“No Mistakes”
Those were the words of good will that we received from a guest at the Grand Imperial Hotel prior to our departure along the stretch of US-550 from Silverton to Ouray known as the ‘Million Dollar Highway“. We were used to such comments from well wishers that we’ve met along the way, but this one was new – quite appropriate given that this stretch is one of the 12 most dangerous roads in the world.
We quickly found out why. Not that we were at risk – driving conditions were perfect if a bit chilly – but given that there were no shoulders and no guard rails and many steep drops , there was no room for error. During winter conditions a small patch of black ice could consign one to a certain death as your vehicle plummeted into a deep canyon – no doubt to remain until the glaciers in the next ice age ground the rusted metal into dust. But for this day it was great riding, a great road with great views all around.
At Ouray we took US-145 west to Placerville – another fine twisty mountain road but with less traffic. After Placerville the road smoothed out on a meandering course across the upper plateau across Norwood to Naturita before dropping into the canyon carved by the San Miquel River. At one of the lookouts there was a view of the remains of an old flume that was used in years past to divert river water to assist with mining operations. (Perhaps something like the set up in the movie Pale Rider?)
Oh … and a close look will reveal an abandoned wrecked car that presumably was left by someone who got too close to the edge.
Turning at Gateway C)-141 we continued over the ridge on another twisty, sparsely travelled road and landed in Grand Junction for fuel and a quick trip to Starbucks. The trip southeast to Montrose was a pleasant Super G run with views on all sides.
This day of endless twists, turns and vistas ended with a pleasant meal at Ted Nelsen’s steak house which was noteworthy for the terrific service, great food and a chance to meet Ted himself who checked in with us several times to make sure all was well and described himself as the world’s oldest ‘bus boy’. It was a great example of ‘Leadership by Example’.