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Relaxing in Montrose

7/30/2016

3 Comments

 
Picture
It was a cool 85 degrees and overcast when I headed East on I-80 mid-morning.  Listening to the Dixie Chicks, " Wide Open Spaces" -- all I could see was white space in all directions. For 42 miles, I only saw white --- eventually, I started to see growth starting but could still tell there was salt underneath.  While all I saw was salt flats, in the very far distance there were mtns. Newfoundland to the left of me, Cedar to the right of me and Lakeside to the right and front -- The Great Salt Lake was directly to the front (East) of me.  There is an outside art installation there called "The Spiral Jetty".  It was created by Nancy Holt's ( Sun Tunnels) husband.  It's on my list but will have to wait until another day.  I'm ready to get off the road.
On the advice of Betty, I avoided SLC and headed SE on 36.  Stopped to get fuel as soon as I exited.  The same group/gang of Hell's Angels were there that were at the hotel I stayed in last night.  I saw them this morning as I was loading Stormy.  There were a couple that were loud and obnoxious, they def. were not interested in talking with me but the majority of them were low key. Much different experience than the last time I was with a group of Hell's Angels in a bar N of San Francisco.  The Jody West band was playing for a charity they were supporting -- the bikers were friendly and protective --- but then I was " with the band".  We are talking 35 years ago?  WOW!  Anyway, at this stop I stood by Stormy, parked off to the side, and watched as they left.  Funny thought --- why do you usually see riders of Harley's in groups and BMW riders solo?  Something to ponder.  As they went past me, I nodded.  I got 3 nods back --- not bad.
36 was a pleasant ride -- pulled over in the little town of Vernon, UT to change my playlist.  I was at a crossroads by a general store 36/Castagno Rd.  Castagno Rd was gravel, every 30 seconds a pick -up truck, or 4 wheeler came up the gravel road and turned left in front of me.  Without exception, every single driver waved, nodded, smiled, asked how I was.  What a wonderful way to be.  I got back on the road feeling loved.
I was pushing to make it to Wellington for the night, but as I got of of 15N and headed E on 6, a huge storm appeared.  Really huge!  It was close to 4pm, so I got a room for the night in Spanish Fork.  Lots of eating options within walking distance -- opted for Mexican take-out.  No alcohol served, so back to my room and my cooler --- I was prepared for Utah.
The next morning, I looked at my maps and thought about a couple of options but a voice in the back of my head kept saying -- just beeline for Montrose.  Montrose is where I am meeting my husband, Todd.  Old Friends, Betty and Jim Ebrecht are hosting the group HCMB's Navy re-union.  Come to find out -- Betty had been sending telepathic messages to me to come early and recharge before the festivities started.  I am so glad I received and listened to them.  Was able to get the salt off of Stormy - mostly, anyway - and sleep the sleep I needed -- safe in a cool, dark, room with dr.'s orders not to come upstairs before noon.  Very much needed and appreciated.  AND, I arrived to rib eye's on the grill!! My favorite.
I did wonder through Colorado National Monument on my way.  Rode historic Rim Rock Drive from the West entrance at Fruita to the East entrance in Rosedale outside of Grand Junction.  #22 on Butler's Colorado Map - it is classified as a G1 ride. "While Colorado often conjures images of rocky peaks, rusty mines and alpine passes, Colorado National Monument blends sandstone towers towers and red rock landscapes akin to southern Utah."  And no crowds!
Can't wait for Todd, Ary, Remus, and Sophie to arrive!  Tonight or tomorrow.........Let the party begin..........
3 Comments
Magda
8/2/2016 01:48:07 pm

Ride and party on girl!

Reply
Mom
8/2/2016 05:59:26 pm

All well that ends well - Second time in two years you made across the USA and half way back. Time to relax - Enjoy the reunion, the pressure off - take a big breath, stop looking in the rearview mirror, what matter most is right ahead.

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bid 4 papers link
1/7/2019 12:37:27 am

There is nothing that interests me more than riding a bike. By bike, of course I mean motorcycles. It is just that it easy way cooler to use the term bikes that motorcycles. I have been a motorcycle enthusiast since I was in college. My older brother introduced me to the greatness of motorcycles. If I were to have something for my birthday, I would prefer something from the Montrose series. I hope that I can save up and buy a motorcycle for myself.

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