We woke up this morning surprised to see sunshine as the forecast predicted rain… Bonus as packing up in the rain is never fun. We provisioned last night so breakfast was quite nice with a veggie scrambled eggs.
Our camp nestled in the bushes at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP
We were on the road around 10 and headed to the ‘scenic motorcycle route’ CO92 Winding its way around the Gunnison river and Gunnison National Forrest. It wasn’t long before the forecast turned out to be true. The sky turned darker and soon enough it was time to pull over to put on our wet weather gear. This will turn out to be the first day riding in the rain (proper rain) since we left Florida 42 days ago.
It started off as being intermittent rain showers which weren’t too bad. We stopped in Crawford at a “bike friendly” cafe- bar / restaurant for a warm drink and some food. We later found out the place in question “Old Mad Dog” was once owned by Joe Cocker (well his wife to be more precise) the dried off, cleaned the helmets and made plans for the rest of the days ride with the help of some fellow local riders. They recommended spending the night in Glenwood for reasons that will become apparent in a bit.
Doing some “where shall we go from here” research while warming up at The Old Mad Dog Cafe in Crawford
We set off again in some more severe rain, on what is supposed to be a scenic ride but, for us will be more of a wet and cold one! As we approached the McClure pass at some 2600 meters of altitude we were getting seriously cold and our Pinlock which did so well this far threw in the towel leaving us with little visibility, cold wet and somewhat in need of a warm up stop.
We were extemely lucky to find a closed restaurant in Redstone with a large front porch for shelter… It turns out that even though closed, the owners of the Crystal Club Cafe were there and extremely nice. They felt sorry for our cold wet souls and invited us in. They offered us hot drinks, gave us towels to dry off the gear, even installed a little heater for our jackets and put our gloves through the dryer! Very very nice country people indeed.
The ‘Crystal Club Cafe’ on a sunnier day where we warmed up and dried off (photo courtesy of trip adviser)
The Iron Mountain opposite the hot springs of the same name
What was a wet and cold day turned into a a wet an warm relaxing evening at the Iron Mountain Hot Springs. These warm baths couldn’t have come at a better time and the 240kms cold wet ride was soon forgotten as we tucked into our flatbread snack and Guinness stout staring at the Colorado in the sunset. And what a sunset it turned out to be! We stayed at the springs until 22:00 followed by a late diner… Relaxed and ready for a comfy warm bed.
Hot springs, food, cold beer and a sunset over the Colorado River… Does it get any better?!
The verdict, well we have a few things to add to the shopping list… waterproof gloves, new boots (our old ones didn’t keep the water out long!) New heated grips for the ladybird and gators for Zoe to keep her feet dry. We will surely come across more rain as we progress north so we have to prepare for it.
Our damp gear hanging all over the hotel room
TA
Looks like an other day with other experiences isn’t it ?
Lucky the bikers gave you that address because I truly believe you both really needed a good warm bath 🙂
In the room, dring up your linen… even the bed lamp was in use haha…
Hopefully tomorrow comes a day with sunshine !
xx Mum
I couldn’t but note that it says “Marmot” on the tent, when you would identify as “Lizard” in long gone days, Tanguy!
Rain on a bike is not nice, I know and mine didn’t have an engine in even longer gone days.
Second or third hot springs? I lost count, but it restores your feelings with nature after a day of showers.
4th time baci today!
Keep well (and dry)
Hey ! I thought I already road this comment yesterday ! It’s gone ?
You even have a bbq in front of the tent ! 5 star stay and hot tubs with sunset view all in !! waauw
Lucky buggers euh sorry bikers…;-)
xxx Mum