Colorado Motorcycle Vacation: Day Three

Route for Day 3
Click on image for larger view

We had an early (and cold start) out of Glenwood Springs. Our destination for the day was Ouray with a stop at The Black Canyon. I did have the opportunity to stop at the Black Canyon last year so I was looking forward to seeing it again!

Our route took us from I-70 to Hwy 82 to Carbondale then Hwy 113 to Hotchkiss. We then took Hwy 92 to Sapinero to Hwy 50 then to The Black Canyon. We would then take Hwy 50 to Hwy 550 on to Ouray. I think the proposed mileage was 202 miles with the stops. It ended up much longer than that!!

Hwy 113 crosses McClure Pass and is a wonderful ride. Unlike some of the other ranges we rode with the mountain views further out, this ride was truly “in” the mountains. The pass, at 8,763 feet, isn’t as high as some of the others in the state, but the view was just as spectacular!

We didn’t stop in the pass, but once on the other side, we had a pit stop. The countryside became much gentler. The sky in this shot is crystalline!

When we got to Delta, we had a stop. I turned around to head back to a winery…I needed it for the Scavenger Hunt. Getting the image was simple enough. What beautiful country!!

Winery

I had to cross a wooden bridge and I thought it was neat to shoot the pic—even though it was not on the list. I just thought it pretty neat.

Ok, I admit, it was a bit scary to cross this..

I also took some other shots of just the countryside. The sky is beautiful with the mountains…and of course the Fatboy in the foreground in the morning light. Notice that the Harley is not too terribly dirty even with four days of riding!! LOL...the chrome is still shiny and you can still tell what color the Fatboy is!!

Early morning shot...beautiful day
and not a very dirty Harley
(click on image for larger view)

Back on the road, we are now heading south on Hwy 550. This is a terrific ride and for those of you who have had the opportunity to ride this road, you understand exactly what I am talking about. If you have the chance to ever ride this pavement…do so! You won’t be sorry!!

This leg of the trip is the first time I’ve had to break out my raingear. As we are heading down Hwy 550, the afternoon accumulation of rain sets the stage for late afternoon rains and we were in the pocket for the cloud formation. At this point, the we had a spot of rain…and even though the chances of getting in a full deluge was pretty slim…I’d rather be wrong with rain gear on and stay dry than wrong without rain gear on and get soaking wet. Nothing pleasant about riding down any mountain highway soaking wet!

Of course, I had a bit of rain—not a soaking downpour…and then I had to stop. At the edge of the Black Canyon....as you can see…..not a hint of rain…in front of me. Behind me, however, was another story! Here’s one of my fellow rider friends on the ridge of the gouge in the ground…throwing rocks!! His story was that he wanted to stir up the wildlife….

Shot of the overlook

Steve throwing rocks

Errrrr….okay, thank goodness we didn’t have a 1,000 pound creature come charging at us!!
I entertained myself by climbing on a big pile of rocks…Gotta keep the tradition going, eh??

All right..enough already!!

The next roadside stop was overlooking this gorgeous lake….as I forgot to take note as to where we were. The only thing I have an image is of the sign at the stop area…designating the overlook of the San Juan Mountain Range. Anyone have any insight to this lake?

San Juan Mountain Range in the background

George looking at the lake

Lunch stop and then on to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park! Yes, the rain is here as you can see by the clouds in the sky. Nevertheless, we press on…don’t want to miss this sight!

Entrance to Black Canyon National Park...I didn't feel like riding the bike on dirt AGAIN!!

We had a few stops in the park…our first stop was before the park center….and here I am goofing!! I just left my rain gear on…it is just easier at this point since we have no real clue as to what’s going to happen.

Group shot at one overlook

Diving anyone??

Overlook view

Of course…..it did…and my pouting face tells it all. Brenda says I now have a bubble bootie…with my raingear on!! LOL!!

Does my rainsuit make my @$$ look fat??

I had a few cool spots to shoot…one that involved getting past the fenced area..and so I climbed down….what a great sight!! Little did I realize that Donna had stopped behind me and shot me taking the pic…then started yelling to turn around…so I did…whoooohooooo!!

Donna shooting me shooting the image

Now I'm goofin'

What I was shooting

And of course….I have to stand on a rock…..

Standin' on a rock at Black Canyon

But wait, I can stand up on the fence support that's next to the rock….LOL…

Can I get any higher??

There is a road that goes down to the river canyon bottom. It’s a steep ride and my V-Star had the designation of riding down last year…this year it was all about the Fatboy riding down. Taking the East Portal Road will get you there and yes, I warned them…it’s a steep road (15% grade) and full of sharp hairpin turns. Gloria about said it all…it’s Space Mountain without the music!!! No, she wasn’t crazy about riding it down….

Well, here’s the group shot of us at the bottom…and we still have to go up!!

OH, and it was VERY HOT down here!!!

I decided to take off a few moments earlier to see if I could get a few really cool ride-up shots of everyone else.

Steve and Brenda in the foreground
Ed and Gloria in the middle
Daniel is in the front (very small, but he's there)

What I didn’t know is that John had pulled off up higher and was snapping pics of everyone else…and yours truly…

Ed and Gloria

Steve and Brenda in front
George in the middle
Steve in the back

…yours truly (and yes, I have a huge grin on my face)....

And my shot of John as I was waiting for him...
Cool Beemer, BTW!!

After the visit to the park, we head out to Ouray. It’s a great ride…of course…it’s Highway 550 or the Million Dollar Highway…..again, riding down through the rain and arriving to at dark. We’re hungry and tired. I crash as soon as my head hits the pillow. No writing that night, either…

Tomorrow: Ouray to Silverton, Durango, Mesa Verde, Cortez and then Delores. And the bejeebers scared out of me and the Red Fatboy……

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Colorado Motorcycle Vacation: Day Two

Breckenridge to Glenwood Springs

Route Map for the Day
Click on image for larger view of map

It was an early start to the day—we had quite a few miles and stops! Besides, I think everyone was ready to get out of The Wayside Inn. Unbeknownst to me, I discovered that the various crew was in and out our room while I was in the shower so most everyone got to hear me singing in the shower. Talk about embarrassed!

We had a lovely breakfast! However, that is when I discovered one team was not going on. Evidently one member had gotten altitude sickness and decided not to ride any more of the passes—which there were quite a few to. Can’t say that I blame them; I remember how tough it was to adjust when I first moved here. I was sorry to see them go.

The Rolling Axe Murderers
and The Living Victim!

Our group picture above is all of us; we said our good byes and then got on the road. I was asked to lead the group since I had ridden this particular stretch of road. Uhhhh…okay *grins*. Do they know I’m also known as the lost girl?? It is all good, however, I *do* know where I’m going….

On to Leadville! The claim to fame with Leadville is that it is the highest incorporated “city” in North America. Sitting at 10,430 feet, Leadville has, on average, 310 days of sunshine. Temperatures rarely get over 80 degrees. Of course, again—I’m thinking of the cold days…..brrrrrr!!! It is a great little town!

Why I didn’t get any photos in Leadville, I have no clue. I suspect it was because I was more interested in getting coffee to warm up! However, I will give thanks to Donna for shooting images on the ride up! I have a rare photo of me riding my Harley…which makes actual proof that I can actually ride the machine…LOL!! And of our group of bikes as well!!

Leading the group up to Leadville

Blind leading the blind? Up to Leadville we go!!

Coffee in, we head out to Twin Lakes. I’ve never been to Twin Lakes before and that was where the handoff of the lead was to occur since I’ve never ridden State Highway 82. Twin Lakes are two natural formed lakes and a beautiful stop! Sigh. Can it get more beautiful?

View of Twin Lakes to the East

Another shot of Twin Lakes--to the West

Come to find out, yes, it can. I give up the lead to John as we head up Independence Pass. This pass in only open for a short time—and just opened up for the year after Memorial Day. It is a spectacular motorcycle ride (or for any vehicle for that matter)—and not for the faint of heart. As for most Colorado passes, there are no guardrails. Yes, the side of the mountain to a straight down plummet is scary! There are guardrails for a simple reason…the guardrails hold snow accumulation therefore no guardrails=no accumulation. At least that’s how it was explained to me! I’m not going to argue the fact since I have no basis for a counter point!! The scenery is amazing!

The fun part is that I get to do it again in the Pike’s Peak Harley Davidson HOG 5-in-1 on the 15th! Whoooooo hoooooooo!!! This time I’ll be riding wing—so I’ll be in the outside lane!! Yikes!!
Stopping at the summit is photo op time—and I do snap some of the beauty of the area. John somehow manages to sneak one in of me taking pics too!

Taking a pic of the scenery around...

The scenery I was shooting...this is what I saw....

Another view...

Of course, we need the pass sign with me and then one of the group to show “we were here”.

At Independence Pass 12,095 feet above sea level..think it's cold??

Again, our gang....and I'm still kicking...still safe *grins*

One highlight was the Indian who was hawking silver jewelry at the site. Yeah, he made off like a bandit when we discovered that making a “bulk” purchase would save money…..You know how it is…can’t…resist….a…….bargain!! LOL!!! Besides, this guy had the right idea....he was the only person up on the pass selling "something". Ohhh..now his secret is out *grins*

Bargain shopping at Independence Pass--who knew??

And what has come to be a "required" shot...I am on top of something....

Yeah, it's not a big pile of rocks, but I'm on a rock!!

Shopping and photos done, we continue down to Aspen. It is a nice town—except I found that it was way too expensive for my tastes. Aspen was THE most expensive stop for fuel I’ve ever seen—at $3.90 for premium….OUCH!! That and a sweater store I stopped in had a big sale—70% off was my type of bargain—until I saw that 70% off a $390 sweater was STILL TOO MUCH! LOL! I passed on that one, for sure!!

Aspen was our lunch stop and we had a wonderful lunch at the Cantina. We talked about Independence Pass and the riding to date as well as the fun at the Wayside Inn. Yeah, going from the awfulness of the Wayside to Aspen was a heck of a swing from one extreme to another!! A couple hours of “shopping” (okay, window looking as a result of sticker shock)….and we are back on the road. I took one shot in Aspen—of the setup from the Jazz Fest that was going on that weekend.

The Jazz Festival Soundstage

Back on the road, we were headed to Glenwood Springs. The landscape changed dramatically—the land became more open. I scared the beejeebers out of everyone when I pulled out of the pack to get this shot...and they all pulled over to wait for me......while I appreciated it, I knew I was shooting so many more images! So we talked about it and after that last incident....they waited on me no more!! But isn't the shot great?? And those "dots" are my friends....

Almost to Glenwood Springs--what a view!

We got in early enough for an opportunity for an afternoon ride—and while everyone wanted to rest—I wanted to set out on my own for a bit. I’m glad I did. I had no particular destination in mind except for “that a way” and that a way I went. I ended up at the White River National Forest.

On the way up to White River National Forest

Another shot

While the area is still mountainous, I was reminded more of Hawaii than Colorado. I have a few photo stops. My friends asked me why I chose this ride...I didn’t. I had about three hours to burn and I took a road out one way for an hour and 15 minutes and an hour and 15 minutes back. Works for me *wink*.

I had to get back—in time for a visit for the hot springs. Now, that was an interesting visit if anything. Glenwood Springs boasts the World’s Largest Hot Springs Pool and it is truly a sight to see. Using 3.5 million gallons of hot spring water per day…yes, it is a “hot” spring! My dilemma: well, for one….my only transportation was my motorcycle and this was a pool. Did I want to drag another bag around? Not really.

So I broke every cardinal rule of riding. I won’t say much…just post the pic and you can see for yourself. Thanks to Brenda for shooting the image…and no, while I am not an advocate for riding down the road in my bathing suit and Birkenstocks (i.e., no safety gear)….I can say that it’s a once in a lifetime happening…LOL.. Don't try this at home, folks...

Gee mom, I was wearing eye protection...unfortunately, no other safety gear

The hot springs was great…I would still be there cooking today if I hadn’t the rest of the trip. It’s marvelous and I was certainly ready for bed after that soak!!

At least now, you are getting the idea as to why I’m not posting after each day’s ride! The trip to the land of Nod was much more appealing!!

Until tomorrow…

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine

Happy Independence Day!

Whoooohooooo…enjoy the day….I’m taking the day off to spend time with my family and friends…have a great day!

Colorado Motorcycle Vacation: Day One

Our route for the day
Click on the map for a larger view

Our scheduled leave time from Estes Park wasn’t until 11:00 AM, so a few of us decided to get out for an early morning ride. I thought it was a good idea, so I could get used to riding with a new group before actually heading out on the highway.

We had a quick jaunt down the highway and after about an hour, we pulled off to look at the scenery. Turned off the bike, and took advantage of the photo op. We visited for a few moments. Okay, it’s time to go. Gear up, mount up, flip the starter….nothing.

Great.

I’m not freaked out…yet. “Hey guys”, I yell. “Hold up, I can’t start”.

Not freaked out...yet...but certainly unhappy. I just had the Harley serviced the week prior.

After the visual once over (yes, they asked me if I had my fuel on) and a short discussion, it appeared that there was an electrical issue….which meant the seat had to come off because the first thing to check is the battery.

Early morning ride--just before I discovered I can't go!

Grrrrrrr…

Normally, not a problem, except I knew that the luggage had to come off—including one saddlebag. All right…here we go.

I’m not happy because I’m thinking this is a sign of things to come. I quickly strip down the bike and get the seat off. I do give a moment of thanks for the tools I have on my bike!

Turns out that one of my battery terminals was loose! Thank goodness for a minor fix! Tightened it down, give the Fatboy a test start (success!!) and put everything back together. One of the riders gave me a compliment about wrenching my own bike.

His quote “you look like you know what you are doing”.

LOL…Of course!!

All right, once again…mount up and off we go.

We collect the rest of the gang and head out…next stop is lunch…at the edge of town.

Somewhere in the blog world I recall a group’s motto….ride to eat…eat to ride…LOL.

Lunch it is.

I get to sit down with everyone and learn a bit about the people I ride with. I find out that everyone lives in various parts of the country. Virginia, Illinois, Arkansas and Texas. Some have been friends for many years and some (like me) were new invites. It was very interesting in getting to know my new friends!

With lunch dispensed with, it’s time to head out to Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a nice and warm day…..but I know better. I think I wore my jacket more often than not!!

There were quite a few stops in the park and the scenery is spectacular!

One view down below...notice no snow??

Yes, there's snow in them thar hills!!

As you can see, it’s a bit cold—there’s snow still in the background. I’m thinking KT isn’t probably going to make it here anytime soon…we all know how she feels about riding in the cold!! Here’s our gang parked on the side of the road in one of our many stops!

Da Gang!!

The next stop in the park is the Forest Canyon Overlook. The images don’t do the overlook justice. We had quite the hike up to the overlook and trust me, I would have ridden the Fatboy up if there wasn’t a big sign that said “NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES” on the path. Well, I would have done it anyway except there were a million people already on the path so it wasn’t a good idea. Safety first, of course *grins*.

Part of Forest Canyon Overlook

Of course, I couldn’t resist putting the bike on the beginning of the path. The funny thing is that I got stuck and three people had to push me out…which I wouldn’t have had a problem with had I not been there to begin with! Oh the irony, the irony!!

On the path--but I got stuck getting OUT!!

Up at the top, the scenery is breathtaking! Breathtaking in more ways than one, apparently! Here’s Tim laying down on the park bench. He’s definitely feeling the lack of oxygen at this altitude!!

Poor Tim--the air is really thin up here!!

We couldn’t ride any of our motorcycles up to the overlook, so here’s a shot with yours truly in foreground. Yes, I was here!

At Forest Canyon Overlook

The stop couldn’t have been without silliness. Somewhere along the line, I started standing up on top of “stuff” so the gang started shooting images with me on top of “something”. Well, if I can’t be on top of my motorcycle, then hey…I’ll take it *wink*!!!

The Rainbow Wahine on the park bench

Steve and Me on the "big" rock

Enough of the silliness..it’s time to go. We finish the ride in the park and head out. We head out Hwy 40 to I-70….time to go through the Eisenhower Tunnel. The Eisenhower’s claim to fame is that it is the highest vehicular tunnel in the world! At almost 1.7 miles in length and at an elevation of over 11,000 feet, I’m thinking this is too cool. This is my first trip through the tunnel in any shape or form.

Photo courtesy of Colorado DOT

Getting off at US 6 and then Hwy 1 on to Breckenridge was a short ride. We didn’t have any more stops…it was getting late in the day and we were eager to get to our accommodations. Or at least we thought we did!!

The stop for the night was the Wayside Inn. You know, John is a big believer in staying at local accommodations for the “ambiance”. However, this was too much! I think the group was in agreement: we don’t wanna stay here ever again!! LOL…

It’s all good…it was one night, but boy, did we sure complain about it. John, in his defense, quipped that we all now appreciated our everyday accommodations. Yeah, right, John!

Our stop for the night allowed us to dine in Breckenridge. One of my fellow Mountain Shadow Rider homies was in town for the weekend so I invited her party to join us. Well, I *had* to prove that I wasn’t riding with some crazies…

Well, they were crazy…but I was safe!

Dinner over, a spot of shopping done and we headed back to our digs. It was a full day, indeed.

Mileage: 150+…we had a few turn offs and track backs *smile*.

Until tomorrow…

Keep the Shiny Side Up!

~The Rainbow Wahine