Here I Go Again...

[FJRfarrier]

Day 4…

WHAT. A. DAY!!

I had a date today. Lol. Meeting up and hanging out with a college friend who resides near Co. Springs now. So I dressed in my “nice” clothes instead of my “bike” clothes. Well, this includes a pair of shorts. That I normally wear with a belt. But I didn’t pack a belt. Whoops. So? What do I do? Well heck, I walk out to the bike and get a Rok Strap!!!!

Got suited up and packed and headed into the city. I am sure there are supposed to be mountains across there…

There they are!!!!

Headed to Cave of the Winds. What a beautiful property!!! The main building is built right on the edge of the cliff/canyon wall.

Got a great parking spot, and got unsuited. What do I do with all my stuff when I won’t be near the bike for awhile? Well, pack it all on the seat, lock the suit and helmet, and then throw the cover over it all!!

What a view that this place has!!!

And I got to see Brandi!! Haven’t seen her, and her husband, since the last time I was out in Colorado for an extended time- summer of 2015.

Well, our “flight time” got a little delayed. By about 2 hours. So we jumped in their truck and ran down into Manitou Springs for brunch. It was nice to ride and look around without having to manage traffic and driving!!

And then we went back to the park, and rode the Terror-dactyl canyon swing!!!! And holy crap!!!!

WHAT A THRILLING RIDE!!!

After that whirlwind of fun… I had to head out and make my way east. I ran over to Canon City, and found Skyline Drive.

It’s a narrow one way road on the top of a ridge. So neat!

A few pull off spots provide picture opportunities.

Then I continued west on Rt 50. Through a valley with a river next to the road. Full of rafters!!!

Will I get wet? The clouds seem to be sitting near Monarch Pass…

Got a little wet- but not at the summit!!

Time for a photo shoot!!

Down the other side…

And then this. Really? “Pavement Ends”

“Motorcycles Use Extreme Caution” – oh boy. It’s raining and wet too!!

And they weren’t joking!!! Wow dang!!

Coming into Montrose…

There it is…

I was able to get into Montrose and stop for gas at the perfect time that the heavy stuff hit. There was this sign at the gas station. Lol. “Well, It’s Official!! The weather has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder! Drive Carefully!”

Leaving Montrose, and headed up to Delta. I was riding away from the dark stuff and into the clearing! YAY!

Dinner was pizza delivery. YUM! Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza and Parmesan bread twists.

Something around 300 miles for today. I didn't check the trip meter before I settled into the hotel room. Lol.

And now I get to stay here for the next 3 nights. Gives me time to enjoy the area that I am near.

 

[FJRBandit]

My hero strikes again! I just love the look on your face in the second Terror Dactyl picture. That's what life itself is all about, and pie of course. Ride on Julie.

 

[FJRfarrier]

My hero strikes again! I just love the look on your face in the second Terror Dactyl picture. That's what life itself is all about, and pie of course. Ride on Julie.

After the initial freak out and speechless moment of the drop... I laughed and smiled the rest of the ride!! It was amazing!!!!

 

[FJRfarrier]

Here's a video of yesterday's ride across the Skyline Drive near Canon City, Colorado.

 

[FJRfarrier]

And here is the unedited full video of our ride on Terror-dactyl. Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. Colorado Springs, Colorado.

 

[FJRfarrier]

Day 5

Only Day 5? Man, feels like more than that!

Awake early, but I lounge around a bit, and then I head down for breakfast. It’s in the restaurant connected to the hotel. Delicious biscuits and gravy!!

Checking the weather looks like it is going to be a decent day. Decided to head south, and ride up and down the “Million Dollar Highway”- Rt 550.

But first… a mouse!!! The Montrose Mouse. Lol

Then I get closer and closer to the mountains…

I like this sign!!

Beautiful pull-off above Ouray. “Switzerland of America”

What a road!!

It alternates between which lane gets to hang off the edge…

Mesmerizing…

Waterfall on the side of the road…

I’m in heaven!

Made it to my southern turn around point. The Molas Pass. Hung out and enjoyed the view and serenity for awhile.

I channeled my inner Tyler… and decided to take a flower picture. Lol.

Headed back north, and there was a construction zone just outside Silverton. Beautiful view as you wait for the light.

That was fun!! Both ways!!!

Got to Ouray. And I was getting tired. I was yawning like crazy! And then I saw a sign for Box Canyon Park and Falls. I slightly remember going there when I was younger, and I definitely remember my mom recently saying something about how neat it was. So I pulled in and unsuited. I had packed my tennis shoes, so I was able to shed my riding boots.

This place was neat!!! A waterfall tucked back in a canyon. And the water sound was so loud!!

Walking path on the edge of the rocks. Leading back to the falls.

Loud, and misty, and powerful!! Smooth rock walls are pretty…

Selfie time!!!

And then I went back out to the bike and decided to take a nap. Picnic table in the shade was perfect.

Back on the bike, feeling a tad bit better. This is just an amazing road!!

Look at that road!!!!

Almost back to Delta, and passed a huge field of sunflowers!! I just barely caught them with the camera…

Ran to Wal-Mart and picked up some milk, a few microwave meals, potato salad, and cookies. That’s dinner for tonight. And probably tomorrow.

180 miles for today. Nice and cool weather up in the mountains. Got hot when I got back down into the flatlands.

 

[Craigar]

First off, thank you for sharing your trip with us all. Again, I'm so envious of you and your own personal adventure. I was happy to read that you were able to power nap for a bit. Before getting back on your machine. Do the higher elevations bother you at all? Safe travels, and stay hydrated.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Good looking day Julie, thanks for taking us along!

--G

 

[FJRfarrier]

First off, thank you for sharing your trip with us all. Again, I'm so envious of you and your own personal adventure. I was happy to read that you were able to power nap for a bit. Before getting back on your machine. Do the higher elevations bother you at all? Safe travels, and stay hydrated.

Thanks!I'm not sure if the elevation is bothering me....

I do notice a shortness of breath when walking with a "hustle". And especially any time above treeline. Otherwise, I'm not sure if everything else I feel is just because I'm 5/6 days into a trip and my normal "routine" has been obliterated. Not sleeping on schedule, not eating on schedule, and just doing high energy things in general.

And yes, definitely staying hydrated.

 

[BkerChuck]

Definitely jealous but happy to go along thru your writing. BTW, I think everyone on this forum tries to channel their inner Tyler!

 

[Bugnatr]

If you have time Hwy 141 to the west of Montrose is a motorcycle delight. Nice car museum in Gateway offers a break from riding in the heat.

 

[FJRfarrier]

If you have time Hwy 141 to the west of Montrose is a motorcycle delight. Nice car museum in Gateway offers a break from riding in the heat.

I rode 141 two summers ago- and enjoyed it. But not enough to make it a point to ride it again.

 

[FJRfarrier]

Day 6

Wake up and do it all again…

Breakfast at the hotel- delicious biscuits and gravy!!!

Headed through town, and look what I see! An “Iron Pony”!!!

Headed north up to Grand Mesa area. This sign intrigues me… but not sure I want to see it truly needed…

I love this road!!! I discovered it 2 years ago… and made it a point to ride it last summer. And now, again!

Rt 65 across the Grand Mesa National Forest.

And some beautiful Aspen trees!

Stopping at lakes make for pretty pictures.

At the visitor center area… trees, water, hills, blue skies, and my bike. Sure is pretty!

Down the other side…

I got to fly with a hawk/falcon for a little bit! He was cruising along in front of me…

And then scooped up to let me pass.

Turned around outside of Mesa, on the north side of the park, and headed back up and over and through the forest. Have I told you how much I love this road? Lol

And then there is this…

Tyler recommended checking out the Lands End Observatory. So I turn down the road and the sign says 12 miles. 12 miles of dirt stone road.

Tyler, dear, I love you. But I have revoked all of your privileges of recommending roads and things to see. Lol.

Granted, it is pretty. But 12 miles?!?! And then turn around and do it all again?!?!?!

Once back on the pavement… I saw cows!! Look at the cute little baby!!

Stopped at an overlook/pulloff. Such a pretty view!! And the weather is fabulous- nice and cool temps with sunshine!

Check it out…

I’m extremely happy!! Living the good life!

Headed south out of the area, and went to head towards the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Taking rt 92. It’s a fun and beautiful road too!

It’s getting a little warm. And very sunny!!

I decided to put on my sunglasses in addition to the sunshade! It keeps me from squinting my eyes so much. Kept me more alert, and didn’t get such a headache.

Am I going to get wet? NOPE! The rain was hanging out in the valley, but the road turns and heads back around the hill the other way. Pretty cool to see it there and not get wet!

Another overlook. Pretty neat topography!

I was really enjoying the panoramic feature on my phone today… Lol.

So pretty! It’s a big crack in the ground!

And then crossed the Blue Mesa Reservoir Dam. I can see down the crack!

And then I headed back west and north and landed at the hotel. Fun ride on Rt 50…

250 miles for today. Varying temps- from 70s to 90s. Just depends on altitude and landscape.

 

[Proteus1952]

Your pics have reminded me of why I love riding anywhere in Colorado. Last year I even went south to north thru the super flat eastern half of the state. So flat, I swear I could detect the curvature of the Earth. Thanks for the superb RR.

 

[Poolboytoo]

Every morning i get up ,coffee, go check out were FJRferrier rode yesterday. Be safe Julie

 

[FJRfarrier]

Day 7

Packed up and left Delta. Headed east and north-ish. Made my way to rt 133.

I don’t remember pulling over and taking this picture…. But it’s pretty.

TRAIN!!!!! That was cool… to see that in the valley next to the road and the river…

This is a fun road… (still on rt 133)

Redstone Coke Ovens…

More pretty roads…

Came across a cool sculpture in Carbondale…

Ran up the road to Glenwood Springs, stopped at a park for a break, and then went to a grocery store for more oatmeal crème pies and fruit snacks.

Then turned around and headed to Aspen. Ski slopes are prominent in the area…

Stopped at the John Denver Sanctuary.

Words cannot express what I was feeling walking around this place.

Inspiration for my ride report name last year.

“But in every walk with Nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”

Stepping stones formed the path!

Made my way up Independence Pass.

What a view!!! See the road?

At the top!! This was the best I could do with the sign…

Down the other side…

Mountain goats crossed the road in front of me!!!!! Hung out on the hillside when I passed by.

Stopped at Twin Lakes. Beautiful!!

On the road to Leadville. I tried to go down to Buena Vista to look around… but it was raining in that valley. So I turned around and just went back to Leadville.

And into Leadville, I have arrived!! Town with an elevation of 10,200 feet.

Staying a couple nights with Tim- whom I had met online a few years ago. Met him in person 2 years ago when I first visited Colorado. And then again last year at NAFO. So I made it a point to hang out a little longer with Tim and his wife. He plans on showing me around some of his favorite roads tomorrow. And tonight, Lynnette made dinner. Pot roast, potatoes, and garlic bread. YUM!!

 

[FJRfarrier]

Day 8

Stayed the night at Tim’s. Wake up and eat a delicious breakfast! And then it was pack the bikes for a day ride and head out for the day. I’m excited for the locals to show me some great roads!!

We headed north from Leadville. Down the mountain on 24. Such beauty!!!

And curves!!! Big sweeping curves!!

And then rain… but not just rain…. No, this was hail and sleet and ice pellets too!! OUCH! Luckily it didn't last for long.

Jumped on rt 131 and took that north from I-70. Beautiful mesa and high plains area!! Look at the color of that hill!

And some wide open spaces…

And then COWS!! COWS I say!!

And this little feller thought he could race me…

Stopped for lunch in Kremmling. At the Grand Old West.

#Bathroom Goals!

And then through Byers Canyon, on rt 40…

Down from Granby on rt 40, which takes us up and over Berthoud Pass. What an awesome road!!!

At the top!!!

OMG scenery!!!!

And what do I decide to do at the top? Change a brake pad. I’ve started to get clunking on the front end of my bike when I hit a bump in the road. Has me slightly worried. Thought maybe it was a bad brakepad.

So this chica whips out her tools and the spare brakepads and gets to work changing it. And then is starts raining!! Lol.

Down Berthoud and over to Loveland.

And we made it! What an awesome road and view!!

So happy!!

And what great friends to ride with for the day!!

I just can’t get over how beautiful this state is!!!! I’m in heaven!!!!

And now we go down Loveland…

Look at that sweeper!!! And do you see Tim and Lynnette way down there? They were having a great time!

Coming into Frisco, we crossed the Dillon Dam. So neat!

Up rt 91, we crossed Fremont Pass. Fun little road!! This time last year, when I crossed this pass- we were getting pounded with rain and hail. Nice to see the view this time. Lol.

Coming into Leadville at the end of the day. Highest incorporated city in the US. Elev. 10,152 ft. What an awesome town!!

Finished the day with 275 miles of pure smiles and bliss and happiness and friends and scenery and energy. It was great! Huge shout out and thank you to Tim and Lynnette for having me and showing me some of this great state!!

 

[Uncle Hud]

Envious, and terribly so, as already indicated elsewhere.

 

[Craigar]

Awesome pics, even better, a pic of you wrenching on the bike. Curious, your changing of the brake pads solve your problems in the front? I'm thinking Colorado is going to be your long-term home one day. Safe travels!

 

[tempest766]

I had the fortune to live a bit north of Denver in the 90s and until the dotcom bust hit in 2001. Nearly killed me to have to sell my house and move back east. I've made attempts to move back out there over the years but now that I know what it costs to live out there, and as an older engineer, the companies out that way aren't as interested in hiring me with my "comfortable lifestyle" salary requirements.

Keep the photos coming! The nostalgia brings a tear to my eye when I see places where I used to climb or telemark ski in the backdrop of your photos.