Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Share Posted August 18, 2020 Colorado is blanketed in forest fire smoke this month. No rain, single digit humidity and high temperatures and making the forests rather dry. But this morning, the smoke looked thinner than usual so I set out on a ride to the ghost town of Tin Cup. Can almost see the hills... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 I rode about 125 miles south of where I live to Buena Vista and headed west towards Cottonwood Pass.... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 Being a Monday, there was little traffic out today. This isn't all that popular of place to go anyway as it's kinda remote.... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 I didn';t ride this area last year as there was so much road coinstruction going on. That meant that this summer's ride is on new asphalt that is super smooth. Like it... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 No idea who this guy is, just happened to ride by as I was taking pics... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 Made it up to the Pass at 12,126' above sea level. Nice and cool up here today and no smoke... 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 The roads were smooth as you like.... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 Turned down a dirt road and followed it about 10 miles to Tin Cup. Tin Cup is an old mining town but the unique part about it is that it's still inhabited. The old homes are mostl;y used as summer homes and are in pretty good shape considering their age and how they were constructed... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 Of course, I could use some fuel and as usual; none available.. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 Town Hall / Church still looks good... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 A food truck was in town to feed all of the off roaders. Pretty cool...` 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 Headed back home along the dirt roads... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 Passed Taylor Resevoir on the way out - water levels are really low but it makes for a nice campsite.... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 The creek alongside the road wasn't too dry... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 Taylor Dam - which creates the Resevoir... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 After this traffic jam subsided, it was smooth sailing the rest ifteh way home... 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 All in all, a great day of riding - around 300 miles.... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XTreme Posted August 18, 2020 Share Posted August 18, 2020 Brilliant Eric! That town is weird.......the buildings all look like garden sheds! Don't they get broken into though? Cos it looks like the doors could just be kicked open? And a height of 10,000ft........what was the temp there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tym Posted August 18, 2020 Share Posted August 18, 2020 More excellent pics @Earache! Thank you for taking the time to share them!!! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pedro Posted August 18, 2020 Share Posted August 18, 2020 I love that scenery, those roads, everything. What's your average speed on those roads? I ask because that kind of distance for a day ride is something I can only do when using motorways. If I stick to the kind of roads I enjoy I am frequently using second and third gear a lot in the twisty areas. There is no way to get around small roads here. Also, are you happy with that helmet and wind buffeting? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tym Posted August 18, 2020 Share Posted August 18, 2020 1 hour ago, Pedro said: What's your average speed on those roads? Probably about 112 mph . 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 6 hours ago, XTreme said: Brilliant Eric! That town is weird.......the buildings all look like garden sheds! Don't they get broken into though? Cos it looks like the doors could just be kicked open? And a height of 10,000ft........what was the temp there? They are old miner's homes, so probably only 1-2 people lived there. Some aren't much bigger than a garden shed. Doesn't look like they get broken into as they are pretty remote and I can promise that everyone that lives there has guns - lots of them. Break in and die. Colorado does have a Castle Law. My home is at 9,300' feet or so and yesterday's high temp was like 75F / 24C. So This was around 70F / 21C - perfect for riding. Denver (5300') was around 97F/31C yesterday -it's the warmest time of year here. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 4 hours ago, Pedro said: I love that scenery, those roads, everything. What's your average speed on those roads? I ask because that kind of distance for a day ride is something I can only do when using motorways. If I stick to the kind of roads I enjoy I am frequently using second and third gear a lot in the twisty areas. There is no way to get around small roads here. Also, are you happy with that helmet and wind buffeting? The posted speed limit here was 35 mph, but I didn't do much less than 60mph and never really passed anyone. There aren't any cops out here as there are no towns for miles. Pretty much do whatever you want to. No cell service so it's not like someone is going to call the police on you, ( and not like they'd come if someone did). Speed and route chart added - from my GPS; averaged 41 mph overall with stops included - but I only stopped for fuel and to take pics, so no long stops. But my moving speeds look to be in the 60-80 mph range. Speed Touring at it's finest. I like the Arai and have never had any buffeting issues on the Super Tenere or the GS - both have stock windscreens. Buffeting just has never been an issue for me. I know some are constantly changing helmets, screen sizes etc but it's just not a problem for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earache Posted August 18, 2020 Author Share Posted August 18, 2020 2 hours ago, Tym said: Probably about 112 mph . I did hit mid 80's a few times yesterday, will have to try harder next time to get 112. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XTreme Posted August 18, 2020 Share Posted August 18, 2020 1 hour ago, Earache said: Doesn't look like they get broken into as they are pretty remote and I can promise that everyone that lives there has guns - lots of them. Break in and die. Colorado does have a Castle Law. Castle Law? What's that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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