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[Jock]

As quickly as it boomed, Ashcroft went bust. The mines, which initially produced an amazing 14,000 ounces of silver to the ton, were just shallow deposits. Promised rail links to Crested Butte never materialized. Major strikes in Aspen, already the county seat, lured away investors and workers. By 1885 there were just 100 summer residents and $5.60 in the town’s coffers.

[Jock]

Only a handful of aging, single men made Ashcroft their home by the turn of the century. They all owned mining claims, but spent their time hunting, fishing, reading and drinking in Dan McArthur’s bar. They told stories in exchange for drinks and served as an informal employment service, matching sporadic work at the remaining mines above Ashcroft with an unstable work force.

[Jock]

There were between 16 to 20 saloons in town at the high point of the boom which was around 1883.  Holy Beer Pong!  That’s some serious drinkin’ my friends!

[Jock]

Luxury at it’s finest! 

Remind my again what cha bitchin’ about?

[Jock]

The day was filled with cooler temperatures which made it nice to retain the leathers on for most of the day.  The roads are starting to fill up at “the nineteen” isolation is beginning to melt even with the cooler weather.

[Jock]

Day Seven | Manitou Springs – Pikes Peak – Manitou Springs | 100 miles

This morning as I reflected upon the ride I was about to take, it took me back to a time when JCZ, ak and I rode Pikes Peak Highway prior to it being paved.  As I recall the road was packed gravel with no guard rails and it was fun!

Since that time I have ridden it paved and it is not quite the same.  Sure there are the check points along the way but the road itself seems so tame now.

As I arrived to the toll gate I was presented with a sense of discord from the clerk.  At the time I did not think much about it so I when along my way.

At one of the check points, the guide ask, “are you going all the way”?  I said, “Of course, I did not come all of this way not too”.  He never said anything else and let me go.

At the next check point, the guide said, “you are park there”.  Ugh?  What I did not know was they would not let me ride to the top.  Why you ask?

This is what awaits you up there.

[Jock]

So you are on the top, construction surrounds you, what can you do?

Well, if you are opposed to using the outhouse, you can wait in line to get into the gift shop.  In order to have a baseline, I ask someone at the beginning of the line how long they had been standing in it.  Over one hour!  NOPE!  Had no interest anyway.

[Jock]

Besides after climbing up all of that way, at 14,000+ feet, I want some rest!

[Jock]

The truth is, you take a “nineteen” bus to the top that has social distancing, must wear mask and it is for “your safety”.

Funny part – the driver had to be doing over 35mph going all over the place and at one point, one of the passengers said, “I thought this ride is for our safety.  It does not appear to be that way.”  The driver, “I can slow down if you want.”  The passenger replied, “Well if it is for our safety yes.”

Given all of the construction there was an extremely limited area for viewing.  As a matter of fact, most people did not attempt to even work to the limited area.

[Jock]

You will be happy to know that we are taking care of our bears too during “the nineteen”.

Behind me is another gift shop and you are required to wear a mask.  If you do not have one, no problem.  Paper mask can be purchased outside of the shop for only $6/each.

[Jock]

Right On!  My long lost brother found at last!

[Jock]

Money shot time!

[Jock]

Time to head back down to reality!

[Jock]

And where is that?  Reality?  Why it can be found at the North Pole Home of Santa’s Workshop!

[Jock]

So if you have ever been to the Pikes Peak Highway, you have pasted the North Pole!  This time, I decided to see what it was all about but I was not sure what I would find given “the nineteen”.

What I found was a little heaven on earth.

Here was small family owned amusement park that had been opened since 1956 and dedicated to believers!  The park was open however the rides were not operating.  They were fully staffed and then some, allowing their workers to be employed and paid even given the conditions.  Every shop, restaurant, and exhibit was open but the rides where not.  No entrance fee.  The park employees were so grateful to the family and the family showed a real commitment to their and employees and guest.  I was the only one in the park and treated like a king.

Even Santa was there however there was social distancing in place so you could not sit on his lap.  A cool dude indeed and very funny.