Two passes, two days off. A match made in dual sport perfection. Hauling our bikes from north of Denver to Buena Vista Colorado was yet another of Mark's good ideas. Thus were we able to pack plenty of camping gear and tent our overnighter by the lulling sound of a nearby creek. Cottonwood Pass was our first ride. It's been several years since we rode this lovely area. Still beautiful and well kept, it was most enjoyable. After completing it we continued on gravel to nearby Tin Cup and Mirror Lake. Calling a halt at Mirror Lake and taking a round trip ride back up Cottonwood Pass allowed us to enjoy our campsite, relax with a healthy dinner from home, and turn in early. Would that a good night's sleep had followed! Our 52 and 60 year old bodies felt the hard ground right through our foam pads and thick sleeping bags. Our leaky air mattresses are on the docket for repair, stat! Fortunately a great breakfast at the Brown Burro in Fairplay, generous guzzling of coffee, and excitement for the new day of riding helped to revive us nicely.

Weston Pass was perhaps the better dual sport ride of the two passes, mainly due to the rougher surface of the road. Plenty of potholes (fun!) helped to keep us alert. Mark the pro handled the ride no problem on his KLR. Darice the lesser experienced found the loose and rocky surface uncomfortable and scary. Thank goodness for a supportive, and problem solving husband. Airing down the tires of both the KLR and the DR 650 was a tremendous improvement!! What a world of difference in handling and comfort this made for the DR650. Old cabin and mining remains, a lovely pond, abundant wildflowers, and mountain views made for an enjoyable hangout at the summit before riding back to our rig and heading (sniff, gulp) home.

We dearly enjoyed our days off together, loved the views and wildflowers, and even got in some geocaching along the way. We had no bike drops, leaving the DR650 in virgin condition, and the DR650 saw it's first 1000 miles on the odometer. More local dual sport riding and geo to come next week, a great way to spend our summer weekends.