Thursday morning I got a late start.  I wanted to go to Silverton for breakfast and then poke around in Telleuride and such.  This was my fourth ride over Red Mountain Pass and it still never fails to impress!  I was looking forward to my chicken fried steak and eggs!  On the ride out of Montrose I couldn't help but notice the very strong presence of the Colorado Highway Patrol -- they were quite busy pulling over speeders so I really watched my speed as I headed toward Ridgeway and the beginning of "The Million Dollar Highway".

Approaching Ridgeway Park ---->

Once through the town of Ridgeway the highway took on a new flavor as I wound my way toward the touristy town of Oray.

The steep Climb out of Oray and the road the first 3 or 4 miles after offers some of the best riding and scenery I've ever had.  Even this Colorado Native paid due respect to the dangers of driving this section ---->

A little further on as the road climbs toward the peak the switchbacks become a bit more intense.  With no guard rails and lots of traffic this is not a place you want to "blow a corner".

Although it's difficult to see down there that's the highway down there in the valley.

I'm not incuding any pictures of Silverton itself as others have already done a better job of than I could.  I do have to say that the first time I was in Silverton I stopped at the Chatanooga cafe for breakfast and had some of the best chicken fried steak and eggs I'd ever had.  I'm sad to report that cafe is no longer in business.  So I resorted to the buffet at the Hotel.

Heading back into Montrose offers an entirely different perspective of the highway --->

Rockies Gold 2007 was as much about meeting people as it was about the riding and the roads.    Here are some people pictures taken at the restaurant.  Again if you see yourself anywhere let me know so I can modify these pages!

Ok Time to look at some of the bikes that were there,  and then head back to the parking lot for some more storys and a lie or two.

Yours truly with Dave  ---->

And the winner is ----->

Tomorrow a ride through the Grand Mesa Loop, and The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Last and Final Page ----->

http://www.jimnlyn.com/page19.html