Wow! It is August already! It has been a wonderful summer. School starts again soon for kids and lucky adults alike. The big ride turned out super! Yellowstone was too cold and rainy. At the last minute we opted for Western Colorado and it was great. We had the biggest group ever, for us: 8 bikes, 1 Nissan, A dodge and a fifth wheel. Shawn and

Trevor were both two-up with spawn and Lloyd and Brad got out of Dodge with the fifth wheel. Jeff came along for the drive and I think he may have had fun.

Day 1: We headed out at 0600 and Shawn was one of the first ones there! Now that is note worthy. He must have been excited, seeing how he missed last year. We jumped onto I-80 and headed up Parley’s. It was super foggy by Jeremy Ranch and a bit nippy. We rolled to Hwy 40 and pressed on past Heber, Strawberry Res., And on into Duchesne. We stopped there for gas, and a bit to munch. It was a long stop cause everyone, but Jeff, was cold. We continued on 40 to Dinosaur and turned South to Rangely, and had another bite to eat at Betty’s in Rangely, CO. It was good eatin’.

South from Rangely on HWY 139 was ok until we hit Douglas Pass, then it was AWESOME! Sorry, I really think that word is overused. It was a great stretch of road. Just as we were nearing the pass that big butt rap song came on my Shuffle. What a poor soundtrack for such a sweet stretch of b road.

We eventually came down to civilization again and found LLOYD and BRAD waiting anxiously for us. We chatted momentarily and decided to camp at Colorado National Monument, that was a good decision. The roads in the monument are right out of a wet motorcycle dream. They are curvy and delicious. I even got so laid down that I touched my bags multiple times. The only downer is the low speed limit and the presence of the fuzz in white Explorers and p/u trucks. Otherwise a wonderful place to curve and lean.

Day One Summary: @325 miles all day

Day Two: We headed East on I-70 to Exit 49, hwy 65. There was some confusion getting on the on-ramp. A few went onto the frontage road and fell a bit behind. Long story short: Trevor got a bogus ticket from one of Colorado's finest. We followed 65 to the Grand Mesa National Forest. It was beautiful. We stopped on a high pass and marveled.

65 tees into 92, and after searching for an eatery, we went east on 92 to Hotchkiss, where we dined. It was some old diner right off the road. There were mixed reviews depending on the choice of cuisine. I thought it was OK.

North on 133 was next. It was another great stretch. We ended up in Glenwood Springs just in time for a wind storm. (133 to 82 N)

We returned going west on I-70. It was very windy and seemed to last until forever. We were tempted to detour at rifle and partake anew the Mexican food that wowed only two years prior. We decided to leave the memory and avoid disappointment.

For dinner we ate at a mexican place in Fruita. It was quite good. The queso dip was remarkable.

Day Two Summary: 279 miles

Day Three: Heading to Moab: After spending two nights in Colorado National Monument, it was time to move on. I was particularly excited for the roads for this day. I had been studying them and wanting to ride them for some time. We headed South on 50 to 141, another very nice stretch wit wonderful cliffs and sweeping turns. We stopped to wait for the 5th wheel in Naturita. Luke lost his glasses just outside of town. The next stretch led to Utah west on 90. It was straight for a while with some of the tightest curves on the trip close to the La Sal Mountains. It was another great road. We wasted time in Moab, ate lunch, and split-up. The majority of the group went to Green River State Park to set up camp, and had a close call with an idiot cager on the way. Jeff Zander and I wanted to go to Arches, so we did. We ended up in the Devil's Garden area, after stopping lots for Zander to take pics, he had not seen Arches since he was small. Needless to say he was impressed. We did the round trip hike, primitive loop included and were done about 10 pm. Yes, it was dark. We arrived at Green River about 11 or so and all went to sleep since nobody was awake to tell stories to.

Summary for day three: 194 miles

Day Four: Very blah, for some of us. The Arches three some plus Trevor and spawn took the fast boring way home; I had to prepare for Summer Camp with the Boy Scouts, every one else just wanted to get home. The others took a more scenic route that included Fairview Canyon. I have since been there and it is nice.

Summary??

I apologize for the lack of detail and for any discrepancies that exist compared to the memories of others. It wasn't Yellowstone, but it was wonderful roads, wonderful scenery and good buddies to ride with. Where are we gong next year?

JP