'Jayhawker' in Colorado...

[DDT (12)]

 
We awoke extra early to a mild and humid pre-dawn morning in St. Joe. We’d agreed the evening before to depart earlier than we had been in order to get a jump on the heat… Every mile ridden while it’s pleasant is a mile that doesn’t have to be ridden when it’s miserable!!! Ever notice how we can make the tough calls for the future when things are easy, then really second-guess ourselves when it comes time to make good?
 
Lots of that going on as we loaded up and headed out before first light had made its appearance in the eastern sky. It was now my turn to lead the pack, Mitch having already paid his dues (and, I suppose, so had SmokinJoe), and Mitch had set the bar pretty high! I proceeded to pull into the gas station across the road from the motel to top off… the only one not prepared for blast-off… as the rest of the group patiently waited. Oh well, every group needs ‘one of those’, and it was my turn for that, too…
 
Leading a group of riders, especially seasoned riders like those traveling in this group, requires attention to detail and minimizing boo-boos so as not to appear incompetent… Within the first few hundred yards, I’d already missed a turn and lead us on one of my now famous U-turns! I was as turned-around and confused as I often find myself, so SmokinJoe, probably in an attempt to resuscitate his own reputation, took over (with the help of his GPS) and led us out of town. I thought I heard a groan or two as I retook the lead, and…
 
After less than ten miles, it was time to pull over and stuff items falling out of my ‘water-proof’ travel bag that I carry on my luggage rack back into the bag, then to secure its closure with a borrowed cargo net. That rather nice bag had split a seam somewhere along the way and it had started to hemorrhage contents here and there… That bag will never see Florida again!!!
 
More groaning… but no harsh words... that I heard, anyway I was indeed testing the patience of my fellows, but I can only be who I am… U-turns, missed turns, wrong turns, luggage issues and mechanical problems go hand-in-hand with long distance, long term trekking… My companions all know that, but… they obviously could do with a bit less!
 
Once out of St. Joe, US HWY 36 becomes a two-lane road, and even though it is straight and flat most of the way, it is still a rather pleasant route. The sun had now made its inevitable appearance, and visibility had increased sufficiently for us to clearly see the clouds up ahead, and the spotty showers lurking about here and there… Would our luck hold, or…
 
A few sprinkles found us, and I pulled over to access the situation and consider the onerous task of ‘suiting-up’. Joe pulled alongside and told me there were Golden Arches a mile or so down the road, so once again a plan was revised! We’d been revising, reversing, and modifying ‘plans’ ever since we first put kickstands up on this ride… and I thought that was a fantastic way to conduct a ride!!!
 
We pulled in to the fast food eatery, had breakfast, and did the usual social bonding that is an indispensable, eagerly anticipated part of any group outing. Much fun to be had, and much knowledge to be gained, from such settings, and the need and value of those should not be overlooked in ride planning (even though you know full-well the plan will be altered many times in unexpected ways! The shower moved on, and so did we…
 
Rain in Kansas, really started the cool down… breakfast under the arches…

 
At least we ain’t got locust… I used to say that when things were ugly... now I'm not so sure...
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The rain had not become a nuisance because of that timely breakfast stop. Even the wet pavement didn’t produce any challenges… It did, however, usher in a hugely hoped for and much enjoyed lowering of temperatures! And, it kept on giving… We went from mild, to cool, to… Well, that's all relative, I suppose, as this Florida boy felt the decline much more than some of our northern brethren present… We stopped down the road for gas, and I made a purchase that had become necessary… you know, because of my delicate condition…
 
Posing as a ‘Jayhawker’ for the duration of the trip!

 
After that gas stop we made the turn north up into Nebraska to pick up the highway that would take us to Rocky Mtn NP… US HWY 34. We were definitely tourists as well as long distance trekkers… We spent the night in McCook, NE.
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The following morning, we came upon a café along the way in Nebraska, and I stuck my head in the door to see if they were open… They were… what’s more, they also had coconut pie!!! The owner even told us a couple of jokes, and a nice pause was thoroughly enjoyed.

 
Oh, Colorado! Land of intrigue, history, mystery, and some of the most stunning scenery anywhere! We had arrived!!! Naturally, it had to be documented…

 
The weather had surely turned to our liking! My most recent apparel purchase was really proving its worth, and I was feeling downright wise right about then… The part of the trip I had dreaded the most was now behind us, and everything looked to be on course for this to become a truly epic journey!!!

DDT
 

[The emperor has no clothes]

  glad you guys are having a good trip 

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
Thank you for posting the adventure and the photos.

You can talk about human frailties, equipment frailties, and the difficulty of riding in temperature extremes..............but I am still going to be wishing that I was along for that ride.

My ducks are getting lined up.  See ya sometime somewhere in this great country.

Bigwolf

[..]

 

[Jess from VA]

What I wouldn't give for some jacket-riding weather.   

[hubcapsc]

Prayers for everyone out there...

-Mike

[Thunderbolt]

Y'all have fun and be careful ya hear !!!! 

[NewValker]

Thanks for the write up Bruce!
Love riding along with you.
Craig

[old2soon]

            Green eyed J. Monster wakin and stirrin and bein obnoxious cuz I AIN'T there with y'all damnit!  Gonna see if I can figure a way to git to Taos for I-19. RIDE SAFE.

[Reb]

Thanks for taking the time to share Bruce. What a great group of folks!

[msb]

Have been following along Bruce, as usual enjoying your always interesting photos and descriptions of your (and this time, your riding companions') journey. Although I have become more comfortable riding in small groups with good friends in recent years, I really do not enjoy leading a group at all...especially if the ride is of any significant distance. I usually find a way to sneak to the back of the pack. Some are cut out for it...me, I think I'm too concerned about being perfect so I wind up being much more less so. Good for you taking your turn, and your partners there for respecting your efforts Safe travels...

[Rams]

An excellent thread.....

Being born and reared in KS, that shot of Bruce in the Kansas hoodie brought back memories.   Most are good but, Bruce be warned, if you are approached by a red headed lady asking about me, you don't have a clue as to who
I am.....   

Rams

[DDT (12)]

glad you guys are having a good trip  

Rob,

Thanks... It has been interesting. Like many of us, I'm not a particularly huge fan of large groups (more than three or four), but this group has made me rethink that! When the mixture of characters is as varied as this, it does present opportunities to think along different lines at times. When the skill levels of each member is at a certain level, it relieves much of the stress about 'what might happen'.

No group is perfect, and even well-seasoned trekkers can have mental lapses when the cumulative effects of days on end in the saddle, challenging riding, altitude and atmospheric changes confront us with the unexpected... yadda, yadda... Of course you know all of that...

Anyway, this has overall been one of the best group rides I've been on for a variety of reasons, but it still ain't over! And, there have been some unexpected and undesirable events I'll get to in subsequent updates...

DDT

Bruce,
Thank you for posting the adventure and the photos.

You can talk about human frailties, equipment frailties, and the difficulty of riding in temperature extremes..............but I am still going to be wishing that I was along for that ride.

My ducks are getting lined up.  See ya sometime somewhere in this great country.

Bigwolf

Jerry,

Funny, isn't it...? We complain about unpleasant conditions, but... we're still out here! Again! And, again! You'd have had a blast... I know I have... Nothing is perfect, naturally, but we take what comes our way and deal with it, and we wind-up with special experiences and memories that make it all worthwhile! Looking forward to having you join us... when the time is right...

DDT

Paul,

  … Thanks...

DDT

What I wouldn't give for some jacket-riding weather.  

Jess,

I hear ya, man! I think of myself as a heat refugee much of the time, and this outing has been no exception! Sure felt good to feel cool, even cold, on this ride to the far hills, and... Yeah, I understand you and I both would give a lot to have it on-demand!!!

DDT

Prayers for everyone out there...

-Mike

Mike,

Very much appreciated, my friend! Yeah, and unfortunately, needed... Nothing too serious, but one of the liabilities of long distance riding has reared its ugly head... and changed the complexion and tenor of this outing. I'll get to that, but not just yet...

DDT

Y'all have fun and be careful ya hear !!!!  

Terry,

As best we can! We all are having a good trip, and no one has any regrets about coming along. Still, things do occur and the impact on all concerned is always felt. One of our members had a boo-boo and had to leave the ride.

A low-speed spill in a town very near the end of the Darby Ride has lessened our group, and caused adjustments. He'll be fine in time, and we'll see if he returns to the sort of events we've all been enjoying right up to that moment.

We've all felt the effects of the vivid reminder these things always produce, and we'll certainly miss riding with our friend. Life goes on, but some of the wonderful aspects are punctuated with incidents that... you know... cause us to furrow our foreheads and wrinkle our brows...

DDT

Thanks for the write up Bruce!
Love riding along with you.
Craig

Craig,

Thanks... In case you didn't know, I do love to do that! I love making memories, then reliving them by writing about them... It helps me digest all that has happened and more solidly lock-in the memories... Sharing on here is also enjoyable, because of the dialog that produces... like our exchange now, for instance...

DDT

           Green eyed J. Monster wakin and stirrin and bein obnoxious cuz I AIN'T there with y'all damnit!   Gonna see if I can figure a way to git to Taos for I-19. RIDE SAFE.

Dennis,

Yeah, I know the feeling. No, really I do! It comes over me whenever I read of the adventures of others... That's all good, though, because the usual effect on me is the same as it apparently is on you... It stimulates me to 'find a way' to get back out there and do it myself!!!

I'm delighted to hear of your thinking seriously about joining us for IZ19... I know you'll come up with some accommodation to make it happen, because I followed with much interest and appreciation, the way you tried so hard to work things out for RJ to make one a few years back. As you did for him, let me offer my help in pulling that off... I'll be looking forward to sharing the experience with you!

DDT

Thanks for taking the time to share Bruce. What a great group of folks!

Reb,

You are so right, my friend! Wonderful folks, all. Excellent riders, travelers, and companions!!! Not a rookie in the bunch, and it has been fun to 'ride along with the varsity travelling squad'! I was quite hesitant to make this ride, as you probably know, because I had doubts about my own ability to keep up, let alone contribute... This wonderful bunch has been most patient and accommodating, and they have made this into one for the record books... Wish you could have been along with us, you'd have fit right in and added a lot.

DDT

Have been following along Bruce, as usual enjoying your always interesting photos and descriptions of your (and this time, your riding companions') journey. Although I have become more comfortable riding in small groups with good friends in recent years, I really do not enjoy leading a group at all...especially if the ride is of any significant distance. I usually find a way to sneak to the back of the pack. Some are cut out for it...me, I think I'm too concerned about being perfect so I wind up being much more less so. Good for you taking your turn, and your partners there for respecting your efforts Safe travels...

Mike,

Thanks, as always. I imagine my reasons for doing this are pretty much the same as they are for you. To share the elation of being in 'the zone' only we riders know is good in itself. For me, at least, doing this expands and enhances the whole experience... like adding a large scoop of ice cream to a warm piece of apple pie... That you spend as much time and effort to do what you do, tells me that you know exactly what I'm talking about here!

Although a low percentage of my total miles, I have traveled many actual miles in groups of various sizes, and I've lead my share of them over the years, too. I'm like you in terms of my preferences, but I am willing to go this way when the ride(s) hold out the promise for special experiences.

The folks I've been traveling with are a curious mix of riders, all of whom I'd known, but a couple I'd not gotten to know very well... That has changed, as it always does, and I'm glad I got to be with them. I've learned some things, shared some things, and benefited greatly from the exchange... I'd definitely do it again!

We've sampled the good, the not so good, the bad, and everything in between... typical of any group ride, I guess, but all of the components combine to produce that special something that leads us in this direction in the first place... I'm just proud to be here!!!

DDT

An excellent thread.....

Being born and reared in KS, that shot of Bruce in the Kansas hoodie brought back memories.   Most are good but, Bruce be warned, if you are approached by a red headed lady asking about me, you don't have a clue as to who
I am.....  

Rams

Ron,

OK, my lips are sealed! If she turns out to be cute, I may even try to distract her to the point she forgets you entirely... Nah, my journey is a solitary enterprise, and to be what it is, I must remain... as I am. However, that does not detract from my intention to keep your present identity and location a secret... I know how it is to have skeletons in the closet and embarrassing indescetions in the distant past... recent past?... present?

DDT

[Beardo]

Thanks again for taking us along with you.

And nice bunnyhug 

I’m thinking, as well travelled as you are, you might be one of the few from the south who have heard this term   

[robin]

Thanks for the update Bruce sorry i missed out on the ride but another one for us is coming soon 

[DDT (12)]

Thanks again for taking us along with you.

And nice bunnyhug  

I’m thinking, as well travelled as you are, you might be one of the few from the south who have heard this term    

Jason,

Thanks, and you are welcome! Yeah, that was a necessary purchase at a fortuitously very well-timed gas stop. Pricy, as all things touristy are, but when needed, well... I could have done without the hood, but that was what was available, so that's what I bought... (You brought back a memory or two with that use of a relatively unheard-of word down in dear ol' Dixie!)

DDT

Thanks for the update Bruce sorry i missed out on the ride but another one for us is coming soon 

Robin,

It happens... There will, no doubt, be a next time, though, so keep us in mind! Your next big adventure is coming up, huh? Good on ya! Nothing else like it, as we've discussed before... so... keep on keepin' on... Looking forward to hearing about it!

DDT

[MarkT]

Hey Bruce,

Having returned from the wedding, and getting back in the shop to catch up on pipe orders, took a break for a local trip: I just got back from a visit with my travellin brother (REALLY my brother, the liberal one) in Estes Park.  We had a nice visit - no biking this time, took my new ride the 4Runner - what a sound system!  Needed it to drive the bro and wife around the town for dinner and some sights and to appreciate the ride with my playlist and 8 speakers!  OK I was showing off what a REAL cruise looks like, in contrast with the sardine can he travels in - a tree-huggin Pious.  Of course I buy much more gas for the pleasure, but it's worth it.  Also much better survivable if a bad event happens.

Good ride report.  SO and I have eaten in that Cafe on 34.  A pleasant place in spite of it's modest appearance outside.  Wish I was with you on the Darby ride.  Sorry bout the mishap - I'm guessin it's somebody I know but I haven't seen any news on other threads.

Didja get some refreshments at the saloon a block N of the hairpin turn in Creede?  Nice place for restorative libations.  Howzabout a free concert courtesy of Misfit Jr back at the Rent-A-Casa?  Sorry I couldn't contribute with some more libations there but maybe the crew needs a break from that annual repast of Patron Markaritas. Lately I've been leaning towards salty dogs and mojitos partly from the hot summer.  Just had some excellent martinis with my bro; he brought some super-top shelf vodka which I forgot the name of.  I've been pretty happy with Grey Goose and Absolut but now I might hafta get a bottle or 2 of that nectar he had.

BTW I just did some digging into brisket smokin; found out to do it right involves rubs, marinades, and 14hrs of wet method cooking at 225°.  I've stayed up all night tending to roasting whole pigs but those days are behind me.  Hot Glue used to hire teenagers to tend his smokers for the GOTF.  With 2 charcoal Brinkmann's (and 2 other charcoal Webers) and 30 years of smokin experience I thought I was geared up - but not if I want to get some sleep w/o hiring kids.  So I just bought a Pit Boss automatic pellet feeder smoker and in a couple days I'm gonna smoke my first brisket with it.  Have read reviews where a number of restaurants are using this smoker for commercial brisket cooking.  I understand, you can freeze it in portions and thaw and have it be about the same as just smoked - so I'll give that a go.  That might very well become involved with some rides around here, since our new local restaurant Chard Core doesn't seem to want to offer their smoked brisket very often.  I get it, after learning how involved it is.  But then they could get a pellet feeder commercial smoker and reduce their effort/cost with an untended smoker.  Have to sell the wife on hosting some ride luncheons; she's not keen on that (the work required, mainly). I'm thinkin; wouldn't have to be a big deal; use disposable plates & flatware; just make beans in a pot (I make good beans); she can make a big batch of her fabulous mustard potato salad (much better than the stuff grocery stores sell that's in a milk carton). Too bad lightning took out our only shade tree.  Well I have a canopy and a big sun umbrella and I can open up the Man Cave.  Maybe we could combine it with a wrench day.  I have a ton of tools and 4 lifts.  Though some work would be on the cement deck; there's only one inside bay with the big Snap-On lift.  Usually there's not more than a couple bikes being worked on, on those days anyway.  Usually that work is pretty trivial so it can be accomplished in a couple hours.  eg., electrical stuff, brake shoes, maybe a tire change.

Well your ride is on the back side by now.  Ride Safely.  See ya on the next event!

[Valkorado]

Again I say, "Doggone it, Bruce!"  It was very nice meeting the Legend, albeit briefly.  Our shenanigans will come in time...

[DDT (12)]

MarkT,

I didn't make it to Creede myself... sort of a long story that I will explain more in a future update. I understand Misfit Jr. did indeed perform for the group, but, alas, I didn't get to hear him this time... As I said in another reply, 'feces occurs'... I, too, had a really good feeling about that café, and I'm happy we stopped there!

You strike me as one who is a curious blending of thinker, dreamer, tinkerer, and doer... One who can conjure-up intricate concepts over quite a broad range of unconnected subjects, then turn those thoughts into tangible outcomes... I truly respect that!

That you have now undertaken to master 'wet smoking' of brisket comes as no surprise! Any ability I might have in that area would lie solely in the area of consumption, I'm afraid, so I can offer only encouragement... I would, however, very much like to sample your culinary experiment success once you arrive at a point where you would like to share... I'll wager it will be sensational! Thanks for the reply.

DDT

[Rams]

Ron,

OK, my lips are sealed! If she turns out to be cute, I may even try to distract her to the point she forgets you entirely... Nah, my journey is a solitary enterprise, and to be what it is, I must remain... as I am. However, that does not detract from my intention to keep your present identity and location a secret... I know how it is to have skeletons in the closet and embarrassing indescetions in the distant past... recent past?... present?

DDT

Bruce,

Were you ever a Hogan's Hero fan?  If so, you will know who Sgt Schultz was......

Hint. 

Rams.

[DDT (12)]

Ron,

I see noth-ing! I hear noth-ing!

DDT

[DDT (12)]

Again I say, "Doggone it, Bruce!"  It was very nice meeting the Legend, albeit briefly.  Our shenanigans will come in time...

Seth,

It was great meeting you and Sherrill, as well... Yeah, I sort of got caught feeling the effects of altitude, a persistent cough and chest congestion, the cumulative effects of fatigue from all the long days in the saddle, and heat those first few days, and... OK, age has become a prominent and dominant feature of my long rides! I simply don't hold up as well as I once did...

My guardian angle, along with Dr. Troutdude and a couple of others, convinced me that it would be wise to miss a spirited ride on more long days at high elevations, and just go hole-up someplace... and that's precisely what I did! I'm back in Tennessee now, and tomorrow I'll be headed for Louisiana... Little rest for the wicked, I guess...

At the time I made that concession to 'cooler heads', I was focused on what I would be missing, and how I'd really wanted to share those experiences with my friends. However, in retrospect, I see great wisdom on the part of my friends who encouraged me to 'sit this one out'... It helped me to recoup much sooner and to feel better much quicker than I otherwise would have... but there is even more...

Anytime we ride with a group and we're not 'on top of our game', we take unnecessary risks for ourselves and for those around us. Yep, we put our friends in danger, too. All of the things that were dulling my performance had created the potential for situations where I might crash myself, but I also could take out another bike or two! I'm even more glad now that I missed the ride... as much as I was looking forward to it... I do have good, and wise, friends!!!

You're on! Shenanigans later!!! Looking forward to it...

DDT

[Valkorado]

Again I say, "Doggone it, Bruce!"  It was very nice meeting the Legend, albeit briefly.  Our shenanigans will come in time...

Seth,

It was great meeting you and Sherrill, as well... Yeah, I sort of got caught feeling the effects of altitude, a persistent cough and chest congestion, the cumulative effects of fatigue from all the long days in the saddle, and heat those first few days, and... OK, age has become a prominent and dominant feature of my long rides! I simply don't hold up as well as I once did...

My guardian angle, along with Dr. Troutdude and a couple of others, convinced me that it would be wise to miss a spirited ride on more long days at high elevations, and just go hole-up someplace... and that's precisely what I did! I'm back in Tennessee now, and tomorrow I'll be headed for Louisiana... Little rest for the wicked, I guess...

At the time I made that concession to 'cooler heads', I was focused on what I would be missing, and how I'd really wanted to share those experiences with my friends. However, in retrospect, I see great wisdom on the part of my friends who encouraged me to 'sit this one out'... It helped me to recoup much sooner and to feel better much quicker than I otherwise would have... but there is even more...

Anytime we ride with a group and we're not 'on top of our game', we take unnecessary risks for ourselves and for those around us. Yep, we put our friends in danger, too. All of the things that were dulling my performance had created the potential for situations where I might crash myself, but I also could take out another bike or two! I'm even more glad now that I missed the ride... as much as I was looking forward to it... I do have good, and wise, friends!!!

You're on! Shenanigans later!!! Looking forward to it...

DDT

It looks like you guys got in some good Colorado riding before you had to bow out.  Plus, you got to observe (study?) a mighty fine yoga tutorial in the Leadville motel lot, so it's not a washout by any means!     Here's to future rides!