2009 Colorado Leaf Tour, Day 1

In the midst of two kiddos in College and two in High School, with all their activities and needed support, Audra and I found time to get away for some time in the Colorado Mountains. Our Annual Leaf Ride, is a time of 'Recreation', where we get to breathe 10k feet Oxygen and smell the fragrances of the mountains.

This year, we could only escape for two days. For the past four years, Audra had wished for a night at the Redstone Inn....so I based the trip around a stop in Redstone, CO.


Leaving Falcon, we rode up to Woodland Park, up to Hwy 285, over to Breckenridge, back south to Leadville, over to Aspen and loop around to Redstone.


Once leaving Falcon and getting up to the mountains, we rode up to Hwy 285 and over Kenosha Pass.

After riding west on 285, we turned north to go through the tiny Colorado community of Como and then up over Boreas Pass.

Dropping down the west side of Boreas Pass Road, we round a corner to get a full view of the Breckenridge slopes.

Lunch in Frisco was enjoyed at the Boat Yard. This little bar and restaurant is a favorite for wild game, pizza and brews.

After leaving Summit County, we bent back to the southwest toward Leadville. This required a ride over Freemont Pass.

After leaving Leadville, we continue to head west.

Twin Lakes is a beautiful area, just east of the Collegiate Range.


Independence Pass was a crispy chill, but supplied profound views of the high mountains.

Heading down to Aspen, the road narrows to a single lane in several locations.

Parking the bike in Aspen, we quickly found a Starbucks to fuel up on Caffine.

Riding up the Crystal River Canyon.

And finally, after nearly 300 miles, we arrive in Redstone and the Redstone Inn.