Wandering Retirees

We said goodbye this morning to Silverthorne, CO to head to Monrose as a new base. Our ride started west on I-70 for a few miles, then south on CO 91, the Top of the Rockies road (Independence Pass). It was sunny but chilly during the morning run and we were glad for our gear. It’s becoming a tiresome phrase, but the views were stunning. It reminded us of the Alps, with clouds shrouding mountain tops still covered with snow. But much, much bigger.

Rte 91 returned us to Leadville where we enjoyed a Mexican feast a few days ago, (My stomach remembers.) and picked up US 24 to Twin Lakes. Then the most fun part of the day was the climb on CO 82 to Independence Pass. We remember all the twisties and beautiful sights from four years ago. The sun was out but the temp was only 35 F when we parked to walk to the scenic overlook. Breathtaking. And again, we were so glad for our warm gear.

We met two couples at the summit. The first, Steve (not sure, my memory fails) and Rhonda are from Southern New Hampshire. She is newly retired and he’s working remotely so there seems a lot of freedom to enjoy. They are so friendly and a pleasure to visit with.

Then there’s Larry and Shannon, not retired but enjoying a ride from their home in the front range. They both love riding and Larry got a new BMW 1250gs last fall that is comfortable on longer rides. I enjoyed talking shop about our bikes and where we want to ride next. We’re so glad we met both couples.

We were (I admit, it was I) getting comfortable chatting when we noticed some dark clouds looming. So we said our goodbyes and skeedaddled. Independence Pass is still one of my favorite places we visited.

Rt 82 took us to Glenwood Springs where we picked up I-70 again headed West past Silt, Rifle Parachute and cut off at Clifton, just short of Grand Mesa. We linked up with US 50 which took us into Montrose and our new digs. It was a long day’s ride but very satisfying.

Dinner was takeout from Ted’s Steakhouse, about 100 yards from our cottage. The meal was good, but that isn’t the important part. The proprietor, Ted, hung a quote from Mark Twain above the archway leading into the dining room. We’ll finish with that tonight.

From “The Innocents Abroad / Roughing It”

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

Here’s a link to our route if you’re interested https://scenicapp.space/ride/GNtzpJqg