Sunday Ride in the Front Range

[Firehawk068]

Went on my first "real" ride since putting my FJ back together.

Met the group (a local Meetup group that I ride with from time to time ) at the Conoco gas station in Morrison (just on the edge of the foothills)...............There were 7 bikes total, including my FJ. Mostly newer sport, or sport touring, with one adventure bike thrown in.............Of course, everyone gravitates to the FJ, and wants to talk about it...........Everybody has a story about one, or another. I love that She still gets her share of the spotlight.


We all headed west into the mountains through a nice twisty, but highly patrolled Bear Creek Canyon toward the town of Evergreen, and Evergreen Lake..........I offered to ride sweep for the group so no-one lost their way, and also so I could hang back and take some pictures without holding anybody up.




We even got a Police escort 


We turned onto 103(Squaw Pass Rd) and headed toward Mt. Evans...



Took a quick break amongst the pines...


Then continued to wind our way over Squaw Pass, and Juniper pass.....








We crested 11,200ft at one point according to my Garmin, and it was cold enough up there that Echo lake is still frozen over solid...........
I have to say that my new heated grips are impressive! After turning them on for about 10-15 minutes on high, they were slightly too hot, and I had to turn them down to about halfway. I even had my summertime warm weather gloves on, and at no time were my hands cold at all............A very welcome addition to my riding comfort....


We continued to wind our way down 103 toward Idaho Springs, where we stopped to have lunch at "Smokin Yard's BBQ"

Where we got our grub on!


After a healthy lunch we headed up through the casino towns of Central City, and Blackhawk and up the "Peak to Peak Byway" toward Rollinsville, then turned onto 72 (Coal Creek Canyon Rd) to head back down toward Denver.









It turned out to be a great ride, with great food, and great weather...........Add in some 2-wheeled comraderie, and it was an awesome half-day ride!

It was great to get the FJ out and stretch her legs after being couped-up in the garage for so long

[yamaha fj rider]

Great post Alan, looks like a good time. Alan it looks like some of the pictures were taken while moving, if so how did you do that.

Thanks Kurt

[X-Ray]

What magnificent scenery, very nice!

[Firehawk068]

Alan it looks like some of the pictures were taken while moving, if so how did you do that.
Thanks Kurt

I usually have my camera in the left side pocket of my tank-bag...........I'll slip it out, and snap a few pictures, then slip it back in (yes, while I'm moving)
I make sure I can see far enough ahead before I do, to make sure I won't be surprised while I'm riding one-handed

[yamaha fj rider]

Alan it looks like some of the pictures were taken while moving, if so how did you do that.
Thanks Kurt

I usually have my camera in the left side pocket of my tank-bag...........I'll slip it out, and snap a few pictures, then slip it back in (yes, while I'm moving)
I make sure I can see far enough ahead before I do, to make sure I won't be surprised while I'm riding one-handed

Man I am impressed. If I thought about doing this would need a cheep camera and a lanyard. I can see myself picking up the small pieces of what was my smart phone. Try to explain that for the insurance.

Kurt

[Firehawk068]

I use an Olympus TG-610 "Tough" camera..........It's 14-MP, and it's freezeproof, waterproof down to 16ft, and shockproof......I have dropped it before, but not at speed.......might still be ok if I did.......?

[1tinindian]

Awesome ride report Alan.
Looks funny seeing the snow on the edge of the roads until I realized you were at altitude!

Leon.

[racerman_27410]

Nice ride report and action shots!

KOokaloo!


Frank

[The General]

Awesome ride report Alan.
Looks funny seeing the snow on the edge of the roads until I realized you were at altitude!

Leon.

+1.     Clever rear shot too, considering equipment.