We are in Grand Lake for the night (see photo).
A very nice vacation town just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park.
This morning, at the bike shop, I opted for the smaller motorcycle, the BMW 650GS.
I'm so glad I did. It's very maneuverable, rides well on the highway, handles the Rocky Mountain curves really well and is perfect for the dirt and gravel back roads. Good stuff.
We began the trip with 30 miles of highway riding from Denver to Boulder on rte 70 and 36. A funny thing that rte 36. Your going 70 miles per hour most of the time and then you hit the U. of Colorado area of Boulder and it immediately changes to a series of stop signs and red lights.
From Boulder we went northwest taking Lee Hill Rd up into the mountains and then trekking over some great dirt roads up to the town Ward. It was an incredible ride with many run down towns overlooking miles and miles of incredible expanse. We experienced temperature swings of 30 plus degrees as we climbed and descended. The aspens are turning yellow and are shining brilliantly, especially as the sun emerges from intermittent clouds. Breathtaking.
For awhile I was wondering who those occasional back country folks we encountered are supporting in the upcoming presidential election. Then it dawned on me that these people are living off the grid. I'm sure they aren't paying incomes taxes much less voting for Obama or Romney. There are no utility poles, no cell towers, no paved roads, no piped in water. These people are on their own. No government assistance needed or wanted.
Not far outside of Boulder we pulled over to adjust the gps. A few minutes later a woman, Lisa, came walking up asking us to help her change her car tire. As I said "sure", Eric whispered into the intercom "We are behind schedule. No f...... way.". Or course we did help her. A mere 20 minutes delay for us and a huge favor for her. Eric will tell you that he did all of the work raising the car, loosening the lug nuts and replacing the tire. Of course I have photographic evidence
to the contrary (see photo).
From Ward we entered the Peak to Peak highway for the final 30 miles north to Estes Park. This ride took us through lots of old mining towns as we had ongoing views of Long Peak.
I could just imagine the wagon trains going through the valley below 200 years ago.
In Estes Park, we paid $10 each and entered Rocky Mountain National Park where we caught Trail Ridge road to Grand Lake. Oh my God. For 48 miles, we had the whole sweep of the Rockies before us in all directions. Matt Kennedy told us this would be spectacular and it didn't disappoint. Absolutely amazing.
I'm not sure I've ever been to 12,000 feet before. The altitude was kicking my butt. I was trying hard to focus but it was affecting my breathing, making me fatigued and affecting my judgement. Multiple times I entered the steep switchbacks going too fast. Once I took a turn too wide and there was a camper coming the other way. The driver jerked his vehicle to the right to avoid me. He screamed out his window. I was profusely apologetic and swore to myself that I would not let it happen again.
We stopped for lunch at Cafe in the Clouds (I think that was the name of it). It was a very touristy stop but at 11,500 feet,the panoramic views we're like no other you'd ever dine to.
Three quarters of the way down we reached the Continental Divide.
The Divide is pretty cool as this is where the watersheds separate, draining into the Pacific on one side and into river systems flowing to the Atlantic on the other.
We reached Grand Lake at 4 pm. We were wiped. I took a nap. Eric watched the U.S. Open. He screamed every time Murray scored a point. It was a fitfilled nap to say the least.
(paragraph deleted).
A long day tomorrow with an uncertain weather forecast. We hope to stop in Breckenridge for lunch with Helmut and Anita, Eric's friends who relocated here a few years ago.
Goodnight to all.
-George
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From Eric...
Today was pretty terrific. Up at 4am and on the road by ten. Had a great time changing the tire (without help) from a stranded motorist (female) that George decided to "help." But for those readers who have never been to rocky mountain national park, please go. There is no excuse. An hour from Denver. Spectacular and breathtaking. Before I die, but probably after a right knee replacement, I swear that Celia and I, with friends or possibly kids, will climb Long Peak.
The usual ups and downs with George, mostly ups, punctuated by one truly mortifying dinner when yet another server (attractive female) was hounded for a video blog. I initially left for the rest room but then returned to advise our twentysomething server, now under covert surveillance by George's omnipresent iPad of her right to say no. She was a good sport and did it anyway, but this could be a short trip if Colorado has a meaningful stalking law.
I would invite reader comment on whether these intrusions into the private lives of wait staff are ethical since some fear there tip money will be jeopardized if they decline. George would not do that but they do not know him.
Go to the Park. You will love it!
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