Dreaming with my eyes wide open

Dreaming with my eyes wide open



I heard this song while I was cruising along the highway and found it fitting for my current feelings.

“When the world becomes a fantasy
And you're more than you could ever be
'Cause you're dreaming with your eyes wide open
And we know we can't be go back again
To the world that we were living in
'Cause we're dreaming with our eyes wide open
So, come alive!”

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Due to making some changes last summer, I was actually able to take days off in mid-June. (farm wouldn’t allow taking days off during breeding season)
And with a big milestone coming up in the month of June, I knew I wanted to go somewhere special. And where do I love so much? Colorado! I love the views, I love the weather, I love the mountains, I love the roads. And I have a friend, who recently lost his wife, who lives in the mountains. And I knew he could use a friend. So I blocked out 8 days on my calendar, and made no other plans. Totally abnormal for me.

I packed late Tuesday night after a full day and evening of clients…
And headed out early Wednesday, June 12th, morning- about 7:15am.


Headed north on the interstate to get up to Toledo to catch the toll road, 80/90, to head west.
Spotwalla Link HERE
Cruising along… and I spot a low flying plane. It was a crop duster! He pulled up, buzzed overhead, turned around, and went back down on the field next to the highway. Was cool to ride beside him for a bit while he was low on the field and spraying.


Made it to Indiana. Made it to Illinois. Made it around Chicago. Somewhere I got wet.


7 hours later I was pulling into the driveway of Antique Archeology, in Davenport, Iowa.


Hung out there for a bit, looked around, bought a sticker and a window cling. Watched and listened to a storm brewing above me. Waited for it to pass a bit (no rain though).


Then jumped back on the interstate, made it across Iowa, entered Nebraska, and decided to land at a hotel in Lincoln Nebraska. I chose the hotel because it was within walking distance from a Cracker Barrel. Yum! Cool motorcycle dealership next door too. I looked in the windows as I was walking to dinner and back.


14 hours, 800 miles, and a timezone change. And I realized I hadn’t packed my bag efficiently. So I repacked everything…

Thursday, June 13th
Leave the hotel about 9am. Head west. About 2 hours later, see something cool up ahead. Pull over for a break.

Kearney Archway

Go inside and see what it’s all about. And decided to pay the $12 to go up inside the arch and explore.
And wow! So impressed!!!! First it starts with an escalator ride…


And it opens up into beautifully well done exhibits!


You’re given a pair of headphones and a cool gadget. You point it at the displays, and it talks to you.


I found a blacksmith shop!!!


It also had a thunderstorm portrayed!!!


Very neat exhibits about traveling and settling the west.


So neat!! Covered wagons…


And then it goes into trains making their way…


And then you go UPSTAIRS!!! And make your way through the automobile time periods…



15,000 miles in 3 months. Actually impressed with that…


The wall paintings and displays were beautiful!!


And a cool diner! The waitress? A wax figure. Very well done! I actually smiled and said hello when I walked in the door. Then realized she was fake…


And they have a radar detector pointed out a window overlooking the interstate. That was fun to watch the speeds of the passing cars!!


And when I jumped back on the interstate using that ramp, I accelerated. Quickly. Thought I would give anyone looking out the window a little something to watch as the number climbed…


And then I watched the odometer roll over to 105,600. Which is a big milestone for me! It means I have ridden 100,000 miles on the FJR!!!! I bought the bike July of 2013 with 5,600 miles.


And then I also passed a camper travel trailer on its side in the median. Wondered if it happened yesterday. It was windy.


And then I jumped onto 76 and aimed towards Colorado! And bam! I’m there!!


Since there’s probably no such things as “Julietown”… I’ll settle for a Julesburg.


Lunch with a view…


And as I’m headed toward the mountains… I’m quite impatient when it comes to waiting to see them!!


But I do like this picture. 2 parts of it. The speed limit sign. And the horse sculpture thing up on the hill.


And I could finally see the mountains!!! About 58 miles outside of Denver area…


I don’t know why I got off the interstate just before I entered the traffic area of Denver. Zip my pit vents because I thought it was going to rain? But this was a cool landscaping thing…


And then traffic in Denver…


And then up above the city and into some of the mountains…


I love this interstate… Canyon, river, split level roads, curves…


I was absolutely giddy.


Through the Eisenhower Tunnel.


Stopped at a scenic overlook.


Then got off the interstate at the exit I needed to make my way up into the mountains. Stopped at the bottom to text Tim that I was almost there!


Going up(south) on 91, came across a mess of trees along the road that was evidence of an avalanche.


Stopped at another pull-off that overlooked lots of snow and frozen lakes!!


My gosh! There is a lot of snow!!


And then, I’m at my town destination! Leadville, CO. elevation of 10,152ft. wow!


600 miles later, I made it to Tim’s house, and we ordered a pizza, and enjoyed each other’s company.

Friday, June 14th

We uncovered the bikes, and prepared for our day’s ride!


Ride around town a bit, as we headed to breakfast, and there is never a bad view in this area.


Breakfast was yummy! Biscuits and gravy and Cajun potatoes.


Headed out route 91 back to the north.


Stopped at a different overlook with a BEAUTIFUL view and another frozen lake!!


Dang.


What a wonderful friend to spend the weekend with!!


I’m pretty happy to be here…


Down to the interstate, and then we went up and over Loveland Pass. Saw people skiing at the one ski slope!!!!!


I-70 is visible in this picture. Along with the descent of Rt 6. And snow. And mountains.


Then we crossed to the north of I-70. And ran up to the top of Berthoud Pass.


We didn’t go down it to the north, because the threat of rain was that way. So we turned around and went back down the way we came up. Went back to Georgetown.


Stopped for a bit, and then decided to go up Guanella Pass.


Came upon a wall of snow alongside the road and parking area!!


Beautiful bikes with a reflection in the melted snow runoff. It wasn’t rain…


Then we headed out into a basin area. And even with the flat roads… the horizon view is still beautiful!!


Up and over Hoosier Pass. We didn’t stop at the top. Not much of a view. And then back up and over Fremont Pass on our way back to Leadville. And 7 miles from town, and we got stopped. Traffic was lined up and emergency vehicles were up ahead on a curve at the end of the view.

We didn’t have to wait too long, and we were back moving and back to Tim’s home. 220 miles for the day.

Walked into town, and ate at a cute restaurant. The nachos appetizer was bigger than our meals!!!


I had a turkey, bacon, avocado sub for dinner. It was good. Would have preferred the sweet potato fries that they were out of…


And walking back to the house, it was a little after 9pm. And I was giggling hard because 1) hard to walk too fast without getting winded, 2) I was chilly wearing shorts and a hoody, 3) the bank sign said it was 46*!!!


Found a picture from the last time I was on Loveland Pass. And it was with Tim and his wife. Things looked a bit different…

Saturday, June 15th
This is a special day….

Getting the bikes uncovered and ready to leave the house… and the dogs are chilling on the porch.


And the gas station has such a beautiful view! Tim says that their dump is the prettiest dump around. Lol


We headed south, and then made our way to Monarch Pass.


Hahaha!! A sign inside the gift store…


Then we rode the gondola / monocable tramway. I had never been to the top… and I thought today would be a great day to experience it!


Tim is a great friend! Met him back in 2015, first online, and then in person when I traveled west to Colorado. And then saw him again in 2016 at NAFO. And then again, in 2017, when I went to Colorado. Again. Because I love the state. And the mountains.


Riding in a bubble up the steep incline!


What a view! Ski slopes of Monarch Mountain, and Rt 50 heading east.


At the top, a map of the world with pins from visitor locations.


And of the USA.


And no one had pinned Findlay yet… so I did! That’s my blue pin!!


Then up to the second level of the observation building/tram station. And there is a line in the corner designating the Continental Divide!


Next to the guest book, there was a note. I liked it. That’s why I was here!!!


Selfie time! Thanks for being my friend!


Facing east.

Facing north.

Facing west.

Facing south.


So then, today is a special day. It is my 30th birthday!! And I had told myself I wanted to be standing on top of a mountain in Colorado on this day! And I did just that!


And my mom had sent a package to Tim to give to me. And I saved to open it until I was in my happy place.


And so I opened it on top of Monarch. Outside in the freshly cool air.


Cute little horses (salt and pepper shakers actually) were inside!


And then we went down to ground level. Played in some snow! I tried to make a snowball, but it just wouldn’t pack too well.


Then back into the station to await the gondola for the ride down.


Back to our bikes, we jumped on and rode down the west side and headed for lunch at the Tomichi Creek Trading Post.


Lunch with a view!


And omg! Lunch was delicious! They were having a special- steak sandwich with roasted peppers and onions, yummy cheese of some sort, and a sauce, and grilled asparagus, and I had mine served with sweet potato chips. YUM!!!


And then we headed back up and over Monarch. This time we got into rain. Cold rain. Lots of cold rain. My thermometer was reading 41*. Hit a pocket that made my mirrors fog up badly.


Got to the other side, and it was dry. Headed back north towards Buena Vista and Leadville. Could see the rain hanging there.


Drive into Buena Vista and found some river access. Nobody was on the river, at least not on this area.



Then we made our way to a dirt road. And found some tunnels.


The Midland Tunnels.


Found some rock climbers at the other end. Can you spot him on the rock face?


Bikes were pretty.


And then coming back to Leadville, we were cruising along. I saw something off in the trees on the shoulder. It was an elk! But nope, didn’t have the camera running. And was moving too quickly to safely stop or activate the camera to take a picture. So I turned around after a bit, went back, and couldn’t see anything. So back to town. By that time, a rain blob had dumped over Leadville, and a rainbow appeared! Stopped in the street out front of Tim’s to take a picture. 185 miles for the day.


Went back and did some laundry. Exploding over the room is my forte. Packing efficiently is not.

Sunday, June 16th

Get up, and ride down the main street to eat brunch at a new Cuban restaurant that opened recently. Ate an amazingly delicious lunch sandwich! Told Tim we’re coming here tomorrow morning, I’m going to eat this again, and I’m gonna order 1 to take with me on the bike. Wow. My mouth wanted more and more of that flavor!


Headed south out of town again. What a pretty view!


Turned west onto Rt 82. Takes us to Twin Lakes. Which was surprisingly low seeming. Considering such a snowfall and springtime would result in large amounts of water.


Stopped at the general store and finally got a sticker for Independence Pass. Been over it many times in the past years… but didn’t know where to stop for a sticker. Thanks Bob for telling me where!

Then we headed up Independence Pass. Passed a mountain goat/sheep.


Then came across quite a few avalanche zones. The damage done to the trees and the debris left was stunning!!



Look at all that snow! And we’re not even to the top yet!!


Wow… what a wall of snow!


Stopped at a switchback curve.


What a view!!!!


Crested the top, but we kept going over. For now. Tim pointed out some skiers at the top!!


Another large avalanche area. With snow and trees and debris all packed together.


Turned around, and came back up the road. Through the beautiful aspen groves.


Stopped at an overlook.


Absolutely beautiful! Stunning! That’s heaven!

Through the areas with the road sharing, and we were on the outside lane! Awesome! And what a view to have!


Made it to the top, and stopped for pictures. Could barely get my bike next to the sign with all the snow still there!!


Can’t wipe that smile from my face!!!


Walked to the bathrooms…. Only had 1 of the 2 buildings dug out. Earlier in the year, I had seen a picture that showed just the rooftops of the bathrooms. So the snow has melted some…


Back down the other side…


Check out all that snow and cornice!!


Let Tim go ahead of me, and I pulled over on the upper level of the downward slope. I wanted to take some pictures.


Also managed to catch Tim ripping it down on the lower level in the valley.


Seriously, this picture. Is Colorado. Is happiness.


Met back up with Tim down at Twin Lakes. Pulled into the park area, and had Tim take my picture. Scenery! My bike! Me! GAH!!!!


Back to Tim’s place, I was whooped for the day. 120 miles for the day.
I was on such a sensory overload the whole day. Really, the past couple days even. They have been nothing but fun and beautiful. The roads were fabulous. The weather has been outstanding. The views are top-notch. And the company and friendship has been wonderful.
And I even made friends with one of Tim’s dogs! Daisy here was loving the lap sitting and petting she was receiving. Couldn’t get much done on the computer, but she was a little cutie pie. I’ll compromise.

And yes, the front door is wide open. Because there are no bugs!!!!

Monday, June 17th

In the morning, we got up a little earlier than I had been the past couple days. I knew I needed to make time heading east. But first, breakfast! We walked back down to the Cuban restaurant.


I’m tempted to make this an RTE destination/group gathering next summer…. Dang good.
Aye Conyo. Yum. Ate one for breakfast, and took one for lunch.


Walking back, saw this pretty wall.



Then I jumped on the bike, said goodbye to Tim, and went up to Main St. Parked out front of Melanzana.

I had shopped here on Friday morning, luckily. Got a hoodie sweatshirt. This company is handmade clothing, and is made right there in the store! Very neat!

I had heard of this company from a YouTube video of a thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail. He wears these sweatshirts, and likes them. Can only be bought in the store. And when I heard it was located in Leadville, Colorado… I knew someone who lived there, and knew I was going to be in that town!!! So yes, I bought a hoodie and a beanie! And it is sooo comfortable!!
Another reason to get back to Leadville sooner rather than later… I want another one!

Headed down the road, and made it onto I-70. Through the tunnel!

I swear there was patterned graffiti on the wall… not sure…

Out the other side! Clouds were starting to form their storminess.


Roads were showing signs of previous rain, and rain hanging in the distance.


As I was getting fuel, Tim had texted me a news article about the Colorado plains and southwest Nebraska expecting large hail, high winds, and possible tornadoes. That told me, no dillydallying, get east quick.

Coming across wetter roads…


And then it rained as I was up in the mountains, just west of Denver.


Dropping into Denver, I could see the rain and storm clouds hanging over the mountain range.


Got through Denver with ease. And booked it northeast on I-76. Sunny blue skies. Got to a rest area, and ate half my packed sandwich for lunch.


A bit farther down the road and I came across a fellow feejer rider! On an ’07. Big wave to him, and a thumbs up. Howdy howdy!


Into Nebraska, smelly cattle lots.


Skies are starting to cloud up. And the real dark clouds are in my rearview mirrors. Gotta keep riding! Stopping just enough to pee, stretch, and fuel up.


Look ma! No hands!!!

No wait, don’t tell my mom. Hahaha!

Anyway need a subway car? I passed 2 of them…


Decided to get to Kearney, Nebraska. Looks like a good place to stop. And a good time to get off the road. 465 miles for the day.


Packaged the bike for the night, the winds were starting to come in.


Walked next door to a Ruby Tuesdays for dinner. Chicken, bacon, asiago sauce, grilled zucchini, and mashed taters. Oh, and a margarita.


Decided to try to pack my bags better. Still trying to find the best efficient way…

Tuesday, June 18th

Left the hotel in the morning in the rain. Ugh.


Keeping an eye on the radar…. Looks like I might be able to outrun it in about 100 miles…


Something was burning big.


Passed 2 Toby Keith tour concert trucks…


Coming into Iowa. The sky was clearing up. At least not raining. So that’s nice.


On the way out, and now on the way back, I was passing these wind turbine fins! But I never managed to pass one going in my direction….


And then it rained again. And I passed 2 IBR riders. This one I got a pic of. Kinda. (I had been watching their spotwalla page that morning)


Gotta check myself out in these trucks…


Finally made it to the Iowa 80. World’s Largest Truckstop.


So big! And this isn’t even but a 1/3 of it…


Crossing the Mississippi River. Saw flood ravaged homes and properties along the banks.


Found a hotel in Illinois for the night. 593 miles for the day.

Wednesday, June 19th

Breakfast the next morning, I had cute little waffles!!


And then ventured off the highway…
Found an old crashed plane.


And somehow I rode to Norway!!!!


Fancy limo…


And TYLER!!!! She was in the area, and we had been communicating about where to meet up. She told me to show up at a random strangers home. So I hesitantly did. I’m glad I did.


Back on the road, traffic around Chicago.


And then through Indiana. Got off the toll road and decided to cut home. Passed this rider. Who I’m pretty sure took a picture of me over his shoulder. And then proceeded to text, or do something, with both his hands. While riding on the scooter. Wow.


Trying to outrun a storm behind me. And watch the one building to the south of me. And then this cloud up ahead.


Joy. This doesn’t look pleasant.


Yup. Rain. Around Ft Wayne, Indiana.


Windmill farm on the border of Ohio.


And then I got off the 4 lane, and tried to stay north of the storm system. Not far from home now…


And it dried up the closer I got to home! I guess I picked the right routes… 338 miles for the day.


Got the bike unpacked, the cover hanging to dry, and the bike parked back in its parking spot. Safely home.


Walked up to my backdoor, and was greeted by my cat in a window! I wasn’t expecting her home already! She had been staying with my parents.


And this birthday card sitting on my counter in my home. It’s true. That sums up my goals for the year and my life!

Stats for the trip:

2012 FJR

8 days

3,321 miles

6 states

A couple stickers added to the collection

1 really great friend + 1 chica along the way home

A much needed soul rejuvenation

Superb as usual.

Happy belated Birthday! Thanks for sharing the story.

Joe

Awesome! I too absolutely love Colorado.

Great trip report! I love the pics. And happy birthday!

We were through Leadville and Bethoud last August again on the Goldwing. We'll be taking my daughter and son-in-law to see Independence Pass this October but that will be in the car. Thanks for taking us along on your journey.

Well done!

Nicely done! You rides seem so fun! I gotta figure out how to do things your way.

Just so you know, there's a Juliette, Georgia. It's between Bolingbroke and Flovilla. (Don't you just love place names?) Got a bedroom waiting for you in the Big ATL if you want it ... and we have two cats.

A most excellent ride report. Congrats on another fine ride, and on the big 3-0! Personally, 30 was around the time I felt like things were really starting to come together for me.

GREAT RR, Kiddo. Chockablock with pics and no rhetoric

And a belated Happy Birthday

Nice trip , ride report,and happy belated birthday!

Awesome report and pics Julie, thanks for taking us along!

Happy belated B-Day too!!

~G