The day was beautifully sunny and in the low 60s down in the metro area, and I would see a low of temperatures in the high 30s at the top of the pass. Great riding conditions!
Well, except for the first mile of the Loveland Pass Road, on the east side where I started up towards the pass. The road was wet from melting snow and it had not evaporated as this portion of the road is in the shadow of the mountainside. I chose to go nice and slow and steady, stopping twice to either let cagers get past me in their rush to the top; or to "evaluate" going further or turn around.
Mind you, I wasn't feeling slippery conditions, it just looked "icy" at times. Still, once I rounded the first main turn on the road up, it was sunny and 99% clear road conditions. The top of the summit was crowded with lots of cagers and folks snowboarding, but I was able to find a good spot for Brigitta.
The requisite picture of one's motorcycle by the Summit Sign.
The view to the east from the top of Loveland Pass
View to the west of the summit of Loveland Pass
Mountain peaks to the north of Loveland Pass
Brigitta and I then motored on past the summit, enjoying the lovely dry road conditions. We rode down towards the hairpin turn that marks the lowest point of the pass area.
feet further up in altitude I am guessing.
At this point, it was time for me to turn around and head back towards the summit. I really didn't want to be negotiating the wet roads near the bottom of US6/Loveland Pass Road when temperatures dropped.
Just before the pass summit, you can see the cars parked up there.
Brigitta and I cruised once more through the summit area, and then made our way down towards I-70. I had to stop on the side of the road a couple of times to let cagers pass me as I was going near the speed limit and apparently that's only guidance to those cagers. The last stretch over the wet section of road was thankfully without a cager behind me.
Soon Brigitta and I were motoring along at 65 mph on the I-70 Super Slab heading back towards Denver. The ride back was uneventful, traffic was light to medium and the weather warmed nicely as I approached the city. Brigitta elected to use I-70 all the way through the metro area and then took back roads back towards home.
I would end up basically doing a big loop around the metro area, with Loveland Pass and the Continental Divide being the "highlight" of the ride. About 140 miles or so I believe, and Brigitta ran great. I checked the swing arm pins upon my return and no issues with loose lock nuts. I believe Brigitta is good to go in terms of that service task.
Update: 03NOV13: Brake fluids replaced on both Brigitta and Valencia.
Previously: Halloween and Previously Scary Beemer Maintenance
8 comments:
Any reason is a good reason to take out your bike, isn't it? I imaging that Brigitta was very happy to get so much attention lately. Amazing how much snow has already gathered.
We have been pummeled by heavy rain storms and winds at speeds of 100km/h (62 mph), no riding conditions (but good enough for hiking, and that's what we ended up with as weekend entertainment).
Nice photos of the pass. It looks like you're the only one around though your text indicates otherwise. Doesn't it feel nice to get those kind of maintenance tasks done yourself?
Thanks SonjaM, brigitta's reaching of the 100,000 mile milestone has indeed gotten her some attention. Today she'll probably get her brake fluid changed, exciting times.
Yes, RichardM it feels good, though it being the first time I did that task, every bump in the road had me thinking of possibly loose swing arms! :)
It wasa lot of cagers up at the pass, I just waited for quieter intervals.....letting clusters of them rush on by.
Great photos, as usual. However as much as I like the looks of snow in the mountains I can do without the reminder that winter is on its way.
Canajun, sorry but I do live for Winter riding....on three wheels of course. Thanks for the comment.
I don't have anything worthwhile to comment on except a belated happy birthday. Just wanted you to know I'm lurking, again!
Irondad(Dan), good to have you lurking about.....
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