This last weekend, I added an extra day and spent three days cruising the Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico Rocky Mountains. The wather this summer in the Rockies has been the best in 25 years. Cooler days, green like Ireland and for us not a bit of rain. We cruised down from Denver to Pagosa Springs where you can stay in the newly finished Springs Hotel. It has great accomodations (although they still have a couple of wrinkles to figure out) along with access to their 17 natural hot spring pools. What a treat with pools ranging from 96 degrees to ove 115 degrees. Second day we’re off for a visual candyland experience traveling from Pagosa Springs down to Chama, NM. Great little western town with the end of the narrow gauge Cumbres and Toltec Railroad. We followed the railaroad route back into Colorado and ended in Antonito, Colorado. You really can not find a more idyllic motorcycle cruise in North America. The 1200, with 130 hp at the back wheel is as much fun as you can have on motorcycle-solid, fast, and reliable!! I never got it over 125, but I can say that at 125, it’s not even breathing hard. On to Taos, NM where we hung our helmet at the Taos Inn, the oldest and most authentic hotel in town. Dinner at Doc Martin’s under the new Nexico sky is a must if only because of the tradition. For some fun, hit the Alley Cantina for happy hour drinks. You will be highly entertained by the local bartender. He poured a Vodka you’ll never forget.
Third day, on to Raton, Co and to the National Cherokee Grassland. Hot, dry and really fast. We finished off by passing through Rocky Ford, Co famous for it’s produce, especially cantaloupe. It’s really Colorado’s version of Salinas, CA-a true garden spot.
All in all we covered over 850 miles in 3 action back days. I rent the K1200GT from a great little outfit in Denver called Colorado Tourbike Rentals. You can reach them at 866-337-7810 or visit them at www.tourbikes.com. Talk to Bill or Debbie.
Until next year, I can’t wait to get back in the saddle of the GT!!!!