Redstone to Keystone could have been reached by any number of roadways, but I chose to take Independence Pass, a road that was highly praised by several riders. I chose Hwy 82 to Hwy 24 to Hwy 91 to Hwy 70 getting off on Hwy 6 to Keystone. So, once again I packed up my bike and bid my fellow travelers adieu following my own path. Walt and Nancy took a group north to hike some back country and Aurore and Joy took off south for ride through Gunnison. The morning was fresh but chilly, however we all knew it probably wouldn’t last so we layered accordingly.

Between Redstone and Aspen on Hwy 82 were a series of fabulous curves and lots of ascents and descents. I didn’t see one HP and thoroughly enjoyed my hooliganism. I did encounter probably the SLOWEST riders on the planet who had seven cars trailing them, with little room for anyone to pass. I couldn’t believe it! From a spirited 75 to 35mph as these bikes rode in formation and refused to move right. First opening, I passed all of them. There is something to be said for the acceleration of my 12S Bandit!! I ignored my impulse to rudely gesture the group of five riders, and decided their must be a learning curve in play somewhere within the group. The rest of the ride to Aspen was rote, abeit a bit boring, with a four-lane highway.

In Aspen, I though I had best check messages on my phone as I hadn’t had service since the day prior. I pulled to the road edge just as the road became Independence Pass., narrowing to a small two lane road. Yep, as I suspected, seven messages I needed to hear. I listened and then gave my mom a quick call and mid-conversation I suddenly responded, “MOM…omg…whoa…MOM…hang on….wow, “ as a mother bear and her cub passed me not 20 feet away. She just sauntered across the roadway with cub in tow between a bicyclist and me. I know my jaw was dropped open as the cyclist said, “Is that just amazing…it happens all the time here”. Hmmm, well not to me it doesn’t. I explained it to my mom, who was suddenly concerned that I was in danger. I suppose I may have been. : )

Now onward over the pass. Independence Pass seemed much like our local Ebbetts Pass on CA108. It is narrow, with no fog lines or center line and lots of sheer drops, but that was only about 1/2 the route. The rest was just like a small back road, with amazing vantages.