Riding the Grease: Colorado to Utah

From Cortez and Mesa Verde, we made our way north skirting the west edge of the Rockies. I can only imagine crossing the Rockies, that being a ride in the future. We stopped in Dolores, CO for coffee and encountered yet another restaurant that was about to close. They greeted us with eager enthusiasm, and set us up with strong coffee and pie. We were both content. They boast a B and B that caters to motorcyclists with private parking behind a fence. I do believe when we are next in CO, this would be a place to overnight. The pie was excellent…but not Pam’s!

After amping up we headed toward Rico an old silver mining town. I found Rico to have a rich history. I mean how can a town of 5K people, 23 bars, 2 churches. 58 active mines and 11 brothels, be a bad place to hang out! I could only imagine it in its heyday!

Gary finds the history uhhh, well, something to read…

As we reach the summit the vantages are amazing!

We simply had to do a self-portrait…

uh…two

On to Telluride

We overnighted in Grand Junction, CO. It was a night away from home…in other words…this was a less than fantastic place. We tired doing priceline, but were disappointed in the lodging and the “great deal”. Oh well, our favorite places on this trip have been the independent ones.

We left Grand Junction in scattered clouds and strong winds and it was only 8:30 am. I had read about wind advisories on the web, but decided the elements were all part of the experience. We had planned on going farther, but the winds beat the heck out of both of us with near 60mph gusts. Whoa, and I though I had ridden in the wind!! We ended up stopping in Green River after doubling back due to headwinds sucking up my gas. I knew we’d not make it to Torrey, our planned overnight local. Once we returned to Green River to fill up, I was convinced I was finished and we went looking for an overnight spot.

Well…it was beautiful and we found ourselves back in the desert.

The little town of Cisco had seen better days. In fact, I don’t believe that I saw any clue to life in Cisco. It was a bit like Trona, CA…

But farther on down the road was amazing…the back way that a friend had recommended. I was dumbfounded by the total beauty of this amazing river fed canyon!