Day 2 of our HOW adventure was all in asphalt as I made my way from Raton, NM to Meeker, CO.
I rode alone for the 450 miles and spent 12 hours on the toad.
Just out of Raton, NM on the I25 we enter Colorado through Raton Pass at 7,834 feet of elevation.
As I arrived in Trinidad, CO I took the State Highway 12, also known as Scenic Highway of Legends. I always enjoy this beautiful road where one can view unusual volcanic formations. As I rode along and take in the aura of the place, I think upon the spiritual myths of the American Indians and the history of their clashes with Spanish explorers and the many cowboy books where the promises of fortune led, trouble followed and tales of outlaws “settling their differences” were common.
I was surprised that as I entered this area, the weather changed dramatically and temperatures plummeted and the wind rose up.
Stopped at Cuchara to take some photos and then rode to La Vieta where I stopped and visited one of my favorite coffee places where I had a delicious smoothie and an espresso coffee.
Also met some other motorcyclists that had just done part of the Trans American Trail (TAT) and shared stories.
Another highlight of the day was Bishop’s Castle on CO165 which is also a very nice road to ride.
Stopped the bike and walked in to take some photos. Check them out. Wild !
Then rode CO96 to Westcliffe, CO which is a very scenic mountain town and then rode CO69 to Cotopaxi, CO where I had lunch and met Billy “The Kid”. The south to north ride along the CO69 was in a valley where I rode parallel to the Sangue de Cristo mountains on my left. Stunning !
After lunch, as I was going pass Burns Vista, CO, contacted Keith Smith and we agree to meet at his parents place. It was a great stop where I partook on eating a birthday cake of Norma, Keith’s mother who had turned 90.
It was getting late so, I said goodbye to the Smiths and made my way up Independence Pass which rises to just above 12,000 feet. It is about 32 miles long and took one hour with stops along the way to enjoy the scenic views. It twists around stunning groves of aspen trees and hugs the Roaring Fork River. The road is steep, narrow, and twisty with only a few guardrails.
Arrived at Meeker after sunset after a full day and since it was late decided to prepare a dried Pad Thai dinner using my camping equipment.
Make Life a Ride !
Encounters on the Road - Keith Smith in Buena Vista, CO
Crossing Independence Pass in CO
Click HERE to read and see photos of Day 2
Click HERE for all the photos and videos of the Day
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