BHR Day 3, June 25 – Winter Park, CO to Deadwood, SD

Long trip and long day. We did Rocky Mountain National Park in the morning, it took about 3 hours to travel the 60 or so miles. Darlene was suffering from altitude sickness, did not get much sleep at all the night before and was struggling on top of the mountain. On our way into the park I saw a cow moose and two calves and we saw a lot of elk on the top of the mountain. We hit 12,200 feet. It was quite cool on the mountain and there was snow still around. At a stop on top, we took a group picture. We saw a lot of other bikers, and several of them did not appear to be prepared for the change in temperature. No helmets, sleeveless shirts. They would have definitely been cold since it was likely 50F or less at the top. There was a vintage Ford group doing the mountain as well. Actually there was a lot of them and we passed several of them for several miles. Some of the cars seemed to be struggling a bit with the grade.

Back on flatland the temperatures warmed up quite a bit. We stop in Loveland at the Thunder Mountain Harley dealership, they are getting ready for the Thunder in the Rockies rally and its busy. Eat lunch in the conveniently placed Hooters restaurant. Boy will they have a busy week!

After lunch and in Wyoming, on I-25 the temperatures reached about 100F. Combined with the altitude sickness and high temps some of the riders struggled. Along the way (hwy 18?) we hit some road maintenance and a slight delay. Last stop before Deadwood some of our party desperately needed a break. Back on track and into South Dakota and major change of scenery. Trees, hills, and now after 6PM so it starts to cool off. A lot of deer on the side of the road, eyes wide open! Five bucks, antlers all in velvet. Five does, up and down the side hill, a couple of singles in the ditches. Finally got into Deadwood, cool town, and settled into the hotel about 7:30 PM. Darlene is exhausted, grabbed a sandwich and ate in the hotel room asleep by 9:30 at latest.

Approx 460 miles