Curve Cowboy Reunion 2005
This year's Curve Cowboy Reunion (CCR) was held at Jackson Lake Lodge, in the shadows of the Grand Tetons. Although it is primarily a K1200LT event, I brought my friend, Maria, on a two-up weekend of fun and relaxation in Wyoming riding my K1200GT.
We departed after work on Monday, August 29th and spent the night at her friend's house, a nice place in Steamboat Springs worth something in the seven figure range. Not a bad way to spend a night!
Tuesday morning we were off to a late start and arrived at the lodge a little after 6:00pm. We caught just a little sprinkle from the ominous clouds that hovered over the mountians. The color and texture of the clouds reminded me of some sinister mountain hideout in a science fiction / adventure movie, akin to the Misty Mountains in JRR Tolkiens trilogy.
Unfortunately the camera batteries were not charged and no pictures were taken on the ride north from Denver to Steamboat Springs and Jackson Lake Lodge.
Wednesday morning was beautiful, and Maria and I decided to go for a quick ride / hike near the lodge. Here's Maria posing in front of the Grand Tetons.
And here's the reciprocal picture of me standing in front of the mountains.
After taking some pictures, we followed the trail out into the meadow and along the banks of a small shallow creek.
We enjoyed the morning sunshine until we were paged on the FRS radios we were carrying. The incessant call of "Pecker Gnat 8, Pecker Gnat 8, do you copy?" quickly reminded us that we were among savages. The parents of young kids stared meanly at us as the screeching voice of Jim Sutton continued its mating call, "Pecker Gnat 8, Pecker Gnat 8." We quickly departed the scenic turn-out before the vacationing families turned into a menacing mob.
Being a BMW K1200LT rally, I was constantly reminded that I was among an older, more genteel ridership, who need help holding up a motorcycle. They can't call'em training wheels, so they use words like "trike" and "side-hack" as code-words.
All kidding aside, these Hannigan conversions were top rate.
Although there were some more adventurous bikes, such as this R-1150GS and a K1200S. Deb Sauer and I were representing the GT contingent.
The vendor area. The Salt Lake City BMW service folks were doing steady business the entire weekend.
These Uni-Go trailers are neat.
We left for a short day ride around 11:00am. The frost had burned off and the temperatures were quite comfortable by then.
The first stop was on a scenic overlook for a photo op. The route continued south to the Signal Mountain, then onto the Jenny Lake scenic loop, exiting the park over Wilson Road to the Jackson Hole Ski village, then towards the town of Jackson, finally returning to the park via the main road.
At the top of Signal Mountain, the views are spectacular.
Jim Sutton showing off his more photogenic side. I wonder why he avoids getting his picture taken? Maybe he doesn't want to be identified by the local Volunteer Fire Department?
Deb Sauer takes a picture, with the Grand Tetons looming in the background.
I enjoy a touching moment at Signal Hill, as the beautiful mountain view reminds me why French explorers named them the "Grand Tetons."
They say that the only thing that's cheap on a BMW is the rider. David Scott proves that this adage is true by refusing to obtain another set of sunglasses. At least he didn't use duct-tape to hold it together, thus avoiding the "nerd" label. He's just cheap. (just kidding, Dave).
Descending down Signal Hill, the road follows a twisting path through the trees. Maria quickly takes the opportunity to get some "on the fly" shots of the group as we wind through the forest.
After leaving Signal Hill, we turn south on the park road and head towards Jenny Lake.
Returning from Jackson, the views continue to inspire awe and amazement. The Grand Tetons are not as high as the Colorado Rockies, but are much more rugged and jagged, giving them a much more intense presence. The Colorado Rockies seem a bit dull in comparison.
We stop for another photo op at the Windy Point Turnout.
Liz Majors and Jim Sutton walk past my GT.
The Mighty-K rests in the shadows of the majestic Grand Tetons.
Liz Major's R-1150RS poses against the mountain backdrop.
Thursday evening's dinner was at Colter Bay's Chuckwagon restaurant. We had a blast and created quite the stir, even though we hadn't had a drop to drink (yet).
Here's our waiter, Eddie, who is training to be a younger version of Jim Sutton.
When asked if he lived alone, he responded "Naked Time for Eddy!" Just a bit too much information!
Jeff Eagans and Randy Prade hold court at Booze Brothers.
Booze Brothers was an informal BYOB affair held on the "Eagles Nest." This was the deck above the entrance
Jim Sutton advertises his "Wee Willy."
Poor Jim has another malady: he's a known Elkoholic who insists that the LT moniker stands for "Liquor Truck." He also likes his chicken sandwiches cooked to a rubbery consistency.
Maria recieves instruction on the finer points of Tequila. She didn't need the instruction, but figured more training wouldn't hurt!
There was much high quality drinking material available, from several brands of single-malt scotches to quality sipping Tequila to hand made Vodka (I still think it's just moonshine).
The next morning me head to Yellowstone. As we approach the south end of the park, evidence of the forest fire are everywhere.
Living in Colorado, I am used to seeing forest fire damage. However, the massive size of the burned area in Yellowstone amazes even me. I've not seen so much fire damage, not even along the Pine Valley Highway in Colorado (home to about five fires over the years).
Deb Sauer takes a break from her K-1200GT.
Liz Majors and her R1150RS.
