Hungry Bear Cafe, Woodland Park, CO
Special Thanks to the online magazine,
WOMEN RIDERS NOW
For publishing my story. You can read it here, or why not check out their great Mag? Click this button:
Our favorite spot for breakfast is a perfect motorcycle ride away. Perfect, except for the 4 mile stretch of dirt in the middle of the 100-mile trip. However, while donning motorcycle gear and leaving the house, I was not thinking of Pine Creek Road. We left Sedalia, on Hwy 67 and went up Jarre Canyon, where the elevation gained and the temperature dropped. The road tightened and the twisties ensued making the ride fun as I practiced my cornering skills. There were many areas where gravel had washed across the pavement, and I needed to exercise caution, but what a great learning experience! Following the pavement to the Sprucewood Inn, where Pine Creek forks to the right, I realized I would have to traverse the 4 miles of dirt and the steep grade to reach the Platte River Road. I wasn’t concerned about the dirt, but the 15% grades and tight corners had me frightened.
I have been over this stretch of road a hundred times, but never on the bike solo. My 2001 BMW, F650 GS is well equipped for such terrain and designed with off-road features that give me comfort. However, the further we rode, the slower I went; I creeped around the banked blind corners, not always in my lane. Ryan, riding behind me, was cringing, and praying that a car didn’t approach from the other direction and run us both over. The road is well maintained however it is narrow and can be covered in washboards. That day, the washboards were not too bad because the county road grader had recently been through, making the surface a bit soft. These conditions did not improve my outlook, and I was becoming more anxious as I approached the 15% grade.
Truly rattled, I practiced my motorcycle mantras out loud as I rode: Eyes up, look where you’re going, don’t use the front brake, you’ve got this, guide your bike. But none of it was helping. I was in first gear, hanging on the rear brake, in panic mode trying to traverse the best parts of the road as it went steeply downhill. My mind was not considering the potential danger of oncoming traffic while I weaved from one good spot in the road to another avoiding washboards or thick sand. Finally, I made it to the bottom unscathed, without mishap, and no oncoming traffic. When we reached the river, I pulled over in the parking area somewhat proud of myself for making it through. That is when I received the mild scolding about endangering both of us. Realizing that I was a little paralyzed by fear, and a lot careless I apologized and promised to do better next time. We rode on to breakfast, but that day following Hungry Bear pancakes, we went home the long way, on the pavement.
As the summer passed, I often thought of that ride and my poor performance. I wanted to go there again and retry it. I wrote in my journal about that day, and as I reread the entry I knew that I needed to share the experience with others, and overcome my fear. I called my friend Kim who is also a photographer. Convincing her that this would be a fun mountain outing to see the leaves change color was not too difficult; she is always up for a fun day and pretty pictures.
Riding up the canyon I was grateful for a new-found confidence that I didn’t know I had. I traversed that road with little trepidation, and dare I say a bit of skill. Riding all summer in various conditions and many miles had infused me with a sureness that I lacked four months prior. I was taking in the scenery and appreciating the hues of Indian summer. It’s only been over the last few rides that I have become comfortable enough to survey my surroundings; breathing the fresh air, and taking in the fragrance of fall are things I have always valued most about being a motorcycle passenger. Now, to be able to create the experience for myself is oddly surreal—almost like I never believed that I would achieve it.
This time, when I approached the sharp turns and the steep downhill section of Pine Creek Road, there was no paralysis; only confidence. When I reached the bottom of that 15% grade in my own lane I gave the fist-pump of a badass.
VICTORY!
Jen Sincero, the queen of badassery says “Our entire experience on this planet is determined by how we choose to perceive our reality.” During my first trip to Pine Creek, my reality was fear; on my second trip, my reality was confidence and the freedom to enjoy the experiences that life offers.
Grab life by the bars ladies! It’s worth it.
Thanks to Kim Nordby Photography for the pictures! Check her out at www.KimNordbyPhotography.com, because she’s pretty awesome!
I appreciate your time, and I value your feedback. Please take a moment to rate or share this article below. Your comments are also welcome. All the best to you, until next time ~ Jennifer
