The 3-day Adventure Ride of a Part of Colorado - Day 1

I am not much 'into' a long dialog, explaining the specifics of the trip. I would rather you look at the pics and read the caption. (Ask if you have questions)

We ended up shooting about 100 digital pics and about 150, 35mm pics... with no way to post them all. But, we have picked a few of the 'Best' for your viewing pleasure. (When you encounter a pic that 'peaks your interest', please click on the pic and it will expand for detailed viewing.)

The trip was an epic one for Audra and I. Why epic... well, it was the first decent ride for us (2-up) on the DL650 (Wee-Strom). This was a trip that was specifically routed for a dual-sport bike, where we ended up logging nearly 50 miles of dirt. A good 10 miles of that dirt, was a huge challenge with washed out roads, sand/gravel and beautiful sights to totally distract my navigation.

Day 1 Falcon to Gunnison (6 hours of traveling, including rests).
Day 2 Gunnison to Glenwood Springs (9 hours of traveling time, including dirt roads and rests).
Day 3 Glenwood Springs to Falcon (5 hours, was rather quick, but with the rain, we didn't stop much, but just hooked 'em home).

Total mileage was about 650 miles over three days.



Friday morning, as Audra and I are about to depart.



The Arkansas River Canyon, Canyon City to Salida. This ride through the twisties was a blast.



Lunch at Salida at Amicas. This place is an outstanding MicroBrew and has even better Wood Fired Pizza's. It is located in old downtown, not on the main drag.



After lunch, Audra and I headed down to the Arkansas River to relax and plan out the trip. We thought this would be a 10 minute rest, but the river and the atmosphere was so serene, we ended up relaxing to the sound of the water and each other's company.



Pic 1 of the Aspens, headed up Monarch Pass.



Pic 2 of the Aspens. As you can imagine, as we climbed in elevation, the colors intensified and were much more striking.



Monarch Ski Area.



Water runs both ways. For the first time on a motorcycle, crossing the Continental Divide.







Upon arrival in Gunnison, Audra and I settled into our hotel, walked mainstreet and then enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Gunnisack. They are known for their hamburgers and Rib-eye, Chicken-fried Steaks. We had both! Highly Recommend! After dinner, there was still enough light, allowing us to tour this remote, little city. The local higher institution, Western University, reminded us of Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas (where we grew up and went to school).

Day #2 - Saturday

Leaving Gunnison this morning (Hwy 50 E), we turned off on Co Rd 76, riding through Ohio and Pitkin. The trees were awesome, even along the road.


Half way up Forest Road 765, we stopped for a pic of the beaver ponds and a view of a beautiful basin.









Finally, we topped out on Cumberland Pass (12, 015 feet). At this point we had ridden 10 miles of rough dirt road and have 15 more miles of dirt road. This is exactly why I wanted an Adventure Touring Bike!!!



Taylor Reservoir.



Arriving at Crested Butte, we were famished and headed promptly for some grub.

We highly recommed Izzy's for lunch. The Ruben and the Tomato Chili Soup are AWESOME!! We spent two, full hours in Crested Butte, walking the streets and browsing the stores. Audra picked up a Crested Butte T-Shirt and we both enjoyed a beer at the Crested Butte Brewery.



Eventually we continued to head north, riding up over Kebler Pass on Forest Road 12.




Taking a diversion off of FR12, we headed up to Lost Lake. This place is phenomenal.



Massive Aspens like these are not everywhere in Colorado, but pick the right road and you will find them. FR12 has plently of these mature Aspens.



McClure Pass. Short on Elevation at 8,755 but HUGE on sites!!! Check out the next pic.




Only about a mile off of McClure Pass, the sites are breath-taking. Notice the snow-capped peak in the distance.

Day #3 - Sunday

Sunday morning, we awoke to heavy overcast skies and constant, light rain in Glenwood Springs. We put on the rain gear and hit the road, riding Hwy 82 up toward Aspen.



Just past Aspen, we pulled over for a quick pic. The rain had susibed, but 3 miles down the road it starting pouring....all the way up to Independence Pass. When we topped out at 12,095....it was snowing! The 14'ers on both side of us were already 'white capped'.



Promptly coming off the mountain traverse, we headed to Bongo Billy's in Buena Vista.....warming up with some coffee.



Our last stop, before arriving back in the Springs.... Wilkerson Pass, 9,502.



A look at Pikes Peak, off in the distance as we ride Hwy 24 back home.


Upon arriving back in Colorado Springs, it was 1pm and we were famished. We headed over to Wahoo's for some fish tacos.



Just shy of 650 miles, we logged 646.2 miles on our loop around Colorado. Not a lot of miles over three days, but a lot of tough miles, 2-up.

The Broncos

Can you believe our Broncos?????? Another end of game....WIN!!!!

Most of the day, after church, we were down in the basement...working away. But, after halftime, we cleaned up and planted ourselves behind the TV.

Once we went into overtime, Audra ran upstairs and put on her Cutler jersey....and the Broncos won. Yep, Audra will be wearing the jersey to church next week to avoid the close game!!!!

Bryce is a 17 Year-Old!!!!

Bryce Andrew Lane turned 17 on the 12th. Since it was a Wednesday, we simply had a small celebration, postponing the fun for Saturday night.




Normally, as tradition would have it, we have always treated the birthday kiddos to a candle in a pancake. Well, the Brycer requested French Toast....so Dad complied.



Our 17 year old!







Bryce's main gift was a lift kit and new suspension for his Jeep Wrangler. Of course, Audra had to add some fun gifts. She chose a 'hard rocker' wig. Well, it was a hit!



For some reason, Bryce promptly fitted the wig on his head and headed out to the street to run the go-cart up and down the street with hair flying in the wind.

Colorado Springs Balloon Festival

Yesterday morning, Audra and I headed out at the crack of dawn to watch the balloon launch on the first morning of the Colorado Springs Balloon Festival. It was a very calm day and most of the balloons remained close to the launch site....the city park, adjacent to the Olympic Facilities. Unfortunately, I forgot the camera, so we only have the memory of 50 balloons in the air, very close to one another.

But, this morning I return with my camera and captured some great shots. Enjoy....



Funny Dragon Balloon.



One of the highlights is for the balloons to dip down on the lake, touch the water and rise back up. In this situation two balloons, very close to one another, touch water and collided. The crowd cheered and applauded. You gotta click on this pic to see how far the balloon on the right dropped into the water!!!



A close-up of the basket.



Pikes Peak in the background.

More Basement Work

Today found the whole family, working away in the basement.



As quickly as the boys and I could hang the sheetrock......



...The girls were coming behind us.... finishing the taping and bedding.



At this point, we are about half way done with the sheetrock, taping and bedding. We plan to finish over the long weekend.

Katie's First Volleyball Game

Yep.....our little one made the 7th grade Volleyball Team. They had their first game last Wednesday. Here are a couple of pics.....




Katie....awaiting the serve.



Katie hustling to get the set.



Katie bumping the serve.