More Grand Juction trip photos

I wanted to share a few more photos from this trip!!

Motorcycle trip to Grand Junction

Last Thursday, Tim and I took off for Grand Junction with the mission of checking out Country Jam, a possible TEAM DIVA venue. We left Park City through Francis on Hwy 32--- nice and cool over Wolf Creek Pass, Hwy 35 to Duchesne, Hwy 40 to hot (and I don't mean spicy!) Vernal!!We turned south at Dinosaur onto Hwy 64, then through Rangely on Hwy 134 to the mighty I70 into Grand Junction.

Next morning we experienced the Colorado National Monument trail--approx. 23 miles of the most breath taking "Rim Rock Drive." Sheer walled canyons and towering red sandstone spires made it hard to keep an eye on the road--all my years of travelling through Grand Junction--NEVER took the time to see this area--it is a MUST!! It is a National monument--must pay a fee to enter--entrances are south of I70 and west of Grand Junction or south of I70 and near town of Fruita. We exited near Fruita--then rode west on the intersate to the MACK exit for Country Jam. There is nothing at this exit except the big pasture where the Jam is set up. There were lots of food vendors and vendors selling things from personal misters to beer koozies shaped like barbells!!! I can tell you this--it had to be at least 110 degrees and there were hardly any trees to provide any shade!! I think the Diva would melt to death out there--so I am glad I checked it out before signing up!!

Back on I70 and off at Hwy 128 as we had decided to stay that night near MOAB. I found a wonderful resort/ranch called the Red Cliffs Lodge. It was hotter than a motha riding into the lodge--but the scenery took the edge off--plus we were along the Colorado River. This lodge is located on mile 14, 16 mi. from Moab, and has it all--tons of activities, pool, jacuzzi, restaurants, and even Castle Creek Winery!. We tasted all the wines, bought a bottle--bought sack lunch and collapsed in our air conditioned fabulous room! For us--- a nap, a dip in the refreshing pool, then off to dinner. We dined outside on the long deck with the red cliffs and Colorado River for a view--sun was setting and the red cliffs turned about 20 different shades of reds, oranges, and finally purples before dark. The staff there was awesome--loved our waitress, and ate like little piggies--all accompanied by great local wines!! Great fun checking out the Cowboy Museum downstairs in the main lodge--everything from the local history of the family who owns the ranch, to all the movies--tons of them from John Wayne, Thelma and Louise, and even Austin Powers--filmed there in the valley. Check out my web site for more of the photos--www.teamdiva.com.


We hit the road to MOAB the next morning, the ride in was again full of great scenes of shear rock along the Colorado River--the smell of bacon in the air with all the campers cooking breakfast.I could also smell the river water mixed with the cotton woods!. Met some gas pals --a gang riding from Ohio--on their baggers--were on their way to Las Vegas---mucho caliente for them!!! Breakfast for us was at the Jailhouse Cafe---an historical landmark for the food as well as the building.Ready for the ride home, we hit Hwy. 191 north past Arches National Park--(decided to do this one next trip!)-- travelled on I70 to Green River--turned off on 191, through the Ashley Nation Forest.It was a great road with hardly any traffic and my favorite--- wide open and curvy highway--to Duchesne--and back to Park City the same way we came. We had a nice stop at the top of Wolf Creek Pass--elevation over 9000 ft--so nice and cool--still some snow up there! Back to Park City--washed the trail dust and bugs off the bikes...ready for the next adventure!!

Diva Riding tips in the heat: a) best protection for lips--tinted SPF #8, by ALBA Botanica--I wear "BLAZE" shade--70% organic--available at Whole Foods b)saturate your bandanna with cold water to keep your head cool c) wear lightweight, light colored long sleeved t-shirts--(no sunburned arms!!)I use the covered hair ties at my wrist to keep my sleeves from blowing up my arm!

Diva's Food Tips: Red Cliff Lodge ---everything was fabulous--from the homemade raspberry vinaigrette, yeast rolls, lamb chops, and veggie pasta--don't forget the sour apple bread pudding!! Jailhouse Cafe --Eggs Benny, and Ginger spice pancakes with homemade apple butter--lots of cinnamon!!

Diva's links:

http://www.nps.gov/colm  Colorado Monument
http://www.countryjam.com Country Jam info
http://www.RedCliffsLodge.com Red Cliffs Lodge
http://www.moabhappenings.com/ article on Jailhouse Cafe
http://www.albabotanica.com Diva's favorite tinted lip protection, "Terra Tints"

Happy July 4, until next week
Ride Safe and Viva la Diva