The Experience of a Lifetime: Overview of Day One Durango to Ouray!

Of course, I have meant to update this blog for more than a week now. But after being gone for so long on our trip, there was a lot to do.

Now that the wounds on my bottom have healed and all that is left are the wonderful memories, I can honestly say that the ride through the San Juan Skyway was one of the best experiences of my life. Obviously we had the great advantage of being with some of the best people in the world - Scott and Kellie Coe and Manny and Suzanne De La Paz. All the conversation, encouragement, and laughter definitely helped fuel my engines. But the scenery - wow! It was the most beautiful I have experienced in this lovely state of Colorado. And no better way to see it than from my bike!

Let me back up a bit and give you a brief synopsis of our trip:

On Sunday night we all arrived at the Strater Hotel in Durango. Unfortunately, Jason and I got in too late to join the group for dinner. We rolled in just in time to collapse in bed for a good night's sleep. But I hear the hotel was nice! We enjoyed the continental breakfast around 6:30am and by 7am we were taking our first photos outside the hotel on our bikes. The weather was perfect and we were so excited for the 73 mile trip ahead of us. It was a pretty easy and beautiful ride to the top of Coal Bank Pass. On our way to Molas pass the sky clouded up and just as we were summiting, it started to rain and hail. Lots of motorcyclists joined us under cover and one of them said that she has never been to the top of Molas pass when it wasn't raining. So if you are planning on riding your bike there - make sure you bring rain gear. We really needed it on the way down into Silverton. But nothing could stop our shoes from filling with puddles of water from our tires and our bottoms from getting soaked. We were a wet mess as we ate lunch at the Brown Bear Cafe in Silverton. We literally had to wring out!

The weather cleared a bit on our way up Red Mountain Pass to Ouray, but we did hit some rain again along the way. The road was a bit narrow, and the drop offs quite steep, but the scenery was just so amazing. Jason started to get a little tired on this third pass as we neared the top, but little did we know the Coe's and the De La Paz's had hidden a cooler at the top with a six pack of beer! So as we dragged to the top, they were waiting for us with a refreshing toast! What fun.

It was all down hill from there! And I mean fast...The road was recently paved so it was nice riding and we did have to stop for a little more road construction, but it was a fast descent into Ouray. The views are amazing. And the town of Ouray could not be cuter. We were so delighted to be there and to check into our luxurious hotel - The Beaumont. They were kind enough to store our bikes in their boiler room while we spent the night. And I must say that the Tundra Restaurant is phenomenal! Great sophisticated atmosphere and wonderful food and service. We truly enjoyed our meal. It was an incredible day.

Stay tuned for Overview of Day Two: The Ride from Ouray to Telluride...