El Toro Joe
FYYFF
Bob and I stopped at the same pull out, as you, on our way up to Independence Pass...
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Here I Go Again...
- Thread starter FJRfarrier
- Start date
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Full House
Well-known member
Great pics and RR, enjoying following your travels. But, who takes replacement brake pads with them? Travel safely and continue to have a great time!
FJRfarrier
Well-known member
The clunking is still there- even after the changing of the brake pad. I'm not sure what it is....
But the rough road of Mt Evans did not help- it definitely brought all the clunking to the surface! lol.
But the rough road of Mt Evans did not help- it definitely brought all the clunking to the surface! lol.
And I don't think I could manage the winters out here. It's a beautiful place to visit. During the summer. Lol.
I took replacement front pads on this trip. Lol. When we were changing tires we noticed that 1 pad on the front was getting low. But not enough to change before the trip. So I packed a set of 4 just in case.
FJRfarrier
Well-known member
Day 9…
Started the day out in Leadville, CO again. And this is what I wake up to… (actually, this was a screenshot from yesterday, but it was similar this morning!) And yes, that is Fahrenheit.
So I head north and east. Make my way over Fremont Pass, rt 91, again- what a fun road!!
And then I head south and east. Down through Breckenridge on Rt 9.
That takes me over Hoosier Pass.
These 2 ‘Stich clad BMW riders pulled out ahead of me from the pass. I had a good time following them to Fairplay, where I switched routes. I jumped onto rt 285 then, and headed east.
Dark cloud hanging over THAT hill. Luckily, nice and bright where I end up heading.
Pretty overlook alongside the road.
And HORSIES!!!! They were riding and had just stopped to get a drink in the creek.
Coming into Conifer, I started to get into clouds…
Then wiggled my way around the area and got onto some twisty roads that lead towards Mt Evans. They also provide pretty views!!
And then I am there!!!! Now all I have to do is ride to the top…
And so up I go…
LOOK! GOATS!! (Or are they sheep…?)
And then I MADE IT!!!!
I FINALLY DID IT!!!!!
What a view!!!
And snow! The itsy-bitsy bit that I found!
Couldn’t quite see Pikes Peak, with the fog. But otherwise, pretty!
Took me 3 years… but I did it!!!! 3rd time’s the charm!! YAY!
And then it was time to descend… and more goats!! (sheep?)
Lots of zigzagging…
Made it to the bottom. Stopped at Echo Lake for a picture.
Here’s a pic from the same place- just 2 years earlier. My first trip to Colorado- 2015.
Made my way down the hill towards I-70. That road, rt 103, is quite fun!! Big sweepers, pretty view, not very busy, and nice pavement!
And then jumped on I-70 for a short hop to the hotel in Georgetown. It’s a pretty interstate!!
220 miles later, I snuggled into the hotel. Early. Lol. Desk worker says I can park next to the sidewalk, outside the room. YAY!
Walked to the gas station / Subway for dinner. Picked up a sub and puppy chow.
Made it back to the room just in time! Rain and hail decided to come pounding down!
And here is a glimpse of what I do when I get to the hotel. Lol. I explode on the beds, shower, eat dinner, open the laptop, and start working on organizing pictures and finding words to describe the ride for the day.
And I enjoying reading every one of your comments! Thank you for following along!!
Started the day out in Leadville, CO again. And this is what I wake up to… (actually, this was a screenshot from yesterday, but it was similar this morning!) And yes, that is Fahrenheit.
So I head north and east. Make my way over Fremont Pass, rt 91, again- what a fun road!!
And then I head south and east. Down through Breckenridge on Rt 9.
That takes me over Hoosier Pass.
These 2 ‘Stich clad BMW riders pulled out ahead of me from the pass. I had a good time following them to Fairplay, where I switched routes. I jumped onto rt 285 then, and headed east.
Dark cloud hanging over THAT hill. Luckily, nice and bright where I end up heading.
Pretty overlook alongside the road.
And HORSIES!!!! They were riding and had just stopped to get a drink in the creek.
Coming into Conifer, I started to get into clouds…
Then wiggled my way around the area and got onto some twisty roads that lead towards Mt Evans. They also provide pretty views!!
And then I am there!!!! Now all I have to do is ride to the top…
And so up I go…
LOOK! GOATS!! (Or are they sheep…?)
And then I MADE IT!!!!
I FINALLY DID IT!!!!!
What a view!!!
And snow! The itsy-bitsy bit that I found!
Couldn’t quite see Pikes Peak, with the fog. But otherwise, pretty!
Took me 3 years… but I did it!!!! 3rd time’s the charm!! YAY!
And then it was time to descend… and more goats!! (sheep?)
Lots of zigzagging…
Made it to the bottom. Stopped at Echo Lake for a picture.
Here’s a pic from the same place- just 2 years earlier. My first trip to Colorado- 2015.
Made my way down the hill towards I-70. That road, rt 103, is quite fun!! Big sweepers, pretty view, not very busy, and nice pavement!
And then jumped on I-70 for a short hop to the hotel in Georgetown. It’s a pretty interstate!!
220 miles later, I snuggled into the hotel. Early. Lol. Desk worker says I can park next to the sidewalk, outside the room. YAY!
Walked to the gas station / Subway for dinner. Picked up a sub and puppy chow.
Made it back to the room just in time! Rain and hail decided to come pounding down!
And here is a glimpse of what I do when I get to the hotel. Lol. I explode on the beds, shower, eat dinner, open the laptop, and start working on organizing pictures and finding words to describe the ride for the day.
And I enjoying reading every one of your comments! Thank you for following along!!
FJRay
Well-known member
Great job. We aren't getting there this year so it's fun seeing through you eyes. Keep it coming.
Poolboytoo
Well-known member
nice report Julie. By the thime i get to the hotel im like screw the ride report. lol
escapefjrtist
Searching for Dry Roads
Enjoying the "ride-along" Julie, thanks again for the pics and prose!
--G
--G
tempest766
Well-known member
Everybody calls them mountain goats but they are bighorn sheep. Did you play with any Picahs? They are squeaky little guinea pig critters that live in the rocks above treeline on the mountains. The Marmots also squeak when you get close to them.
Are they still charging to drive up Mt. Evans? They just started doing that about the time I left Denver.
I'm not sure of the road condition but seeing the sawtooth and mt. beirstadt from Guanella Pass is worth it, IMHO. It's one of the easiest 14ers to hike. since you're in Georgetown you are right at the road that leads over the pass. For the hardcore trekker you can, from Guanella Pass, hike to the top of Mt Beirstadt, then cross a very airy ledge traverse of the sawtooth, and hike to the top of Mt Evans, then back to the car at guanella pass all in one day...although unless you have trekking companions and have high altitude moutaineering experience I don't recommend it.
I would love to see a recent picture of the sawtooth.
Are they still charging to drive up Mt. Evans? They just started doing that about the time I left Denver.
I'm not sure of the road condition but seeing the sawtooth and mt. beirstadt from Guanella Pass is worth it, IMHO. It's one of the easiest 14ers to hike. since you're in Georgetown you are right at the road that leads over the pass. For the hardcore trekker you can, from Guanella Pass, hike to the top of Mt Beirstadt, then cross a very airy ledge traverse of the sawtooth, and hike to the top of Mt Evans, then back to the car at guanella pass all in one day...although unless you have trekking companions and have high altitude moutaineering experience I don't recommend it.
I would love to see a recent picture of the sawtooth.
Uncle Hud
Just another blob of protoplasm using up your oxyg
Sheep? Goats? I think they are wild wolves, and you are very brave to have faced them down!
Photos are fab, and we appreciate the effort you make to get them organized and posted.
Photos are fab, and we appreciate the effort you make to get them organized and posted.
Niehart
Pie Smuggler
Bugnatr
Well-known member
Good stuff Julie, really dig the seat covers.
FjrVfr
Well-known member
Wow tempest, we have a lot in common. I was in Denver from '92 till 2002 when the bottom fell out (and I'd been out of work for 18 months). I had to move to Massachusetts and go back to work at Raytheon. Have wanted to go back ever sense but it's not in the cards. I'm an engineer as well (software) and even rode an RD 350 in the mid 80's. It was my Dad's and I'm pretty sure it was a '74.
Julie - keep up the great work. Even though you're killing me.
A ride to the top of Mt Evans just got added to my bucket list! Super pics! Great commentary! Keep it up and be safe.
Google maps tells me it's just a tad over 800 miles to Mt. Evans from where I am. Heck that's just around the corner for an FJR rocketship.
Google maps tells me it's just a tad over 800 miles to Mt. Evans from where I am. Heck that's just around the corner for an FJR rocketship.
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FJRfarrier
Well-known member
So much socializing occurred this evening at SW-FOG… that there will be no ride report posted tonight. I will work on that in the morning. It was an eventful day, though!! So you have something to look forward to…
FJRfarrier
Well-known member
Day 10
10 days on the road… starting to become redundant and exhausting.
I enjoy it still- just need something to look forward to.
It’s not even the miles that are long. But the days are long. Mentally filling me every day. So much to see. So much excitement occurring.
I’m so happy to be doing what I am doing… I am just trying to soak in as much as I can.
And look who found me at the hotel!
Wayne wants to ride up Mt Evans this morning. I’m cool with doing it again!
He takes side roads to get to the base, I take the interstate. Pretty morning!
Jump onto 103. I am liking this road! This sign means fun stuff!!
Stop at Echo Lake. It was a bit clearer today- so I took another picture.
And then Wayne catches up to me, and we begin our ascend to the top!
Not foggy this morning! Just a little hazy…
Slightly camouflaged, but he’s there! Riding the switchbacks a bit faster than I.
Remember those Aerostich clad Beemer riders from the day before? They were headed down as we were headed up!
Waiting for traffic to clear before we conquer the last switchback. Almost there!
And he has made it!!! That DRZ has done great for him for the past week in the mountains!
Ok, so our parking skills could use some improvement…
Hazy, but still beautiful!
And then we say “Wanna take a hike?” I mean, we made it this far… only a couple hundred more feet to the absolute top…
AND WE DID IT!!!!! THE VERY VERY TOP!!!!
Wayne climbed on top of some rocks, and hit his Spot beacon- hoping to get the highest elevation reading on the chart. Lol.
Another mountain conquered with a great friend.
This man can also rock a selfie stick…
I’m there!!! I did it!!!! ON THE TOP OF THE WORLD!!!
Wow. Speechless.
Lol. This is funny. Started to take a selfie, realized Wayne was up on a rock slightly, lined the shot up, and said “Hey look. You’re taller than me for once.” This is the resulting pic. HAHA! I think he slugged me after this too…
Walked back down to the parking lot. Can you see our bikes?
There was a high wind warning on the mountain. Just a little windy... LOL!
Mounted back up and headed down the hill.
Passed this Ural. Cool!!
Wayne was having fun on the corners on his bike…
Beautiful!
Split with Wayne for a bit, and I headed north towards the Loveland area. This road looked interesting…
Dropped into a quaint little casino town…
Then took 119, 72, and 7. Pretty mountains.
That’s an interesting spot for a church!!
Dropping into Estes Park…
Cool rocks to drive through.
Stopped at a park to take a break. I was getting exhausted. I knew I only had about 30 miles to go. Part of me just wanted to get there. Part of me didn’t want to suit back up and get on the bike. I was ready to be done.
Motivated myself enough to trudge on. Look! More horsies!!!
Rt 34 follows a river through a canyon-y drive. Quite nice.
And then Wayne intercepted me and rode with me to the hotel. Made me smile.
The rock striations were intriguing…
Made it to the hotel. Met up with a few other riders. Then we headed for dinner. Nordy’s BBQ.
Having a good laugh in the parking lot while waiting for our tables.
Rib tips, taters, fried Okra, and cornbread. It was yummy. I also realized it was the only “real food” I had eaten today. I guess oatmeal crème pies and fruit snacks don’t count as food. Maybe that’s why I was cranky…
Went back to the hotel and hung out and chatted with everyone. It was great to catch up with old friends, and meet new ones.
10 days on the road… starting to become redundant and exhausting.
I enjoy it still- just need something to look forward to.
It’s not even the miles that are long. But the days are long. Mentally filling me every day. So much to see. So much excitement occurring.
I’m so happy to be doing what I am doing… I am just trying to soak in as much as I can.
And look who found me at the hotel!
Wayne wants to ride up Mt Evans this morning. I’m cool with doing it again!
He takes side roads to get to the base, I take the interstate. Pretty morning!
Jump onto 103. I am liking this road! This sign means fun stuff!!
Stop at Echo Lake. It was a bit clearer today- so I took another picture.
And then Wayne catches up to me, and we begin our ascend to the top!
Not foggy this morning! Just a little hazy…
Slightly camouflaged, but he’s there! Riding the switchbacks a bit faster than I.
Remember those Aerostich clad Beemer riders from the day before? They were headed down as we were headed up!
Waiting for traffic to clear before we conquer the last switchback. Almost there!
And he has made it!!! That DRZ has done great for him for the past week in the mountains!
Ok, so our parking skills could use some improvement…
Hazy, but still beautiful!
And then we say “Wanna take a hike?” I mean, we made it this far… only a couple hundred more feet to the absolute top…
AND WE DID IT!!!!! THE VERY VERY TOP!!!!
Wayne climbed on top of some rocks, and hit his Spot beacon- hoping to get the highest elevation reading on the chart. Lol.
Another mountain conquered with a great friend.
This man can also rock a selfie stick…
I’m there!!! I did it!!!! ON THE TOP OF THE WORLD!!!
Wow. Speechless.
Lol. This is funny. Started to take a selfie, realized Wayne was up on a rock slightly, lined the shot up, and said “Hey look. You’re taller than me for once.” This is the resulting pic. HAHA! I think he slugged me after this too…
Walked back down to the parking lot. Can you see our bikes?
There was a high wind warning on the mountain. Just a little windy... LOL!
Mounted back up and headed down the hill.
Passed this Ural. Cool!!
Wayne was having fun on the corners on his bike…
Beautiful!
Split with Wayne for a bit, and I headed north towards the Loveland area. This road looked interesting…
Dropped into a quaint little casino town…
Then took 119, 72, and 7. Pretty mountains.
That’s an interesting spot for a church!!
Dropping into Estes Park…
Cool rocks to drive through.
Stopped at a park to take a break. I was getting exhausted. I knew I only had about 30 miles to go. Part of me just wanted to get there. Part of me didn’t want to suit back up and get on the bike. I was ready to be done.
Motivated myself enough to trudge on. Look! More horsies!!!
Rt 34 follows a river through a canyon-y drive. Quite nice.
And then Wayne intercepted me and rode with me to the hotel. Made me smile.
The rock striations were intriguing…
Made it to the hotel. Met up with a few other riders. Then we headed for dinner. Nordy’s BBQ.
Having a good laugh in the parking lot while waiting for our tables.
Rib tips, taters, fried Okra, and cornbread. It was yummy. I also realized it was the only “real food” I had eaten today. I guess oatmeal crème pies and fruit snacks don’t count as food. Maybe that’s why I was cranky…
Went back to the hotel and hung out and chatted with everyone. It was great to catch up with old friends, and meet new ones.
FJRfarrier
Well-known member
Day 11
Saturday of SW-FOG. I took the morning to hang in the hotel and catch up on “me time”. Late morning, I took off and headed west into the Rocky Mountain National Park. Headed through the beautiful canyon, once again.
Started to come into some mountains…
Huge shout of thanks to Abraham for loaning me his RMNP pass. Helped save $ tremendously, since all I wanted to do was drive through the park on the road.
Sure is purty…
First overlook that I stopped at was breathtaking.
And all the other overlooks were mesmerizing as well…
Raining over there… but not here!
Such diverse topography…
The road? Oh, lets put it right through those rocks…
Snow speckles the mountain sides…
And a herd of elk also speckles the hill sides!!
Right on the edge…
Overlooks were plenty. Gave lots of opportunities to stop and observe the beauty…
Selfie time!!
Wow!
I like my bike… and the scenery…
Stopped on the west side, down in the valley, to eat some snacks, and then to turn around and head back east, through the park.
Mr Happy has been enjoying his adventure. Though he only rides in the trunk, with a pringles can up his backside…
And back through the park I go! Scenery is different when you turn around!
Elk again!
Mountains, valley, blue skies- it’s nice…
I liked this rock protrusion…
One last overlook before I left the park…
Down into the valley…
And into Estes Park. Very busy with traffic! But I did get to see this cool Prowler…
And then I had to return the pass card to Abraham. And they had just gotten back from their ride- so I swung by their home. I had first met him back in 2014 in Michigan. He might have been my first “man from the internet” that I rode to meet. Now he resides in Colorado with his awesome wife, Rachel.
And this is me almost dumping the bike backing out of their driveway… whoops!
Back at the hotel, the bikes all grouped up together in the parking lot.
Then Abraham, Rachel, Tom, and Tom's wife (whose name has totally escaped my brain...) picked me up at the hotel and we went to dinner at 3 Margaritas. Delicious Mexican food!! Smothered deluxe beef burrito.
Lots of laughing at the dinner table!
Back to the hotel and we found most of the rest of the group hanging out outside.
It was a nice group of like-minded riders having a good time!!
What does tomorrow have in store for me!?!?! More to look forward to!!
Saturday of SW-FOG. I took the morning to hang in the hotel and catch up on “me time”. Late morning, I took off and headed west into the Rocky Mountain National Park. Headed through the beautiful canyon, once again.
Started to come into some mountains…
Huge shout of thanks to Abraham for loaning me his RMNP pass. Helped save $ tremendously, since all I wanted to do was drive through the park on the road.
Sure is purty…
First overlook that I stopped at was breathtaking.
And all the other overlooks were mesmerizing as well…
Raining over there… but not here!
Such diverse topography…
The road? Oh, lets put it right through those rocks…
Snow speckles the mountain sides…
And a herd of elk also speckles the hill sides!!
Right on the edge…
Overlooks were plenty. Gave lots of opportunities to stop and observe the beauty…
Selfie time!!
Wow!
I like my bike… and the scenery…
Stopped on the west side, down in the valley, to eat some snacks, and then to turn around and head back east, through the park.
Mr Happy has been enjoying his adventure. Though he only rides in the trunk, with a pringles can up his backside…
And back through the park I go! Scenery is different when you turn around!
Elk again!
Mountains, valley, blue skies- it’s nice…
I liked this rock protrusion…
One last overlook before I left the park…
Down into the valley…
And into Estes Park. Very busy with traffic! But I did get to see this cool Prowler…
And then I had to return the pass card to Abraham. And they had just gotten back from their ride- so I swung by their home. I had first met him back in 2014 in Michigan. He might have been my first “man from the internet” that I rode to meet. Now he resides in Colorado with his awesome wife, Rachel.
And this is me almost dumping the bike backing out of their driveway… whoops!
Back at the hotel, the bikes all grouped up together in the parking lot.
Then Abraham, Rachel, Tom, and Tom's wife (whose name has totally escaped my brain...) picked me up at the hotel and we went to dinner at 3 Margaritas. Delicious Mexican food!! Smothered deluxe beef burrito.
Lots of laughing at the dinner table!
Back to the hotel and we found most of the rest of the group hanging out outside.
It was a nice group of like-minded riders having a good time!!
What does tomorrow have in store for me!?!?! More to look forward to!!
FJRfarrier
Well-known member
Day 12
Today, I made my way out of Colorado. I live east. But I headed north. Lol.
Look!! A marshmallow farm!!! HAHAHA!!!
Maybe I’m starting to get a little delirious…
The day started overcast, cool, and moist.
I must be on a major route to Sturgis. Might explain why I was passing clumps of cruisers…
I actually ended up pulling over and putting on my heated jacket liner. That felt better! I also met this sharp dressed creature…
Crossed into Wyoming. And I don’t remember seeing a sign. Maybe I just couldn’t see it…
Thanks to a recommendation from Rachel, I made my way to a cluster of rocks in the middle of the open plains.
Vedauwoo Rocks.
Pretty neat place! I was glad everything was paved that I drove on…
The pics don’t show the enormity of the rocks too well…
So unique!
I had a little fun… lol.
Thanks for the recommendation, Rachel! Neat place that I wouldn’t have thought was there!
Back on I-80, I had passed this random tree in the median of the interstate. Luckily its accessible from both directions.
Also neat- I live near the Lincoln Highway in Ohio. Ride it often back in my state.
Definitely an eye catcher…
Coming into Cheyenne…
I have always been intrigued by Wyoming. Strangely enough, I could see myself living there if something major were to make me move out there. It’s open, and uniquely pretty. I would want to be near a large city- just for ease of things in the winter. There are plenty of horses here too!! When I was younger, I was told that there are more horses in Wyoming than people!! Sounds perfect to me!!! Lol!
Cheyenne Frontier Days. They had just ended last weekend. Lots of history in that stadium.
Made my way to the museum. Cool sculptures and things.
Memorial to Lane Frost- an amazing bull rider who was killed by a bull at Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Decided to go inside and check it out- Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. Even took off my boots and enjoyed the walk around. It was an awesome place!!!!
Leaving the grounds… I’m pretty happy with myself.
Stopped at McDonald’s for a late lunch. Someone made sure to remind me to eat. Because otherwise I will forget… and I get hangry…
Back on the road and headed up a 2-lane road to my next destination. Wide open pastures…
To me- It’s strangely pretty!!
Some random bluffs…
And then I’m into Nebraska!!
Overnighting in Scottsbluff, NE. In the morning, I will head to the Scotts Bluff National Monument. And then I just start driving east…
Tomorrow is when I will need to get gritty. I’ve got 1200 miles to get home…
Today, I made my way out of Colorado. I live east. But I headed north. Lol.
Look!! A marshmallow farm!!! HAHAHA!!!
Maybe I’m starting to get a little delirious…
The day started overcast, cool, and moist.
I must be on a major route to Sturgis. Might explain why I was passing clumps of cruisers…
I actually ended up pulling over and putting on my heated jacket liner. That felt better! I also met this sharp dressed creature…
Crossed into Wyoming. And I don’t remember seeing a sign. Maybe I just couldn’t see it…
Thanks to a recommendation from Rachel, I made my way to a cluster of rocks in the middle of the open plains.
Vedauwoo Rocks.
Pretty neat place! I was glad everything was paved that I drove on…
The pics don’t show the enormity of the rocks too well…
So unique!
I had a little fun… lol.
Thanks for the recommendation, Rachel! Neat place that I wouldn’t have thought was there!
Back on I-80, I had passed this random tree in the median of the interstate. Luckily its accessible from both directions.
Also neat- I live near the Lincoln Highway in Ohio. Ride it often back in my state.
Definitely an eye catcher…
Coming into Cheyenne…
I have always been intrigued by Wyoming. Strangely enough, I could see myself living there if something major were to make me move out there. It’s open, and uniquely pretty. I would want to be near a large city- just for ease of things in the winter. There are plenty of horses here too!! When I was younger, I was told that there are more horses in Wyoming than people!! Sounds perfect to me!!! Lol!
Cheyenne Frontier Days. They had just ended last weekend. Lots of history in that stadium.
Made my way to the museum. Cool sculptures and things.
Memorial to Lane Frost- an amazing bull rider who was killed by a bull at Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Decided to go inside and check it out- Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. Even took off my boots and enjoyed the walk around. It was an awesome place!!!!
Leaving the grounds… I’m pretty happy with myself.
Stopped at McDonald’s for a late lunch. Someone made sure to remind me to eat. Because otherwise I will forget… and I get hangry…
Back on the road and headed up a 2-lane road to my next destination. Wide open pastures…
To me- It’s strangely pretty!!
Some random bluffs…
And then I’m into Nebraska!!
Overnighting in Scottsbluff, NE. In the morning, I will head to the Scotts Bluff National Monument. And then I just start driving east…
Tomorrow is when I will need to get gritty. I’ve got 1200 miles to get home…
You're doing a great job with this report, FJRfarrier.
A pleasure to follow along.
Don't get too "gritty".
A pleasure to follow along.
Don't get too "gritty".
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Ride safely through the rest of Nebrasuck!
IMHO you are traveling the right way by taking the time to stop for stuff that so many others would just blow on by. I hit three museums in one day once in Oklahoma. All three were on a 100 mile loop and each one was superb in its own way.
