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Keep in mind that our decision making process was not strong on this trip. I was trying not to direct all the trip decisions, yet my brother-n-law has not ridden Colorado in 30 years, and I am quite familiar with the basic roads and towns throughout the western part of the state. That being said, I was leaning toward heading towards Lake City from South Fork. Our decision would be further influenced by rain setting in over Wolf Creek Pass. We pulled in for gas near the intersection of CO 149, and we both decided to gear up for rain.
As usual, most of my life has a place to tell a story or incident. This is no different! My rain suit has shrunk somewhat since my last big ride, but it still goes on. I know, because I verified this before I left home. That being said, getting suited in my carport, is different than suiting up at a gas station. I was in good company, because there were several other old, fat guys there doing the same thing!! Did I mention that the air is thinner there? So, I am out of breath, and wrestling those dang rain paints over my posterior, and my front appendage is not helping. Fortunately, an older woman saw me and came over and helped. Yes, she grabbed the seat of my rain pants and pulled them up for me... Geez!!! Yes she did! Her male partner said that I might need a bigger pair of rain pants... You think??
It was good for a laugh, and actually, I was fine once I got them on. It might have been easier if I had them on the right direction, as they seemed to fit much easier the next day...hmm!! I wish I had a picture of that moment.
Ride on into the rain! Well, sort of. Fact is, we got lucky, we headed toward Creede, and though we heard a few loud rumbles of thunder, we merely got a few sprinkles as we lumbered along CO 149 enjoying a great ride. The temperature was great, and traffic was minimal. We arrived at Creede, the rain picked up, causing us to bypass the actual downtown area. Sorry Creede, perhaps next time!!
The rain settled off again as we headed up towards the headwaters of the Rio Grande River, and onward towards Slumgullion Pass. We actually took a couple of pictures.  I did not take a picture of the Amish family in the van we saw. Yes, they were Amish. I have seen it before, they will own a van, and hire a driver and go on a driving vacation. My family has done business with an Amish family in Indiana for decades. We have driven them to see other family members and they also own a van. But, it is still unusual to see them out of their setting.
So, as we pulled up, they saw us, and though they didn't really sprint towards their vehicle, but lets say they did not linger. I of course, gave my usual Hello! One of the younger men nodded his acknowledgment, and a couple of the young women giggled. Grandpa stood guard at the van watching me. “How are you doing?” I asked with no answer. Note: This tale will not end until later in the day!! 
The weather was beautiful at this point, and the remainder of ride into Lake City was sunny and spectacular. My brother-n-law rides much slower than I do because of vision problems, so I had a nice relaxing run with great fuel mileage. I would coach him along using our Sena headsets, which worked great at distances up to about ¾ mile. read more...
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