Elephant Ride, from Grant, Colorado, to the top of Guenella Pass.  Valentine's Day, February 14, 2010.

Had a blast, as usual. Since I had missed this ride last year, I was looking forward to getting back into the zaniness.

The campout the night before the ride is part of the tradition, too, and much fun was had around the fire. Much alcohol was had as well. I again brought the Adventure Sword, and into the fire it went. LaurieD (center, below) did most of the photography with our camera; I only took a few of these shots.

People kept arriving into the evening, and then there was food on the grill and more adult beverages around the fire.

Not everyone had the necessary nerve and strength to manage this beast. Ethan had both.

Always nice to see what people bring up to the Elephant ride.

The night ended early for most.

After 2am or so, there were only a few of us at the fire telling stories and having friendly arguments. Me being retired didn't keep some folks from having to tell me their stories about some damned cop that gave them grief at some point in their life. Some folks just need to get stuff off their chest, and it was all managed in a (mostly) civil and respectful manner. Success, in other words.

The last of us conked out at 4am, and it didn't seem like that much later when friends pounded on our Tahoe to wake LaurieD and me for breakfast.

At about 10am, we were ready to ride. Other riders were coming in, so there were more bikes on the ride than were evident in the campground. I had a heck of a time getting my DRZ400 started, but after some jumper cables and starter spray, it finally got running. Several times during the ride, the bike would only start with the choke fully on. The temperature was about 10-12 degrees F, and it was heavily overcast and windy.

We made several stops during the ascent to warm our hands and take a breather.

In some places, the road was wind-blown clear, but in some places the snow was deep enough to make the going difficult.

I had well-worn knobbies on the DRZ, but they were enough for me. This was my first Elephant Ride without a fall-down.

The Urals caught up to us on the switchback just prior to the ice field. Nice to see them again. Next time, come up for the camping, ok?

The ice field (on a steep slope) was easier to manage than in some years past. The side of the road nearest the guardrail was good, hard-packed snow.

Several deep snow areas were managed, then a large drift stopped many riders. A track was pounded and ground into the snow drift, and with some assistance, many of us got through. It was a couple feet deep.

LaurieD stayed there in the support truck and took more photos of the Rokons mounting the drift.

The wind came and went, but there was great scenery when things were calmer.

Up at the barricade, some riders went around it and found the road impassable further up. Eight of us detoured to Julie's cabin nearby for stew and hot chocolate. Julie is a sweetheart of a gal and has lived in that cabin since 1967, "The summer of love," she reminded us with a secret smile to the past. She hadn't managed to get the stew made, but she made up for it by lacing the hot chocolate with large amounts of bourbon. One was enough for me, although one was not enough for everyone. A very nice visit with Julie and her two bear-dogs.

Ethan and I headed back down, since LaurieD was still waiting in the support truck down at the snow drift.

LaurieD followed us to the bottom, back to PhychoSteve's place where we packed up and said our goodbyes.

A complete success, as far as I was concerned. Special thanks to PhychoSteve and DeathBikeJim for their hospitality and work to get everything set up for us. For the grilled elk, too.

See everyone up there again next year.