Sunday

Next day we all visited a country fair/rodeo in Kiowa again transported by Jerry’s friends. Breakfast was an “as much as you can eat” Pancake meal at the fair. On the way back to Denver we stopped at a Biker bar called the Stagecoach, very Harley Davison. That evening we had a meal in a cowboy themed restaurant, noisy as hell but good fun and value.

Monday

A free day. We had intended the bikes arriving Monday but knew before we departed that they would be a day late. Went to a shopping mall and bought mobile phones so we could keep in contact on the road, negotiated an amazing deal because we wanted four and only paid $70 each that included $30 of call time, unfortunately they won’t work in the UK.

Got Taxi’s into Denver met up with the others at a brewpub and spent the afternoon around the shops. Caught light railway & a taxi back to hotel. Packed ready to meet up with the bikes.

Tuesday.

Missing Luggage arrives.

Transported to the unloading point and looked around the owners amazing collection of auto memorabilia, but got the idea that we over stayed our welcome. Container took hours to arrive blisteringly hot sun and little shade. Met one of Jerry’s motorcycle friends Triumph mounted, “Hillbilly” an amazing character who will end up being our native guide for the next weeks traveling.

Carman supplies us all with travel packs, containing everything we need for our journey and we did need it all, lip balm, sun block, and most importantly hand wipes for those occasional moments spent at the side of the road. How very thoughtful.

Container arrives and the unloading goes with out a hitch all the bikes are fine and all start without problem. We talk about changing jets to suit the altitude but decide to give them a try first and swap them that evening if necessary. We never did swap jets, the bikes are a bit down on overall power but plugs looked the correct colour. My off side petrol tap seems to be leaking a bit, corks must have dried out with the tank being empty for so long.

Head out to Colorado Springs led by a few American riders, stop at the biker bar for something to eat and to wait for Steve and Nicky who have seen sense and decided to return the 10/3 with its lack of power and sticking throttle to Jerry’s. He will bring it to the rally for Nick on his trailer. Guy gives me his card and pleads with me to source him a 50s M100 when we are back in the UK.

Steve doesn’t show so we head on to the ‘Springs’ amongst fantastic electrical storm but very little rain. I find it hard work keeping up with the pack on the only Panther Combo in the group.

See our first long railway train must be a mile in length. The ride takes us South down the plains with the imposing Pikes Peak on our right.

Are met on the outskirts of Colorado Springs by a couple of British mounted outriders, who guide us into the campsite. The campground is actually a bit of land next to Wal-Mart’s mega store. They have official permission from both Wal-Mart’s and the local government to use the site and Wal-Mart’s facilities. Very POC.

Here the BMAC (British Motorcycle Association of Colorado) look after us splendidly with a BBQ and free beer. Steve arrives on the combo with Nicky on the back of Jerry’s Harley; he had a puncture and missed us at biker bar by ten minutes. Petra (one of the BMAC women) takes Beth, Gina, and Liam off in her convertible Mustang to use her swimming pool.