Where to go to Drum up the Sun?

It's been a many years tradition in Denver to go to Red Rocks on the
morning after the longest night of the year, to celebrate the beginning
of a new cycle of the year. For some, the notion is to "drum up the sun"
with a steady rhythm at the dark time, building with volume and energy
as more folks show up throughout the morning. It's often very jubilant
by 7:15 or 7:30 or so...

Those that work this day continue to receive and appreciate a tolerant,
respectful peer setting, and we hope this tradition can continue up here
in Northern Colorado as well.

I'll be there on Sunday with folks that can't be there on Monday, and
again on Monday for folks that prefer that day. Hey, once you've gotten
up that early once, the next day doesn't seem so hard.

It's about 15 minutes from the turnoff from Overland trail.

For those needing a breakfast afterward, I think the Perkins near
foothills mall won't be far off target.

Head west outta Fort Collins on Drake Road, turning North on Overland
Trail where Drake ends. Just past the drive-in theater, take your first
left onto County Road 42C (also known as Dixon Canyon Rd). Zero out your
trip odometer, and note these landmarks (odometer readings are from
Overland and 42C):

0.55 miles to the first bend in the road
1.05 to the next major bend in the road
1.15 miles to the intersection of Centennial Road (as a 'T' on the left)
1.3 miles to the first cattle guard/open range area
1.6 miles to the end of the dam, where the very steep hill starts
2.7 miles to the next cattle guard
3.35 miles to the bend in the road to the left,
where the trail that we'll use leads off to the right,
and where there will be some cars parked
3.4 miles to an unused parking lot on the left,
not well marked, and closed for construction of a new picnic area

pjc

PS - who is Pat Cain?
A father of 4, husband of one, drummer for a decade, sponsor of people
investing clear thinking into their decisions, and a growing supporter
of community events. Fort Collins resident for a year and a half,
thrilled to be out of Denver (well, at least 4 out of 7 days a week).

PPS - though it seems possible that the sun will rise without us doing
any of this, many folks feel that it's just not worth the risk.