August 6th, 2005
We get south of Denver and stop to fill up, we decide to have some dinner at a Wendy's and think we are almost there. We have got to be close. Denver on a map is really spread out and you have to pay close attention to the scale. We spent another hour getting up to Longmont and to the hotel in particular. An eery shadow looked over us from the west as we could see the dark mountains lines against the dark clouds. It was amazing that this went on for miles, sometimes we turned towards this dark void and it looked like it was just going to cover us as we drove into it, then the road would turn away. We turned into the mall just before the hotel and later learn our counterparts did the same on their trip in at 9:30. We are barely at the counter when the Nebraska contingent greets us!!
Didn't even get settled and Ken has already shed his boots and gear and is getting relaxed! We snapped a late night photo of us with the infamous Crumbs and Chopper Scott who had been patiently (NOT) awaiting our arrival!! LOL It is about 12am local time. I greet Pat and Scott with a big biker hug!! It was great to finally meet them and to be off my bike for the evening!
L-R is Gonz, Gonzbro, Ken, Crumbs, Scott, and Mike
In the a.m. Crumbs introduces me to Adrian (TJMac). Scott states that he has had to listen to metal talk all night! I personally never metallurgy I didn't like. Ba dum dum che'!! Time for another photo op. The mountain is now visible in the morning light. A spectacular and formidable view to behold. I do not think I could ever tire of looking at it.
L-R, Ruhk, Crumbs, TJMac, Chopper, Gonzbro and Gonz, and WKenneth
We head off to the breakfast spot and cruise around aimlessly looking for it. Chopper Scott spots a large group of bikes which leads us to where we needed to be. It was a large group of old Goldwingers getting their fill and instructions in the restaurant. We are greeted by a large man, Guardian, guardian indeed!! he is Shadow Moms husband and was instructed to watch for the guys from Texas!! That'd be us! As we walk in, a recognize and go right to Albert (Swarm) our webmaster and introduce myself. He is a great guy to hang out with and get to know. Seems to have a lot going on at one time and I am glad he put all this together and maintains it as well as he does.
Here's the agenda for the day....those hills back there. Lets go!
And the ride begins.... about 15 bikes I believe the number was.
This clump of rock looks out of place. Red and rocky looks like it belong in Arizona!
Getting into some hilly area.
Around every bend there are more mountains ahead of us. More to explore and see. More to stand in awe of... we stop and get some shots of the people and Erin is designated photographer! She takes Crumbs video and hopefully gets some good clips from it. We pull ahead at one point and get a video of everyone going by....Swarm is crazy with his arms in the air, you can see he is visibly phsyc'd to be here today!! Even though he says more than 30 minutes is uncomfortable! LOL
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Gonzo
02' Shadow Spirit "Vicious Cycle", 98 Valkyrie "Eragon"