Exploring Colorado

on a

BMW R1200GS-Adventure

June 26 – July 2 - 2009

6-27-2009: from Home (TX ) to Las Vegas (NM) ~ 545 mls in 9hr 15 min

Trying to leave the TX Heat, entering the New Mexico Heat ~ 102 F

6-28-2009: Las Vegas (NM ) to Gunnison (CO) ~ 387 mls in 8hr 26 min

Start

End

New Mexico

Colorado

Scenic route Hwy 518

Lunch in Chama, NM

Colorado State Border… Temperatures are a pleasant 85F

South Clear Creek Falls was along the route in Colorado

Lodging in Gunnison. I stayed at the Quality Inn Motel – would stay again

6-29-2009: Gunnison (CO) to Ouray with South Rim Black Canyon ~ 133 mls in 3hr 16 min

Stop along the way to Black Canyon Rock State Park

This is at the bottom of the South rim of Black Canyon Rock. The road to this area has a 16% grade!

16% grades !

Lodging in Ouray. I stayed at Ouray Chalet Inn – would stay again

6-30-2009: Ouray Loop with Mesa Verde and Million $ Hwy ~ 250 mls in 6hr

Mesa Verde Indian reservation

Get ready for some of the most gorgeous biking roads:

Million Dollar Highway from Silverton to Ouray !

Good thing there are guard rails …. Nope… ?!?

6-31-2009: Ouray to Idaho Springs with Independence Pass ~ 312 mls in 7hr

Scenic Independence Pass

Lodging in Idaho Springs. I stayed at the H&H Inn – would NOT stay again

7-1-2009: Idaho Springs to Colorado Springs

with Mnt Evans and Pikes Peak ~ 200 mls in 7hr

Climbing Mount Evans

Snow and ice !

14,176 feet, 45 F at the top !

Climbing Pikes Peak

9 miles of gravel roads to get to the top !

Bike and rider made it to the top of Pikes Peak - 14,110 feet – 45 F

Snow and hail shower while at the top !

7-2-2009: Colorado Springs to Home (TX) ~ 700 mls in 11hr

Iron Bud ride home:

Departure Colorado Springs at 8 am (Mountain Time)

Arrival Home at 8 pm (Central Time)

~ 700 mls in 11hr incl stops