It showered while on Trail Ridge and as I arrived into Steamboat. Temperatures ranged from the mid-30’s to 70’s.
Day’s distance: 221 miles
Total trip distance: 10,833 miles
Steamboat Springs was my destination today. My first waypoint would be Nederland, Colorado via the Boulder Canyon Road, Hwy 119. This two-lane road was relatively busy and the pavement was in rougher shape in spots. The roadway follows Middle Boulder Creek.
From Nederland, I traveled along the Peak-to-Peak Highway, Hwy 72. I traveled part of this road last year, on Day 40 of my Western States Tour. Last year, I stayed overnight in Estes Park, but this year I was just grabbing breakfast at ‘Coffee on the Rocks’, a yummy cafe located near the entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park.
I rode the Trail Ridge Road last year. This time, it was rainy, and very foggy at the top. The highlight of today’s passage was watching an elk eating very close to the road.
Here is a short video of Trail Ridge Road created from the photos I took last year when the day was clear and sunny.
Since it was raining, I only took a few shots this year.
The rest of the ride to Steamboat was uneventful, although I noticed that my fuel gauge may not be functioning correctly. It was either raining or threatening to rain, so I didn’t stop to take too many pics.
I stayed at the Rabbit Ears Motel in Steamboat …
named after the Rabbit Ears Pass I just rode across. It is located across the street from Old Town Hot Springs, which I visited (twice) before they closed at 10pm.
I really enjoyed the visiting the soaking tubs at Hot Springs. The last two evenings have been relaxing. Together, they have created a very soft ‘landing’ from the stress of the mechanical issue with the bike.
Tomorrow, I’ll be leaving Colorado, entering and leaving Utah, and landing in Wyoming. 🙂