Cache la Poudre Canyon

Mission accomplished:  We saw the eclipse.  We opted not to stay in Wyoming where there would be a 100% eclipse, but instead we diverted to Fort Collins, Colorado, where we would experience a 95% eclipse and avoid the crowds.  It was pretty cool thing to experience.  As the scientists and the talking heads (on what passes for news these days) predicted, the lights grew dim as the moon obscured the sun, the temperature dropped significantly (and quickly), the wind kicked up dramatically, and animals started acting strangely.  On that last one, I can’t vouch for all of the animals, but two rabbits ran out into the parking lot and to me, they looked confused.

I didn’t get a photo of the eclipse mostly because I knew a zillion other people would be posting their photos (and, okay, you got me…I was too cheap to buy a solar filter for my camera).  I read, though, that wherever the light peeped through a hole, the shadows would show the the crescent signature of a solar eclipse, and sure enough…that’s exactly what happened.  Check out this photo of the shadows cast by a tree on the sidewalk with light peeking through the leaves.   Look at all the little crescents.  Each of them is a depiction of the eclipse.

This was my first time ever to Fort Collins, and I was impressed.  Fort Collins is a college town (Colorado State is in the center of the downtown area) and it is an upscale place.  I imagine it gets pretty cold in the winter, but it sure was nice this time of year.  The town has a ton of restaurants; we opted to try a place called The Hop Grenade.   I guess the name comes from the fact that they are a boutique beer joint, but what interested me was their $5 pretzel.  We had a middle eastern assortment plate (you know the drill…hummus, olives, feta cheese, etc.) and it was all good, but that pretzel was incredible.  Fresh baked, salty, loaded with carbs…all the bad stuff, but boy oh boy was it ever tasty!

After the eclipse, Sue and I studied our Colorado road map and found a road just north of Fort Collins that looked interesting.  It’s Highway 14, also called the Poudre Canyon Road, or as some refer to it, the Cache la Poudre Road.   That’s French for the road where the early explorers and trappers hid their gunpowder (cache means hiding place and poudre means gunpowder).  I have no idea why they felt compelled to hide their gunpowder, but if that’s what led to the creation of this wonderful road, a hearty merci to you early French explorer dudes.  We drove north out of Fort Collins to find the Poudre Canyon Road, we found it, and it was magnificent.

Here are a few shots to give you a sense of what it is like…

On that last photo, I guess that’s always a good idea, especially on Poudre Canyon Road.  Tight twisties, blind corners, sculpted canyons, and amazing scenery.  It was an amazing ride.  Maybe the road crew felt compelled to put that sign up because there’s no helmet law in Colorado.   It felt weird to see guys on motorcycles riding with bare heads.   That’s not my style (I’m mostly an ATGATT guy).

All the while Sue and I were driving this magnificent trail in the Subie, I was thinking that I need to get back here to do Poudre Canyon on a bike.  Either my RX3 or my TT250 would be perfect for a road like this.  It’s going to happen someday, too.

To my surprise, I had a nice note waiting for me when I got back to the hotel.  It was from my good buddy Dan the K, who rode with us on both the RX3 and the TT250 Baja rides.   Yep, Dan is another one of those guys who owns both an RX3 and a TT250.  You’ll remember Dan from last year’s TT250 Mexico trek…

Anyway, here’s the note from Dan:

Joe:

Noticed on your blog that you’re in Ft. Collins.

Just a suggested day trip for you, although a long day:

Take US 14 west out of Ft Collins.  Follow it all the way to Walden for lunch.  Turn south on CO 125 to Granby.  Head a few miles west from Granby on US 40 and enjoy a Hot Sulphur Springs soak.  Turn back towards Granby and turn north onto 34 an follow it all the way through Rocky Mountain National Park and have dinner in Estes Park, then follow US 34 Back to Loveland/Ft Collins.

Cheers,

Dan K.

I guess great minds think alike, Dan.  Thanks for the note and for the ride suggestion.  We didn’t do the entire route you suggest above, but that first part (Poudre Canyon, or Highway 14) was absolutely awesome.    Next time I’m in the Fort Collins area you can bet I’m going to take a day and do exactly as you suggest!