The Royal Gorge - America's Highest Bridge. Really...oh yea...really.
Hanging above the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge is one of the world's highest suspension bridges. Built in 1929 for $350,000 the cost today would exceed $20 million.
The bridge is wooden plank. It creaks and sways as you walk across. In June of 2013 the Bridge and surrounding buildings suffered extensive damage caused by the Royal Gorge Fire. The fire destroyed the aerial tram as well as the visitors center. The bridge escaped with only minor damage to some of its wooden planks.
View from Point Sublime. Note at the bottom of the gorge along the river. Yes, it is a train.
Highway 50 west from the Gorge snakes through Big Horn Sheep Canyon following the Arkansas River to the headwaters. The ride and landscape took my breath away. Some of the most stunning I have ever experienced. Pressing and leaning through the turns.
Climbing to 11,312 feet above sea level the road peaks at Monarch Pass. Front tire on the Pacific Ocean side, rear on the Atlantic Ocean side.
Downhill into Gunnison CO tonight. Room at the ABC Motel. Met three Harley riders from Switzerland. Shared road stories. Exchanged addresses. Perfect ending to a day beyond description.
live free, ride free, Carlan
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