Winter in the Rockies

Winter time is upon us. OK, so I accept the fact that since I moved from Arizona to Colorado I am limited on my winter riding days. No regrets. I just love the mountains. And we always get those "warm" days during the winter when three to four layers of clothing and a good attitude make the perfect combination for a great ride.

So, maybe I will see some of you out there. Be safe and stay warm! ;-)

Spring Time... let's ride

So I made the move from Arizona to Colorado. Needless to say, that shortened my riding season. Don't take me wrong, I love the Rockies and have no regrets about moving back. I was able to take the bike out a few days during the winter and plan on doing a lot of riding this summer, without having to put up with triple digits.

Now it's Spring time, and we are starting to see a lot more bikes on the road. A few things to remember before going for a ride:

• If your bike was in the garage for most of the winter, make sure to check your tire pressure.
• It might be a good idea to schedule that "Spring service" just to make sure everything (fluids, brakes, battery, etc.) is how it should be.
• If heading out on some secondary roads, pay attention to residue from the snow-melting treatment. There is still a lot of sand/gravel out there.
• Keep in mind that drivers did not see bikes on the road during the winter, and might not be paying attention or expecting to see them now.
• Be prepared for weather changes. It might be raining in the lower altitudes, but it might be snowing in the high country.

So, be safe out there and let's enjoy the ride!

Colorado in September

It's no secret that I love riding through the Rocky Mountains. But let's not forget about another activity we can all enjoy in Colorado: hiking. So, recently I packed my saddlebags with some hiking gear and took advantage of a beautiful September day, combining two of my favorite activities.

It is fall in the Rockies and mother nature is painting a colorful picture.

Riding around, enjoying the fresh air and the scenery... then a stop to tackle one of my favorite spots: Lilly Mountain, the first hike I ever did in Colorado.

In the background, Long's Peak towers above all others in the Rocky mountain National Park.

Not a bad way to start a Sunday!!!

Colorado 2013

This has always been one of my favorite trips.There is something about riding in the Rocky Mountains that is very special to me. So I took off from Phoenix on a Saturday morning and rode the first leg of the trip to Durango. This part of the trip is the least scenic, so the only picture is the one above welcoming me to the Centennial State.

After a nice meal and a relaxing evening in Durango, it was time to hit the road and start exploring the majestic scenery Colorado has to offer. I rode through some familiar roads, but also tried to take some new ones to discover unseen sites. I succeeded. :-)

At the top of Monarch pass I was tempted to take the little tramway that takes you all the way to the top. The quickly approaching storm changed my mind. You gotta love the weather in the Rockies!

On the next day, after spending the night in Golden with friends, it was time to cover my old stomping grounds: the Rocky Mountain National Park. In through Grand Lake and out in Estes Park.

On the next day, a little more of Estes Park  and its picturesque downtown shops where you can get anything and everything Colorado. Then down to Loveland and Denver - the Mile High City - with its many attractions and a night life that offers options to all tastes.

Then it was time to head west and explore some new roads. I honestly didn't care about the bad weather as I turned south after Glenwood Springs to find roads where I had not ridden before.

The last night was also spent in Durango where I sat and watched the rain fall, finding great satisfaction on the journey I had just completed and wondering where my next adventure would take me...