USA Tour Day 10 Winter Park CO - Cheyenne

Morning came in Winter Park, cool but not cold and clear skies again. One by one we started the bikes and rode them round to the front car park where the truck was waiting to be packed with the ever-increasing load of luggage. The roar of 12 V-twins was complemented by the roar of Russ's CD of Tom Jones blaring out "It's not Unusual" and we all sang along in the car park once again disturbing the late sleepers no doubt. The sight of a bunch of leather clad nutters dancing and singing along was something to behold and really set the day off well.

We left Winter Park behind and headed north on US40 until we joined US34 heading into Rocky Mountain National Park with the promise of the sight of some animals. We kept our eyes wide open looking for wildlife but obviously most of it did not relish the sound of 12 Harleys roaring past.

We travelled through the lower part in the heavily forested area winding along the road with the traffic and then started to climb again up to Fall River Pass which gets up to 11,800 ft. This was a great road where the twisty lovers gave it some welly getting the bikes leaned over well into he corners. Some of the group went at their own pace and we could see a line of two wheeled stragglers below us and away to our right as we climbed high above. Just before the highest point we stopped at the visitor centre for a look. It had a really good range of crafts and jewellery and was well worth a look. Up on to the summit car park for a look around. This pass had quite a bit of snow visible both close up and in the higher peaks in the distance. The air felt intensely fresh with the slight coolness nipping the nostrils.

We followed the route downwards again towards Estes Park gradually getting into the sunshine and the heat again. We stopped in Estes Park. Where we found a nice restaurant with standard but well cooked fare. Service was a little slow but it gave us time to chat. Russ had some Prairie Oysters which I sampled and found to be quite tasty despite their origin.

We carried on US34 passing through a long canyon by a river with brown grey rocks reaching high above us and at one point with the bends; it seemed we were heading into a dead end of rocks. However at the last moment the way became obvious as we swept round a tight bend.

We turned left onto the northbound I25 making a brisk run to Fort Collins where we stopped at the local dealer along with several dozen other riders who were on their way to Sturgis. We browsed for bargains and more t-shirts. I had a good look at some jackets and fancied the FXRG leather which was heavy and waterproof. However since the lady would not shift from the $600 price by an inch I walked. $50 dollars off the price and I'm sure we would both have been happy but as it is they still had the jacket. I did however buy a T-shirt as the appeal of the dealer name of Thunder Mountain was irresistible.

Off again on the I25 North using the freeway to make some time. All the time the roads were getting busier and busier with bikes heading for the big meet. The Rockies were now dropping away to our left as we rode into flat prairie lands either side of us as we ate up the miles towards Cheyenne. This was a name I was familiar with form loads of cowboy films and now it was a reality.

We checked in to the hotel along with loads of other riders and seemingly half the National Guard officers in the country. We changed and met in the bar after a bit off banter with the reception staff who convinced us that "Fat Tire" is a beer. We scoffed a few beers then a steak in the hotel restaurant followed by a few more beers.

Off to bed again for an early start again.