A key tip before riding in the cool temperatures found year-round at the high altitudes of Colorado: adjust the valves on your Concours. Remembering some basic laws of science: 1) cool temperatures cause engine parts to contract, and 2) the air at high altitudes is thin. A short story illustrates the consequences of ignoring the facts.

Day three of the 1997 Ride the Divide began poorly when my Concours (that would start without a problem at 5400' elevation in Denver) wouldn't start in the early morning chill at a campground at 9000' elevation. NickNinja, Karl Z, Ed, and Fast Lane were the best friends a guy could have as they gave up an hour of their time to help me regap the spark plugs, hoping that would solve the problem. It didn't. Karl then pulled me down the highway (not recommended) with his "Acura" ST1100, and the Connie finally started. All along NickNinja thought the valves needed to be adjusted, but none of us paid much attention to that idea, still thinking the bike just needed new, not gapped, plugs.

Later in the day I stopped at a cycle shop in Gunnison and bought new plugs (and almost bought a new Concours instead). Under a shade tree at the campground I put the plugs in, then went for a test ride. No problems; even Fast Lane had a difficult time catching up with me. The next morning though, the Concours again wouldn't start. Fortunately a little starter fluid and the "low" 7000' altitude did the trick.

A few days later, back in the comfort of my garage, I took off the bodywork and valve cover and adjusted the valves, many of which were too tight. Parts back on, pressed the starter button, and almost before the engine cranked over one revolution, it fired right up. Noticeably faster than the "fine" starting at low altitude before the valve adjustment.

The moral of this story (and a similar one told by Erick E.) is that before you start riding in the Rockies and enjoying the cool temperatures and high altitude scenery, take the time and/or money to get those valves adjusted!