Again, I am really glad I got an early start. Highway 9 over Hoosier Pass on a weekend is incredibly busy, and, again, Colorado drivers are really incautious about giving you enough room. Thankfully, I’ve mastered keeping my bike in a straight line. This was surprisingly hard at the beginning of my journey, when I wasn’t used to the weight or distribution, but now it’s second-nature.
The descent was a challenge, because the road was partially in sunlight, and my eyes couldn’t adjust to the contrast, and there are lots of potholes and cracks, as well as aggressive drivers in pickups and SUVs. At one point, there was a line of 15 or so cars in front of me, behind a semi who was descending really slowly (protecting his brakes, I assume), and I was going the same speed as the cars. An idiot started tailgating me, no more than 3 feet from my wheel at times, and he was gunning his engine. He was so close I couldn’t even safely pull over, because there was no shoulder. Finally, he passed me and squeezed between me and the car in front of me. I was actually relieved, but I confess I did yell some foul language in his direction.
Despite all that, it was just beautiful! I lived in Breckenridge for several years in the early 1980s. Although Breckenridge is nearly unrecognizable, the natural beauty of this area is breathtaking, and I found myself yelling in joy on the ascent and descent.
Tomorrow, I will take another TransAm out-and-back detour, to Georgetown, Colorado – another place I called home for several very formative years. I’ll be joined by a friend I’ve known most of my life who still lives in the area. He’s going to try to kill me on Loveland Pass, but I am going to take it sloooooowwwww!
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