The busted right side brush guard is holding the brake on. We remove the offending bits and press on. At the bottom of the canyon is the small town of Gateway. Out of the canyon now, the road opens up and allows even better visibility. It follows the meanders of the Dolores River.
Sweepers drape around red sandstone cliffs, their surface allowing speeds up to and beyond the ton.
We stop in Naturita for gas, then continue south, heading for Dove Creek. The road opens, straightens, and the terrain turns to high desert. Tom and I spurt ahead on a long straight stretch, opening the bikes up all the way. Tom sees a bit over 140, a shade faster than me. We take a break near Slick Rock for the boys to enjoy a cigar.