OGRES MC 2017 Fall Run Report (Challis)

Gundy, Joy, G-Man, Rip City, Lee, Bomber, Grim, Fresh, Duke

OMC Members present:  Gundy, Duke, Rip City, Grim, Bomber and G-Man (caught the pack at Challis after a late start).  Guests: Joy, Fresh and Lee.  Absent:  Krome and Smooth.

Members and guests met at the appointed start and had a nice breakfast/safety meeting.  The Sgt. at Arms made sure the ride began on time and we headed down towards Mountain Home.  Traffic was fairly light on the freeway and even less traffic was experienced on the road through Fairfield.  The weather was perfect and the ride was smooth and pleasingly uneventful.

Gundy, Stephen, Joy and Duke

Lee, Rip City, Bomber and Duke

We made a stop at Timmerman Hill to stretch our legs and have some snacks.  The temperature had increased but was still comfortable.  

We started up again and headed out through Picabo and Carey.  Between Carey and the Craters of the Moon a domesticated pig "road kill" was spotted on the side of the road.  Poor piggy.  Riders had never seen that sight before.  Perhaps the pig jumped from the back of a cage.

Gundy, Joy, Fresh, Grim, Duke, Bomber, Lee and Rip City

We rolled into Arco and stopped at our usual lunch spot.  The place was pretty packed but we found a table for eight.  Everyone settled in except for Grim who continued to look for a better table.  One happened to open up with more room right next to a window.  With much moaning and complaining the crew moved to the lovely table claimed by Grim.  During our visit, we were regaled with stories, jokes and bugling by a military veteran "subtly" identified by his apparel.  It was fun to experience his repartee with Duke.  No one got a picture of him, much to Grim's chagrin.

Joy made a comment about the nice weather and Lee advised her the weather can change at any time along the route between Arco and Challis with showers at any time.  Lee jinxed us.

We grabbed some fuel at the local Chevron, er....., Mobil station and headed towards Mackey.  It was a nice ride through Mackey.  Past Mackey, it was evident we had just missed a good storm as the road was wet and the passing cars were throwing up spray.  We had a tailwind, however, instead of the usual strong crosswind.  We did experience a couple of light showers, albeit a little lighter than a shower.  A sprinkling?

We rolled into the Challis Hot Springs and checked into our rooms. It didn't take long for everyone to hit the water.  The water felt great and we stayed in quite a while.  Grim had foresworn any alleged rock throwing so the atmosphere was pretty relaxed.  G-Man showed up mid-dip and caught some trash talk as he made it into the water.

Duke, Fresh and G-Man made sure to have a wet business meeting so as to be able to write off the trip on their taxes.  Grim was glad to be retired.

We took off at 6:30ish to make our way to dinner.  We were going to the Challis Lodge to check out the new ownership but G-Man insisted we go to the Teacup Cafe, Bakery, Expresso Shop and Foot Massage Parlor.  The place closed at 8 pm. and it was clear we caught them off guard with such a large party as we experienced a slow start with the service.  Most of us had Prime Rib but Fresh was smart and had the special: New York steak.  Most had a nice meal and others......not so much.  

We grabbed some fuel and some snacks at the local gas stations and headed back to the Challis Hot Springs.  We decided to forgo a card game and had a nice bullshi....., er, visit in the house.  Rip (60 Minutes) City interviewed Bomber about the intimate details of his life.  Others avoided the spotlight.  Rip City smelled like high octane for some reason and we all got a little high from the gas fumes emanating from his person.  Participants ensured the commensurate amount of trash talk was given about the OMC members who did not make the Run.  

Gundy, Joy, G-Man, Rip City, Lee, Bomber, Grim, Fresh and Duke.

Duke announced it was past everyone's bedtime so we called it a night and hit the sack.

The breakfast the next morning was the usual excellent fare that the Challis Hot Springs crew, Cathy and Mike, always serve and we filled up.  Shortly thereafter, we were off and down the road towards Stanley.  The 62 miles to Stanley were the usual tremendous curves and roads we always enjoy.  Even the construction zone was opened for the weekend so there were no delays.  We rolled into Stanley and took a little break for Advil and other more savory snacks.  

We rolled out of Stanley and soon crested Banner Summit and headed down the mountain to Lowman.

Our intention was to merely stop and check out the newly opened Lodge in Lowman but after venturing inside, the cool dining room and the overall welcoming ambience lured us in for lunch.  The planned lunch in Crouch was forgotten.  It turned out to be the best meal of the Run and the respite was very pleasant and filling.

Eventually, we headed down to Garden Valley where fuel and the promise of ice cream awaited.  We fulfilled both promises and then headed down the rest of the way to our finishing point at Highway 44 and Old Horseshoe Bend Road.

What a great Run.  The company, weather, roads and food was outstanding and made us wish there was another Run before cooler weather prevails.  

Hmmm...