We have been looking forward to today for quite a while.  This is when we make our way from New Mexico in to Colorado where we will spend the next five days riding all over the state.  Most of the day is spent riding US Route 550 starting from Bernalillo, NM to Ouray, CO where we will spend the night at one of the rockin hotels on the trip: The Ouray Chalet.

It starts out with hot waffles with OJ and coffee at the Days Inn Bernalillo.  From there we hopped right on to 550 and made a bee-line for the border.  Oddly enough, I did not take many pictures in New Mexico.  We made it to the NM-CO border by midday of course stopping for the obligatory state line photos.  I could not believe how quickly the scenery and terrain changes.  It is literally from the point at which you cross into Colorado the colors and scenery change.  The sand colored desert mountains almost instantly turn to giant mountains of greenery dotted with golden Aspens that are just ready to let go of their fall leaves. 

Durango seemed like a nice quiet little town.  I am sure that all changes once ski season rolls around. The architecture of the buildings and homes were reminiscent of those in the Canadian Rockies, Canmore, Lake Louise and Banff with lots of polished wood and log cabin like homes.  We only stopped to get gas so I am sure there was a lot more to see.  Next stop, Silverton...

I had no idea Silverton was as small as it is.  Apparently there are only about 300 folks that actually live in town all year round.  It is also one of the highest towns in the US at just over 9300ft. and let me just say you really do feel it when you go walking around to find a place for lunch...  Whew!  We managed to find a BBQ joint with celebrity status.  Guy Fiery had done an episode of Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives at the Thee Pitts “Again” in Glendale, AZ.  Shortly afterwards, the owners moved to Silverton and opened a second restaurant where he serves the same menu and has their episode playing in to dining room.  The BBQ was great and the 4 of us could not resist the dessert:   Fried Twinkie.  Not only did we have a great lunch in Silverton, we also had the opportunity to sample a nice Brown Ale and IPA at the local brewery. 

The Million Dollar Highway runs about 25 miles between Silverton and Ouray.  Let me just say that was some of the most technical and curvy road I have ever encountered in my life.  Not only was it full of crazy switchbacks, S-curves and hairpin turns, the altitude gets as high as 11,000ft. oh and did I mention there are no guardrails???  Suffice it to say I would not me going anywhere near this in any kind of inclement weather.  We all made it to Ouray unscathed and must say I cannot wait to ride that again.  The first time through was a little unnerving but it was definitely great preparation for what was in store the rest of the trip.  

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