All the Way to the Water - Day 9

Day 9: Pikes Peak or bust!

The sun rose on our last day before we turned homeward and the morning was crisp and clear. It was slightly cooler than the previous day and we donned our heated gear for the ride to Pikes Peak. It was now or not at all, for our attempt to summit, and we had not heard news of the helicopter crash and hoped it was cleared so we could ride to the top. The 130 miles through the high prairie passed quickly and soon we found ourselves at the entrance gate.  Our hope was emboldened when we witnessed a few cars enter before us and it seemed that the road was open. The guard confirmed that we could continue the entire way to the top that day and warned us the temperature at the top was below freezing, however we were already geared for the weather and excitedly began the ride to the top.  The way was pleasant and the road clean and clear. We had been warned that there was a 4-mile section of road that was still gravel, and we needed to be cautious when the truck bearing the broken helicopter went past. It was already on the way down but the tight corners and difficult terrain caused the truck to move slowly. It had an escort vehicle clearing a path and we were instructed to yield the way when it came by. 

The climb up was steep but not difficult, and the winding road was a pleasant easy trip for us as we had been practice riding much more difficult roads the day before.  It wasn’t long before we caught up to traffic, and ended up following a very nervous v-twin motorcycle rider with a passenger all through the gravel section quite slowly.  We pulled off to the side when the helicopter came by and they had it covered with a tarp to prevent any gawking that might cause delays.  The summit arrived without warning at the top of a climb and around a bend and we soon found ourselves on top of the world at over 14,000 feet elevation. There was a large stone sign erected near the parking lot and I quickly pulled in front for a photo op.

Much of the way up we remarked about the lack of guardrails on the road and even here at the summit one could walk or drive right to the edge. It seemed an ideal place to try to capture some perspective of where I was and what I was experiencing so I motored over toward the far end of the parking lot and parked my bike.

The surprising lack of safety rails or walls continued on the way down and here is a scenic pullout with a very small wall that serves as a retaining wall. This wall is not knee high and the drop on the other side is quite severe, so much, so that I am sure it would cause injuries that would require hospitalization for some time.

We visited the gift shop at the summit and bought a few donuts. It was rumored that these donuts, made at altitude, are the lightest and fluffiest donuts anywhere. In the interest of science, I was forced to eat 2 of them while conducting field tests, and I can testify that they are very good donuts, and quite fluffy, however I am not certain the altitude is the reason…?  The gift shop was an interesting place. People who visit the summit gather here and eat, buy souvenirs, and chat with other visitors. I had the chance to talk to a small group who had WALKED up to the summit. There is a hiking trail that people use to get up here and many make the trek each day.  I was breathing deeply just walking around at that altitude, even after I had spent the last few days acclimatizing, and here these intrepid folks walked up the mountain.!?   They all nodded their heads knowingly when I told them I was from Wisconsin…as if it was common knowledge that low-landers like me would have difficulties breathing here.

We had done it…a summit run to the top of Pikes Peak. I was thrilled, as I had now ridden my motorcycle to several mountains and high passes over the past few years, with a lonely exception of the most famous one, Pikes Peak.  My riding above sea level altitude list of the past two years included:

Lolo Pass - 5233 feet
Bear Tooth Pass - 10947 feet
Mt Hood - 11246 feet

Eisenhower Tunnel - 11158 feet
Independence Pass - 12093 feet
Pikes Peak - 14115 feet
Mt Evans - 14264 feet

The way back down is the reverse and we made a stop along the way at a curious sign that was along the roadway. Nearing Manitou Springs there is a pull off with an official sign that warns of potential danger in the area. As a Governmentally managed national park I was certain this was of some importance and we made an effort to spend a few moments reading this sign. After all, if the government is spending the effort to advise us, we should be smart enough to take the advice.

In my opinion, if the federal government tells you something than it must be true…? Right?
Therefore, we can prove the existence of Bigfoot…

On the way down from the top there is a small man-made lake. Pristine clear water, and nice walking trails all the way around. The trees were all bursting in yellows and golds and we had to stop to relax ane enjoy more of natures marvels. Colorado sure knows how to do the fall season...