Trans America Trail - 2008

 

Day 8 – from Trinidad, Colorado to Salida, Colorado.

 

Miles: 182 (road distance as per GPS)

 

Hotel: Super 8, Salida, Colorado

 

Commentary:

This started off as being a great day, the weather was good, I was in the mountains and loving the riding and the maps were easy to follow. I went a little way up the interstate and turned west into the mountains.

 

                               

 

I had a fantastic ride in the foot hills of Spanish Peak (I think that’s what it was called). Colorado had the most stunning countryside I had ever come across – beautiful forests and streams and meadows. Absolutely fantastic, I could have camped there and explored for a week, easy.

 

I came across this and after New Mexico I thought bugger that, I’m rolling right through:

 

 

I did this because the road on the GPS was indicating that this was a ‘CR’ which I believe means County Road. As far as I know that meant that I could use the road but should not stray from it. Just prior to this I experienced my first real problem with the maps that Sam had provided; it said turn left but the road I wanted actually went to the right at a 3-way fork. Nothing serious as the next turn would have been wrong but the GPS sorted me out straight away.

 

I got into La Veta and had a snack and gassed up. Not many people around but had a talk to the gas station owner. I decided to do a bit of tourism here and deviate from the trail a bit; I followed the 160 to Walsenburg then took the 69 over the top of Custer county. This is an outstanding road:

 

       

 

And it’s pretty high up there:

 

 

I then got back on the trail for a while:

 

       

 

I then took of onto 50 for a while to see some more of the sights in Royal Gorge.

I’d recommend doing some investigation here as there are a load of interesting sights in this area – the bridge across Royal Gorge is fantastic.

 

Sam notes on his maps that this days ride is a LONG day and I’d agree with him. You need to get cracking at dawn and not miss any gas stops.

 

I rode into Salida (Sal-Lie-Da) and went to a Mexican for dinner which was really cheap. Had a couple of Corona’s, went up to the NAPA store for some chain lube and got a jet-wash as the bike was looking grubby. I went to the Super8 reception and used a free Internet PC to check mails. I had 579 work emails so I decided another Corona would be in order. When I walked out there was a couple of guys spraying tyre-goop into the back wheel of an old 300 KTM. I asked how they had picked up the puncture to which I received the question “Say what”. I rephrased this to say ‘flat’ as I didn’t have strength to explain that the tyre was flat but 100% functional whereas the tube had a puncture…

They said there was some good riding in the hills and proceeded to wheelie around the parking lot.

I just went to bed at that point.

 

 

 

Journal Quote:

 

Had a good ride today through the lovely state of Colorado. Kept coming across ‘private property’ signs and just rode through this time. No problems. Got into La Veta and gassed up and hit the blacktop to Salida. Things in CO are better as they are more tourist oriented. The people are easier going and there are a lot more bikes on the road. Got to the top of US60 saddle at 8,500 feet. Got cold! Stopped to change gloves and rode off without putting my tool belt back on. Fortunately I was sitting on it. It fell off when I stopped. Close one! Beautiful country and lots of snow. I think the passes will be closed tomorrow so it’s going to be blacktop all the way to Poncha springs then try my luck at 11,500 feet.

Went and had a good lunch at a country store and did a load of washing. Tomorrow will be cold so I’m kitting up. Still can’t believe how much crap I’m carrying! Would love to dump some stuff but can’t see how. Took the bike for a jet was and bought some chain lube at the NAPA store and gave the chain a squirt. Bike still looks ok apart from the side cover. Too bad, not worried at all. Will stay in Moab for 2 days and get an oil change, filter change and air filter change.