Twisty Peaks Ride – The Adventure Begins!
- Jerry James
- Aug 5
- 15 min read
Mark and I had been planning this trip for weeks. We were both itching to escape the brutal summer heat of Oklahoma and Arkansas, and there was only one logical place to go: Colorado — where the temps are cooler, the air is thinner, and the roads are twisty in all the right ways.
I hit the road on July 24th, leaving home at 6 AM sharp. The goal? Beat the heat bubble that had parked itself over Arkansas like an unwanted houseguest. It had been hanging around for weeks, and trust me, riding in full gear under those conditions is no one’s idea of a good time.
The ride to Mark’s place in Norman, Oklahoma, was smooth and uneventful — just how I like the first leg of a long trip. I rolled into town around 3 PM, hot and a little road-weary, but already feeling the excitement of what was ahead.
Friday, July 25 – Chasing Cooler Air
Friday greeted us with a surprisingly pleasant morning — a good omen for the ride ahead. Mark and I hit the road by 7 AM, eager to get some miles under our tires before the heat could catch up with us.
The ride out of Norman was smooth and uneventful, just the way we like it when we’re settling into tour mode. We knocked out about 260 miles, making our way to Pampa, Texas, without touching the interstate. Back roads were the theme of the day — quieter, more scenic, and way less stressful than the super slab.
We pulled into town early enough to beat the worst of the afternoon sun and grabbed a hotel. Lucky for us, there was a solid little steakhouse just across the street. After a long day in the saddle, a cold A/C room and a hearty steak dinner hit the spot. We took it easy that night, knowing the real adventure was just getting started.
Saturday, July 26 – Into the Land of Enchantment
We were up and rolling early again — not just to beat the heat this time, but because the excitement was kicking in. Today, we’d make it to Raton, New Mexico, and that meant the real adventure was about to begin. Colorado was just around the corner, and we could feel it.
The roads started to get more interesting as the flatlands gave way to rolling hills and high desert. The scenery began to shift, and so did our mood. We stopped to check out Capulin Volcano National Monument — a cool little detour that gave us a taste of what was to come. If you’ve never ridden through this part of New Mexico, you’re missing out. It’s seriously underrated for motorcycle touring — wide open roads, incredible views, and hardly any traffic.
One of our favorite things to do while traveling is stopping at local coffee shops. There's just something about grabbing a cup in a small-town café that adds to the vibe of a ride.
Unfortunately, our timing was a little off in Raton — we rolled up just as the coffee shop was closing for the day.
Oh well… we shrugged it off and headed back to the hotel to rest up. Tomorrow, the real mountains were calling.
Tomorrow, we cross the state line and ride into Colorado — where the temps drop, the elevation climbs, and the twisties are waiting. Let the real fun begin.
Sunday, July 27 – Birds, Brunch, and the Enchanted Circle
The morning in Raton greeted us with exactly what we’d been chasing — cooler temperatures and that crisp, high-desert air. We geared up and hit the road, ready to ride the legendary Enchanted Circle, one of New Mexico’s most scenic loops. Our plan was to head west on NM 64 toward Eagle Nest, with the promise of mountains, lakes, and twisties calling our names.
But first… chaos.
Just outside of town, we rolled up on a carcass in the road — the kind of thing you see now and then on the backroads. This one was surrounded by a gang of big black birds having their morning buffet. I was leading when one of those birds decided it had somewhere else to be — and unfortunately, that “somewhere” was directly at my helmet. I ducked at the last second, and WHAM — the bird slammed into the top of my Ben Spies replica HJC like a fastball.
Mark said it shot straight up 20 feet in the air before tumbling back to earth, "deader than a door nail," as he put it.
I tweaked my neck a bit, but all things considered, it could’ve been way worse. Just another reminder that riding motorcycles means staying alert — even for aerial attacks!
We shook off the adrenaline and continued on, greeted soon after by the peaceful view of Eagle Nest Lake shimmering in the morning sun. We cruised through Cimarron and eventually rolled into Red River — one of my favorite little mountain towns. If you’ve never been, put it on your list. The vibe, the views, and the coffee are all on point.
Speaking of coffee, we made our stop at Steam Coffee Co. (steamcoffeeco.com) and enjoyed a slow cup while soaking in the mountain morning. No rush — just the kind of peaceful pause that makes road trips like this so special.
After Red River, we aimed for Taos, where we treated ourselves to brunch at Michael’s Kitchen. (michaelskitchen.com) It never disappoints. We got lucky with parking, rolling in just before a local parade took over the town. The wait was a little long, but hey — we weren’t in a hurry. Brunch was solid, the people-watching was top-notch, and the road ahead looked promising. After brunch in Taos, we made our way past the stunning Rio Grande Gorge Bridge — a sight that never gets old. We didn’t stop this time, but if you’ve never seen it in person, do yourself a favor and pull over. It’s one of the most impressive views in the region. You can read more about it here.
Continuing west on NM 64, we passed by the Earthship Biotecture community — one of the most unique places you’ll ever ride past. If you’ve never been, it’s worth a detour. Jamie and I have toured it a couple of times, and it’s always fascinating to see how folks live off-grid in these wild, eco-friendly homes. You can check them out at earthship.com.
The real treat, though, was the stretch of NM 64 from Tres Piedras to Chama — hands down one of my favorite motorcycle roads anywhere. Big sweepers, great elevation changes, and scenery that just keeps on giving. It was the perfect way to wrap up a day of riding.
We rolled into Pagosa Springs around 4 PM and checked into the RiverWalk Inn (pagosariverwalkinn.com). Let me tell you — this place was a gem. Clean, quiet, comfortable, and easily the best value of the whole trip. It’s now officially on our “must-stay-again” list.
Right next door is Riff Raff Brewing Co. (riffraffbrewing.com) — a cool little spot where we wrapped up the evening with good food and a couple of well-earned brews. Sitting out on the patio, talking about the day’s ride with the mountains as our backdrop… it doesn’t get much better than that.
Another amazing day of riding in the books — and we’re just getting warmed up.
Back at the hotel, we wound down the day with a little YouTube — watching The Daily Driver episode that featured my brand-new Honda NT1100. It was a great way to cap off the evening, especially seeing the bike that had just carried me through some of the best roads in New Mexico getting some well-deserved love online.
Another amazing day of riding in the books — and we’re just getting warmed up.
Monday, July 28 – Slumgullion, Sunrises, and a Scenic Climb
There are few better ways to start a day than walking outside in Pagosa Springs and catching a sunrise that stops you in your tracks. The cool morning air and the glowing light over the mountains reminded us why we love these trips so much. It was already shaping up to be a special day.
We hit the road heading west on CO 160, making our way toward South Fork and then detouring north to explore Creede — one of those hidden-gem mountain towns that oozes charm and history. From there, we picked up CO 149, one of the best-kept secrets in Colorado riding, and climbed our way up and over Slumgullion Pass — the steepest paved road in the entire state.
At the top, we made a quick detour to the North Clear Creek Falls Overlook. It’s just a short stop, but man is it worth it. The falls are stunning, especially with the rugged Colorado backdrop. If you’re riding this area, don’t skip it.
We coasted down into Lake City, where we made our usual coffee stop. This little town is a favorite for overlanders and ADV riders, and it’s easy to see why. After soaking in some caffeine and mountain-town vibes, we pointed the bikes toward Gunnison for a late lunch.
Our stop was High Alpine Brewing Company, a solid choice if you’ve got some time to spare. The rooftop patio is great, the food and drinks are solid, but be warned — the wait is always long. We weren’t in a hurry though, and the views (and pizza) made it worth it.
Another epic day in the Colorado high country, full of jaw-dropping views and tight twisties. This is what we came for.
Tuesday, July 29 – Passes, Pan Americas, Maroon Bells, Pure Colorado Magic
Today was all about the high roads — Colorado mountain passes, that is. We kicked things off with a ride up Cottonwood Pass, one of the smoothest and most scenic routes around.
At the summit, we ran into three riders from New York — two on Harley Pan Americas and one on a BMW R1250GS. Great guys, and it was one of those spontaneous roadside chats that makes traveling by motorcycle so rewarding. Instant connection, shared stories, and a few laughs before we all headed our separate ways.
We dropped down into Buena Vista and made the now-obligatory stop for coffee. (Are you sensing a theme here?) A warm cup and mountain views — that’s how you know you’re living right.
From there, we rode up to the legendary Independence Pass, and let me tell you — the conditions were perfect. I’ve ridden these passes plenty of times, but on this day, the skies were crystal clear, the temps were ideal, and the views were flat-out spectacular. It’s days like this that remind you why you deal with all the packing, planning, and miles just to get to this kind of riding.
Next stop was Aspen — not exactly my favorite place to ride through (traffic, tourists, and Teslas), but we powered through because we had a destination in mind: Maroon Bells.
Now, I’ve seen a lot of stunning places from the saddle of a motorcycle, but nothing quite prepares you for the Maroon Bells. Towering twin peaks rise above a glacial valley, perfectly reflected in the still waters of Maroon Lake. It’s one of those places that looks like it was pulled straight out of a postcard — only better, because you’re standing there breathing it in. The air is crisp, the silence is peaceful, and there’s this sense of scale that just humbles you.
It’s not just a scenic stop — it’s an experience. One of those rare moments where you truly feel small in the best way possible, reminded that nature still knows how to drop jaws. No matter how many times I’ve seen pictures or visited the area, it never gets old. If anything, it gets more special.
Whether you're a photographer, a nature lover, or just someone who appreciates a good view after a long ride, Maroon Bells delivers. It’s a bucket-list destination — and on this day, with perfect weather and not too many people around, it was nothing short of magical.
We wrapped up the day in Glenwood Springs, snagging a hotel right by the river. Cool breeze, the sound of flowing water, and that satisfying ache in your shoulders that tells you the day’s been well spent.
Just another incredible day of riding in Colorado — and one I won’t soon forget.
Wednesday, July 30 – Interstates, Coffee, Flat Tire and Cool Mountain Mornings
We don’t usually ride much interstate — not by choice anyway — but sometimes the slab surprises you. We jumped on I-70 to start the day, and to be honest, it was anything but boring. That stretch of I-70 through the mountains is downright beautiful, with dramatic canyon walls, rivers running alongside, and sweepers that make you forget you’re on a major highway.
The morning air was crisp — just chilly enough that we flipped on the heated grips and settled in for the ride. Our first stop was in Eagle, Colorado, where we found another local coffee shop tucked off the main road. These little hometown cafés are some of the best parts of touring — friendly faces, good coffee, and that warm, welcoming vibe that chains just can’t touch.
From there, we rolled north toward Steamboat Springs, soaking in the scenery and enjoying the peaceful pace. It was one of those mornings where everything just clicks — the temps, the views, the quiet roads. By the time we pulled into Steamboat, it felt like we’d been riding through a postcard.
Naturally, we found another spot for a second cup of coffee — hey, we’ve got a theme going! Another warm drink, more mountain air, and some time to kick back and just take it all in. Life on two wheels doesn’t get much better than this.
As we headed toward Walden, we were just a few miles out from lunch when things took a turn. I suddenly heard a high-pitched beeping sound — and right away, I knew something was wrong. The bike started to feel loose and squirrelly underneath me. One quick glance at the dash confirmed it: 0 PSI flashing on the TPMS. Flat tire.
We eased off the road safely, hearts still pumping from the surprise. It didn’t take long to find the culprit — a solid puncture that left no doubt. Thankfully, we were prepared. Within a few minutes, we had the hole plugged, the tire aired back up, and we were rolling again.
We limped into Walden and stopped for lunch at a classic small-town dive bar — the kind of place with cold drinks, plenty of character, and stories stuck to the walls. After we finished eating, I stepped outside and checked the rear tire, half expecting bad news.
But nope — the plug was holding strong, and the tire pressure was steady. Crisis averted.
It was a solid reminder of two things: 1) always carry a good tire repair kit, and 2) things will go wrong on the road — it’s how you handle them that makes the story.
The next couple of hours delivered some of the best riding I’ve done in years.
Colorado Highway 14 — winding its way along the Poudre River — was absolutely breathtaking. The combination of twisty roads, dramatic canyon walls, river views, and perfect temperatures made for an unforgettable ride. Every mile offered something new, and the road demanded just enough attention to keep things fun and engaging.
We soaked it all in as we carved our way toward Estes Park, the kind of ride that reminds you exactly why you do this. That stretch of CO 14 is a must-ride — don’t skip it if you’re ever in the area. It’s that good.
We rolled into Estes Park just as the sun was dropping behind the peaks. Dinner at the hotel hit the spot, and after a day full of highs, challenges, and serious scenery, both of us called it an early night. Sleep came fast — and well-earned.
Thursday, July 31 – Reflections, Riders, and the Ride to the Summit
It was a chilly morning in Estes Park as we loaded up the bikes, that cool mountain air waking us up better than any alarm clock. We rolled into town for breakfast and found a fantastic little coffee shop with outdoor seating. Sitting outside, sipping hot coffee while watching the mountains wake up? Yeah, that’s the kind of start every day should have. We took our time — no rush, just soaking in the calm before another day of riding.
We left Estes and took more twisty backroads heading toward Evergreen, one of my favorite towns in Colorado. There’s something special about this area — the roads, the vibe, the memories. I always think of my friend Pete when I ride through here. He left us far too soon. RIP Pete — we miss you, buddy. The ride through Evergreen was a little emotional, but also comforting in a way. These roads carry stories.
From there, we continued on toward Pikes Peak, stopping for lunch in Deckers, Colorado. We ran into a group of riders from Texas, and it was pretty clear they were having a tough time on the mountain roads. They were struggling with the curves, riding real slow, and just looked… tense. After chatting with them, I got the sense that their trip wasn’t going quite as smoothly as ours — a reminder that experience, mindset, and preparation make a big difference out here.
Pikes Peak was next — and while it’s a bucket-list destination, it also comes with a few quirks. The traffic was painfully slow, and I have to say, listening to Mark’s commentary through the headset made the whole situation borderline hilarious. If you’ve never ridden Pikes Peak, just know that people will stop — mid-curve, mid-lane, mid-anything — to take a picture or because the road freaks them out. It’s beautiful, but you’ve got to stay sharp and ready for the unexpected.
We finally made it to the summit, and for the first time in all my visits up there, I could actually see the horizon — no fog, no clouds, just endless blue sky. I felt a bit lightheaded at that elevation, so we took it slow, grabbed a drink, and chatted with a Goldwing rider from New York who was just as amazed by the view as we were.
As we made our way down, the skies opened up and we got soaked — but hey, that’s just part of the experience. We made it safely to the hotel and called it a day.
Here’s the thing about Pikes Peak: it’s iconic, no doubt. And every rider should do it at least once. But truthfully? I think it’s a little overrated. The traffic is a mess, the crowds can kill the vibe, and honestly, there are prettier, more peaceful places in Colorado that offer just as much — if not more — riding joy. That said, it’s still one for the memory bank.
Friday, August 1 – Saturday Aug 2: The Long Ride Home
All great adventures eventually come to an end, and today we began the hot, southern push back toward home. We stuck to the backroads as long as we could, making our way to Perryton, Texas for the night before finishing the final leg the next day.
When I rolled into the driveway, the trip meter read 2,813 miles. Not bad for a week’s worth of incredible riding through some of the best scenery the West has to offer.
The Honda NT1100? Absolute champ. It performed flawlessly from start to finish — comfortable, confident, and more than capable through twisties, high-altitude passes, and yes, even a bird strike. It’s proven itself to be a fantastic touring machine and was the right choice for this kind of trip.
Huge thanks to Mark for joining me on this journey — it wouldn’t have been the same without him. Great company, great roads, and lots of laughs. This ride is going to live in the memory bank for a long time.
You can check out all the photos from the trip here:👉 Twisty Peaks – Colorado 2025 Photo Gallery
I’ll also be putting together a YouTube video recap soon, so stay tuned. If you enjoyed this ride report, leave a comment, share it, or shoot us a message — we love hearing from fellow riders.
Thanks for following along, and until next time —Ride safe, and be kind!
loved the article, photos, and style of writing. A great piece. Thanks for the link. I will send to some friends. Five stars....