When I got there, a pickup and another truck pulling a horse trailer were blocking the road and I couldn’t ascertain the road condition without making a commitment and turning on to it around those other vehicles.  I decided to keep going on the road I was on and then come back.  Photo opportunities presented themselves.

I got almost to Bridger and crossed the railroad tracks where I decided to turn around.  I was just in time to watch a couple of trucks that travel on the rail, convert themselves to regular trucks.

I remembered that there was a serious derailment just south of here a few weeks ago and they must be oart of the crew working on that.

I headed back toward Fromberg the way I’d come and stopped for a photo or two.

These guys didn’t want to hang out with me.

The Gebo Barm is just across those fields.

The barn was a big deal when it was built in the early 1900s.  Read more about it here.  I think I’ll come back in a car and bring my drawing tools.  It looks like a great subject.

I took my time, and mostly backroads, the rest of the way home.  It was a relaxing way to spend the afternoon.

About 105 miles for the day.