230-Mile ride to check out the new snowfall.

[Firehawk068]

Toward the end of last week we had a couple days of rain in the greater Denver area, as a cold-front moved through.
Looking west toward the mountains revealed that a bunch of snow fell on the high peaks.
By Saturday, the weather had cleared up to a gorgeous day!  
With weather and temps becoming more "Hit-and-Miss" this time of year, I took advantage of the situation.

I decided to start out on the first half of my favorite loop-ride, and head down through Deckers, towards Woodland Park.
I had to take it easier through sections where I normally would push-it, due to a fresh dusting of road-sand put down during the previous week's weather.

Heading south on the 67, I made the decision to stop at a place I had never been before. A place I had ridden right past on numerous occasions without taking much interest.
I am certainly glad I did this time!

There was a member of the park personnel collecting a $3 fee to enter the premises, and I gladly paid as it allowed me to use their restroom, and take a break from riding for a spell. (as it was getting near that time anyway)



As I walked along the trail next to the lake, and across the dam, I was rewarded with an awesome view of Pikes Peak reflected in the water.





I spent a little time studying the dam itself, and hiked down to the creek below as well.











They are elusive. I did not see signs of any.
It appears to be an old, and well faded warning.



I took-in some last views of the Legendary mountain before I departed.



I continued south into Woodland Park, where I topped up the fuel tank before heading west on 24.
I travelled west for a short while, and at the little town of Lake George, I turned onto the 77. A (new to me) road that I had heard about, but have never been on.
I knew it was paved, but I wasn't sure what to expect. It turned out to be a fantastic road. The road surface was a little abrasive at first with some patched areas, but it soon turned into a glorious sweeping ribbon of asphalt that meandered through and around the various canyons and hills that broke up the landscape.
There was barely a car on it, and I had the whole thing to myself.
Looking at the road from "Google Earth" prospective, the area looks desolate, but I found that it was anything but!

I made a quick stop at Terryall Reservoir, before continuing on towards Jefferson.





Once I reached Jefferson, I made the turn onto 285 to head back towards Denver.
At the top of Kenosha Pass, I looked back across the High-Plains to the peaks beyond.





Heading home on 285, my only disappointment for the day was stopping at my favorite hot-dog place in Bailey, with hopes of having a jalapeño-cheddar-Elk Brat, only to find them taking only cash that day.  
Having only $2 left in my wallet, I was out of luck.



I also learned that the property is for sale.
For a mere $1,475,000 you can have a booming summer food business, and adjacent antique store, and the residence attached to the giant Hot-Dog.
I didn't get into asking them why it was for sale, but anytime I have ever been there or driven/ridden by it, there has always been a long line of people out the door and down the boardwalk, waiting to get a Foot-Long or a Texas-Hot, or Bratwurst.

I ended up settling for a granola bar that I had in my tank-bag, and finished the rest of my ride home.

This late in the season, I have to savor any chances I have left to enjoy the high country.

[Firehawk068]

This was my ride-route for the day.

[BSI]

Thanks for another riding report Alan. I really look forward to them and appreciate you taking the time to post. In the future have you ever thought of starting a blog to preserve and access your reports? 2-3 years ago I took a 4 wheel drive from Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, Aspen and ended up in Denver....I've been itching bad to get back to Colorado on my FJ ever since and you refresh that need greatly every time with your stories...thank you!!

Louie

[1tinindian]

Once again, I look forward to being in Colorado, once again!
Nice report, Alan.

[Capn Ron]

Alan...just getting around to catching up on the forum and caught this ride report.  My GOD Colorado is a beautiful state!  Epic roads and forever views of those mountains!  Thanks for sharing this ride report...  I miss riding with you up in the high elevations and next time, I promise I'll bring enough cash for two Coney Island hot dogs!   

[Firehawk068]

Absolutely Ron!

The issue I had that day, is that they normally accept card payment. For some unknown reason, they were only taking cash.
I normally keep $8-$10 of loose cash in my tank-bag, but I had recently given it to my wife (we all know how that works  ) and hadn't replaced it yet.

Next time you are here, we'll make it a stop for sure!