On a very fine and brisk November day, the very fine and special VFR ascended/descended nearby Kenosha Pass for a tour of the high meadows of Colorado's South Park. This gem of a lonely and sweeping riding area is well covered in the Colorado book , but there is something noteworthy, if not magical, by spending time on a lonely early winter's day, on a lonely road carving through a lonely and removed place. So, a few words, a few pics, and an onboard ride vid at the end to tell the tale. First, the map link...
http://maps.google.c...&sz=11&t=m&z=11
Here's the first pause on the southern slopes of Kenosha Pass. A spur of the Mosquito Range is in the distance with its 13,000 ft. sentinels standing guard on this side of the park....
The first pause is at Jefferson at the base of Kenosha Pass. Back in 1937 the only motorized means into the park was by narrow gauge train...
Today, instead of two rails transporting travelers, it is two wheels delivering the rider...
Before venturing down the mesmorizing and time-hasn't-changed Tarryall Road, there is a quick scoot west to pay homage the closer Mosquito Range. With a tripod, captured three pics at different EV levels and HDR'd (High Dynamic Range) the image.
Now we venture south on the Tarryall/County 77 Road. About five miles down this county road, the expanse of South Park, with the big blue above and the big tan below, presents itself. If you ask me, the VFR is still a looker...
Here is the HDR version from the same spot, but at a different elevation thanks to the tiny tripod...
This County 77 trip through time is loaded with tales of the times. Here's one... at the ghost town of Bordenville a tragic story is told. Rancher Benjamin Ratcliff upset with rumors and gossip directed towards his daughters shows up at a late 1800's school board meeting with a loaded gun. With the outcome falling short of Ratcliff's expectations, and with board members fleeing, his gun is emptied into their backs, with three succumbing to their wounds. After a frontier trial, he is subsequently tried and hung, but is not considered worthy to be buried in the pioneer Bordenville Cemetery...
Here is what is left of Bordenville, 70 years ago and today...
The Tarryall Reservoir at the end of this ride report is a popular ice fishing destination, but the ice needs a little more "curing" before the hardy fishermen show up with their ice augers and huts. I'll tell you this, the VFR doesn't need any curing. It is ready for anything...
And the kinda extreme HDR version...
The ride video through the above landscape...
Edited by sfarson, 22 November 2011 - 06:30 PM.
[image: View Post]sfarson, on 22 November 2011 - 01:47 AM, said:
The shades of blue sky, the bending road, the silent homestead, the sweet bike, with 13,822 ft. Mt. Silverheels anchoring the western end... [image: Posted Image]
This is a hours ride from where I live, and maybe 20 minutes from Steve! Strait up hwy 24 for me. Its a ride I have done many times, and a bittersweet one cause not too far from there at Red Hill pass a good friend of mine Naked Elephant met his end on his yellow y2k vfr. I cant pass though South Park without thinking of him.
[image: View Post]Lee 2002, on 22 November 2011 - 04:50 AM, said:
Calendar shot, please submit
[image: View Post]sfarson, on 22 November 2011 - 01:47 AM, said:
The shades of blue sky, the bending road, the silent homestead, the sweet bike, with 13,822 ft. Mt. Silverheels anchoring the western end... [image: Posted Image]
Agreed, a buch of great shots, but this is the Best!
[image: View Post]Dutchy, on 22 November 2011 - 02:16 PM, said:
EV? HDR? :huh:
Everyone... Thanks much. It was one of those rides, as many are, of collecting memories not miles. Dutchy... High Dynamic Range digital imagery is explained well here. I wouldn't say it is a better technique, or produces better images, but is just something different to try for a different and sometimes improved rendering of the setting.
"Nice shots and I agree the 5th Gen is still a "Looker" but then I am biased." Me too! Love the sound in the video of the engine pulling - I could listen to that all day. Makes me want to go ride right now. :smile:
Awesome pics. Loved the "before and after" ones for sure also.
The only weather we get here in Michigan in November are clouds and rain...and sometimes snow. But at least we have straight, flat roads to make up for it... :angry:
Lobster. I can relate. Spent time in Grand Rapids back in the 80's. Lots of lake effect snow. A moist cold. That said, have always felt Northern Michigan... the forests, the coastlines, the harbors, Mackinaw, Harbor Springs, etc. and etc. is one of the top summertime destinations in the country. Beautiful, and riding sweet. My wife and I, before the kids came along, rode a Honda V45 Sabre all over MI! FWIW, noting your KTM, it was a KTM990 delivering a lot of the book's off road content. [image: Posted Image]
Just found this... simply? AWESOME ! Given the opp, I'd ride the Rockies anytime ! ..... Had a great time riding the Telluride area last July on an '03 but it's just not far enough east to really get the whole effect of those stunning mountains .....
Great pics and video! I did the same ride from CO 24 to Jefferson in July but the road was under construction - a real PITA. Glad to see that's finished - I'll have to try it again soon. BTW, anybody know if they fixed all the potholes below the reservoir?
Jeepers sfarson - what a sensational post! .... I fear that only those with the pure beating heart of a motorcyclist would truly understand how special a set of sweepers on a quiet road can be for the soul - thx for sharing your 'religious' experience!
[image: View Post]sfarson, on 22 November 2011 - 01:47 AM, said:
Today, instead of two rails transporting travelers, it is two wheels delivering the rider... [image: Posted Image]
How did you get the 'effect' of this pic - it's got a sureal vibe which looks like it's from some swanky art magazine - the shadows are long so perhaps it's just because it's taken in low light - but anyway I think this is my favourite - really nice pic.
[image: View Post]sfarson, on 22 November 2011 - 01:47 AM, said:
Just bought a 4th Gen red this morning and I live in Boulder—I can't WAIT to get out and ride some of the canyons near here! Thanks for the inspirational pics. See you on the road!
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