Driving the USA Pro Challenge, #3: Wide open spaces in a 2013 Nissan Rogue

For the past two days, I’ve driven the 2013 Nissan Rogue on the scenic and often wide open and hilly state routes of Colorado during the USA Pro Challenge.

Yesterday, I drove from Breckenridge to Steamboat Springs for stage 3. And today, for stage 4, I drove from Steamboat Springs on most of the same route in the reverse direction before diverting in the final sections to US 6, then Interstate 70 to Avon and then the uphill stretch to Beaver Creek Resort.

The state highway system in Colorado offers stunning views and often undulating roads through small towns, ranches, abandoned farm equipment and sections of open range.

I stopped yesterday at the Toponas General Store. It rests in the open spaces in an unincorporated community in Routt County. When I was leaving the proprietor asked if I would be returning today. When I replied yes, he asked his wife what time she had planned to have her pulled pork sandwiches available.

Noon was her answer and the proprietor suggested I get there by noon. I returned through the area sooner than I expected and missed her specialty. But I stopped along the road to look at the rock formations and take in the wide open spaces of Colorado.

I also filled the gas tank yesterday for the first time during my eight-day drive through Colorado in the Rogue. The compact SUV took 14.2 gallons that cost $54.00. I drove 385 miles before the first fill-up and averaged 27.1 miles per gallon.

Colorado has been warm the past several days so most of my driving has been with the air conditioning on and while averaging at least 60 mph on Interstate 70 or various state highways.