| Undaunted, we had for the
backcountry of Colorado and after an eternity of no
mountain passes, we get to do the twisties on CO 92 that skirts the north edge
of the Black
Canyon of the Gunnison. Very impressive views. The whole
trip is a smorgasboard visual and sensual stimulation. Blue Mesa Resivoir is, well, full. Full as in
backed up almost to Gunnison. Last pass of the day will
be Monarch. Aptly named I think, as it is a very regal
looking path through majestic mountains. We spend a
relaxing evening at Monarch Lodge, good meal and hot tub.
Gorgeous setting just a few miles from the summit. The
next morning we set out on the last leg of the trip. Over
Poncha pass, one of the simplest but still pretty passes
we have done on the whole trip. Down the south side of
the pass we see antelope grazing not too far off in the
distance, almost always do in this area. Into Saguache and head over probabaly the least known Continental Divide pass in Colorado, North Cochetopa pass. Virtually no traffic, not a real cause for concern about radar in this area. Enjoy this one, it's pastoral scenery just rolls on for miles. But don't be deceived. Two weeks ago a friend of mine rode through light snow and even with his wife on the back, gloves, and his Beemer's heated grips, couldn't keep his fingers warm and was worried about hypothermia. They ended up going back to Gunnison and spent the night rather than risk it. But we are in shirt sleeve weather this day; come to think of it, Tom is still in his sleeveless-T on that silver Connie. Round the corner again past Blue Mesa and head for late lunch in Lake City. Tom and I cruise for the most part because the road isn't that good to start with, but closer to Lake City it turns silky smooth and very enjoyable. That is if the local gendarmmes will let you enjoy it. On the way in we encounter several and the unfortunates they have collared. Lunch outdoors on a day like this is how you should always "do lunch". Good food and drink, good company, and a good cigar. Better luncheon choice than Albert Packer's a century ago. Slumgullion and Spring Creek passes are good places to scrub off the last remaining shiny rubber adjacent to the sidewalls of your tires. The wide sweepers on the south side headed for Creede are worthy of any great race track. Could be Watkins Glen, Silverstone, could be Eau Rouge at Spa, Belgium. I need a video of this. This is why I ride. How does that ad on TV go? "It don't get any better than this!" After Creede we follow the Rio Grande down to South Fork and the most intensive construction on the entire trip. Stop and go. Stop and go. Shut it off and wait for these construction guys. "Hey JR get that roller off that motorsickle." Once free of the dirt and the ruts, the 3-lane up the Wolf Creek pass is the last chance to go to stage 5 afterburners, which, of course, we do. The smile inside my helmet makes my cheeks hurt. Last chance at the top for a photo op at 11,000 feet. So we yak with the guys with the badges checking every truck that comes their way while we wait for the rest of the group. One more picture of everyone still with us and off we go. An easy cruise into Pagosa Springs. That evening we all gather at the Hog's Breath for food, beers, comaraderie, and to recount the last four days. I could turn right around and go back the next day, but I know duty calls and I'll have to wait for next year. I could easily make this an annual event. |
