Every one slept great after the rock and roll of the train the night before.

Some people were chomping at the bit to bike and were ready to jump from bed right onto their bike!!

Bill had a rude wakening when he went for ice in the freezer for his juice and found this site! No one would owe up too putting the Diet Pepsi in the freezer, but we noticed Greg was missing one of his Pepsi (and he did agree to clean it up).

 

We heard it was going to get a little chilly overnight but we were surprised when we opened the drapes to see this! SNOW!!!

We thought we had left it behind for the year in WI but it seems to be following us! Our condo is about 4 mile south of town and at a higher elevation. Interestingly as we descended to town for breakfast we quickly ran out of the snow. By the time we returned from our hike in the early afternoon, the snow was gone and they were mowing the grass at the golf course behind our condo.

Terry in his element. Even brought his NaNuuck of the North hat along.

No more of this PLEASE!!!!

So chilly the giant coffee cup at our morning restaurant was steaming!

George and Bill F. are staying at the Lazy Lizard hostel.

Our leader Greg, and the head of our finance department getting together our funds for the grocery bill.

We met up with  Merrick, our 27 year guide and decided on our schedule and menu for the week. He is doing all the grocery shopping and cooking. All we need to do is ride!

Healthy breakfast of tofu, pepper, and curry,

On to the Poison Spider Bike rental shop for the two Tom’s to get their rental bikes.

We decided to do some hiking at Arches national Parked today. Bill F. was coming down with a cold and stayed back. Soon the 9 of us were on the trail.

Truly one of the greatest examples of the beauty of Mother Nature at a VERY large scale.

 

Some great petroglyphs that are very well preserved.

We had a hard time deciding which hike to do and finally decided on Delicate Arch. After a 2 mile hike we were some what disappointed by the arch. and then realized we had made a wrong turn . . . .

Dave was the only one with enough energy to hike down to the Delicate Arch.

A great drive back to Moab . . .

lead to some final bike assembly . . .

and then a GREAT dinner at Jesse’s Italian Restaurant.

 

Gaylord and TommyH had a great night sleep, the rest of us in coach tossed and turned but before we knew it the sun was coming up. Got to have patience when traveling by rail. We eventually became two hours late on route mainly caused by having to pull over on siding’s to allow freight train, who have the right of way to pass. There were also 35 areas where we had to run at restricted speed because of the poor Burlington Northern track condition.  Maximum speed is 79mph and through many of these 35 areas we were running below 25 mph for some time.

Getting ready for the ride through the mountains during our 30 minutes rest stop in Denver.

Room with a view . . . shaking out his sleeping bag

The schedule set back meant we would arrive late in Grand Junction by at least two hours. The car rental operation closes at 5:00pm and are not willing to accommodate our late arrival. Our two designated drivers Greg and Dave will be renting a truck in Denver and driving to Grand Junction arriving before 5:00pm to get our second truck. Good thing we are retired and not on a time strict schedule

Climbing into the front range if the Rockies.

Snow in Winter park.

The passing trains on the east bound line come REALLY close . . . could reach out and shake hands.

Fraser Canyon, one of four canyons we rode through on our way to Grand Junction. VERY scenic.

Todd, the manager/ restaurateur  of the Lower level lounge. Quite a character! made the trip much more enjoyable.

Gaylord and TommyH had their own stateroom with special service provided by Michael their own butler.

At Glenwood Spring, TommyG made the 3 block RUN (literally) to the local brew pub to buy a growler during the five minute train stop. They DO NOT wait for you if you are late!

We became good friends and had lots of discussions with a family of 8 Amish heading to Montana. QUOTE OF THE DAY: After spending nearly 24 hours with us, on and off, one of the young Amish men asked us, “Are you guys (all) right?”

WE FINALLY got of the train in Grand Junction after about a 27 mile ride. Beer and burgers all around!

Local bike art!

Loading up our two steeds to haul us to Moab.

We arrived in Moab about 8:30.

Home sweet home!

 

 

Nice place!

The day started with all of us assembling at the Van Galder motor coach pick up points and we were off to Chicago. A smooth transition at Union Station and we were soon rolling out of Chicago headed west.

John, the last in line, didn’t get the memo about casual dress.

Here are our teardrop trailers that will be following us out to Moab for us to use on the White Rim trail!

Bikes for sale on Michigan Ave.

Rick got special treatment from Berna in the loading of his special TREK Fuel mountain bike.

The rest of the guys had to fend for themselves.

The local police use TREK’s. It was fun to watch him go down the steps with it.

BillyB’s stash of goodies he brought out – before lunch snacks.

Greg talks mountain biking with Beth who lives in Schaumburg and mountain bikes in the forest preserve.

Still room for a nice lunch . . . .

BillyB helps out the local economy. Needs munchies for his stop in Grand Junction!

Our kegs finally arrive for storage in Gaylord and TommyHs’ berth.

TommyG goes right to the head of the line for seating assignments, past 200 other train riders waiting in line!

mbbt takes over half the observation car.

Here is the solution to the Badger basketball game dilemma this coming weekend when we will be 90 miles out in the desert – Sirius radio. The boys are thinking of renting one.

The dapper maître de in the club dining car.

Gaylord and TommyH’s spacious, palatial suite. See the movie for the complete tour!

Go here to see the movie: Gaylord’s & Tommy’s