I grew up around motorcycles and have spent the last 20 years custom building them. But in all my years of riding, I will say that motorcycling in and around Summit County during the summer and early fall months is nothing short of awesome.

Having lived in northeastern Colorado, riding in the wind was more like riding in the oven. The temperatures consistently hovered around 100 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 bikes 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”

Riding in the 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