The State Of Alone - A Month In Colorado (Non-Vfr)

[BrianF]

Day 18 and 19 don’t exist. Got new tires at Mountain Tech Yamaha in B.V. (great shop). I also may have discovered margarita otter pops.

Camped here for a couple days. Can’t blame myself. I was asleep during D.A.R.E.

I like Colorado.

MOON

I even went fishing for god’s sake. And I definitely bought a license. I’m a stand-up guy.

Well at least he had a license. The only thing I caught was a tree branch. And possibly tetanus.

Oh look: a horse with horns!

Cottonwood. Suffice to say my new tires were now thoroughly scrubbed in.

The weather up here turns faster than the crowd at a Charlie Sheen show.

*Laughing* man, I’m glad I’m not down there.

Shit.

Seat 23J is probably thinking the same thing.

Like riding through a bead-blaster. Or so I imagine.

Due to some “routefinding difficulties” it took me a while to get to Crested Butte. And even longer to find a place to camp.

Mapple:

And in the morning, there was this.

And this!!!!

Up toward Schofield with a touch of trepidation.

Well how hard can the other side possibly be??

Crystal River guide me to glory. Or at least let my death be spectacular but seen by no one.

Turn it up loud and a couple seconds into this you can hear my thoughts on Schofield.

Yes, I made it. No, I don’t know how. Schofield was legitimately scary.

Relax, the hard part’s over.

We’re back on the “road.”

Word on the street is, this place gets photographed sometimes. I wonder why.

Epic BBQ at Slow Groovin’ BBQ in Marble. Don’t miss it. Then off to Kebler and Ohio.

This peak should have some kind of breast-related name. As should everything, for that matter.

“It’s a nice night for a walk to Ohio.” Please tell me someone gets that ultra-obscure movie reference.

Later I’ll accidentally get someone else’s grocery bag. It will contain 4 bananas, an apple, and an orange. Unreal.

The only way to end a day.

Maperation:

More to come.

[JZH]

You, sir, have an amazing eye for the camera.

And a lousy taste in beer.

Ciao,

[BrianF]

You, sir, have an amazing eye for the camera.

And a lousy taste in beer.

Ciao,

I can't believe it's taken this long for someone to comment on this.

[DriverDave]

I've taken my KLX300 to a number of those spots. But of course my pictures don't look even remotely that good ;-) Nice to see outsiders experience the sheer joy (and sometimes struggles) of dirt biking in Colorado. Did you ever get sick of all the loose jagged rocks on almost every jeep road out here?

And yes, I have disobeyed the sign and ridden up Red Cone once or twice.

[JZH]

You, sir, have an amazing eye for the camera.

And a lousy taste in beer.

Ciao,

I can't believe it's taken this long for someone to comment on this.

I held back as long as I could...

Ciao,

[BrianF]

I've taken my KLX300 to a number of those spots. But of course my pictures don't look even remotely that good ;-) Nice to see outsiders experience the sheer joy (and sometimes struggles) of dirt biking in Colorado. Did you ever get sick of all the loose jagged rocks on almost every jeep road out here?

And yes, I have disobeyed the sign and ridden up Red Cone once or twice.

I didn't grow tired of the rocks, actually. Even though I often lost the battle, I always enjoyed the challenge. I guess I'm a masochist.

Also gave some thought to trying to go up Red Cone -- but I couldn't decide if I was more scared of going up or coming down. Eventually I did nothing...story of my life.

[Suitcase]

I had a big framed litho print of this scene ..back in the 70's, (lost it sometime ago in a move) ...Always wondered just where in the world such a scene existed ...Thanx ...another one of lifes little mysteries solved.

[BrianF]

Sufficiently recovered from Schofield, it was time to get lost on Cement Creek. See map below for proof of stupidity.

I failed to summit American Flag. 3 guys on KTM 1190s succeeded. One of them was two-up. *sigh*

Raced a storm out of Taylor Park.

And lost.

“Don’t ‘yeah yeah’ me boy. This is a very important dinner – you best be there.”

“I WILL. Thank you Waunita.”

Sage advice: Black Sage is good. Other sage advice: get gas before you leave Buena Vista.

And I thought Montana was big sky country.

I used to drink a cheap vodka in plastic bottles called Monarch. Shoutout Hood River Distillery.

Now pass me some Monarch.

The caption for every photo I took on this trip could be “Here’s me about to ride into a thunderstorm.”

In another moment of I-like-showers-and-clean-clothes weakness, I stayed at a KOA. Now awaiting the verdict on revocation of my ADV card.

Mappopotamus:

Headed for Hancock. There's an inappropriate joke in there somewhere.

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That looks sturdy.

Good ride, slightly less good movie.

ATV hunting. That’s Tomichi Pass on the left. I think I’ll go there.

There was sand and rocks and scenery and things. I’ve been through the mountains on a horse with no name.

Stop at summit. Put foot down. Boot ankle hinge catches on footpeg and there you are. Look around frantically to make sure no one saw.

Looking back at Hancock and wondering where all the marmots are.

This area is famous for a reason. It’s brilliant.

I spent quite a while at Tomichi. Most of that while repairing my boot.

Then to the Alpine Tunnel. It was Okay.

Train service has been…uh…discontinued.

Sometimes I like taking macro shots. Other times it’s whiskey shots. You just never know.

Hid from a hail storm in here. Some people from Missouri asked me about “Mar-moats.” Don’t worry, I set them straight.

Your facilities maintenance department is really not doing their job. This will be noted on their year-end review.

The Palisades. I went to a restaurant in Seattle of the same name for junior year Homecoming. This was better.

This water tank has a name. I have no idea what it is. That’s what’s known as “attention to detail.”

Close cousin of the bridge and road to nowhere.

I cut my day short for no apparent reason. Drank some Jack and read Jonathan Livingston Seagull next to a creek. Very strange behavior.

The next morning it was out of the mountains, out of gas, and out to Marshall. Thank god for a wireless shutter release.

Stayed at O’Haver Lake back in the day -- history repeats itself. My cooking skills have made minimal progress since.

There was a sunset. Odds are there would be a sunrise the next morning. Public school taught me a lot.

Map:

I had a big framed litho print of this scene ..back in the 70's, (lost it sometime ago in a move) ...Always wondered just where in the world such a scene existed ...Thanx ...another one of lifes little mysteries solved.

Cool man, glad I could help! It was pretty crowded when I was there, but still quite scenic.

[cruzinaz]

One of the best ride reports ever! Fantastic pictures to say the least and the captions.... well done!

[TNRabbit]

Stunning photography!! I thank you, sir.

[BrianF]

See, it did. No one interesting wakes up after the sun has risen. Some are even still awake.

How’s the saying go…rainbow at morning, sailors take warning?

Headed up the Otto Mears Toll Road in a steady rain. Actually enjoyed it – could be Stockholm Syndrome.

Somehow I ended up in Saguache. Honestly I’m not even sure how. Parts of it were just riding through the brush.

Headed out toward Lake City over Cochetopa Pass and into the middle of bumf--k nowhere.

The San Juans draw you in like the mothership in Independence Day. Forget the fat lady…you’re obsessed with the fat lady.

Windy Point Overlook on Slumgullion is one of my favorite places on earth. This photo isn’t from there.

I have officially taken the belt as the intercontinental camping champion. Careful when you stumble out of your tent drunk that night!

Went and got BBQ at Sportsman’s in Lake City. Keen observers will note that I like BBQ.

Less keen observes will also notice that I like cheap beer. It’s as cold as the Rockies.

At some point that evening I “fell asleep.” In my own tent, remarkably.

And I kid you not, prior to the previous photo, my new tarp blew off that cliff. I actually went and got it this time. Maperiffic:

Still more to come.

[bayarearider]

Dude, these shots go great with my morning cup of Jo

but you need but you need to go back to your Title and add "band width heavy"..

[EhViffer]

Really enjoying this unbelivably well done ride report but you must actually move past that stuff you refer to as beer. Grimbergen Dubbel would be a suitable replacement.

[BrianF]

Dude, these shots go great with my morning cup of Jo

but you need but you need to go back to your Title and add "band width heavy"..

I've also been slapped with that title by my employer. Not only ruining my own productivity, but slowing everyone else's too!

I spent the next 6 days wandering the San Juans. I’ve lost track of what day I’m on and my maps are numbered wrong. I make lots of mistakes.

Dam, the dam engineering department did a dam fine job building this dam.

More marmots! Yes, I am a very strange man.

Could’ve used some of these engineers to build that dam!

Saving the San Juans for last was a brilliant move. It was the best riding by far, and I would’ve died if I did it at the beginning.

Swooped back around for the Cinnamon Challenge. Saw some badasses on S10s heading down toward Animas. Tip of the cap.

I took lots of random turns and detours. Occasionally I crashed. Can’t get ‘em every time.

Somebody make this state more scenic. This crap ain’t cuttin’ it.

Back to camp to be introduced to something called “Buddha’s Sister.” Maui wowwwee.

Another night spent staring at the stars and wondering about the meaning of life. Will let you know if I come to any conclusions.

This is when my GPS started going haywire. Maps from this point on are not necessarily representative of the views of the author.

Even still, more to come.

Grimburgen Dubbel

That sounds like someone who was executed as a result of the Nuremburg Trials.

[BrianF]

Oh that's because I had a typo in my original post its "Grimbergen Dubbel". Now its just a Belgian beer you should give a try to cure that unhealthy desire for the watery stuff you have been consuming.Having said that your images have not suffered from your questionable beer affliction.

Haha, I gotcha.

The truth is I actually don't like good beer. People try to force it on me constantly because of my affinity for fine wine. I drink Bud Ice/Mickey's/Bud Light Platinum/High Life etc by choice.

Case in point: in my fridge at this moment is a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rosé 2002 (which I'll drink tonight), along with 10 cans of Natural Ice (I drank 2 last night). I really have no explanation for this eccentricity.

[EhViffer]

Oh that's because I had a typo in my original post its "Grimbergen Dubbel". Now its just a Belgian beer you should give a try to cure that unhealthy desire for the watery stuff you have been consuming.Having said that your images have not suffered from your questionable beer affliction.

Haha, I gotcha.

The truth is I actually don't like good beer. People try to force it on me constantly because of my affinity for fine wine. I drink Bud Ice/Mickey's/Bud Light Platinum/High Life etc by choice.

Case in point: in my fridge at this moment is a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rosé 2002 (which I'll drink tonight), along with 10 cans of Natural Ice (I drank 2 last night). I really have no explanation for this eccentricity.

No explanation required, its obviously working for you. Cheers!

[MaxSwell]

Wow! Fabulous all. Thanks for the escape. You've ridden placed I'd be scared to walk.

+10 on your definition of beer.

[Cogswell]

Great thread. This is going to inspire me to go looking for a dual sport!

[BrianF]

The HDR carousel is about to spin even faster.

Back over Cinnamon and into Animas Forks. Just in time for a rain storm. Facepalm.

This would be a great place to live. Just not in 1884.

Up through Placer Gulch in pouring rain. Hide in abandoned cabin with very nice people from all over the country. Lightning not included.

I imagine this is all quite nice when it’s sunny. If it ever actually is.

At a crossroads I randomly met Mark and his WR. We had a brief chat – turns out he lives 4 miles from me. Small world.

The weather was starting to turn sketchy. Always what you want at 13,000 feet.

We decided to tackle the rest of the day together. Good choice – stupidity loves company.

High [Dynamic Range] watermark of the Confederacy. Como.

We stayed on California Pass for way too long. Wouldn’t take long to find out why.

“Hey what are you doin?”

“Eatin’ Pop Rocks and drinkin’ a pop.”

“Are you outta your f--kin mind??? Don't you know a kid died like that?"

Sorry, that last caption was another obscure movie reference. Maybe I’ll go back to talking about booze.

California Gulch looking deceptively serene.

Like one of those History Channel maps showing the German army’s advancement on the Eastern Front.

We hustled to get out of there before we were engulfed.

Fail.

At times I could hear Mark’s bike but couldn’t see his taillight. It was hairy to say the least -- the situation, not his taillight.

Despite the fog, wind, and rain we made it to Hurricane Pass. I was blown away by the creativity of that name.

Randomly the fog cleared. We approved.

This day of riding was the most fun I’ve ever had on a motorcycle. No hyperbole.

My second-favorite photo from this trip. It perfectly captures the mood and events of that particular day – blown-out highlights excepted.

We wouldn’t have gotten so soaked if we’d not stopped to take pictures every 3 feet.

The weather made for some very dramatic landscapes. And very dramatic sliding while dangerously close to the edge of huge drop-offs.

Mark and I eventually went our separate ways and I got wildly lost in the rain. A hot shower started to sound somewhat appealing.

A Seattle kid should be used to embracing the rain. California’s ruined me.

Forgive me father, for I’ve stayed at another KOA. For two nights. *Frantically checks to see if testicles are gone*

Mapdaptation:

Unbelievably, there’s still more to come.

[Guest Recalcitrance]

Amazing photos along with some of the most entertaining reading I've done in ages. Much can be said when forced to be concise. Good job, Brian. Looking forward to more.

Shared on Facebook. Hope you don't mind.

[BrianF]

Shared on Facebook. Hope you don't mind.

No, I definitely don't mind. I've been inspired and motivated by a million different ride reports over the years -- just trying to repay the favor.

Share with anyone you think will enjoy it. That's all it's for anyway.

Much can be said when forced to be concise.

[cruzinaz]

I hope you can start taking at least 3 month rides from now on so we can enjoy it as much as you did....without getting wet/cold...etc.

Your pictures are phenomenal to say the least!

[Rush2112]

Wow!!!! I'm speechless and jealous...

Thank you!

[BrianF]

Upon hearing about the earthquake back home in Napa, I sped up my itinerary a bit. Off to Imogene.

Turns out our cats were okay (good), and so was my wife (also good). However, she and I would split up about a month later (not so good).

In summary, if you want to stay married, don’t go on five week dirtbike trips alone. You won’t hear that advice from Dr. Phil.

And after that brief but depressing digression, back to the never-ending hunt for marmots.

I took a spectacular spill in some mud right before this. Order now and we’ll include wrist ligament damage for FREE!

The playground from the past. Red Mountain Overlook.

The temptation to ride down that trail was overwhelming. The desire to survive, even more so.

Oddly, my third-favorite photo of this trip. Sometimes simple is good.

There was a summit. I reached it. *scattered applause*

I wanted to stay up here longer. The weather didn’t care what I wanted.

See, sometimes I take non-HDR pictures of absolutely nothing.

On a side note, I was appalled by all the mining trash left everywhere. Humans rape nature then don’t clean up the mess. How noble.

For the grand finale, I’ll be tumbling down the side of that mountain. Stay tuned.

Mapsquito:

More to come…but not too much more. Lucky you.

[BrianF]

Bridal Veil Falls at 250mm. Which food is guaranteed to make a woman gain 25 pounds?

Wedding cake.

Where I spent my last couple nights -- of this trip, not on the earth. That would give a whole new meaning to ghost writing.

I actually went 48 hours without getting rained on. All’s well that ends well.

Dispersed camping at Lizard Head Pass. If you’re ever there, do it. Then toast my advice with some slightly warm malt liquor.

No way this isn’t named “Triangle Mountain” or “Pyramid Peak” or “Mount Unimaginative.”

What lens flash? I don’t know what you’re talking about.

The “homing instinct” started to kick in at this point. Stayed up late drinking Fireball to compensate.

Feel me flow. I’m Naughty by Nature, not ‘cause I hate ya.

As per usual, the sun sets. I’m really starting to get the hang of this astronomy stuff.

30-second exposure, using the flashlight app on my phone – not as easy as it sounds. It’ll Be Over So Soon.

Clear air kills hangovers. As does the prospect of imminent death.

If I ever do something terrible and have to go off the grid, definitely don’t look for me in Ophir. I absolutely won’t be there.

Warming up for Black Bear. And trying to warm up in general.

Puff, puff, Pass.

The rare-for-a-reason “vertical panorama.” In no way related to the far less rare “vertical smile.”

There are some seriously difficult passes in Colorado. This is not one of them.

This ought to whip the HDR haters into a frenzy.

And then…there was Black Bear. Final post coming on Monday.