Thanks for the encouragement, Tom. After some soul-searching, I have come to the conclusion that I will not be able to finish the rest of the trip as planned. Today, I ended out passing the entrance to Gunnison NP because it would have taken too long. I went to Mesa Verde, but had to basically run in and out instead of spending the day the site deserved.
The PLAN was flawed from the beginning with trying to cram an impossible amount of stuff into too short a time frame. I managed to break a tooth eating breakfast this morning and an hour later, I dropped the bike in a parking lot - didn't get the kickstand down all the way and it went over. While the car tire has been good on the slab and on sweepers, it has been truly awful on tight mountain twisties; especially with the top-heavy condition imposed by camping gear etc. This is to the point where I do not feel safe riding this terrain.
This is all compounded by weather issues and traffic resulting in simply not having fun. Stress has gotten in the way.
I have never been accused of being a quitter, but I think I am going to bail on this. I will be back another time and will either take double the time or see half as much. Not feeling very happy about it and, frankly, I am a little embarrased with giving up.
I appreciate the support and offers for help along the way.
