Misfit was going to take us up to Mount Evans today and we were going to hit Bishops Castle tomorrow, but this morning there was huge clouds coming over the mountains around the Springs, so Misfit called and said that we probably wouldn't be able to see much on top of the mount because of the cloud cover so let's switch the ride itinerary....Okay Dokey.
So, Bear and I saddled up and ran over to Misfit's house - we were a couple of minutes late because Bear had misplaced his license. So, we shot off and took some twisties to the left and twisties to the right and wound up at Bishop's Castle.
What a unique place! It was cool until Misfit kept pointing out the lack of OSHA certified safety items, like, "Can you believe this entire balcony is kept up by these little pins". Interesting to say the least - but it was built by hand by one guy and ummmmmm, doesn't meet OSHA regulations.
Man, there be DRAGONS!
It was neat and we had a ball there......Man, after walking up all those stairs, I had to stop and have a rest.
Then we took off and took some twisties to the left and twisties to the right and stopped for lunch at the base of the Sangria De Cristo mountains.
Had some lunch and mine included green chili which was fantastic. We rode over to Skyline Drive but July 4th is the only day it is closed all year - of course, the day we got there.
Then we rode some twisties to the left and twisties to the right and wound up outside Cripple Creek for an ice cream stop.
And we rode through Cripple Creek and rode some twisties to the left and twisties to the right and back down to the Springs. It was an AWESOME 300 mile day today - WHOOOOO-HOOOOO! Some great twisties to the left and some great twisties to the right. We got back right as Lil'Bit came walking down the street from work. Well, let's go to Palmer Lake and check out the fireworks!
So, we got on the superslab and shot up to Palmer Lake.
Arrive for the 4th of July event and the weather was beautiful.
There was a great band there named Copyright Infringement. Lil'Bit and I walked over and the first song they did was Sweet Home Alabama followed by some James Gang.
Then this BIG BLACK THING came slowly over the mountains and the band had to break for a "lightning break". Lightning break? YEPPER!!!! Man, the bottom dropped out.
The temps dropped and let's just say that it was a bit nippy. Well, nothing better to have than a nice Nanner Split to warm you up. Sorry Misfit for knocking yours off....oops.
Okay, it was raining buckets and the wind was blowing and it was cold....what else could be missing. Oh yeah, HAIL! Yes, that is frozen ice pellets dropping from the sky.
But we did get to see an awesome fireworks display....VERY AWESOME.
Well, the rain and hail slacked up so we could get to the bikes and get suited up and then the rain started again. The main thing is everyone got home safe and sound. Jill had a pot of HOT coffee waiting on us when we pulled into the garage.
What a great day! What a great ride with two brothers and ending with the addition of a little sister. Could not have asked for a better 4th of July ride. Even with the unique ending, it just doesn't get any better. Life is good.
Thanks Misfit for showing us some glorious country and roads today and just being there for fellowship with you buddy. You are one of a kind (you and your entire family - one and all) and I thank you.
You sure took your 4th of July and showed Bear and I a great day of riding and fellowship - again, I thank you.
