Lewis and Clark on the go

[JustABiker]

 What is the experience of the need of reservations at this time of year? My wife and I will be traveling west to east from the Pacific Ocean to Missoula MT at least. Would rather not have a structured schedule of where we will stay ahead of time but some towns have limited choices. Since this trip will be credit card touring can we play it by ear and see how it goes with distance, weather & sightseeing or would it be wise to reserve a room in advance? How difficult will it be to get a room as a walki-in at this time of year, August to be exact?

[CMajernik]

If there is a very limited choice of indoor lodging you might want to call them while you're still at home to see what they say. Occasionally there will be events occurring in a town where all the motels will be sold out and that can put a crimp in your plans. With most motels/hotels you can make a reservation, and if you realize you can't get there, you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead without being charged. But you should check on the cancellation policy to be sure of that.

[JustABiker]

Excellent advise, will get right on it. Will be sure to personally stop in at headquarters to thank you!

[David mohseni]

Im just finishing the l&c going east to west. Anywhere near a 100 mile radius of Williston will have no motel space- call way in advance- locals told me Monday through Thursday are filled with workers and Friday through Sunday it opens up a bit. I tried to stay in a motel in glendive but no luck and camped. Williston effect is a real mess!
Have fun and ride safe. David

[JHamelman]

Im just finishing the l&c going east to west. Anywhere near a 100 mile radius of Williston will have no motel space- call way in advance- locals told me Monday through Thursday are filled with workers and Friday through Sunday it opens up a bit. I tried to stay in a motel in glendive but no luck and camped. Williston effect is a real mess!
Have fun and ride safe. David

I'm sorry you had this experience. This situation in Williston - the gas and oil development that has taken over the region and the resulting safety issues - are why we changed the route to southern North Dakota. See this blog post for more info:

http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2012/02/big-route-changes-in-north-dakota.html

.Jennifer.

[malbec]

Im just finishing the l&c going east to west. Anywhere near a 100 mile radius of Williston will have no motel space- call way in advance- locals told me Monday through Thursday are filled with workers and Friday through Sunday it opens up a bit. I tried to stay in a motel in glendive but no luck and camped. Williston effect is a real mess!
Have fun and ride safe. David

Had no problems in Glendive (Motel El Centro, 45 $), but Dickinson was difficult. The campground near town doesn't offer tent camping any more and the last motel room in town cost me 93 $ (Oasis Motel, but nice brekfast buffet).


Karl