Independence Pass, Colorado

Beat The Heat Tour parked at Independence Pass overlook.

In July 2016 I led some friends on a motorcycle tour based out of Breckenridge, Colorado.  One of our days of riding included a trip to Aspen via Colorado Highway 82 over Independence Pass.  At 12,095 feet Independence Pass is the third highest pass in Colorado.

 

Eastern view from overlook

We turned onto CO 82 heading west from US 24 quickly passing Twin Lakes and gradually gaining elevation. Just past the lakes there is a small community with a little "surprise" as travelers enter town.

The sudden appearance of police car can make one grab some brakes

I am sure the old police car and mannequin gets the attention a lot of travelers on CO 82.  I know I grabbed some brake as I came out of the corner approaching the little community. 

From US 24 to the Independence Pass Overlook is 23.5 miles.  The road has nice curves and long sweepers until the last five miles where there are three very sharp switchbacks which require low gears.  The views a long the way are awesome!

 Video of riding down west side from Independence Pass

Sign at overlook warning riders and drivers

View from overlook - watch on YouTube

We left the overlook and continued about 19 miles to Aspen.  The portion from the overlook to Aspen did not have as many switchbacks, but still had curves, sweepers and elevation change.

We did not stay long in Aspen, it was crowded.  We stop in Leadville for lunch at High Mountain Pies.

We greatly enjoyed the ride, the lunch, the views and the fun.  I look forward to riding the area again.

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Leadville, CO - Great Pizza

If you perform a quick search for "pizza" on this blog you will find I like pizza and two of my favorite pizza restaurants are located in Colorado.  Well, I found another place in the Rockies that serve up great pizza.

Our annual Moto Oz Beat The Heat motorcycle tour (we leave Texas when the temperature get high) in July of 2016 was based out of Breckenridge, Colorado.  On Thursday of the trip we rode to Aspen and I experienced my first ride over Independence Pass - CO 82.  Wow, what a fun road!  It is also a road on which one cannot afford to let his/her concentration slip.

 Watch video on YouTube - Independence Pass road - CO 82

Of course we had to stop at the overlook of Independence Pass and check out the view.  The short walk up the small hill is worth the time.  The view of the Collegiate Range with Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak at 14,439 feet, was breathtaking.

Independence Pass Overlook- YouTube

After making it to Aspen and  looking around for a little while we wanted to get away from the crowd.  We  decided to ride back to Leadville for lunch.  I had read reviews on High Mountain Pies and decided we should try the pizza.  Once in Leadville it was easy to find High Mountain Pies.  The place was one block west off the main road, US 24 on 4th Street.

High Mountain Pies - 115 W. 4th St., Leadville, Colorado

The small blue building had limited seating inside, but several picnic tables outside.  There was a good crowd at the restaurant even after 1:00, which signals people must like the place.

Due to the size of our group we commandeered two picnic tables and ordered some pizza, salads and drinks.  The outdoor seating was a nice atmosphere and we enjoyed the crisp mountain air.

The pizza was handmade to order.  We did not mind waiting the 20 or so minutes.  We relaxed in the shade sipping our drinks.

 Being a bunch of guys we ordered the all meat pizza with thin crust.  The pizza arrived fresh and hot.

Hot meat pizza from High Mountain Pies

By the end there was no need for a doggie bag.  All the pizza was eaten.  The ingredients were fresh, the spices were flavorful and the crust was a great base for all the toppings.  I love it!  If you are riding through Leadville, Colorado and it is time to eat stop by High Mountain Pies - you will not be disappointed.

Connect and follow on social media

              

 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Awesome gear for every rider!

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited this business and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!

# Based on reviews, word of mouth and discussion with others I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

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Poker Alice - Pizza in Lake City, Colorado

   *** Update - Poker Alice closed permanently  ***

Earlier I posted about one of my favorite pizza places in the Rocky Mountains - Beau Jo's in Idaho Springs, Colorado.  Now I want to tell you about another great pizza restaurant in Southwestern Colorado.

Photo from Lakecity.com

Poker Alice sits on the southern end of the main road through Lake City, Colorado (CO 149 a.k.a. Silver Thread) which is the opposite end of town from the awesome Lake City Bakery.  

Poker Alice has both indoor and outdoor seating.  I prefer sitting outdoor and enjoying the view of the surrounding mountains.  The restaurant is named after Alice Ivers Tubbs, known as Poker Alice, the well known Wild West female poker player.

Poker Alice welcomes visitors - photo from Poker Alice Facebook

The eatery has an array of beverages to choose from including soft drinks, coffee, hot chocolate, espresso, chai tea , tea, shakes, smoothies, beer and wine.  A breakfast buffet is available each morning until 11:00 a.m., but be aware they are closed on Sundays.

Lunch and dinner options are plentiful.  Sandwiches, salads, pizza by the slice, soup, hamburger, pasta dishes, calzones, wraps, pizza pies and more are on the menu.

How about some pepperoni and bacon?!

Fresh pizza is the specialty of the house. Fresh ingredients and great timing make for hot satisfying pizza and other great dishes.  My sister and her family eat at Poker Alice's each time they are in Lake City (and they aren't the type to go back to a bad place).

When riding the Silver Thread and you get ready to eat squeeze the brake and stop at Poker Alice Pizza, you will be glad you did.  If you happen to be there for lunch on June 25, 2015 you might catch me there!

Rocky Mountain Pizza

When traveling you can find some great local restaurants that help to make the trip memorable.  The one of a kind, family owned, friendly eatery you enjoy telling your friends about (or in my case I enjoy posting about them).

I have found two pizza places in Colorado which belong in that category of great finds.  Beau Jo's in Idaho Springs (has 8 locations, but to me it is still a "local" place) and Poker Alice in Lake City are among my favorite for a good meal with a relaxing atmosphere and mountain views.

This post is about Beau Jo's.  Later on I will post about Poker Alice.

 

 Photo from Beau Jo's website

Idaho Springs sits between exits 239 and 241on I-70 west of Denver.  The Colorado Gold Rush had its first significant find in Idaho Springs.  Old mines and equipment can still be seen in town.  Beau Jo's is located at 1515 Miner Street one block north of I-70.  

Beau Jo's menu has a lot of choices. Pizza, salads, sandwiches, calzones, Beaughetti (spaghetti service in a pizza crust bowl) and much more.  For the pizzas they offer 4 different crusts, 10 sauces, 9 cheeses, 14 meats, 19 fruit & vegetables (with several gluten free options)!  Wow, the combination possibilities!

Photo from Trip Advisor

I have personally eaten at the Idaho Springs Beau Jo's three times and when they had a place in Old Colorado Springs I visited 3-5 times.  I have always been satisfied.  The flavor is great, the ingredients are fresh and of high quality and the service is on the spot!

I really like the thick outer crust of the pizza.  Beau Jo's provides honey on the table so you can enjoy the outer crust with some honey and butter for dessert.  It is great and unique.

Before or after your ride up Mount Evans (one of my favorite scenic roads) stop by Beau Jo's for some pizza pie.  You will love it!

Ride to see a shuttle launch

Having family in Orlando has given me great opportunities to witness three shuttle launches.  My brother-in-law has never seen one and he wants to watch one live & in person.  Sounds like a great idea for a road trip, so he and I are riding to Orlando in March to watch the launch scheduled for the 18th (Wife and son will fly in). Should be a great trip.

In July of 1999 my wife and watch our first launch.  It was a midnight launch of Columbia with the first woman shuttle commander, Eileen Collins, at the helm.  It was spectacular!   We viewed the launch from  Titusville, Florida.  I did not have a good camera so instead of posting one of my pictures here is a link to a night launch in 2008 filmed from Titusville.  This will give you an idea of the awesome sight - Link.  My son was 2 years old so he stayed home with Pappa & Grandma.

Our second launch was in the morning, July 2005.  We once again viewed it from Titusville.  Titusville is a good location because there is a lake between the launch pad and the town, so the view is unobstructed.  The day was perfect, the sun was up, and the launch went off without a hitch.  Once again my photos did not really do well, but I just created my first You Tube account and uploaded the video I shot of the launch - Link to video.   The photo is of the trail after the shuttle is out of sight.  My son was 8 and he watched this one with us.

The third launch we saw was once again in July, 2009.  This time instead of fighting the traffic we drove to Coco Beach and viewed the launch from the top level of the Coco Beach Surf Company parking garage.  We listened to the count down on the radio.  We could not see the launch pad, but we saw Endeavour as she cleared the buildings.  Even though the view was not as direct the pride of America still was evident by all the applause and cheers.

With the scheduled retirement of the current shuttle program individuals have only a few more opportunities to witness these historical events.  I highly recommend seeing a launch in person.  It is a sight you will not forget.

If you visit Orlando make sure to go by New York Pizza - 7800 U.S. 17, Fern Park, FL ((407) 830-8585.  These guys make a great pizza and awesome Italian food.  We eat there 2-3 times during the week of our visits.  This is a small shop and everything is fresh.  You will love it.