It's all about roads

Improbable encounter

Jeff Libby of Colorado Springs found my web site and called about John Brown Canyon as an alternate route to Moab from Gateway, Colorado. I told him it was a good route; I wasn't certain the snow was off and the mud dry yet. In our brief conversation he explained that he and a friend would be riding to Moab in a week or two; the exact date, if offered, didn't register. Subsequently, we exchanged a couple emails. In a few days I rode John Brown Canyon, as I often do, and emailed him it was open.

A couple weeks later, I informed my wife I was riding to Gateway for lunch. While refueling at the Outpost, Gateway Canyons Resort, and talking to a couple employees, two riders pulled up to the pump. One asked where John Brown Canyon was. Someone replied. The rider asked if it was open. I got into the conversation. The rider asked my name. "Verle Nelson," I replied. "Tom Libby," he countered. "Do I know that name?" I asked, certain that I did. "You sure do," he replied. "I've been to your web site, we've talked on the phone and exchanged emails." Before he finished speaking, it all came back. We were both surprised. I can't begin to calculate the odds of our arriving at the same gas pumps in Gateway Colorado at the same time.

I volunteered to lead the way to Moab. We had lunch. Jeff bought my sandwich and coffee. We rode to Moab via John Brown Canyon, the Gateway-Castleton Road, La Sal Loop Road and Sand Flats Road, stopping frequently for scenery and photographs. I enjoyed the ride and the camaraderie. I'm sure they enjoyed traveling a new route. We parted ways at Moab and I hurried home via UT128, I-70 and Grand Junction

I didn't have my camera with me. Jeff sent the pictures below and I appreciate them very much.