Riding the Rockies and Beyond: 18 Days, 13 States, and One Million Dollar Highway

The ride began with a familiar thrill: loading up early in the morning, pointing the bikes west, and setting our sights on Utah, Idaho, and Minnesota with a stop at the HOG Rally in Colorado Springs.

Getting there wasn’t without its pauses. Somewhere along the road to Durango, construction brought us to a standstill behind a pilot car. Four hours of waiting had us restless and hungry, but patience paid off. Once released, we discovered the Gorge Bar & Grill—where a gorgeous burger, topped with smoky Hatch chiles, became the perfect reward.

Morning broke cool and clear in Durango, a crisp 64° along the Animas Riverwalk as I walked back to the hotel after dropping the bike for her 5k service. That kind of start doesn’t last long in the Rockies, though. The day delivered it all—dry skies at 54°, rain rolling in as we reached Silverton HD, temps dipping into the low 50s on the road, then climbing into the 90s as we rolled into Moab.

The Million Dollar Highway more than lived up to its name. Even with construction cones narrowing the curves, its sheer beauty and heart-pounding drops made the ride unforgettable. Nearby, Garden of the Gods offered another moment of awe with its towering red rock formations.

The HOG Rally itself was an adventure inside the adventure. After the opening ceremony, we rode to the Lazy Dog for dinner. Another day took us from Pikes Peak HD to Royal Gorge and Bishop’s Castle. Lunch along the route fueled us for what came next: lining up 100 Harleys on the pedestrian bridge at Royal Gorge, capturing a once-in-a-lifetime group shot—video proof included.

Pikes Peak pushed us to new heights, literally. At over 14,000 feet, it was the highest elevation I’ve ever stood on outside of an airplane. The view, the thin air, and the sense of accomplishment combined into a memory that will stick forever.

After 18 days on the road, we rolled back into Texas with 5,465.2 miles behind us, having crossed 13 states, checked off 1 HOG Rally, and completed 4 “50 States 1 Nation” challenges along with 4 “15 for 25” yearly challenges. The lowest point of the trip was our own driveway at just over 500 feet, and the highest was that 14,000-foot summit. We felt temperatures swing from a brisk 43° to scorching days in the 90s, often within the same ride.

Now that we’re home, the bike is already eyeing her 10k service. Texas heat, however, shows no sign of cooling off anytime soon. Still, after nearly three weeks on the road, I’m reminded that every mile—every wait behind a pilot car, every surprise rain shower, every breathtaking summit—is what makes the ride worth it.