First Day "Solo" Ride 09

I started out 09 just like I did when I entered this world 49 years ago - solo. The much anticipate plan to meet at the "It's A Grind" Coffee Shop and ride the 105 to Castle Rock was a bust . However, it was not a total loss. I had a great cup of coffee, read the Gazette and was thinking about leaving when in popped Kirk -- who had planned to ride but had a last minute change to a family commitment but wanted to stop by and have a cup a coffee. We had a good conversation over coffee about the economy, kids, and motorcycles.

After leaving the coffee shop, I headed towards Monument waffling about taking 105 since I had never been that way to Castle Rock and decided to live on the wild side. 105 was great with very little sand on the road and almost deserted. I managed about 10 over the entire way.

Upon arriving in Castle Rock I made my way to the Rockyard Brewery and discovered the parking lot packed with a real cross section of motorcycles - BMWs, Nortons, Kawis, etc.



I snapped a couple pics which are loaded in the gallery and headed inside. Once inside I discovered I was not the lone PPBMWR wolf that I thought I was because I immediately saw Matt Parkhouse, Tony Black, and several other PPBMWR members.

After lunch and mingling I decided it was time to head home because my kitchen pass was only good for a couple of hours and I did not want to sart 09 off by ticking of CINC House (Commander in Chief House).

I head back the same I had come thinking the road would be less crowded but wound up behind a foursome on Harleys and stayed at the speed limit all the way back to Monument.

All in all a great day to be out on the road and a great way to start a New Year.

'Dawg... so sorry that you had a solo ride from the Springs. I ended up spending the night in Buena Vista and couldn't make it back by this morning. Glad you took 105 up and back. I rode it last week and it's a beautiful ride. Thanks for the quick ride report and pics in the gallery. Was it windiy at all? If it's any consolation, my coffee this morning was terrible.

I saw about 5 or 6 BMWs at Starbucks in Woodland Park about 3:30. Was that anybody from our clan I wonder?

More pics from our Colorado Beemers brethren at http://coloradobeemers.smugmug.com/gallery/6981056_tuoct#446799826_xfL5x