Sheridan to Charleston the long way

[lawdawg]

There was something that just felt magical as we headed out of Wyoming surrounded by snow with the unknown spread out before us.

It wasn't long until we broke through the snow and were surrounded by the open plains. I've never been to Wyoming and it was so different from back home that I found it beautiful. I did think it was funny how there were big metal signs on the ridge lines along the way. I wish I had started taking pictures sooner, but caught the last few.

Three Hundred and fifty miles later we hit the Colorado border and of course, like a bunch of geeky tourist, we had to take our picture.

Right after we took the picture we looked over and noticed the Wyoming sign on the other side of the highway, so down to the next exit and back.

 

[Varty Yo]

Always better to have a sidekick!!

Thats my one regret in my 1100 mile trek back from the Westcoast was a solo mission.

 

[lawdawg]

While heading down the highway we started seeing signs letting us know the road was closed for light weight vehicles that rode high due to the wind blowing over 60mph. I'm gonna guess that we qualified, but pushed on anyway as we got blown around like a plastic bag and passed a tractor trailer that got blown over on its side.

As the sun was setting we pulled into this wonderland for the road weary called Fort Collins where the beer flows like honey. We found 5 IPAs on tap and settled in.

While hanging out at the brewery we were talking to one of the guys behind the counter and found out New Belgium is entirely employee owned. A few years ago the owners sold their shares to the employees and each one is vested in the company. He said he was getting ready to get married, so we put down a few extra Voodoo Rangers to support his cause.

So as a good couple of southern boys we packed for snow apocalypse 2017 to make sure we didn't freeze to death on the side of the road somewhere. We woke up this morning to check the weather in Denver and it is supposed to get up to 77, glad we found the lever on the heater to switch to vent. Time to get some breakfast and hit the road, the mile high city is calling.

 

[Varty Yo]

Fat tire is one of my favs!!!! Hard to find up here sometimes.

Lol good thing to find the heat

 

[SMG]

Along for the ride. Keep the updates/pictures coming!!!!

 

[BabyD]

How much did they pay you for that quote? I don't think they will make a cap big enough for Bill's head.

Lol, it only took a few tasty microbrews and a steak dinner!

 

[ginmtb]

You're kinda old for a selfie stick aren't you?

I keep thinking of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure! But this is much more excellent!

 

[Disasterman]

F-ing great. Thanks for the trip photos, makes me feel like hitting the road.

 

[Jdc1]

Awesome trip. Nothing screams road trip like matching t-shirts.

 

[corleykj]

Congratulations on your purchase. I really wanted that yellow 40, so I am extremely jealous. I almost ate at Sherries place yesterday as well and I definitely would have been staring at your 40 out front.

 

[White Stripe]

The Denver Toyota offroad club is having their annual snow/pizza run tomorrow. Their is usually a few 40s. We have pizza after the snow run around mid afternoon in Idaho springs. It's about 30 minutes from Denver. If u hurry and get on the rising sun forum u could meet us all for pizza. Just register on the forum and ask in that thread how and when and which restaurant u can meet up at and u can join a bunch of Yota people if u want. It's a pretty cool old mining town.
2017 Snow and Pizza Run - Sat. Feb 11th - Rising Sun Member Forums

 

[lawdawg]

thank you very much for the offer, that would have been awesome! We ended up heading south to Colorado Springs, have a great time tomorrow!

The Denver Toyota offroad club is having their annual snow/pizza run tomorrow. Their is usually a few 40s. We have pizza after the snow run around mid afternoon in Idaho springs. It's about 30 minutes from Denver. If u hurry and get on the rising sun forum u could meet us all for pizza. Just register on the forum and ask in that thread how and when and which restaurant u can meet up at and u can join a bunch of Yota people if u want. It's a pretty cool old mining town.
2017 Snow and Pizza Run - Sat. Feb 11th - Rising Sun Member Forums

 

[Flatlanderfj40]

New Belgium has the best tour of any brewery I've been to.

 

[lawdawg]

So last night as we were pulling in, we noticed we had about a 5 candle power output on the front headlights. Knowing we were going to be hitting the trails soon, something needed to be done. Since we were heading to Denver, I figured that was a good excuse to go swing by Slee Off Road and check out the shop. I assumed they would have some LED lights in stock, but found out that my old girl is a little long in the tooth for them and they don't do 40s. The guy at the shop recommended we call Justin at Red Line Landcruisers, and sure enough, he had 2 headlights left.

Having heard tales of the peaks of Colorado, we decided to swing by for a quick lunch before leaving Denver, and a nice girl in lingerie brought us frothy beer and warm burgers, the hospitality was appreciated.

We had planned on spending the day hanging out in Denver, but on to Colorado Springs we went. The wind has been blowing like crazy, passed two more 18 wheelers that blew over on the road.

Got down to his shop and Justin was super cool and helpful. A few minutes later we had our first 40 mod done.

 

[lawdawg]

From there we swung by Mr. Toyota for some miscellaneous gaskets and a few other parts that we will take care of in the morning. We gave her a quick bath to get the snow and grime off and then it was off to dinner, a fabulous brisket and smoked gouda sandwich with apple slaw, and a few Cerberus IPAs

. It is then time to start getting ready for bed so we can get an early start and head up to the garden of the gods in the morning. From then we head south to start on the trails in New Mexico.

 

[iptman]

So how's the 40 running? This being your first experience drive one, what do you think so far?

 

[greenbeasty]

So jealous, I would love to take a tripp like that one day.

 

[huminajumina]

heck yea, looks fun!

 

[tls3601]

Great thread, nice rig and super pics-keep em coming and be safe!

 

[70fj40]

I've been to Garden of the Gods many times but never in a 40. I have always wanted to so I will live vicariously through your next post!