Lake City-A Peak Experience

[2WheelNut]

Concerning SXS vehicles, I think the person was referring to the number of them that get rented and then driven around like they're the only ones on the road and/or drunk. I have no idea really since I haven't been up there since before SXS's were a thing. I did think it was a bit funny since everyone I know who buys a SXS suddenly thinks they're Mario Andretti in the Baja.

It's not a problem in that area. Or at least it hasn't been for me and I've been on those passes a dozen times in the last few years after SxS rentals were common.

 

[Mudclod]

Our first big challenge came in the form of Cinnamon Pass. All we practically had to do was pull out of the driveway onto CR 30 and head on up.

We were thinned out through attrition and after everything was said and done only the two mighty Wr250r’s made it to the summit!

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[Mudclod]

Dahveed then took us to Animas Forks. Too cool. The place was packed with tourists. A truck load of Amish from Indiana as well. Great conversation!

Off to California Gulch. Our downfall for the day.

It was our first experience of the week for really thin air. Dahveed “let his bike rest” on the last switchback before the top.

It’s much steeper than it looks!

After much huffing and puffing (and a little help from a really cool Park Ranger) we were back on track.

While I was retrieving my bike he did a report on Dahveed but no citation. He just documents everything. I guess he could have gotten him for Failure to control ability, ha!

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[veriest1]

It's not a problem in that area. Or at least it hasn't been for me and I've been on those passes a dozen times in the last few years after SxS rentals were common.

That's really good to hear. I suspect one or two bad apples is all it takes for some people to get jaded.

 

[Dahveed]

I absolutely love that area, in the spring, summer, and fall Not so sure I would like it in the winter

Was Poker Alice's reopened? I had heard it finally closed down around 2018. It was not open when we were there in July 2018.

We had lunch here twice instead,

Southern Vittles

Southern Vittles · 200 Silver St, Lake City, CO 81235

★★★★☆ · Restaurant

goo.gl

It was quite busy, but still good and relatively quick.

On a family trip there back around 2015, we stayed at the Wagon Wheel Cabins in the middle of town next to the gas station. It is nothing real fancy, but they were clean and not expensive. Ours was a two room cabin with a sleeper sofa, perfect for the five of us.

Wagon Wheel Cabins

Wagon Wheel Cabins · 249 Gunnison Ave, Lake City, CO 81235

★★★★★ · Indoor lodging

goo.gl

We rented a jeep so I could take my wife and kids around the Alpine Loop. I have to say it is MUCH more enjoyable on a bike

We ate every meal at the cabin while in LC. I’m sure some of the places are tasty there, but we ate like kings with @UncleBuck doing the cooking.

Yes, the Alpine loop is a rough ride in a 4 wheeled vehicle. And it takes forever.

Visitors

Steaks! I know I took a photo of my steak plate. Maybe I ate the photo, ‘cause I can’t find it now! [emoji2955]

Will on the hunt!

Jeff cutting up fajitas.

So all of us started to go up Cinnamon pass. 3 decided to turn around at American basin. Will and I continued up and we’re celebrating at the summit when this soccer-mom SUV (not that there is anything wrong with soccer moms) with street tires summits. Kind of took the wind out of our sails. [emoji23][emoji1787]

Later that same day, Ryan wrecked. Here is an artist depiction of the wreck

Ryan on the way to the doc-in-the-box.

 

[bwdmax]

It is always nice to have a chef in the crew.

 

[Dahveed]

It is always nice to have a chef in the crew.

Our suspensions didn’t agree. [emoji23] We all needed slightly stiffer springs by the end of the trip. [emoji2957][emoji39]

It was great. Plus we were a 15 minute ride into town. So nice to get to the cabin and NOT have to ride into town, pay more and have worse food.

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[Dahveed]

Great pictures! I was once told to never turn around on those passes... because the only thing worse than having to pass a SXS is having to pass it again.

Will did a great job with the photos!

Weekends are worse, but 99% of the traffic is polite and reasonable.

But you will be passing all sorts of 4 wheeled vehicles on the Alpine Loop.

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[TossingLead]

 

[Jarrett]

Dang, did UncleBuck cook all that pictured above?!

 

[Dahveed]

Dang, did UncleBuck cook all that pictured above?!

Yep, and more...

 

[Jarrett]

Wow, had no idea he was such a good cook.

 

[Dahveed]

Wow, had no idea he was such a good cook.

Ok, he didn't make the cinnamon rolls. They were purchased from Costco.

 

[UncleBuck]

Dang, did UncleBuck cook all that pictured above?!

I didn't cook everything. @TossingLead and @Dahveed helped out a lot. The cooking part was fun for me and I think we all ate pretty good. @maximus_flavius and Josue showed up one afternoon; we had steaks, good conversation and a cocktail or two that evening.

Oh yeah - there was some good ridin' here and there too. It was such a beautiful area of Colorado. Already looking forward to the next trip up there. When will that be?

 

[Mudclod]

Yes UncleBuck was indispensable. The other two gents needed little help either. Eating and bullshooting was the highlight of every day.

Steak night. We had to send the drone into town for beer!

Did I mention our house was about six feet from the
South Fork of the Gunnison.

We had a guest appearance from maximus_flavius. He wasn’t there ten minutes and had already scouted out the good fishing holes.

Dahveed burned some great pork ribs.

And TossingLead reciprocated with fantastic fajitas.

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[bwdmax]

Man you guys had it going on.

 

[Mudclod]

CR 50 from Slumgillion Pass or Los Pinos road was a real gem. It follows Ceballo creek for miles. Much dispersed camping along here.

This was one of the coolest free camping spots I’ve found. These guys look like mountain rock stars, ha!

This was Cathedral CO.

We were accused by some of riding “bunny trails” and while coming around a corner on Pinos Pass we found this. I couldn’t believe it!

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[Mudclod]

My last day to ride and I wanted to check Engineer of the list. I’m glad I did.

The road was more difficult than Cinnamon but with a better surface.

There were hundreds of sheep on the mountain side.

What a view!

 

[Jarrett]

Did you find the WR250R to have enough power for this ride?

 

[Dahveed]

Did you find the WR250R to have enough power for this ride?

yes. It could have a little more, but it’s fine. I could also weigh a bit less too. If they made a WR350R or WR450R, that would be an improvement IMHO. But the 250 is ok.

 

[c_m_shooter]

Hey, I've been there.

 

[Dahveed]

Hey, I've been there.

ugh. That’s making it harder.

 

[Mudclod]

Did you find the WR250R to have enough power for this ride?

My WR was totally stock. It did fine on the dirt but the highway was a challenge at that altitude.

 

[Mudclod]

A few parting shots. Much thanks to those who organized the trip. I had a blast!

 

[bwdmax]

Thanks for the views of those places. I never get tired of the mountains.