My red 2003 Buell Blast with some yellow aspens in the background..

Poudre Canyon Fall Colors

A few months ago, my friend Alex purchased a Kawasaki KLR 650 dual-sport motorcycle. With the trees changing color in the Poudre Canyon, we both took a break out of a Thursday afternoon and went all the way up to the top of Cameron Pass, before turning around. That was a 140-mile round trip.

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It was a beautiful, sunny, comfortable day aside from some powerful wind gusts halfway up that had me crouching in a full Moto GP-style aerodynamic tuck. Tumbleweed went bowling across the road, nearly hitting both of us, and when we stopped at Poudre Falls, Alex mentioned something about a branch that came flying at him but I did not see.

Wind drama aside, it was a great ride. This was, however, the first time I felt the Buell wanting a little more power—particularly on the uphill in the super strong headwind at higher elevations. I don’t think I’ve ever flogged the Buell and its half-a-Harley-Sportster thumper motor so much! Nevertheless, when it came time to get gas at Ted’s Place on the return trip, the Buell still achieved 54 miles per gallon. It’s rated at 70 MPG, but that is under much less throttle-happy conditions.

“This is my favorite time of year,” said Alex, noting the cool temperatures and fall colors. Agreed!

Alex arrives at my house on his black Kawasaki KLR 650.
Alex arrives at my house on his black Kawasaki KLR 650.
My red 2003 Buell Blast at Poudre Falls.
My red 2003 Buell Blast at Poudre Falls.
My red 2003 Buell Blast with some yellow aspens in the background..
My red 2003 Buell Blast with some yellow aspens in the background..
red 2003 Buell Blast, black Kawasaki KLR rear view, Alex taking a photo, Poudre Canyon
We stopped at the Poudre Falls to take some photos.