Originally published in Motorcycles On The Road Again, July 2007.
Colorado Front Range
Tom Matthews Turkey Creek Tours
Sitting at the convergence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek, the city of Denver lies between the vast expanse of the Great Plains to the east and the foothills and high peaks of the Rockies to the west. First time visitors to the "Queen City of the Plains" (Denver's traditional nickname) are often surprised to find the city is not actually in the mountains. If you have at least a half-day, here are two of the many terrific mountain/foothill rides that will give a rider a pleasant mountain excursion.
Golden, Black Hawk, Nederland and Boulder
Head west from Denver on 1-70 and ride the 40-mile scenic circle in the foothills known as the Lariat Loop. The scenic and historic by-way connects to the top of Lookout Mountain with twisting tight switchbacks and great views of Mount Vernon Canyon. Once at the top, while you rest from the ride up, stop in at Buffalo Bill's Museum and Grave. The Museum displays the legend of William F. Cody including exhibits about his life, the Wild West shows, Indian artifacts, Western art, and firearms. Continue your ride down the north side and take advantage at the turnouts to stop for pictures of the magnificent views of the Mile High City and the plains. At 6th Avenue, turn left to visit the town of Golden, "Where the West Lives!" The "Welcome to Golden" arch over Washington Street says it all. Park the bike, walk around town, and relive the old west. The famous Coors brewery, 134 years in business at the original address, offers tours but avoid the temptation of too many free samples as there are miles to go!
Ride west out of town and take Hwy 6, Clear Creek Canyon, into the hills. Wind through the tunnels
-.PRESSC the bridge, and look to the right at the Meyers Ranch, a big yellow Victorian house, which served as the winter quarters for animals of the P.T. Barnum Circus in the late 1880's. A board inscribed "Circus Town 1889" was found in the house during renovation in 1955. Through Aspen Park and Conifer, ride on to Pine Junction. Turn left on Hwy 126 and head down hill towards the town of Pine. This road passes through three different wild fire burns that blackened the forest over the last several years.
In Pine, the road meets the Platte River. The Elephant Rock Café is a good place to stop for coffee. Say hello to Cindy who serves riders great coffee and other foodstuff from the antique trailer. Racks of free books hang on the wall outside the library, ready to browse. Turn left at the library and detour to Sphinx Park, this will bring you to the Buck Snort Saloon. The road is dirt, narrow and steep and runs in a narrow gorge next to Elk Creek. Cruisers need to take it slow; dual sports, have at it. Ride beneath huge granite monoliths and see vacation cabins perched in unlikely positions in the rocks. The reward is a small, ramshackle log building, where they dish up the famous "Buck Burger" along with a beverage of your choice. Occupy your wait time for grub by reading the graffiti from your perch on a hewn log stool. The deck that hangs over the creek has a view of crazy granite boulders, bigger than the houses and homes perched in and on the rocks. "The Snort" is a favorite with locals and riders from Denver, open everyday during the summer with live music on the weekends.
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