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Published: June 26th 2017
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Greetings from Billings, Montana! I'm finally here at InZane 2017! More on that below.
Bozeman was a bit of a pain. I got the only room available last night but it was a 4th floor walk up. The problem with that is that I carry a lot of stuff on the Mothership and I've been suffering from a pinched nerve in my left hip for several months as well as a torn ligament in my right knee. Needless to say, I was not amused that there was no elevator. This morning, I was resolved that I would not be carrying all of my stuff downstairs. I went through everything and sorted out the breakable stuff (cameras, etc.). the rest (clothes, tools etc.) I began chucking out my 4th floor window onto the lawn below. Well...THAT garnered some attention. Oops. Anyhow, after a little explaining and loading up the bike, I was off at 11:30 AM.
Billings is only about 150 miles from Bozeman, so there isn't much to tell about the ride except for this: People from Montana (Montanaites? Montanarinos? Montanalonians?) drive suicidally fast. I love speed as much as the next guy. In fact, it has been well
documented amongst those that know me that I love speed way more than the next guy. However, riding on unfamiliar roads at 95-105 mph and getting passed by pickups pulling travel trailers is just nuts. I have not seen a single State Trooper since I entered Montana. Remember, this is the state that didn't used to have a speed limit at all.
Finally I arrived at the Red Lion in Billings. Check in was a breeze and the room is great. In fact, the whole hotel is great. This pleases me as this hotel will be home for the next 5 days. After checking in, I chilled in the room for a bit before going downstairs to register. Register for what,?, you may ask.
The reason that I am in Billings is to attend InZane, a gathering of enthusiasts of the Honda Valkyrie, most notably the originals made from 1997-2003. The event is put on by the Valkyrie Riders Cruisers Club (VRCC). Attendance is usually around 400 people. These are the absolute nicest people that you'd ever want to meet and they come from all over the U.S. as well as Canada and Europe. See my photos for
a schedule of this week's events.
At 7:30, the staff threw an early bird BBQ with burgers, dogs and some awesome beans. I'm going to track down who made them and get the recipe.
In about 2 hours, I will be leaving for the airport to pick up Mrs. Alien, who will be joining me for the duration of InZane, then flying back home as I continue my ride through Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and Nevada.
For the next few days, you can expect this blog to contain a LOT of pictures and videos of the people, bikes, rides and happenings here at InZane 2017. Stay Tuned!!
See you on the road,
Alien
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Dad
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Day 7 to Billings and now you can relax and have a great time
Glad you are finally in Billings in a great hotel where you will spend the next 6 days with Rebecca and fine people and have a great time.