Rugged mountains, evergreen spires, historic towns, and fantastic curves highlight this loop ride through western Colorado.

As I sat in the grassy courtyard of the Retro Motel in Cortez, Colorado, the quaint motel?s name struck a chord. It dawned on me that ?retro? may be the theme of this western Colorado motorcycle ride. Merriam-Webster defines ?retro? as something ?fashionably nostalgic.? That seemed fitting as I contemplated a loop ride that would take me deep into the Rocky Mountains and through some of western Colorado?s iconic towns. The most famous of these towns are deeply rooted in frontier history but have since taken on the upscale air of ski-chic and Western high fashion.

After a slug of coffee and a nibble of the motel?s grab-n-go breakfast, I headed north out of Cortez on State Route 145. In no time, I was rolling through the tiny town of Dolores. From there, I began a beautiful ride that follows the Dolores River for a long stretch and gains elevation. The route is a pleasant mix of short straights and sweeping corners. 
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As I parted ways with the clear waters of the Dolores, the corners tightened and the air cooled. After a spirited ride, I motored into the historic silver mining town of Rico, which was settled in 1879 and still boasts impressive historic structures for such a tiny place. I dropped a kickstand at the town hall and the community church, both of which were constructed ...