It's My Culture and Heritage

Harley Heritage

We just got back from our annual motorcycle vacation in which we rode to Durango, Colorado with 3 other couples. Most of us were on touring bikes--three Electraglides and one Heritage Softail. As far as I am concerned, it's not what you ride, but rather that you ride.

I recently saw a t-shirt that says "Bikers know why dogs hang their heads out car windows". That pretty much sums it up for me. Riding on a bike and seeing beautiful countryside is so different than traveling in a car. You get to experience the ride with each of your senses. The smell of the mountain laurel was sweet. The wind in your face was refreshing. The sound of the pipes was deafening at times. The ever-changing landscape was breathtaking. the taste of the bugs...uh, I guess that could be described as breathtaking as well.

We rode over 2700 miles in 8 days and rode in temperatures ranging from 32° to 100°. We rode over mountains reaching elevations nearing 12,000 ft. and crossed the continental divide several times. We saw the beginning of the Rio Grande River. As we explored the back roads of Colorado, we saw wildlife such as marmots, elk and a close encounter with a deer who choose an inopportune time to cross a mountain highway. That can get your heart pounding.

Our last night was spent on Historic Route 66 in the Blue Swallow Motel, built in 1939. That was a cool experience I won't forget.

Seeing a part of America on the back of a motorcycle is a thrill we share with our friends. It's hard to beat good rides, good food and good friends.

©2009 Laura Smetak All rights reserved.
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