Yesterday we were exploring the South part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Today it was time to see what the other half (North) had to offer.

If you’re not familiar with this National Park don’t feel too badly. I wasn’t either. Here is the map provided by the National Park Service.

To get from the South Unit to the North Unit requires a journey of about 75 miles. That Teddy sure could travel. There is only one good way to get there, the one shown on the map as US-85. There might be 3 gas stations along that road so traveling there on a motorcycle with a small gas tank could be a challenge. Fortunately we all are running bikes with at least 4.5 gallon tanks. We made it with no bike related gas emergencies.

Just looking at pictures of the terrain, it would be hard to distinguish which part of the park you were in. Once inside the North Unit, the first stopping point is the Concretions area. This consists of a cliff face with several spherical protrusions that appear to be rocks. They are actually mineral deposits that hardened over time. If you are fascinated by large round rocks this is the place for you. The picture is shown below – Max included for size reference.

It was then time to just ride the “scenic drive” up to it’s end, turn around, and retrace it to the entry gate. This distance should have been about 14 miles. I say should have been because I have a lingering issue from a health problem a few years ago which causes me to struggle with equilibrium at times. This was one of those times. I chose to pull over and let the rest of the guys carry on while I sat in the shade.

Along their path there was a definite traffic problem but not of the human kind. This traffic jam was created by 4 legged monsters known as the American Bison. You will have to trust me on the size of these animals. Max was unwilling to dismount and stand next to one of them for size comparison this time. He did a great job with the concretions. I can’t understand his reluctance to do this simple task. Maybe next time. (Everyone should know that is a joke. These are dangerous, wild animals. Getting near them could result in serious injury. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to my friend Max, or anyone else. STAY WELL AWAY FROM WILD ANIMALS.)

These animals do leave significant piles of ….. nevermind. Just be careful where you step or ride after they exit the area.

The remainder of the drive was a retrace back to the gate. No pictures were taken. Please note – the visitor’s center on the North Unit has very little in the way of anything. They don’t even sell bottled water. I think the National Park Service has missed an opportunity here. As you can imagine, the human visitor count at this Unit is much lower than the South Unit that is accessible much easier.

I wanted to include some pictures of Medora, North Dakota where we spent last night. I liked the look and “feel” of the town even if it is designed to be a tourist trap.

What was left of the day was spent getting to our next hotel in Bowman, ND. It was another hot day – about 94 degrees when we pulled in at the hotel. I immediately headed for the restaurant to get a cold ice tea. Total mileage for today 191.

We decided to eat dinner here at the hotel and that was an adventure all by itself. I won’t be retelling that tale.

The image above traces our route from the Rough Rider Hotel in Medora (where the white circle is located) to the North Unit then directly back south to Bowman, ND. The rambling continues.