Category Archives: Adventures and Travels

We broke camp in a hurry after taking a peek at the weather radar. No breakfast, no coffee, just stuff and go. We didn’t have to wait long before the weather hit. Rain, wind and 40 degrees temp. Headed to Montrose on Hwy 50, the rain came down in sheets. Arriving in Montrose, we took refuge in a home style cooking restaurant, where we had a good breakfast and coffee.

The rain let up a little when we started down south on 550 (Million Dollar Highway). However, it just turned worse as we continued south. By the time we rode through Ouray, it rained hard again. Headed up Red Mountain between Ouray and SIlverton the temperature really dropped fast to about 33 degrees. Snow started showing up on the side of the road, and traffic slowed to a crawl through the hairpin turns up Red Mountain. There were quite a few other bikers on the road, and a some of them didn’t look like they were geared for high elevation mountain weather.

Arriving in Silverton, we didn’t waste any time finding a motel. The weather let up in the afternoon and turned sunny. Good time to do bike chain maintenance, wash clothes, and take a stroll in town hunting for BBQ.

Needless to say, we don’t have any pics. About 100 miles for the day. We’ll stay in Silverton for a couple a days.

Very good day today with decent weather. Departed Glennwood Springs, CO and headed up Hwy 82 where the goal was to reach Aspen, Independence Pass and The Twin Lakes beyond. Aspen looked kind of like an alpine town./ Plenty of tourists holed up here. We, however, tore right through without stopping, and climbed up the narrowing, scenic road up to Independence. Temperature dropped as we climbed up, and reached a low of about 34 on top of the pass. Snow was scattered all around, and the fog hung low. We met two other riders on Gold Wings and exchanged stories and weather conditions. At about 12100 feet, this place feels surreal.  

Road up to Independence

At the pass

The ride down on the south-east side of Independence was gorgeous. Didn’t stop for pics though. We followed 82 passed Twin Lakes and headed  south on 24 to Buena Vista. We planned to have lunch here, but couldn’t find anything, so we continued up toward Cottonwood Pass. It was still overcast as we started the climb, and of course the temp dropped drastically. Beautiful views, and terrific road.

Top of Cottonwood Pass

Then the miles and miles of dirt road that awaits us on the other side of the pass. Perfect…

In the middle of nowhere, this little place shows up. Taylor Trading Post close to Taylor Lake.

They even have gas. Great. No food. Lunch has to wait. We hit up the bathroom, ate some snacks and continued the hunt for lunch. 20 miles later, we found a pristine fishing’ lodge with a restaurant along Gunnison River. Perfect. Chicken wraps for lunch. But it was raining, which put a little damper on the fun.

We decided to continue, this time hunting for a spot for our castle. We finally found it on the west side of Gunnison on the shores of Blue Mesa Reservoir. We set up camp, started a good camp fire, and…..just as we had a good roaring fire going, the rain start again. Time to dive into the tent for the night. About 200 miles with fantastic view today.

190 or so miles for the day. Felt much better after eating a good breakfast. Broke camp and followed  Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway 128 that runs along Colorado river for miles and miles, which is why its called The River Road by the natives.

We eventually hit I70 East in Utah and continued on into Colorado down to Grand Junction, following I70 to Glennwood Springs, where called it the day.

Shots from Arches NP.

Arches NP

stopping as we hit the CO border

Along Scenic Utah 128.

Took off from Rock Springs, WY, after a solid breakfast at Ihop. First destination was Flaming Gorge, UT. Beautiful area. It was by that time that Tor’s breakfast was “regurgitated” behind one of the outhouses at Flaming Gorge overlooks. I was not about to stick my head into one of the holes in the outhouse to barf, so I got rid of the entire massive omelet behind the valet, with the only spectator being a chipmunk waiting to tear in the half digested stomach content. He sat the patiently until I got done. Not a soul nearby. Must have been a bad egg. I didn’t feel good the rest of the day.

Continued down to Moab, UT, in rain, wind,hail and temp down in the 40’s. Everything that was heated was turned to the right :-).

Parked on the edge of the gorge

First part of Flaming Gorge

Flaming Gorge – Red Canyon, view from the north.

From the south

Will try to post shots from Arches NP tomorrow….350 miles for the day.

Left Yellowstone this morning. Got a little cold overnight with a low of 31 degr. No problem staying warm in the tent though.

The first part of the ride south to The Tetons were foggy, and we were afraid that the fog wouldn’t lift and we would miss the Grand Teton mountain range. Fortunately, it finally lifted, and we were able to shoot some.

Stopping in Jackson was an experience, with a lot of activity and good food. The town looks like an old cowboy town. After eating a huge Jackson burger, we continued on WY 191 and ended up in Rock Springs for the night. 230 or so miles for the day. Another big day coming up tomorrow: Flaming Gorge, down through Utah, then Arches NP in Utah, before riding into Colorado.

Some shots from yesterday and today…

Grand Teton just as the fog lifts

Grand Tetons. Still a little fog left

Old Faithful. We rode up to the site yesterday, and within minutes of walking up to the site, she started erupting.

Grand Tetons

Chief Josephs Hwy, WY. Out of this world scenery and riding

This shot was taken just after coming off Beartooth Hwy / Pass, WY

Bighorn Canyon, Montana. Quite a sight.