July and a motorcycle rally in Paonia Colorado had to be the high point of the season.  Seeing old friends and having a few beers makes for the best of times.  Left to right is Jim, Bob and Mark, ever faithful ralliests.

 Mark in one of his reflective moments thinking about motorcycles!

Jim talking with a lady giving her tech instructions about cell phones.

 Bob is reflecting on how short the rally is and how much he likes sleeping on the ground.

 The hallowed beer tent awaits the evenings festivities as folks were out riding and enjoying the beauty of the area.

Things are quiet on the main drag of the rally, in the evening there is very little parking for motorcycles.

Coffee vendor across from my bike.  A life saver in the morning.  The guy works hard from early AM to late PM.

My CL parked in front of the beer tent and near our groups tents.

Home sweet home on the rally road.  When night falls you had better know where your tent is as there are many tents and it is dark!  The three man Eureka Tempest has been a faithful, dry tent for a number of years although touted as a three man tent it is in reality a one man comfort zone.

 Preparations for the trip.  I was pleased being able to pack the tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and odds and ends into the rear trunk.  I rented a chair at the rally.  A tank bag provided even more luggage space and the side cases kept my clothes dry.  It was an easy trip although on the way back I encountered rain and hail in the mountains which came under the fairing.  I have since added plexiglass wind deflectors.

Gordon joined the group and is an awesome guy.  He was the life of the party and made no bones about being Canadian.  I continue to maintain contact with him and hope he returns next year.