It seemed liked it had been a long time coming.  The idea was born last spring on the Silver City Run, to bring the New Mexico Roadsters to the north and tour the high country.  We thought it could happen during the summer solstice, or maybe even in July.  None of these seemed to be able to get off the ground.  We finally decided on September and the word went out far and wide.  Rich helped to really dress up the tour with the “Ticket to Telluride” idea and the RSVP page began to capture responses almost immediately. 

The respondents were from 5 western states, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico and Utah.  We scouted the route and planned the itinerary at least twice to make sure the plenty of options and prayed the leaves would be changing.  All of the work was done, now it was time for some fun!

The group assembled in Durango on a Friday night at the Steamworks Brewery.  Being Durango and Friday night the place was packed but we managed to get the entire group pretty close.  The beer was first rate and the food was excellent.  The Cajun Boil seemed to be pretty popular as Lelo, Rich, Phil, Carolena and Harry were soon elbow deep in the spicy crab, shrimp, corn and potatoes.  Introductions were made and plans for the next day were finalized before the group split for some well deserved rest.

The next day found us at the Travelodge getting the details straight and heading over to Hesperus for breakfast at the Kennebec Café.  We were seated in the restaurant’s new addition as a group and served coffee as we waited for breakfast.  The food was great and we enjoyed the French toast and strawberry crepes. 

As we finished the group drifted to the parking lot to discuss our favorite topic, our cars.  Everyone was interested to see what modifications the other folks had made.  I think the most eye catching car was Ken and Diana’s NA with the American flag and eagle paint job.  Wow!  The group got together and with Rich coordinating our exit we got out on the highway, reminds me of a song, but I digress. 

Our first leg took to us through Mancos and Delores and then a stop for photos and personal comfort at the Bear Creek Trailhead.  The group took time to enjoy the scenery and take a few photos.  Everyone got to together on the bridge for a group shot taken by Joe Ray.  We got back on the road, again with Rich coordinating the exit from the trailhead, and cruised through Rico and on to Telluride. 

When we planned the trip it didn’t dawn on us that the Blues and Brews Festival would be going on.  This led to the tour stop becoming a driving tour of Telluride on our way to Ouray.  I think I head Phil remark “there was only 1 parking spot within 10 miles of town”.  We drove down the valley and over the hill to Ridgeway where we past through town under the speed limit as someone had remarked the local law enforcement was into revenue generation in a serious way. 

We arrived in Ouray and quickly dispersed to grab something to eat and do a little shopping.  The weather was beautiful with just a touch of fall in the air, so we ate our lunch on the patio overlooking main street.  I noticed several motorcycle riders admire Phil’s car as they passed by.  One of them had a look on his face like “damn I could be in that, instead of out in the weather." 

We got lined up and headed out of town for the thrilling ride up Red Mountain Pass.  The trip was a tale of two seats.  The passengers didn’t seem to enjoy it as much as the drivers did, probably because the passengers had a much better view of the edge of the canyon and the gorge below. Having survived the climb to 11,018 feet, making it the 9th highest pass in America, we stopped at the Red Mountain Mine overlook to take more photos. 

Leaving the overlook we crossed the pass and headed down the other side to Silverton.  The group got spread out coming down the mountain and we regrouped just outside of Silverton where we paused for a comfort break and to check out the Smart Car that followed us to the park.  As we headed out of town our pace was slowed by not one, but two school busses.  Who goes on a field trip to the mountains on the weekend anyway?  Even though it slowed our pace it didn’t hamper our enjoyment of the great mountain views or the twisty road.  The tour glided back into Durango with our gas tanks near empty and our souls full of the beauty of the rugged Rocky Mountains.  Some of the group took advantage of the restaurant and taverns while other fell asleep, worn down by the days travel.

The next morning found the travelers splitting up for their ride home.  A large contingency headed for Farmington New Mexico, where hot biscuits and gravy were to be found at James & Deb Walker’s house.  As the tour parked some of the neighbors came out to admire the assembled automobiles.  Debbie extolled the virtues of the Kappa platform and did a great job of selling the neighbor lady on needing one, much to the chagrin of her husband.  The group took time to honor James and Irene on their birthday with cupcakes and candles blazing.  After feasting on biscuits and gravy, some for the very first time, goodbyes were said and the cars grouped up for the final time to leave Farmington. 

As everyone was leaving there was talk of Telluride 2009.  If it would be half as much fun as 2008, count me in.

To view more photos, click on Telluride Photo Gallery or Telluride Slide Show.