Day 22: Dodge City, KS to Pueblo, CO

275 Miles | 5:22 Riding Time

Today is Thursday, May 2, 2024, and it’s Day 22 of my cross country motorcycle trip.

From flat and monotonous to the Rocky Mountains—I crossed over into Colorado, and over to Pueblo.

The ride from Dodge City was pretty much like the ride to Dodge City, except the gale force winds were coming from the north this time. Since I was heading west, I didn’t have the problem where the trucks would block the wind for a second. Then, the wind would hit me like smack in the chest. It was much more of a steady wind. I think I spent about 2 hours leaning 15 degrees to the right to balance the force.

I’ve been looking forward to riding in Colorado for a long time, so crossing the state line felt like such a milestone. Even though the scenery didn’t change, I did notice that a slow, steady rise, and a sense of accomplishment. I kept looking to see when I’d get my first glimpse of the Rockies. I think I was about an hour east of Pueblo when I said, “yes. that has to be Pike’s Peak.” I had been there once before, in 1983 on a Boy Scout trip to Philmont high adventure camp. More on that tomorrow, when I’m in Colorado Springs.

I pulled in to my hotel in Pueblo, and achieved another milestone. I finally was able to get my bike up on the center stand. It weighs about 850 pounds, so getting it up there is all about technique (and getting over the fear of dropping it).

I took a short walk to the Riverwalk, which was very serene as you can see from the photos above. I suspect that it’s much busier on the weekends. I had dinner at the Brues Alehouse Brewing Company and turned in for the night.

Elevation Profile from Holly CO to Pueblo—a steady climb