Yesterday, on Oct 15th I took part in an IBA tribute ride for Jack Shoalmire -
http://www.nmpcs.com/Jacks_Ride/FAQ.html. Jack had wanted to finish an IBA in state saddlesore ride in all 50 states, but that goal was cut short by his untimely death. To commemorate his passing, Howard Entman put together a group ride on the 15th, in which in-state SS1k's were completed in all 50 states on the same day.
I was able to complete 1016 miles (actually 1100 if you count my ride to the start location) all within CO, covering some of the best roads and scenery we have. The route included lot's of twisty bits and elevation changes, and 8 mountain passes. I chose to try to avoid interstates mostly to make the ride more challenging. Total ride time was just under 19 hours.
Unfortunately I was not able to get much sleep at all the night before the ride, so I was a bit tired throughout the ride. Not "weary", but not in the best state of mind to enjoy the ride to it's fullest.
I rolled out of my place at about 3:45, and made the long ride up to Ft. Collins to meet my friend Paul who was the start witness for the ride. My planned start time was 5:00 AM, but I was in no rush, so enjoyed a cup of coffee and some chit-chat before gassing up and hitting the road at 5:20 AM.
The first leg of the ride was up Poudre Canyon on CO-14 before the sun came up. Poudre Canyon is one of the finest 70 miles of twisties in the state, but not so much in the dark. As I was not in a rush I proceeded at a safe pace. As I went up the canyon the temps went up about 20 degrees with a warm breeze blowing down the canyon.
Cameron Pass at the first signs of sunrise (flash makes it look darker)
After Cameron pass I dropped into North Park, and the temps plummeted to about 30. My layering was borderline for those temps, even with the heated gear. I was pretty chilled by the time I made it to Muddy Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass.
Muddy pass:
Rabbit Ears pass:
I made my way into Steamboat Springs for my first gas stop, and enjoyed a cup of coffee and a croissant at Starbucks
- after which I made my way out to Dinosaur for my second gas stop, and the corner marker of my in state ride.
From there my route headed south via CO-139 over Douglas Pass to Grand Junction. The scenery on the western slope was amazing as the colors are changing this time of year. My pictures do not do any justice, and I could not capture the amazing colors.
Changing Aspens heading up Douglas Pass:
Views from the top of Douglas Pass:
From there I made way down to Grand Junction, then picked up co-141 to Gateway which was my next stop. I have not been on this road in a number of years, and forget just how awesome it was. It starts off a bit more twisty, then it's mile after mile after mile of gentle sweepers through the Dolores river canyon. The colors the entire way were again simply amazing, with bright yellows and burnt reds and oranges.
I stopped for a fill up at the resort in Gateway, which is somewhat of a motorcyclists mecca. No good pics, was too lazy to walk across the lot.
By the time I got to Gateway, it was high Colorado noon (about 2pm), and it was at least 80 degrees. So I had to shed a few layers before proceeding. I followed CO-141 all the way from there down to Dove Creek, then on to Cortez. I had never ridden the section of 141 between Naturita and Dove creek before, so I was glad to get this opportunity. This section of road goes through the Gypsum Gap, and Disappointment Valley before climbing back up near Slick Rock. This is one of those sections of road that reminds you how vast and open the west is, 60 miles of beautiful nothingness. Disappointment Valley was desolate, but I did not find it disappointing at all, and there was even a section of awesome curves climbing out of the valley.
The next stop was in Cortez, to mark the SW corner of my route. From there I would take US-160 all the way back across the state to I-25. While a major road, US-160 covers some beautiful areas and is very scenic. It takes you through a few sections of national forest, as well as Yellowjacket pass and Wolf Creek pass before dropping into the San Luis valley. I did have one close call between Durango and Pagosa Springs when passing a car. Just as I was about to pull back into my lane in front of the car a deer bounded across the road. I stayed in the opposite lane as it was clear and braked hard. Luckily I made the choice not to pull back into the right lane in front of the car I was passing before breaking, as he passed me as I was braking. I would have been a hood ornament otherwise.
After that I made my way into South Fork, which was my next stop, and filled up and enjoyed a Blimpie roast beef sub. It amazes me how good crappy food can taste when you are really hungry after a long days ride. It was now full darkness and heading into the San Luis Valley, which get's very cold at night; so I added a few layers before proceeding. I am glad I did, as the temps dropped quick. By the time I was climbing up La Veta pass out of the valley, it was in the 20's. Once I cleared the pass, the temps climbed up quickly heading down to Walsenburg, which was my SE marker stop for the route. I filled up there before jumping on I-25 for the last 160 miles to get home. Made it to my last stop here in Highlands Ranch, and finished the ride at 12:13.
While I have done longer rides, and more miles in shorter time, this was one of the hardest rides I have done. I wish I had started off fresh, after a good nights sleep. That, combined with the extreme temperature changes this time of the year really beats you up. Not to mention it was done on a sport bike with at least a 3rd of those miles on twisty roads. I was tired and sore by the time I got home. But, looking back, I would not want to have spent my day doing anything else.
Your Privacy Choices