Independence Pass

[Testarossa]

Archangel came by on his new ebike on Thursday and proposed a cruise up to Independence Pass (12,098 feet, about 3700m) for Friday. We wound up with five bikes: His Stelvio, my Mille, a couple of 1200 beemers and a Super Tenere (two of the riders were my neighbors, Mike Sr and Mike Jr, Junior on the Yamaha). We had a big snow year with lots of avalanches across the road and CDOT didn't get it open until June.

After a brisk ride over McClure Pass we hit heavy traffic in Aspen. Breaking out of town, Mike Jr and I probably rode too fast going up. The Mille seemed to enjoy a good thrashing. We hung around for an hour on top. A lot of ADV bikes passing thru. I swear the Mille was the only bike on view not styled after a carnivorous insect. One guy on a 125cc scooter, wearing full race leathers. He went up and down at 25mph.

On the way down, Junior and I probably overdid it again. I was admonished to act my age.




Testarossa, Archangel and Mike Sr




Our team.  Archangel probably has better photos.

[Chuck in Indiana]

You *are* acting your age.. 

[Jim Rich]

Always exciting to go over that pass.  Rode over years ago on my Concours, going E to W and camped at the Lincoln Creek campground on the W side.  Next morning, riding out in the rain, a rock the size of a large suitcase came tumbling down and crossed the road ahead of me.  Thanked my lucky stars that it missed me.

[rtbickel]

I rode the pass a couple of weeks ago.  Nice temp, got us out of the heat at the lower elevations. I always like that road.

[LowRyter]

I think Independence is the best.  Not only is the scenery great so is the ride.  There are still so many passes I haven't ridden.

And Aspen is pretty cool too.  It's the only place in the summer that I have more tan in my complexion than the average population.

[Testarossa]

On the way home we encountered a Porsche rally. About 60 of them in four squadrons, nose to tail at 60mph on McClure Pass. Each squadron composed of its own era or model: 356, 911, and so on.

[rocker59]

We rode Independence Pass during the 2009 and 2015 Colorado Classic 1000 rallies.

Good fun!

 

[oldbike54]

 Cool .

 Dusty