What A Full Moon

When The Sun Comes Up On A Sleepy Little Town     Down Around San Antone     And The Folks Are Raising For Another Day     Round About Their Home     The People Of The Town Are Strange       And They Are Proud Of Where They Came   Well    You Talking About Your China Grove 

The Doobie Brothers

The Caption And Me 1973

OPPORTUNITY:

A Silver Sneaker was sharing a story with me about their useless daughter's boyfriend. There is always two sides to the story and in this case it could be more like four sides to every story.

The situation basically was the daughter is relocated to Durango Colorado and the boyfriend is a flake. Does this sound familiar?? 

The more that I listened to these passionately descriptive stories filled with utter disgust, I chimed in. The deal I struck with them was that they would pay for my room, my meals, and that I would drive the Uhaul both ways. Wasn't all that fired up to help unload but for some reason I offered my services. Dumb A$$

They couldn't believe it, wasn't quite sure how to take it, and even made mention as if I was serious. Give me the address here in GJ and the address in Durango and you can count on me. They Were Stunned 

I went over the night before, after the truck was loaded, see you in Durango. I departed early that Tuesday morning and the drive to Ouray was simple. As I was heading up Red Mountain Pass ( Million Dollar Highway ) I knew the Bald Eagles were was calling my name back to Ouray. Both hands on the wheel, I drove like a ballerina dancing across the mountain range. I was creeping up the hill near Purgatory Ski Resort when they pulled along side of me all smiles. Party train the rest of the drive and unloading was easy peasy.

We casually made our way over to Steamworks Brewery for a bite to eat and a few delicious adult beverages. I went into reminiscing mode as there was a race that went through the brewery. I kid you not!!! Back in the day, the entire weekend was an event. Friday night was check in and packet pick ups. There was a bicycle parade that evening and costumes were encouraged. Saturday morning started off with a race against the train to the town of Silverton and then riding the train back to Durango. Sunday was the town crit and the brewery would remove the massive glass window, set up the wooden ramp, through the bar, out the backdoor, and down the ramp to the alley way. 

The criterium was an hour long race and you would try and complete as many laps as you could. Then, a bell lap would ring out and it was an all out sprint for the win. I would always hang back at the start of the crit races and allow those 15 inch spandex calf muscle to lead the way. Those serious monsters could easily conquer double digit lap counts but not me. After about lap 8 or so for me, I would let a little air pressure out of my rear wheel, find a little space, ride through the window frame, and pull a wheelie the length of the bar. The crowd noise would be deafening and I loved hamming that SH*T Up. Durango Kicks A$$

OURAY:

Left Durango before sunrise and rolled into the sleepy little town of Ouray. I notice two Marshall trucks parked about a block away. All be damn if two bears were in this Ponderosa Evergreen. The two officers made it clear that I wasn't wanted and to move along. So I politely continued walking towards Main Street and on down near the public pools. I dig the Koi Pond there and stretched out before heading back to the empty mechanical machine that awaited me. 

With a fresh cup of Joe in hand, I decided that I should selflessly take full advantage of my time here in Ouray. Even with tourist around every corner, Ouray is worthy of a visit. 

After a few more photos to send / share with friends, decided I had time to hike a section of Bear Creek Trail. The thought of driving back to GJ quickly became less of a priority and hiking topped my list of To Do's. And hopelessly glad I took the leap of faith. So Picture Perfect  

WEEKEND WORK:

Back up to Marble for two days of cleaning up after a drywall job. Yes, it was completely uninspiring work but it pays well. The guy that pays just finished drywalling an entire Victorian Home and I was manual labor boy for the day. Great 

The next morning, the air was flipping chilly, I walked down to the main park for a quick round of Disc Golf. To my surprise, folks have added 5 or 6 new holes to the old course. They definitely put in loads of hours mowing down weeds, digging out new tee pads for concrete pours at some point, and hippy signs with arrow markings towards the next tee. 

Two of the new holes will be impossible in the spring and summer. The new baskets are single chain only and unfortunately ankle putt baskets. Meaning, cheap baskets but for free, Oh Baby!! And as I was walking along a fairway after my piss pour drive into a tree, a two headed deer stood there in the sunshine checking me out. Even they disapproved of my lame drive. 

OK, you got me. There were four little Bambis but two ran off before I could snap the above photo. And below is one of the new baskets. You can see were the volunteers cleared away brush and thankfully added orange flags to all the new black basket locations.  Banner Mountain Trip 

CYCLING:

Just a few miles around town but nothing all that flashy. The city is replacing sections of the River Trail that have been in need of repairs for years now. So I am slowly spinning out miles and jacking around really. 

And check out the storm that never made it. A perfect display of how the Grand Valley is shafted once again. Our massive flat top Grand Mesa diverts weather systems and all we receive is wind and beautiful sunsets. And Yes CJ, 42 Is The Answer. 

I was riding the other evening and Mr Moon was so bold and beautiful. The Grand Valley was blanketed by those high translucent cirrus clouds so the old moon flashed and dodged and shined its light upon the blackened asphalt. I am always mesmerized by the way the moon knows how to hide on the other side of those mature Cottonwood Trees and then peek out at just the right time.

Couldn't pass up this here Nomad. It's completely gutted out and the motor is weeks away from firing its pipes to life. The midnight flat black paint is fresh and those rims are eye catching. So I rode over and snapped that shot. Most of the time on the saddle is all about those insignificant moments in time. Eyes Wide Shut 

Overall, our weather is totally perfect these days. Somedays I am not all up for a ride but with ideal temperatures I feel obligated to spin those wheels. Midway through every ride, I am glad I bucked up. 

GOALS:

1. Bust A Move
2. Finalize My Halloween Costume
3. Dance More & Bark Less
4. Finish My Latest Art Gifts 
5. Enjoy Time With Friends Next Weekend 

Until Next Time, Dig Deep And Lead With Your Heart,

Cheers