Whenever I have idle time, I’m always thinking about things I want to do, or things I’ve already done. As I sit here I’m reminded of a motorcycle trail ride that my father, mother and myself did just outside Breckenridge, Colorado a few summers back.

Now, to understand the humor, you have to know my moms current riding ability. She can ride, but not all that well. She hadn’t been on a bike on her own in a few years. So just to be safe, my dad and I built her an old 175 Yamaha that really didn’t go all that fast.

Whenever the three of us go out for a ride, my father always stays with my mother and rides her pace, while I haul ass ahead and see what the terrain looks like. After scouting a decent distance, I return and ride at their slower pace.

On this particular ride, we were probably a good mile or so up the trail, and I took off to check out the upcoming obstacles. After realizing that the approaching rocky incline was considerably more than my mothers riding ability, I headed back to let them know we would either have to go back down the mountain or at the least back to a spur and find a different way over.

When my parents saw me coming, they stopped, still facing up the trail, and I was aimed down. I explained the challenges that lie ahead. For reasons that are still beyond me even today, I looked at my mom and realized she was slowly sliding back off the seat of her bike.

She must have realized it herself about the same time, and promptly opened both of her hands. In doing this she released the front brake and twisted the throttle wide open. As I watched in disbelief, she popped the clutch and the bike proceeded to wheelie up the trail, dragging her along as it went.

I couldn’t help it, I started laughing. My dad, obviously stunned, watched as my mom and the bike make it probably 10 feet or so, before the bike hit a tree with the front wheel, and dumped my mom off the back.

As my dad rushed to my mom to make sure she was ok, he looked back at me. I was worried about my mom of course, but I was laughing so hard I had dropped my motorcycle, and was doubled over next to it. My mom then turned and screamed at me ever so loudly, “It’s not funny! That tree jumped right out and hit me!”

I couldn’t breathe I was laughing so hard. I didn’t feel near as bad when my mom started laughing too.

Looking back, I realize that it was small things like that which could only happen in the great outdoors. Even though it scared all of us, we still look back and laugh about it.

As you begin your journey into the valley, you will pass the Clear Creek Canyon School.  This small building was constructed in 1912 after the mines started playing out and most of the people had left the canyon.  The school was built for the remaining children within the area.

The first mining activity within the canyon was commissioned by former governor John Evans and William Byers (founder of the Rocky Mountain News, Colorado’s first newspaper). They established the La Plata mining district along the Clear Creek Gulch in 1867 but quickly abandoned their plans.  The creek was prospected again by a few miners in the summer of 1879.  These miners found large fissure veins full of wealth.  By the end of 1879, nearly 90 men were living within the canyon trying their luck in the mines.

Almost overnight, more of these large fissure veins were found in dozens of mines. By the end of the following year, people were flooding the area with high hopes of striking it rich.

Beaver City

As you travel up the canyon, you will find two restored cabins in an area known as Beaver City.  Below these cabins is a small cemetery.  There was also a large lumber mill which supplied all the locals within the canyon with logs to build their cabins and reinforce their mine tunnels.

Vicksburg

The next town is Vicksburg.  There are two stories of how Vicksburg got its name.  First is the story of a few former Confederate soldiers who settled at the site, naming it after the battle between the Northern and Southern troops in 1863 near the town of Vicksburg.  The second story is that the town was named after Mr. Vick Keller, of Keller, Peck and Company, who first platted the site.  The town had humble beginnings at first with only one store, a couple of cabins, and about 40 or so miners living in tents nearby.

Within a short time of the formation of Vicksburg, the larger mines were flourishing.   The Abbot Mining company was working about 20 men on the Yankee Doodle mine, the Tail Halt Lode employed 30 men, and the Silver Dale employed 25 men.  The Abbot Mining Company was running a pack train from the mine to Vicksburg “on which is packed some of the richest ore that has ever had the honor to grace the back of a burro.”  The Yankee Doodle hauled about 60 tons of ore on their pack mules each day.

Opportunity was in abundance not only for the miners, but also for entrepreneurs.  As the winters were harsh and snow fell by the feet, many of the miners left for the winter and returned each summer.  As the miners expressed interest in staying in the area all year, many entrepreneurs recognized a great opportunity to sell supplies to these miners.  Soon there were nearly a dozen new stores selling everything from mining supplies to liquor to groceries.  A 25’ x 75’ two story billiard hall, with the upstairs area reserved for the new city hall was built as well as two hotels, saloons, a boarding house, a school, and most importantly, a post office.  The main street of Vicksburg was named Broadway and was lined with trees bought and paid for by those residents wanting a beautifully shaded street.

Rockdale—Silver Dale

Constructed in 1881, several old cabins still exist and are owned by summer residents.  Most of the old foundations are buried beneath the nearby beaver ponds.  The Rockdale mine and mill was located at the junction of Clear Creek and Lake Fork.

Winfield

By January 1882, the canyon was full of mines.  Hundreds of miners and their families built homes in the area and the sound of drilling and dynamite were abundant.   Winfield or Lucknow, was soon established at the end of the canyon.  There were three saloons, three stores, two hotels, a boarding house, school, post office, and a church. Today, several of these buildings still stand, many being occupied by summer residents.

Hazards of living in the Clear Creek Canyon during the winter months, as noted by the Leadville Daily and Evening Chronicle, Date: Dec 19, 1889:

The Snow King’s Work

Particulars of the Slide by Which John Wagner Lost His Life at Winfield Monday

Death Overtakes Him as He Sleeps—The Disaster Similar to That of the Homestake—Perils of Mountain Work in Winter

In our special dispatches yesterday morning, one from Granite gave an account of a snow slide occurring above Winfield, whereby John Wagner, a miner, lost his life.  A friend of the deceased was seen yesterday by a reporter and a comprehensive account of the accident given.

John Wagner was hired by the owners of the Small Hopes mine to do the annual assessment.  Near the tunnel on the property, is built a cabin, which Wagner occupied.  A little over two weeks ago John brought provisions, sufficient to last him 10 days in Granite, and told his friends that when the assessment was finished he would return, at the same time stating that the work would not take him more than a week to accomplish.  The mine is situated about three miles from Winfield, on the mountain side, to which place John packed his provisions and tools.  A week passed and Wagner’s friends looked for him to return, but he did not.

Another week slipped by and his friends became anxious, and determined to go to the mine and find out what was the matter.  Tuesday morning John Krug, with another friend, started for the Small Hopes, and when they reached the mine were horrified to find the cabin buried in snow.  Looking up the mountain side they saw that a snow slide had taken place.  Fears for the safety of their friend were uppermost, yet they thought it possible hi might have left before the avalanche took place.

They at once went to work to find out if Wagner was inside of the cabin, and when they reached the door, opened it and stepped inside.  They found another obstacle in their way, as the greater part of the roof had caved in.  Removing the timbers they approached the bed and found the lifeless remains of the miner lying there, with two or three pieces of timber on top of him.  The snow slide must have happened at night, as Wagner was undressed.  Death was probably instantaneous, as the features were not distorted in the slightest, and he was lying on his back with his limbs perfectly straight.

Krug surmised that Wagner must have been dead about ten days.  The cabin is a complete wreck, only the walls standing.  The remains were taken to Granite, where they were interred yesterday.

Winfield Cemetery

When entering Winfield, the canyon road forks to the left and to the right.  Follow the road to the right, towards the cemetery.  You can continue following this road for two miles.  There scenery is beautiful and well worth the trip.  The road is rocky in places, but accessible in a high clearance vehicles using 2WD.

Directions: On U.S. 24,  between Leadville and Buena Vista, turn west at the Clear Creek Reservoir just south of Granite

By 1880, the railroad reached Leadville and the Mosquito Pass was abandoned.  After WWII the pass was reopened by the residents of Leadville and Fairplay to hold their annual burro race between the two towns.  This annual event continues today.

There are many old structures at the London Mine and the drive is extremely scenic through the Colorado Rocky Mountains.  During the summer, the floor of this valley is covered in bright flowers and the stream is clear and cold.

Although it was opened in the early 1870’s, the London Mine didn’t become a “money maker” until the early eighties.  The mine produced gold, silver, and lead.

The Denver & Southpark Railroad built a narrow-gauge railroad from London Junction (now called Alma) to the London Mine during the years of 1881-1882.  The actual portal of the mine was about 3,300 feet above this stop so an aerial wire-rope tramway was built to transport the ore down the mountain to the mill and train cars.  It is said that this aerial tramway was the first in Colorado.  Once the ore was loaded into the cars, it was transported back to London Junction (Alma) to be milled again, then to Black Hawk and Denver to the smelters.

The London Mine milled an average of 850 tons of ore per month by 1883 with a cost of about $7.50.  These total costs included the cost of the mining, transportation of the ore to the mill, and the milling of the ore.  The London Mine was very profitable.

By 1884, the profitable London Mine was closed due to litigation.  Originally, the London Mining Company was a consolidation of many claims owned by several different companies.  The disputes by the owners concerning the percentage of ownership and profits caused the mine to be tied up in court and closed in 1884.

Eventually the court battles ended and the new London Mining Company was incorporated. Boarding and bunk houses were built for the miners as well as an office building and stables.

The London Mine, high atop London Mountain, was quite isolated and in the most unfavorable climate.  Although it was difficult to attract experienced miners to such a harsh climate, the London managed to hire local American miners to work the mine.  Because these miners came with a vast amount of experience, this kept the costs of mining in line with the profits.

By 1910, the mines began slowing down and the miners began moving to other mining districts.  The London then hired Austrians, Hungarians, and Italians.  Since these labors were inexperienced, the costs of mining increased.  The miners were paid $3.00 per day for an eight hour day, while the machine men were paid $3.50 and the blacksmiths and foremen were paid $4.00.

As mining slowed even more, the London Mine closed its doors.  Today, the London Mine, LLC continues to exist further down the valley.

Directions: From the town of Alma, continue south about 4 miles towards Fairplay.  You will soon see the sign “Mosquito Pass” and the road is on your right.

Having lived in northeastern Colorado, riding in the wind was more like riding in the oven.  The temperatures consistently hovered around 90 degrees.  Taking a break under a shade tree, well, let me just say, it was easier to find a bridge to provide shade.

When we moved to up to Silverthorne the first thing I noticed were the massive amount of people riding dirt and street bikes.  I couldn’t wait to get my motorcycles in my new garage.  Within a few weeks, we were moved in our home and I had my garage full of motorcycles.  It was not until this moment that I felt “right at home”

Motorcycle riding in the Colorado Rocky Mountains is much different than riding in other parts of Colorado.  The average temperatures are around 80 degrees, which makes riding in the wind a great experience.  The scenery is the best part of riding. There are plenty of places to pull off the road and enjoy the millions of shade trees, not to mention the snow-capped mountains, streams, lakes, and wildlife.

Summit County welcomes motorcyclist with open arms.  There are a couple of motorcycle shops in Summit County and a new Harley Davidson dealership is in the process of being built.  The Concours Owners Group has their National Rally in Frisco in June of each year while the Harley Owners Group has “Ridin’ the Rockies” and in July, the “7 Peak Charity Ride.”

Riding in the mountains give you the opportunity to ride on various road surfaces from interstates to True Mountain riding on a scenic byway.  Many times after working a long day, my wife and I will ride up to the Green Mountain Reservoir.  We ride along Heeney Drive, which circles the reservoir and has spectacular views of the water and mountains.  There are dozens of great places to stop and walk around and see the wildlife, which is more than abundant.  Our Heeney Drive ride is probably one of the most relaxing rides we take.

Sometimes on Saturdays my wife and I ride over to Leadville.  We travel on Colorado Hwy 91, which seems to have a quiet and serene presence to it. Your mind endlessly wanders as you ride on this road, thinking about all the towns and mining camps that once dotted this area.  All that is left now is the tailings from mines and the vast valleys and tall mountain peaks, which seem to dominate the area.  It is said that the highest named lake in the United States is near here.  The Pacific Tarn Lake is 13,420 feet above sea level.  It is just east of Colorado Hwy 91 towards Breckenridge.  We hope to hike up to the Pacific Tarn this summer.

After a long ride we often end up at one of the many restaurants in Summit County.  I will admit, the food at the local restaurants is very good.  After dinner, we then ride over to the outdoor  Dillon Amphitheater  for one of their free concerts.  It makes a nice end to a perfect day.

Mark

The town of Dillon began as nothing more than a stage stop.  Quickly, as more settlers came to the area to seek their fortunes in the local mines, the population of Dillon grew.   Soon Dillon had replaced its stage stop with a railroad depot and there were many new buildings in the town.

Dillon incorporated their town in January 1883 and also, in that same year, built a new schoolhouse for the children of the area.  Since the railroad came through Dillon, the town’s people were able to build the school using the most modern materials that could be purchased at that time.  Items such as four-by-four casement windows and a pressed-tin ceiling made the Dillon Schoolhouse a landmark.

Dillon is known to be the town that couldn’t stay put.  Dillon was moved three times; once to be closer to the railroad, and twice more beginning in 1956 to make room for the new Dillon reservoir.  Several of Dillon’s buildings were moved to the new site of Dillon while others were moved to Silverthorne.

The schoolhouse, which had become a church in 1910, was moved to the new town of Dillon in 1962.  Ten years later, the building became the Dillon Schoolhouse Museum.  The schoolhouse now contains many items including McGuffy desks, Heath Readers, slates and chalk, and many more turn of the century items.

Outside the schoolhouse is a small cabin from the 1930’s.  A cabin like this was typical during the depression when there were no jobs to be found.  Known as a “survival” cabin, one man, by himself, could build this type of home using trees from the forest.  He could then live off wild game or fish from the local rivers.

Next to the “survival” cabin is the Lula Myers Ranch House.  Although this two-story house is only 16’ x 24’ and appears quite small, it feels much bigger inside.  The home was built by Charles Delker in 1885 under the Federal Homestead Act.  Originally located near the Snake River in Keystone, the home was moved to its present location in 1976.

When Lula Myers, the local school teacher, and her husband Dirk decided to retire in 1924, they moved into the Delker home and became its second owners.  Dirk and Lula had many parties and social events in this home.

Today the town of Dillon has a year-round population of just less than 3000.  During the winter season, when many people arrive for their annual Colorado vacation, the population peaks to about 5000.

The Town of Dillon has a small town charm, but is full of activity all year long.   Summers in Dillon are the best, with boating on Lake Dillon, free Nature Nights, Friday Farmers Markets and weekend concerts at the Lake Dillon Amphitheatre.  There are also many restaurants, retail and services in Dillon.

Directions: The Dillon Schoolhouse is located at 403 La Bonte Street in Dillon.