Editor's note: Photos from the Internet

People don't want other people to get high, because if you get high, you might see the falsity of the fabric of the society we live in.
- Ken Kesey -

In our previous episode, DFH rider was brutalized by the prairie winds of Kansas, and made it to Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs is in the shadow of Pikes Peak.

Since the original plan was to arrive Sunday, and my hands could use the break, I decided to hang around Colorado Springs for the day. I had researched the regulations regarding cannabis and set out to frequent a dispensary. I immediately learned that Colorado Springs, has medical only dispensaries. I presume that is due to the high concentration of evangelicals.

Colorado allows local governments to disallow recreational cannabis shops. The solution is to visit another town. The dispensaries are intriguing. They run you through a gauntlet of showing identification and meeting their regulatory requirements. The stores have loose bud, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates and a bunch of other stuff that I was unfamiliar with. Sunday afternoon, I visited a dispensary near the base of Pike's Peak. The joint was hopping. There were license plates from all over the mid-west, people from 21-80 years old, SUV loads of soccer mom's, golf foursomes, DFHs and people that did not look the part. The rate of exchange was very rapid, and the store smelled wonderful.

Monday, I set out to get really high. I waited for the fireball to peak above the horizon and set out for The Black Canyon of The Gunnison. The first pass crossing was 38 degrees. When I got to Wilkerson Pass (9,504 ft.), I stopped to take pictures. Unfortunately, I had the camera and phone in a duffle bag and they got cold enough that they would not work. I had to put them in my pockets, to keep the batteries warm enough to work. It is great to get this high! I rode along The Collegiate Peaks,

over Monarch Pass (11,312 ft.),

and on to The Black Canyon of Gunnison. It was absolutely beautiful and exhilarating.

I was now on the western slope. During the evening lay over, I ascertained that the weather was a few days from frozen precipitation above ~7000'. Originally, I was going to swing through New Mexico and approach RMNP from Steamboat Springs. Steamboat Springs was calling for overnight sleet and Rabbit Ears Pass (9426 ft.) had gotten snow, so I switched my itinerary to make sure I made it into RMNP. Tuesday, I did the Hotchkiss to Carbondale run. McClure Pass (8,755 ft.) was absolutely stunning!

Since I was not headed as far north as Steamboat Springs, I also did Minturn to Leadville. US24 travels above 10,000 feet, shadowed by 14,000 foot peaks for over 20 miles. Including Tennessee Pass (10,424 ft.).

Next, back up to Frisco via Colorado 91 and the disappointing Fremont Pass (11,381 ft.).

Wednesday, on to Loveland Pass (11,992 ft.),

and The Peak to Peak. The rides were exhilarating. The isolation, inward focus and external stimulation created a fabulous peaceful feeling, leaving me tired and invigorated.

I made it to Estes Park, the gateway to RMNP. Thursday will be the climax of the trip, literally. Trail Ridge Road peaks at 12,183 feet!

Climax may be under selling Trail Ridge Road. There were 40 MPH winds with gusts to 60 MPH, above the tree line (like this). The ride was exhilarating and terrifying. I could not look around, and ride. The wind meant constant intense vigilant riding. Exhausting, yet cleansing.

Once I crossed RMNP, I had two choices, five to six hours around, or ~2 hours back over the top. Take two.

Predicted higher elevation snow, and lower elevation rain was on the way. Friday morning, I stopped for a couple of PRs and headed east, through The Pawnee National Grassland.

I am still organizing the thinking I had done along the way. Sue was with me, and rushed to the forefront several times. Hopefully, I will be able to collate my thoughts and articulate them.

Have a great weekend! The thread is OPEN.