Ding's Custom Cycle Blog: It's the Journey, folks

A gap in the Rockies in northern New Mexico near Chama. Gorgeous.

KOA PRESIDENTIAL AWARD WINNING CAMPGROUND FOR 2012, CORTEZ, COLORADO ----Aah, where did we last leave off? In Ding's words, we were "slothful" for staying an extra night at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Does the Lord (Lord-ess?) really believe that when one is on "days off" with new shoes on the BFT, a light rain falling and too much Deadwood to re-watch that we are committing a sin? I think not brethren and sisterhood, I think not. Alas, the down time did have its reprecussions. Thursday was a heckuva press south. Cousin Don Clark met us in south Colo Springs and confirmed the route to Four Corners. His advice was right on but our handling of the pilgrammage, less so. Yes, the grades of the passes were do-able but we - I say we - underestimated time and fuel useage. We spent about 10 hours in the Big Boy Truck - stopped for some really decent green chili in La Jama - and then headed for Chama, New Mexico. We almost made it. The picture above is a Ding sighting from our location 10 miles from Chama where we ran out of gas. The gauges said we had a quarter tank - not! A friendly from down below for a few bucks brought five gallons of diesel up country to us and we were on our way. Ding wanted to press all the way to Cortez but I squirmed and writhed enough in front seat about midnight and he pulled over. The four of us - humans and dogs - crashed hard and slept well. We pulled into KOA in Cortez about 11 a.m. and were warmly greeted by Mike and Bobbie (and Mouse their cat on the dash board). It was a work day for us but a nice dinner with Idaho steaks from the Daileys, great salad, bread, a little Malbac wine and cheese and pleasant conversation. The word in the hood is that sourdough pancakes and Vermont maple syrup are on the horizon. It's a nice campground with a dog park and swimming pool and the humans and critters appear pleased. Dad and Fran are hopefully en route from Phoenix and they will bunk Saturday and Sunday in a small cabin next to us (Ben, the dog, too). I hope to fly fish the Delores River tomorrow and have a cold beer at the Hollywood Tavern while Ding and his peeps hit Mesa Verde, am amazing place to hike and tour. Seafood boil and campfire, as well as a 12-year-old California red from by brother, are on slate for tomorrow night. Yes, we are living large for the moment. It's earned. Come Monday, we return to hard work. Setting up for Igancio and the Four Corners Rally and prepping for Reno. Besides matching the hatch, I stealthly work with the lesser gods to make watching the Broncos pre-season game on Sunday in camp here possible, Mike and Bobbie have television and Bronco-itis. Yes.....More soon from the not-so-front...KOA/Disneyland....Albert Donald Ding Dailey, Hol, Thumper and Bob.