I had lots of grand plans for motorcycling during our big vacation to Colorado this year, from trailering my bike out there to renting a bike for 2 weeks. What it came down to, ultimately, was a one-day rental while we were in Steamboat Springs. I packed my Olympia Phantom suit and my helmet in the minivan, and counted the days until I could use them.
When I booked the bike before the trip, I asked if they could remove the quick-release windshield for me since I didn't want to ride behind a huge swath of lexan. They assured me it wouldn't be a problem. When I picked the bike up, however, I was told the "technicians" wanted the bike to go out as is, no removing of parts. Great.
Warning - LOTS of pictures follow.
I picked the bike up as soon as Eagle Rider opened
Headed over Rabbit Ears Pass
I could see mountains, but the ride on this part of 40 and 14 was pretty flat
Looking through that big screen
The screen did make hauling easier though
Coming up to Cameron Pass on 14
At the top. Love the 'POS' plate
Going through the Cache le Poudre area on 14 - very cool once I passed a long line of RV's (who, when I stopped to take this picture, passed me)
Stove Prairie Road between 14 and 34. THANK YOU everyone who suggested this little gem. Hardly a straight flat section, and zero traffic.
You can see how Stove Prairie Rd goes up, down, and around. I did mess up at the end, though, and ended up in Fort Collins instead of connecting with 34.
Best Burgers in Estes Park, without a doubt. I'd mention Penelope's in the same breath as Five Guys, and that's saying something.
The obligatory food shot.
Finally, I can complete a trip I started 15 years ago. On my first trip ever out West, I took Trail Ridge Road only as far as the Alpine Visitor's Center before turning around. I've since been over the road dozens of times in cars, but never on a bike.
From my first visit here in '94
I've been to RMNP many times, but Fall River Pass has never been open when I'm there. Of course now that I'm here on a bike it is.
Frustration.
Tooling through RMNP
Artsy
A portion of Trail Ridge Road I came up
Snow!
Going through Rock Cut
A large part of the road is above treeline and across tundra
Beauty shot
Self-portrait.
Another beauty shot. No matter what I think of how Harley's ride, I have to admit they can be beautiful.
Me and the bike, picture by a helpful stranger.
I had to take this shot to go with this shot from my '94 trip:
Big daddy elk
And then the rain started on the west side of the park. Since I knew this would be my last time here for a few years I just pulled over and sat for a while, trying to take it all in.
Heading west on 40 towards Hot Sulpher Springs
You just can't go wrong with any road around here
Call me juvenile, but I laugh every time I see these places
Past Kremmling going west
Heading down into Steamboat Springs
My son snapped this pic of me the next morning on the way to return the bike. Nice shot Mike!
The route for the day, around 340 miles.
Overall, a fantastic day of riding. The Harley and I didn't get along too well, but the scenery made up for it. I hated the windscreen, mostly in the twisties because the transition between looking around the screen and looking through it was wacky (there's the fogline, no, now it's over there!). Most of the Harley's I've ridden had adequate (just) power, but this guy was a wheezer. No real acceleration to be found, and the exhaust was much too quiet.
The weight also took some of the fun away, because every time I wanted to stop for a picture I really had to evaluate the surface of where I would stop. I didn't want to come to a stop with that thing leaning over.
I guess you get used to the kickstand's behavior, but it caught me by surprise a couple of times. I would have the bike stopped, and start to dismount when it would roll an inch and cause me to lunge for what I thought would be a falling bike. I know it's a good design (locking so it can't roll off), but I wasn't used to it.
