Not Done.

The training was beyond anything I hoped for - it was incredible. The people, the coaches, the team members, food, motorcycles and lots of good cheer were all in the super positive column. I left a much stronger and better motorcyclist then when I entered. I also made it down and out the 10 mile dirt road with lots of rocks and overcoming the ditches on my motorcycle. It was a great feeling.  (Stay tuned...in process of writing a post about my time at the off-road school.)

Standing on a R1200 GS. It's been a wish to drive one.

After 3 days at the base camp, I headed out with two others to continue on our respective journey's. They headed towards Colorado Springs and I headed to Denver.  4 things for me to do in Denver:

1. Drop off and ship home all the gear in my side cases.

2. Dropped off my motorcycle as it was going to be shipped back home to my office!

3. Secured a hotel room for 2 nights, my last 2 nights in Colorado. After the motorcycle drop off - took a nap and rested. And let all the incredibleness of this bad ass trip soak in. I was smiling that it is done. And smiling all the while knowing, I'm Not Done. The next adventures are starting to percolate.

4. Last thing in Denver, catch a flight home. I landed on Wednesday, sistah #2 picked me up. And just like that, I'm home. 

So much has been going through my mind, my body, my being right now. Just breathing and resting into the calmness that occupies my being. It is lovely.

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PS...I gave great thought and attention on my last motorcycle ride. It was sad and good at the same time. I felt the strongest I have all trip which started over 4 weeks ago. The ride was spectacular and the weather was some of the best I encountered.  

Training. All the time.

As seen in my BMW Owner's News Magazine. That motorcycle picture looks very comfortable to me. Love the set up, the gear, the reddish road and the possibilities that are ahead. 

Tomorrow morning sets the beginning of another adventure...Rawhyde Training Center in Colorado for some off-road training.

Off-road scares the living daylights out of me. Definitely due to my little mishap last year, like when I totally lost control of the motorcycle and both it and me went sliding down on the ground. I was very lucky and so was the bike. That moment of losing control continues to replay in my mind - over and over. I was climbing an incredibly (very incredibly) steep hill of gravel, there was water damage on the hill - like when you see deep ruts/ trenches created from too much rain. It seems I was so focused on it that I couldn't see anything else (and visions of getting the front wheel stuck in a rut was not a calming thought in the moment but the only thing that filled my mind). And then I went off the side of the road to come back on and then I just slid, off the bike and the bike was on it's side. Not a feel good so it was a no brainer to stay away from anything off-road. Which is kind of funny because Colorado is home to off-road riding...not only on motorcycles but jeeps too. I was in the capital of jeep country - Ouray (you-ray), Colorado.

At the Des Moines rally, I attended a presentation on "top 10 tips for touring". It was an excellent session - I learned a lot. Out of the top 10 tips, I was very pleased to hear that I had incorporated/and have been using 6 or 7 of the tips. When the presenter / guide mentioned - everyone should take an off-road training course, even if you never plan to off-road, as the skills you learn will serve you anywhere you go. That's all I needed to hear and I signed up for my class - the one in the ad.

I'm nervous and a whole lot excited.

Also, I will be someplace for 3 nights - a luxury these days. I am grateful.

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My supplies (food) are starting to dwindle - which is good. I brought a few too many things (clothes) - some of which I already sent home in a box. I may need to ship more home. I decided to ship my motorcycle and catch a flight out of Denver. I wanted maximum time in Colorado - to ride home would be another 5 - 7 days easily. I wanted that time now. Everything that is stored on my bike needs to come with me or be shipped via UPS.

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If I had a another month to be on the road - what possibilities could have occurred?
Something to think about for the next trip.

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The time had come a few days ago to make plans for the flight home. I was at the last possible day to secure a good rate.

Will try to take some good pics along the way and of course at the Rawhyde Off Road Training.

Living life to the fullest...each day.

Since Paonia.

Took the most stunning ride yet via 141, through the Unaweep - Tabeguache Canyon on my way to Telluride. Visited Gateway, Norwood, Telluride, Million Dollar Highway, Ridgway, Ouray (love), Silverton and now in Cimarron Valley.

I really like Telluride. Very cool town, everyone is beautiful, the streets are bustling, and it is surrounded by gorgeous mountains. So many things to do outdoors - walk, ride the bike, hike and they have a beautiful park hosting community events. Loved the free Gondola ride which was perfectly timed for the sunset. The gondola takes you over to Mountain Village. The ride was 13 minutes there and 13 min back.

Great spot for people watching in Telluride. 

Mountains of Colorado.

Walking a path during sunset along a creek near my Telluride hotel.

People watching - man drives into town on his BMW...talks with friends then leaves. BMW cyclists everywhere.

Some of the many BMW motorcyclists I encountered so many BMW riders everywhere. Here I was in Gateway, CO and met these 3 gentlemen. It was instant community - everywhere.

One of the many roads travelled this trip.

Riding through a gorgeous canyon on Route 141.

Looking down on Telluride.

Gondola Ride - took a lot of photos.

Gondola Ride in Telluride. Love those Aspen trees.

Best Laid Plans

 Got up at 5:45am to get to breakfast at 6 to leave by 7am. Turns out - you couldn't see a thing - the fog was so thick (see below). No early start today. That's the way it goes.

Back in Des Moines...fog so thick delayed take off a few hours.

On my way to the next location - the main road was closed - a tractor trailer fell sideways across the mountain pass. They detoured us through a back road...5 miles of dirt/rocks - fortunately pretty compact. Definite raise of the heart rate driving on a dirt road but why not? The road closure could take another 3 hours. 

I'm in Cimarron Valley as I write this. At a really adorable 1 room cabin called Aspen on a RV camping ground just off the main road (Route 50). Cars / trucks going by. A view of hundreds of acres in front of me, cows grazing in the distance, surrounded by beautiful and colorful mountains.

It seems I am close to Paonia....again (big smile).

On a walk at sunset in Telluride.

My current spot at the RV campground with cabins. Tried something different with the pics...added as the full original picture taken. There is so much depth and breadth to the landscape. Huge mountains in the distance, large open fields in the forefront. I must be looking at thousands of acres. Typing and drinking my coffee this AM. I am just not ready for reentry.

As seen on a bathroom wall.

Norwood, Colorado.

2047

The stunning canopy of trees above me these past few days in Paonia Town Park.

2047

The number of miles travelled to Paonia, CO. 

It is the year I turn 78 years old. 

It is 29 years from today. 

The number of seconds that I received a wonderful massage in Paonia Town Park. 

Fairly certain it is the abundant amount of calories I consumed for my delicious and over indulgent dinner tonight. 

I feel as if I’ve met over 2047 people. A lot of new friends and acquaintances. 

I would like to stay in Paonia and take more pictures of the beautiful trees in the park.

Happy Place. Paonia, Colorado

Paonia, Colorado. I f*cking love it here!

I want to stay camping. The people, the weather - it is dry, we are under shade from the most gorgeous trees, I love being in the tent at night, I love my neighbors. We had incredible music last night, cool weather, and did actually sleep. Did I mention I was in a tent outside!

This was the ride today...I'm coming around that corner.

Can you see me?

There I am! Love this picture!

I’ve been on the road since Independence Day, July 4th…17 awesome days on the road. And now I've turned a corner. I am officially in road trip mode. I have no idea where I’m going tomorrow - I’m in no rush and I’m ok with this. I like the Paonia area and not so sure I want to leave. Is it Tuesday or Sunday…does it matter? 

I met Lubbock, Tx this morning - we had a good chat over coffee and motorcycles. Asked him about a certain ride today and later on - he made sure to connect me with some other riders going in the same direction. There were 5 of us this morning. Great guys - all of them. Bobby, from NJ who moved to Denver 10 years ago, we split off from the others after we reached the Blue Mesa Dam. The others wanted to head into Black Canyon - Gunnison and I was ready to meander back to the Park in Paonia. 

Random shot from the ride today.

Fabulousness!

Gorgeousness!

Notice happy smile.

Stopped off at Delicious Orchards - organic peach /cherry / apple farm. They offer camping too. Stopped to check out the scene…possibility for tomorrow. 

After I arrived “home” at the park, a shower was def in order. Tried to find outlets to charge the electronics - but they were all taken. I don’t have cell service in the park, but there is free wifi in the main kitchen area about 5 min walk. My tent neighbors were enjoying some crisp white wine and offered me some. I took them up on some ice and poured a nice bourbon. Today was one of the most beautiful days in my life. Followed by one of the most incredible evenings of my life.

Neighbor Carol from Washington State.

Damon...liked him a lot.

Having fun. 

I declared last night that I would like to have my 50th birthday party in Paonia, Colorado at the BMW Colorado Rally in 2019. You need to bring a tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag and a smile. You are officially invited to celebrate and help in giving back to the town of Paonia. Let me know if I should add your name to the invite list. More info to come as we get closer. Save the date:  July 2019 - Paonia, Colorado - Rachel's 50th.