Day 4
Today's route:
https://goo.gl/maps/cPDEpDWb4yw
I start off the day meeting with a former boss for coffee in Colorado Springs. He took a job here about 3 months ago. Lots of talk about work, old and new. Leaving the coffee shop, I see my next destination.
Pike's Peak is a bucket list item for me. I've always been amazed with the race. I'm on a KTM Super Duke GT. Before that, I had a Multistrada 1200. I also have a Hypermotard. All three have won the race. Weather is looking good for my attempt at the mountain. I start up the mountain. I make it to the lake part of the way up for my first stop.
Moving along, prep for the race has already begun. I'll be honest. I seriously considered trying to acquire one of the hay bale covers.
I continue on up the mountain. I have developed a whole new level of respect for the racers. I've seen videos and photos. None of it does justice to this place. Guardrails are few and far between. Shoulders are minimal. Drops are steep. Riding at regular speeds are still scary.
I make it to the top. The past few weeks, I have worried that the weather may prevent me from making it to the top. Its 60F with a few light clouds in the sky. Life is good. The famous little weather station sits on the edge. The view stretches for well over 100 miles. I grab a bag of the famous donuts made in the gift shop.
Back on the road, I decide to head towards Cripple Creek. The roads leading into and out of the town appear to be fun. Sadly, I'm stuck in heavy traffic doing 10 under the speed limit. I stop in this town to find lunch. Its nothing more than a gambling town. Most establishments are casinos. The few that aren't are tourist trap gift shops. Not finding anything to my liking, I decide to keep moving. Rolling out, I change up my route in search of more riding. I decide to drop down and catch highway 50 to Salida. The roads are 2 lane roads going through high altitude cattle farms. The hills roll along with frequent beautiful sweeping corners. As I make it onto 50, it runs along the Arkansas River. It is a rafting river. Lots of people are out playing on the water. The mountain sides on either side of the river are steep.