Purgatory 2018 : Iron Indian Riders Association Annual Reunion

Year #3 in the Durango area. Last years' was over the top. Three years of great times .... great rides... great people.  As we all know, it's about the People, not the Place .. .but...  damned it's beautiful up in the Rockies.....

Back in '16 we moved the event to Durango, officially severing ties with the previous location where it'd been held for well over a decade.   The first year was a blast, with us all meeting at the Iron Horse Inn.   Despite some shortcomings, they served us well that year.  So well, that we returned in '17 for the second a year.  During that twelve months, the ownership did a great job of fixing up their patio area so much so that for '18 we opted to head to this location for a third time.  The rooms still were not top notch (far from it), but the overall location and outside area, as well as the lower cost group pricing for all members, made it attractive.  But... this wasn't to be.  Short version; the Iron Horse 

 folks fucked us.  Well, not just us... anyone.. that they failed to communicate to that was trying to stay there.  I've heard they were doing a major renovation. I've heard they've opted to go the HUD route.   Whatever they've chosen to do, they've proven incompetent to us.  So, the search was on....  for a location that could handle at least 100 of us rolling in on two wheels. Harleynot took to the phone / web and the search was on......

Year 3 had two benefits the way it all played out.  First was we moved the time frame by one week.  Additionally, we moved north of Durango eventually. The upside to me was that we were now differentiated from an IMRG event that was playing out simultaneously with our own.  They have denied from day one that it was intentional .. that it was  a fluke that they were on the same date.  I personally don't buy that.  Hell, I never had a problem with it... some people might want to attend both 'event's'. Some did the previous two years.  And, we got more members joining thanks to their doubling up on our date.  But, the vast majority of Iron Indians were there for our Reunion and didn't care about "the rendezvous".   I didn't.  Nor did the folks traveling with me.  So, we had separation now due to the new location.  Less confusion for folks mixing up the two.  That was a positive.

Purgatory.  I don't know the whole story, but I do know that Harleynot went through hell putting together Purgatory 2018.  Finding a suitable location, and a pricing structure that was similar to the Iron Horse Inn... was a tough task that he not only succeeded at, but knocked it out of the park.   With a few months to go for the event, he got us setup and folks began making the reservations!   However, what should have been a smooth transition turned out to have a few twists.  One can't control mother nature and other extenuating circumstances; that would be the case this year.  As I write this , the 416 Fire is still causing damage, approaching 35k acres succumbing to it, and our resort that we stayed at .. is planning to reopen next week for the 4th of July weekend.

As the Reunion week approached we became aware of a lil' problem.   Well, if you count a fire that has consumed over 1,000 acres a small thing.  As many of us rolled in we realized this could be an issue.   By official start date of the IIRA weekend, it was now at 2,000 acres and less than 10% contained.  Many of us were concerned we couldn't get up Hwy 550 to even check in.  This would turn out to be our only real problem for the week .. Hwy 550 closures as the fire attempted to jump the road and evacuations continued on throughout the weekend.   And the fire continues to grow... even as I type this weeks later.

Fire n' Smoke up ahead as we wait to be escorted up Hwy 550

It's time to check in! Beautiful weather out, no concerns of the fire way up here North of Durango. But, one thing quickly becomes evident; we're in fire fighting country.   The fire teams are based out of the Purgatory resort up here.  Tents scattered everywhere.  I was told some had rooms ( depended on their shift).  A chow hall was setup below us.  I'm guessing they have a command center setup down there. And, two other things.  First, you felt safe knowing they were all here among us.  Secondly, it kept things 'real'.   These guys were working long hours, busting their assess, and here we were to kick it up, have a good time.  For most, if not all of us... it was a sobering weekend of feeling and showing respect for these folks riskng their lives to save our forest, resident's home, and folk's lives.  By the time this weekend was over, one might be wondering if their own life was at risk?

If you look closely .. you can see the Fire Dept Staging area

Unknown to many of us early on, the Purgatory resort was running on a skeleton crew to support us.  They had folks supporting the fire fighting. Those that could make it, did to support us. That being said, they did a helluva job!   Except for our group, it felt like a ghost town in some ways. The good news is .. .we didn't have to 'share' the facilities with anyone.  Felt like our own personal resort!  But...  still...   was eerie quiet in other ways.. ...

Well, first night...it's Pizza night! All you can eat Pizza , Salad and a non alcoholic drink for a fair price.    Then, it's up around the corner to Hoody's which will become our main go to area for the evenings.   First night is always the best; folks are cutting loose, bottles of booze are coming out, jars of moonshine and folks are hugging and back slapping , connecting up with friends that they haven't seen in ages, or finally getting to meet for the first time.  This night wouldn't disappoint!   The Harlynot's have their margarita machine going with quality tequila and a home made, fresh mix they've assimilated.   I count no less than a dozen bottles of liquor on the table up there...  12 packs of beer are being carried in.  Music in in the background ... and ...  our family is once again, reunited.   Simultaneously during all this Ms Harleynot and Eraserhead are working the retail table getting us all IIRA gear, ranging from stickers to Hoodies to IIRA branded bike parts.  By Saturday, a shipment of new shirts would be in. Eventually, it all came to an stop. Night one is in the record books!

We're up early , meeting out front for a 0930  riders brief. The consensus is we'll have two groups.. one going North to Telluride .. and one going around via South route.  It's actually the same distance both directions. So, whether you go there and reverse back, or loop it.... same distance. Soon , both groups are off and running!   However, there is actually a third group.. those folks headed out to the Vallecito Reservoir.; this location would turn out to be bad luck for the week.  Well, the southward group headed out led by Tim Neid of the North Winds chapter, and the Northward bound group, led by Gary Groustra, President of the North Winds chapter.  At Telluride the groups ended up being  there simultaneously. It was a beautiful day of riding on 145 and Hwy 550 north of Purgatory, reminding us why we made this trek to the Rockies.   For most of us, it was a day of pure bliss enjoying the sights.  Most of us.  Unless one's timing and luck was off.  And this was the case for the group that headed to The Rusty Shovel Saloon that day.  Upon returning to Purgatory, they quickly found out that Hwy 550 had been closed.  One quick look at a map tells you the bad news.   A quick 16 mile jaunt suddenly turns into 200 miles... TWO HUNDRED.   And in this case, it pushed the ETA into the late evening, with critters on the road and a few folks ill prepared for the temps dropping.   Basically, this sucked!   The IIRA had catered dinner in for us that evening, and we were having an awards ceremony.  The Tribal Council held off to the last moment to make announcements and to be honest, many of us were worried.  We have zero communication with the group straggling in, as they were focused on getting home safely.  And of course, they did but not without close calls.   The deer may have tried to screw up someones Friday night, but they failed.  Our folks made it home safe and sound, and many .. cold!   We got some food in them, some drinks in them, and a few headed to bed early.  Let the Awards Ceremony commence!  EVERYONE introduced themselves (went quickly .. whew!).  Chapter Presidents were called up to stand and be recognized.  A couple of folks were officially appointed to the Tribal Council.  And, a few awards handed out for folks that have put in their years supporting  the IIRA from the early days.  The icing on the cake, patching in Junior into the South Winds tribe.  Junior was there representing Indian Motorcycle of Little Rock (i.e. Gregory Polaris ) , who was supporting us the third year in a row.   All in all, a good night, despite Hwy 550 causing us pain.

Lets Ride!

Saturday is upon us .. but .. we have a small  problem.  The potential for an evacuation has our attention. So, folks are planning shorter rides this day.And, the IIRA has put a lunch on at the Broken Shovel, out by the lake ( reservoir ).  Some folks decided to head to Silverton instead, but others like myself thought ....  short lunch, few drinks... and get back before HWY 550 becomes a problem.  So, many of us headed to the bar/grill for a good BBQ lunch and a few colds ones.  Soon after everyone was served word got out that HWY 550 would be closing in an hour or so.  Some took off right away, others attempted to time it closer to the top of the hour.  Both options , turned out to be a futile attempt.  Hwy 550 closed early.  Now, the 2nd group was in the same predicament as the first group the evening before.  Folks headed back the long way.  Now it has to be mentioned, this isn't the worst thing that could happen.  The traffic wasn't too bad, the sights are gorgeous and the roads have lots of twisties.  Still, there's something about heard your 16 miles becomes 200... that... is just a lil' frustrating?  So,  large of folks make their way back.  Actually within that large group, it's broke into at least 3 smaller groups and folks head into Durango to work their way around via 145.  On a positive note, the weather is beautiful and we've got all afternoon to work our way back.  And we've got a goal.   Judge Bob has brought in 5 rolls of Prime Rib and the Purgatory cooks are prepping them for our dinner!  So, 200 miles and several hours later ..   everyone rolls in and all are accounted for.  It's dinner time! Kudo's to Judge Bob and his bride for providing dinner!   Prime Rib, horseradish sauce, greens , whipped up potatoes, refreshments...   it's a grand Saturday night feast for all. Over in the corner, the full bar is open. Right outside, more than a few folks are sippin' what they brought, in the cool crisp air.  It's a beautiful evening.  And for most of us.... the final one.

Ouray pit stop

Many were planning on rolling out Monday, but we've got a per-evacuation order in place.   There is confusion and a few think we're now supposed to check out on Sunday.  Either way, the problem is, we've got a 15 minute window now to evacuate if they give the order.  So, had you chose to stay on Sunday what would you do to ensure you could evacuate?  You can't ride off into the mountains and assume you can get back.  So, Sunday is now our checkout date for all.  This is always the hardest time, saying goodbye to new friends, to old friends .. .. many of them, until next years Reunion.  For most, there is a feeling of urgency to get on Hwy 550 and get out in case they close it down again.  Sadly, for some this would be the case.  Most got through Sunday morning, but others with a later depart time found themselves having to head out on the million dollar highway. Hell, one last look at mother Nature's beauty?

As the Iron Indians' depart Purgatory, Purgatory itself finds itself in the midst of an evacuation order that thankfully didn't happen while we were there.   The fire continued to grow, with billows of smoke coming from the behind the slopes on the west side that we could see.  Many of us were worried about the resort.  The homes of the employees.  And now , it appeared to be coming to take it all.   Appeared.   Nothing more, because the fire fighters did an outstanding job saving property and lives. As this is typed, over 34,000 acres ( 10 x what it was two weeks ago) have been consumed by the 416 Fire.  It's almost 40% contained.  And with the 4th of July weekend fast approaching, the Purgatory Resort is preparing to open it's doors again this weekend.  So all in all, things are looking up for the region.

Billowing smoke from behind the ridge line

What will 2019 bring?   A poll for locations and a vote, will determine it for us.  Most want to see the reunion move around every two years or so, in different locations across the country.  Several options have already been thrown out there.  Texas Hill Country.  Pacific Coast Highway. NC/TN area around Deals Gap.  No matter where we all journey to it'll be an awesome time.  Because, it's about the People not the Place.

Folks/Bikes rolling in for a Group Shot