A Spirited Drive Through Poudre and Rist Canyon
After completing the Rolland Moore Park 4k, I cruised homeward when my gaze snagged on a shimmering Crystal Blue Metallic NB Miata up ahead, a rarity in Fort Collins, belonging to my friend Manuel.
He caught sight of me in his rear-view mirror, and I pulled up beside him. With our roadsters’ tops down, conversation flowed easily, albeit at a shout.
“We’re going for a short drive,” said Manuel, gesturing to the silver Honda S2000 and a dark blue NB Miata ahead. “You can join!”
“OK!” I replied.
“It’s going to be spirited,” Manuel warned.
Although we maintained a pace below the speed limit through Poudre Canyon due to traffic on the narrow road, the first leg of Stove Prairie and part of Rist Canyon saw the lead Miata and S2000 tearing it up like racers in the Monaco Grand Prix.
As we hit Rist Canyon, cyclists appeared on the road, prompting Manuel and me to sensibly ease off. The other two cars would have to wait.
Our journey continued past the breathtaking Horsetooth Reservoir and back into Fort Collins, where we bid farewell to the other two cars.
I pulled into a nearby gas station, and Manuel parked behind me. It was a chance to catch up.
This unforeseen encounter turned out to be a delightful happenstance—the most impromptu driving tour I’d experienced yet!
