Denver -> Glenwood Springs -> Aspen -> Leadville -> Denver

I recently sold my Aprilla, and I'm not set to get my 990 Adventure for another week or so, so Kim and I have been riding two up on her Versys. I wasn't super fond of the Versys when Kim first got it, but it really has grown on me. Anyway, this was our first long trip on it together, and although we didn't get off road, we still had a great time.

We started out at about 7:30am on Sunday, and headed west on I-70. The temps were comfortable for me, but we stopped near Idaho Springs so Kim could put the liner in her jacket:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831227881/" title="Kim putting the liner in her jacket as we climb higher into the mountains by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/4831227881_ab13b353e1_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Kim putting the liner in her jacket as we climb higher into the mountains" /></a>

We jumped back on and continued on our way. Whenever I go west, I almost always take Loveland pass and this time was no exception:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831229579/" title="Loveland pass by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4831229579_7f7d12f479_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Loveland pass" /></a>

We had a spirited ride down the pass, and I stopped at ABasin to check on the new lift. They have a shack built at what is going to be the base, but I didn't see much more going on. They better get a move on, winter's not too far off.

We chewed up some miles, and I stopped in Eagle for gas, and to clean my goggles. Also, the temp had gone back up, and Kim wanted to get rid of the liner:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831230683/" title="Stopping for gas by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/4831230683_8641dd3324_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Stopping for gas" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831230153/" title="A few bugs on my goggles by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4831230153_fc1193b7f2_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="A few bugs on my goggles" /></a>

It didn't take us too much longer and we made it to Glenwood. We met an inmate that worked at the hot springs and was watching the lot. He called us over and showed us a primo spot to park the bike. It happened to be right next to his GS. We BS'd for a bit, before locking up all the crap and heading for the pool. By this time it was freaking HOT:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831842462/" title="Locking up all the crap by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/4831842462_3267a8348a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Locking up all the crap" /></a>

We swam for a few hours, and soaked in the hot pool for a bit. It's a nice way to break up a ride, that's for sure:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831234791/" title="Untitled by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4831234791_466b04478d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831233263/" title="Untitled by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4831233263_47f85e9cab_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831235597/" title="Kim happy to be in the pool on this hot day by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4831235597_6412d7a0b6_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Kim happy to be in the pool on this hot day" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831855254/" title="Untitled by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4831855254_59071d0bf7_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="" /></a>

We jumped back on the bike, and headed over to the brewery for lunch:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831858370/" title="Having some lunch by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/4831858370_f98c140220_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Having some lunch" /></a>

Then we got back to the ride. We headed south out of Glenwood and towards Aspen. We made no attempt to stop in Aspen as it was only a means to an end. I was interested in riding Independence pass .

We had to stop so Kim could put her liner back in, and then we made quick work of the pass:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831248877/" title="Getting ready for the rain by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/4831248877_ef6b77bc3a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Getting ready for the rain" /></a>

When we got to the top, there were a few bikes, and a guy on a VFR took this picture:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831249381/" title="Untitled by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4831249381_37ae86b158_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="" /></a>

Also, there were a few guys on Harleys, and one of them took the time to come over and give me shit about wearing my motocross boots while I ride. I informed him that I rode further than bar to bar, and even took my bike (gasp) on dirt roads. I also told him he should get a head start down the pass so he wouldn't be in my way. All three of them roared off in the rain.

I gave Kim the camera, and she did some nice drive by photography:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831250113/" title="Untitled by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4831250113_d2ab3aba25_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831251087/" title="The sky turned bad on us by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/4831251087_42f9cd13e3_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="The sky turned bad on us" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831252903/" title="Untitled by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/4831252903_7acc6947fa_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831253591/" title="On our way home by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4831253591_1354533096_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="On our way home" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831254441/" title="Untitled by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4831254441_627d2d9b9c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831255993/" title="Untitled by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/4831255993_39796776ba_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="" /></a>

I especially like this one:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831868878/" title="Rolling down the road by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4831868878_edaee31a04_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Rolling down the road" /></a>

Anyway, it took all of about 5 turns to catch up to the Harley road block. Pretty hard to ride when it's pissing rain in your face. I went and ahead and passed, and thought to myself..."and this guy thinks I look funny cause I wear big red boots"...

We stopped in Leadville for a few minutes, and then jumped back on to I-70. From there it was pretty strait forward and we were home in no time. The bike did great, as did Kim. Can't wait to do it again.

- - Rob

You should have mentioned something about bandana's and HD logo wear.

Sweet all around ride and pics, love that hot pool at Glenwood, was in it myself about 5 years ago in February.

Love that area of the country, thanks for taking the time to post

Oh yeah, forgot to post the GPS track:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtadlock/4831144416/" title="Motorcycle ride Kim and I took yesterday by rtadlock, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4831144416_a0f103fd66_b.jpg" width="1024" height="956" alt="Motorcycle ride Kim and I took yesterday" /></a>

I have family in Glenwood. I haven't been there in a couple of yrs, but just awsome. That pool is incredible. just west of the pool is a small restaurnt called Rosie's. I worked their one summer when I was 15 trying to save up some money to buy a car, That was 21 yrs ago, but the place is still there under differant owners. Your ride brings back alot of memories, I guess i'll need to take a trip back and see everything again.
Thanks for the pics.

Buffalo Burgers!

http://www.charcoalburger.com/

Looks like a nice ride. You could have skipped Independence and ridden over Hagerman.

Yeah a guy I work with was telling me that. Guess I'll have to go back and check it out...

I went to school in Grand Junction, so I spent my fair share of time in Glenwood. The pool is nice, and there is some nice riding in that area of he state. If you get out there let me know, and we'll plan a ride.

I don't know why the Harley rider was complaining about your boots. They're pretty well color coordinated with the bike.
Beautiful area you rode in. I haven't been out there for a long time and I'm itching to get back.
Nice report and pics

Is it August 7th yet?
We're flying out to Denver on the 7th for a road-trip style vacation. We'll be starting out with a stop in Glenwood Springs on the 2nd day.

Can't wait!!!

Thanks for sharing the pics and trip!

nice day trip. Only been through that area twice, but it left an impression. Planning a return trip!

I wish I new about that pool. On the day we stopped for lunch at the Brew Pub it was blazing hot. Next time I'll have to take a dip to cool off.

Just wondering how tall you are? ...Cause you looked a bit large for the bike. Brings to mind of way back when I (6'2", 245) was playing around on a friend's Honda Nighthawk 250 (I think?)...and a buddy replied..."you look like a gorilla f**kin a football".

Thanks for sharing the pics, I'm figuring out a plan to get out that way around Labor Day weekend on my Vee.

Great trip and pictures. Glenwood Canyon is a joy to ride through and the pool is a great way to ease the pain.

I'm only 6' tall, but I put a lowering kit on the bike for Kim, so I am a little big for it when just standing over it. Also, I think the stock peg location makes for cramped legs for anyone at or above 6'....

We usually don't ride two up, but we only have one bike right now because I just sold my bike.

Yeah, I read that you were in between bikes. Sweet that your lady has her own ride, can't get my wife to ride with much less her own. Do you do much riding in the San Juan's? We just got back from a trip to Ouray, Ophir...that area. Never had my bike out in CO yet, so trying to get that done end of summer.

Don't know that you will really "cool off" in that pool. It is a hot springs pool and is usually better to warm up in the winter. I haven't been in it for a while but it is still refreshing in the summer, it's just a hot kind of refreshing.

I forget what living near and working with an office that has a view of the hot springs pool really means. Glad to hear everybody enjoys Glenwood. Come visit more!

Nice RR and pic's...

Also, nice camera. I picked up one of those Canon D10's last year. Great bike camera being waterproof and all...

I lived in Denver a lifetime ago. Thanks for the memories...



Lance

I went to school in Grand Junction which is about another 45 mins to an hour west of Glenwood. I rode and skied all over the San Juans in the 4 years I was there. Also, I rode the hell out the all the desert BLM land in Grand Junction and Fruita. That was a great time in my life for sure....

Now thats a nice days outing eh!!!!