Blimey is slang in England for surprise, and while riding through Mesa Verde National Park this summer, a duo of off-road motorcycle enthusiasts from the United Kingdom were shocked.
“The park roads are something else,” said Nathan Jackaman. “They are easily on par with Nurburgring. It was very entertaining.”
Nicknamed “The Green Hell,” Germany’s Nurburgring is widely considered to be the most demanding and difficult purpose-built racing circuit in the world. Jackaman said when he and his mate, Dave Hodgson, were riding switchback trails at Mesa Verde, both were reminded of the hairpin curves at the world renowned racetrack.
“Riding through Mesa Verde is a hoot on a bike,” Hodgson posted on his Facebook page.
On a trans-America trail from North Carolina to Oregon, the English chaps had never been to America’s Four Corners.
With limited information about the area before their arrival in July, the lads said they experienced some of the most thrilling rides of their lives.
In addition to touring Mesa Verde National Park, the chaps also rode their motorbikes off the beaten path in and around Cortez, including Silverton, Telluride and Dolores.
“Most of the places on our trip just started off as a mark on the map,” Jackaman explained. “A return visit to Colorado is definitely in the cards, especially the Southwest corner.”
From a biker’s point of view, the amazing roads and trails in the Four Corners were just one reason the duo hopes to return to Colorado. The riders said they were especially appreciative of the hospitality they experienced.
“We met some very friendly people who went out of their way to show us around, and also put Dave and myself up for a few nights,” said Jackaman. “It was a welcome relief after countless days spent in motels.”
Citing Colorful Colorado as a highlight of their U.S. journey, the Englishmen said they would highly recommend the Four Corners to their countrymen as a pinnacle locale to visit.
“The Four Corners is a great destination,” Jackaman said.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com