Monday, July 3
- Riders: Scott, Trev, Paul, Eric & Grady
- Distance: 143 miles
- Highlights:
- Applewood bacon!
- Independence Pass
- Crossing the Sawatch Range
- Leadville, CO
(Click photo to enlarge)
We awaken to a lovely Colorado day. We pack up and head to Redstone looking for breakfast but nothing is open yet so we proceed to Carbondale where we locate a top notch eating establishment called The Village Smithy Restaurant. We enjoy some very hearty fair, especially the seriously scrumptious applewood bacon. Yum!
Just up the road a bit, we hang a right and head Southeast to Aspen where we gas up before riding up to Independence Pass. It is the second-highest paved mountain pass in Colorado. The top of the pass is well above the tree line and the terrain at the top is tundra. The pass crosses the summit of the ridge of the Sawatch Range and connects the upper valley of the Roaring Fork River upstream from Aspen with the headwaters of the Arkansas River near Leadville. Last time we were up here, it was stormy and wet. Today it is perfect. We linger for quite a spell enjoying the scenery and fresh air and, of course, this mountain riding is superb cruising.
(Click on photo to enlarge)
We finally move on and take a break in the scenic, historic town of Leadville. After that, we head for Breckenridge to our Aunt and Uncle’s home and we get caught in a gridlocked, traffic jam in the tiny mountain town due to all the holiday visitors. We break out onto a side street and take the back way up to their home at 10,000 feet where we three nephews (Scott, Paul & Eric) are reunited with our beloved Aunt Judy and Uncle Dan. We all go to dinner that evening at a top notch restaurant in Breckenridge and afterwards, we riders are glowing with relaxation, comfort and full bellies.
Tomorrow, we plan to take a day off from riding and partake in the Fourth of July celebrations.
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Casa Dunthor 