Bozeman, MT - Red Lodge, MT

I have halfway committed myself to a blog wherein I travel dirt roads and National Forests (maybe parks, but the traffic is off-putting) and take pictures. 

I will rate the roads/trails on a strict Corolla-rating. Tyler can dove hunt in his Corolla, so they can do 90% of what most people would call “epic off-road adventuring”. 

Plus, a brand new Corolla costs about as much as my "used Tacoma and a camper" setup. Only, you could finance a Corolla for 0% and have tons of cash for Airbnb, so the only real cash expense you would have is the needed off-road modifications. Tires and a mild lift should cover almost every road I will drive in a stock 2004 Tacoma. Plus, I like playing my part to end unnecessary nonsense. #doyouevenoverlandbro

Borrowed money is free money, right?

There was a long back-and-forth I had with myself today about dog people and cat people and their respective need to realize their own unimportance. I might hash it out some day in writing, but for now I’m not sure the words make the necessary amount of sense.

I sat at a coffee shop and laid out some blog stuff. It felt very smug. Hence my need to self deprecate. 

It took the girl at the watch shop by surprise that I wanted acrylic instead of sapphire. 

She quoted me the same price. 

I said fine. 

I’m not sure if she took me as ignorant or not, but I took her as ignorant. I’ll never bring them business again. It’s worth the $30 overcharge for me to know if I can trust them. 

Cheap knowledge. 

I went by GFC’s fab shop outside of Bozeman afterwards and was pleasantly surprised by a number of things. 

1. They didn’t go crazy on the buildout

2. They weren’t a bunch of brand whores

3. I just liked them (don’t make me quantify shit)

They got a ton of cash, upfront, from people who had dreams of what they would receive and what they were supporting. It’s real easy to look at a healthy, six figure bank account and go “What’s $1000???” and completely forget the mission. 

Do that just once or twice a week and you’re fucked.

It’s clear to me that they get it. 

They are engineers by trade, but (opinion) too extraverted for the work.

I say that like I’ve ever been an engineer. 

I haven’t. 

But I’ve worked with them. Tons. And they’re awesome. But after a few days, I need to talk about art or the ridiculousness of existence. And I'm about as introverted as it gets.

Rule sticklers run the shop. That’s a good thing.

“This is private property... I just don’t want your dog to get hurt.”

Thank you. Me neither. 

That sort of thing can sound antagonistic, but I truly appreciate people taking shit serious. 

How bad would it suck to be all giddy about a new toy and lead your dog into room full of deep lacerations? 

They’re making shit in here. 

After showing me everything they do (thank you!) and shooting the appropriate amount of shit about suspension, Graeme and Matthias set me up with some recommendations for how to kill 2 days around Bozeman (my camper wasn't ready). 

First stop, Red Lodge Brewery. 

There’s a rodeo in town. 

Geoff would have pulled in and skipped the brewery. And he would have been right.

But I’m road worn, and the thought of a local brew in the mountains as the sun is setting is too much to pass up.

I was told Jacks 90 Ale on Nitro is a good choice, and I’m telling you as well. 

Sometimes the right choice for a photograph is not the only right choice.

Turns out the pulled pork sandwich is a solid one as well. 

My path for tomorrow takes me down the Beartooth Highway into Yellowstone (yes). 

While I’m not as excited about Yellowstone, the road there is supposed to be fantastic. 

After a second round, and another hour of trying to read every silly sticker on the refrigerator door, Rodney and I pack it up and head down the road to stage for a big day of driving. 

It should be beautiful, and all-stock Corolla.