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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: bpreynolds on August 24, 2018, 07:19:56 AM
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Yup. Thinking about making one of the old bucket trips out yonder. Would take me 2 days from Louisville just to get there. Off the top of my head I know I'd want to ride the Peak to Peak road and also the San Juan Skyway. Seems like a million amazing roads out there but any further advice?
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I like the Poudre river area west of fort Collins. Most
of the tourism is from fishermen. They stay off the roads and in the creek
(https://thumb.ibb.co/hE8OCp/COLORADO_09_054.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hE8OCp)
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(https://thumb.ibb.co/j0rUJU/COLORADO_09_024.jpg) (https://ibb.co/j0rUJU)
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Yup. Thinking about making one of the old bucket trips out yonder. Would take me 2 days from Louisville just to get there. Off the top of my head I know I'd want to ride the Peak to Peak road and also the San Juan Skyway. Seems like a million amazing roads out there but any further advice?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Get there and see it. I'm doing it again ....
Lannis
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Do a loop out of Durango or Ouray and include the million dollar Highway with the San Juan Skyway. If you want to bypass most interstates head towards Wichita and take 160 over wolf creek gap from alamosa to pagosa springs.
Roadrunner has done a couple shamrock tours in the area with places of interest like Mesa Verde National park and take a rabbit trail near wolf creek gap to Creede, CO.
I was in the area 3 weeks ago on my Road Glide.
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The aforementioned routes are among my favorites from my Norton days when I lived in New Mexico. Another one is Loveland Pass on the Front Range west of Denver, US Hwy. 6. Lots of twists and hairpin turns.
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Gone many times, always a treat. Last time, used a Butler Motorcycle Map to plot the course and it was really excellent. They highlight the good roads. I always aimed at crossing the continental divide as many times as possible but once I rode 141 down the Dolores river through Gateway CO. I was smitten. It is a taste of Utah red rocks, good pavement, curves & views with no traffic.
https://www.butlermaps.com/
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Take Bob Seger's advice and Get out of Denver Baby .
Being a simple guy , I really like to stay away from the ski villages like Breckenridge . Visit Trinidad and eat at the White Spot Cafe .
Dusty
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Once you cross the Front Range, all the roads (save the interstates) are great. The following link has a week-long route in Colorado that is truly gorgeous. The only problem is that once you ride Colorado, you�ll want to ride New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming...etc.
http://www.swcolotravel.org/page.cfm?pageid=15595
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Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Get there and see it. I'm doing it again ....
Lannis
Awesome place
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Yup. Thinking about making one of the old bucket trips out yonder. Would take me 2 days from Louisville just to get there. Off the top of my head I know I'd want to ride the Peak to Peak road and also the San Juan Skyway. Seems like a million amazing roads out there but any further advice?
You'll really be limited by the # of days to determine which of the many roads to ride, so if you've got a full week, you can cover most of the roads listed above and several more - all fantastic suggestions.
Riding up the middle as well Salida, Buena Vista, Leadville up the back way to Avon thru Minturn is also very scenic...
Telluride to Gateway and back is one of my favorites - if you want to do some very light dirt riding in that same direction with a beautiful ride thru the Aspens, head over the Uncompaghre plateau and it will take you all the way to Gateway on the ridgeline.
Ouray, Silverton, Durango, Cortez, Telluride is another full day loop.
If you're headed that way, stop in and go for a horse ride with Rowdy (Ride with Rowdy)...a very entertaining and colorful character...
Very hard to go wrong in Colorado...so many wonderful roads.
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some favs. hwy 92 and Black Canyon. 133 to Marble.
Stay in Crested Butte if you get a chance
hwy 82 Twin Lakes (Independence Pass) to Aspen
Cottonwood Pass is a good hardpack from Buena Vista to Gunnison or Crested Butte.
550 of course. Stay in Ouray.
141 from Telluride to Gateway
hwy 90 from Naturita (Paradox Valley and River) to Moab UT
hwy 149 through Slumgullion Pass
This is all south of I-70, BTw, I-70 west of the Ike Tunnel to Glenwood Springs is great an architectural highway as anyplace.
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If ya got the time take the round trip train ride from Durango to Silverton and enjoy the backcountry beauty of that area. You'll need to make reservations in advance, take a look: http://www.durangotrain.com/
Be sure to ride the Million Dollar Hwy and a visit to Silverton either by train or on the bike.
Paul
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Oh...and make sure to visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park in the southern part of the state...that's also nice riding down into New Mexico...but now we're digressing! ha ha. If it's not too hot, a hike to the top of the dunes is a wonderful thing to do.
There is a relatively easy to progressively hard 4x4 trail over Medano Pass on the backside of the Sand Dunes that you could go pretty far on a bike until you get to the top rocky section and then drop down towards Pueblo, narrow but beautiful if you're looking for some Dual Sport adventure riding.
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There is another narrow gauge rail day trip that goes from Antonito, CO to Chama, NM called the Cumbres Toltec Scenic RR. The route is primarily in the Carson National forest. It is very pristine and there is little modern stuff to ruin the views. Highly recommended...
https://cumbrestoltec.com
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It's pretty hard to go wrong anywhere in the mountains in Colorado. All of the above listed roads are excellent suggestions. You might want to come relatively soon as I've heard that the aspens are already starting to change at the higher elevations, weather could influence your route on some of the higher passes. Feel free to PM me if you need anything while you are out here.
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Lots of good recommendations.
this Texan is lucky as my youngest brother lived in Craig, Minturn, Leadville and now Salada I'd visit and make trips from his places and back for free meals and lodging. (Guzzi content)
"all interstates are the same" WRONG. I-70 from the tunnel to Glenwood Springs is an engineering masterpiece. Aspen and Vail,just to say you have been there. Two good museums in Leadville to visit.
Early Sept is a good time as some tourists have departed. Make reservations early if staying in motels..
Again, stay out of Denver.
Tex
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I like the Poudre river area west of fort Collins. Most
of the tourism is from fishermen. They stay off the roads and in the creek
+1 on the Poudre recommendation. Beautiful road. I've only been up it in a car, but it's on my list.
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Lots of good recommendations.
this Texan is lucky as my youngest brother lived in Craig, Minturn, Leadville and now Salada I'd visit and make trips from his places and back for free meals and lodging. (Guzzi content)
"all interstates are the same" WRONG. I-70 from the tunnel to Glenwood Springs is an engineering masterpiece. Aspen and Vail,just to say you have been there. Two good museums in Leadville to visit.
Early Sept is a good time as some tourists have departed. Make reservations early if staying in motels..
Again, stay out of Denver.
Tex
I lived in Denver in 2013, working there. Bought a Honda PC800 to ride while I was there.
Yes on avoiding Denver, Yes on stopping in Leadville - really historical spot at 10,000 feet altitude, neat little museums and restaurant, Yes on I-70 being one of the few "fun to ride" Interstates in the country!
Lannis
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Do visit Montrose and eat at The Red Barn restaurant . Just trust me on this :laugh:
Dusty
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I usually stay at my sister in laws wolf sanctuary near Lake George a night or two. The night time howling is a treat you just don't get at your average domicile :thumb:
(https://thumb.ibb.co/bO5RF9/IMG_0117.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bO5RF9)
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Do visit Montrose and eat at The Red Barn restaurant . Just trust me on this :laugh:
Dusty
BTDT. The mex joint on the road east from there ain't bad neither.
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Yup. Thinking about making one of the old bucket trips out yonder. Would take me 2 days from Louisville just to get there. Off the top of my head I know I'd want to ride the Peak to Peak road and also the San Juan Skyway. Seems like a million amazing roads out there but any further advice?
Hopefully you are going soon. At the elevations the temps are definitely cool and getting colder.
I find the Smoky Mountains area to just as nice as Colorado except that Colorado had more vertical mountains and is much cooler because of the elevation. For uniqueness you can't beat Utah.
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BTDT. The mex joint on the road east from there ain't bad neither.
It ain't the food I'm talking about :laugh:
Dusty
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Message Testrossa (Seth) before your trip. He'll show you the ropes! Him and Gail are nice folks. Don't wait too long, I got stuck is a sleet storm in mid September on trail ridge road one time. Slippery on a LeMans :thumb:
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I usually stay at my sister in laws wolf sanctuary near Lake George a night or two. The night time howling is a treat you just don't get at your average domicile :thumb:
(https://thumb.ibb.co/bO5RF9/IMG_0117.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bO5RF9)
Wow! Lucky you!!!
(https://thumb.ibb.co/dhGEJU/mbkyvjht.png) (https://ibb.co/dhGEJU)
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Bring a few John Denver CDs
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Brian,
Lots of great suggestions already. I take long rides in Colorado at least once, but usually twice per year; one of my daughters lives in Fort Collins. Here are a few of my favorite routes:
550 between Durango and Montrose is truly spectacular, but often is congested with slow moving RV's; it might be late enough in the year for it to be less crowded than it is in mid-summer. It really is worth checking out sometime.
Already mentioned: rt. 14 between Fort Collins and Steamboat Springs
Great loop: Salida to Gunnison (over Monarch Pass) to Lake City to Monte Vista (over Slumgullion Pass) and back to Salida (also go over Poncha Pass). Salida is a good home base. A good side-trip is rt. 114 between Saguache and Gunnison. IMO, the mountains around Lake City are among the most scenic in the state. This route takes you along the headwaters of the Rio Grande, which is truly beautiful before it reaches New Mexico.
A few lesser known great rides:
In the NW part of the state: Craig to Meeker to Rangely to Grand Junction.
Grand Junction to Naturita (via rt. 141) to ridgeway to Montrose and back to Grand Junction. Montrose is another good home base.
If you plan to do it this year, you better hurry; you might run into snow on some of these high passes in the not-too-distant future.
Jon
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I usually stay at my sister in laws wolf sanctuary near Lake George a night or two. The night time howling is a treat you just don't get at your average domicile :thumb:
(https://thumb.ibb.co/bO5RF9/IMG_0117.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bO5RF9)
Like camping in the Adirondacks, hearing Loons all night :grin:
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It ain't the food I'm talking about :laugh:
Dusty
The restaurant is closed down.
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Wow! Lucky you!!!
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We can ride out there next spring......you can clean the bear pens too :thumb:
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We can ride out there next spring......you can clean the bear pens too :thumb:
No big deal. I grew up around farms. I would go around asking the folks if they would let me clean the horse stalls, feed their pigs or chickens, whatever, just to be around their critters. Started doing that around 7 years old. Lots of good memories.
Oh yeah, one more thing NEVER turn your back on a goat, they get a chuckle out of ramming your backside! :shocked:
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Brian,
Lots of great suggestions already. I take long rides in Colorado at least once, but usually twice per year; one of my daughters lives in Fort Collins. Here are a few of my favorite routes:
550 between Durango and Montrose is truly spectacular, but often is congested with slow moving RV's; it might be late enough in the year for it to be less crowded than it is in mid-summer. It really is worth checking out sometime.
Already mentioned: rt. 14 between Fort Collins and Steamboat Springs
I will be traveling between Steamboat and Fort Collins, the middle of September (in a convertible) do you recommend 14 over 34? I haven't been on either of them, and would be glad to hear about it.
As to the other posts, I concur......... :wink:
Great loop: Salida to Gunnison (over Monarch Pass) to Lake City to Monte Vista (over Slumgullion Pass) and back to Salida (also go over Poncha Pass). Salida is a good home base. A good side-trip is rt. 114 between Saguache and Gunnison. IMO, the mountains around Lake City are among the most scenic in the state. This route takes you along the headwaters of the Rio Grande, which is truly beautiful before it reaches New Mexico.
A few lesser known great rides:
In the NW part of the state: Craig to Meeker to Rangely to Grand Junction.
Grand Junction to Naturita (via rt. 141) to ridgeway to Montrose and back to Grand Junction. Montrose is another good home base.
If you plan to do it this year, you better hurry; you might run into snow on some of these high passes in the not-too-distant future.
Jon
I am going from Steamboat to Fort Collins the middle of September (in a convertible). Would you recommend 14 over 34? I'm open to either at this point.
As to the other posts, I concur......
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(https://thumb.ibb.co/moTTxp/COLORADO2015_036.jpg) (https://ibb.co/moTTxp)
No big deal. I grew up around farms. I would go around asking the folks if they would let me clean the horse stalls, feed their pigs or chickens, whatever, just to be around their critters. Started doing that around 7 years old. Lots of good memories.
Oh yeah, one more thing NEVER turn your back on a goat, they get a chuckle out of ramming your backside! :shocked:
Google Indigo Mountain Nature Center
(https://thumb.ibb.co/g0MRiU/COLORADO2015_039.jpg) (https://ibb.co/g0MRiU)
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All the above plus some lesser-known gems:
CO-139 from Fruita to Rangely then CO-64 to Dinosaur
CO-114 from Saguache to Parlin to Gunnison on US-50
CO-125 from Granby to Wyoming border
CO-145 from Cortez to Naturita
+1,000 on the Cumbres-Toltec Railway ride....the best time-machine ever! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
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(https://thumb.ibb.co/moTTxp/COLORADO2015_036.jpg) (https://ibb.co/moTTxp)
Google Indigo Mountain Nature Center
(https://thumb.ibb.co/g0MRiU/COLORADO2015_039.jpg) (https://ibb.co/g0MRiU)
Thanks! I see they give them all names. Even the frogs :grin:
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I am going from Steamboat to Fort Collins the middle of September (in a convertible). Would you recommend 14 over 34? I'm open to either at this point.
As to the other posts, I concur......
In a car, especially if you have never been through Rocky Mountain National Park, I would recommend 34; very spectacular in the park. Crowd should be somewhat thinned out that late in the year.
Jon
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One thing that has not been mentioned is the availability of gas. A town on a map might be a ghost town. Dusty reported on limping into Kim to get gas. We were in the town of Kim two years ago and no gas. Don't wait until the low fuel light comes on and start looking for gas.
Have lots of money.
Have a good trip.
Tex
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One thing that has not been mentioned is the availability of gas. A town on a map might be a ghost town. Dusty reported on limping into Kim to get gas. We were in the town of Kim two years ago and no gas. Don't wait until the low fuel light comes on and start looking for gas.
Have lots of money.
Have a good trip.
Tex
And don't be surprised by the price when you get away from the major towns! This past trip I was on the Road Glide that gets 300 miles to a tank before you are pushing so fuel was not an issue.
Back in '12 I was on a Versys 650 which has a decent range, but my riding bud was on a ZZR600 and he sweated it a few times because he didn't stay on top of it. Didn't see many signs saying last fuel for x number of miles where there should have been. Also, on Sundays some of the smaller towns are shut down.
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One thing that has not been mentioned is the availability of gas. A town on a map might be a ghost town. Dusty reported on limping into Kim to get gas. We were in the town of Kim two years ago and no gas. Don't wait until the low fuel light comes on and start looking for gas.
Have lots of money.
Have a good trip.
Tex
Impressive memory Ken :bow:
Dusty
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Let me second the Durango Silverton railroad. We hired a van to take us to Silverton, then took a jeep tour up in the high country, around the mines, etc. Lunch in Silverton, then rode the train back to Durango. Great memories from that trip. The train ride up and back might be a bit much..
Edit for a pix..
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1893/43338792715_162a1d8b72_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/292GDb4)2018-08-24_03-57-25 (https://flic.kr/p/292GDb4) by Charles Stottlemyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/107188298@N06/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1885/43338759445_071c245e9f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/292Gthr)2018-08-24_03-55-28 (https://flic.kr/p/292Gthr) by Charles Stottlemyer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/107188298@N06/), on Flickr
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550 is priceless, 'not to be missed. A word of caution tho: I was headed out to Oregon retracing Prizig's Zen route this week and by the time I got to Montana the smoke/haze was getting to be a bit much. Checking the active fire maps to the west there were at least two fires on my planned route,
one crossing the road even so I deflected south and headed back. ' No idea if that is impacting Colorado or if so how much but you might want to check. In the Dakota's and Montana I expect to see endless blue sky, what I got was grey haze....
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Tremendously good info here. Much thanks. There is all the road info here and that's the bees knees; yet, one thing that keeps sticking out to me is the temp issue and how to pack for it. Around here, I'm a big baby and usually pull out the heated gear in anything below 55. Of course, once I have the heated gear going I'll ride down into absurdly low temps so that doesn't bother me too much. I'm you are ascending and descending as with most great motorcycle roads; yet, is it going to be one of those things I've experienced before where 30 minutes from now I'm gonna be in temps 20 degrees cooler, then back up again, etc. or is it longer stretches of roughly the same temp (cool or hot). Also, how would you pack for warmth if you were going out there this coming week?
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layers, layers, layers...
wool socks
merino wool underwear
heated jacket/pants liner
riding jacket/pants with zip-out liners
proper gloves
balaclava
And before anyone starts bitching about wool being itchy, quality wool clothing lost the itchiness quite some time ago...
I also usea stocking hat and a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth sleeping up in the mountains...
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prepare for any kind of weather. During the warm summer, there is usually a rain shower to go through during the day. The lowlands can be really hot and dry.
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Whether warm or cold, it's very dry in Colorado. Drink lots of water against dehydration and altitude sickness. If you are from lowiish elevation, cut down your daily mileage until you have acclimated.
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Tremendously good info here. Much thanks. There is all the road info here and that's the bees knees; yet, one thing that keeps sticking out to me is the temp issue and how to pack for it. Around here, I'm a big baby and usually pull out the heated gear in anything below 55. Of course, once I have the heated gear going I'll ride down into absurdly low temps so that doesn't bother me too much. I'm you are ascending and descending as with most great motorcycle roads; yet, is it going to be one of those things I've experienced before where 30 minutes from now I'm gonna be in temps 20 degrees cooler, then back up again, etc. or is it longer stretches of roughly the same temp (cool or hot). Also, how would you pack for warmth if you were going out there this coming week?
I have lived here for almost 40 years and ridden pretty much every road. You have a lot of great suggestions and I am sure way more than you can do. But a couple of things:
1. Weather. It is typically much more extreme than what you discuss above. I have seen temp swings of 50 degrees in maybe 30 minutes of riding, and you will be lucky if it only changes 20 degrees as you ride over a pass. In fact, I can almost guarantee you will see 30 degree or more swings routinely over short distances, and 40 to 50 degrees during the day of riding. If by "this coming week" you mean the week of Aug. 27, the mountain weather looks to be generally good, and will range from the high 30's at night to the low 80's during the day, depending on where you are. This is typical. As already mentioned, layer, layer, layer.
2. Weather. Beyond large temp swings, be aware that if there are storms, they often contain sleet, hail and snow, even when the temps are above freezing. And you can have rain turn to snow on you very quickly. If it is cool and stormy, be cautious of attempting to go over high passes. Take a lower elevation route if you have the option.
3. Smoke. It has been mentioned, and it is here now. It has been changing day to day, coming and going with the wind as it is coming from CA, Idaho and Canada, but the amount of it is significant. We have had warnings against going outside over the past week, and it doesn't look very pretty. Don't know what to expect in the next weeks, but just letting you know.
4. I will give you just one road/ride suggestion. My absolute favorite ride in CO is State Hiway CO92 from Sapinero (west of Gunnison on US50) to Crawford. It is a great road with very little traffic, but the real reason to do this is to stop at the 3 or 4 lookouts down into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Several of them require SHORT hikes to see the view, but they are extremely worth it. Some of the most amazing vantage points into one of the narrowest, deepest canyons you will ever see.
Hope you have a great trip!
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agree about CO 92. The southern section has the best curves and views to Black Canyon. I was surprised when I saw the road on up from Hotchkiss to Delta, although flat and straight, there some completely different but spectacular views of mesas on that section following the railroad tracks.
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I have lived here for almost 40 years and ridden pretty much every road. You have a lot of great suggestions and I am sure way more than you can do. But a couple of things:
1. Weather. It is typically much more extreme than what you discuss above. I have seen temp swings of 50 degrees in maybe 30 minutes of riding, and you will be lucky if it only changes 20 degrees as you ride over a pass. In fact, I can almost guarantee you will see 30 degree or more swings routinely over short distances, and 40 to 50 degrees during the day of riding. If by "this coming week" you mean the week of Aug. 27, the mountain weather looks to be generally good, and will range from the high 30's at night to the low 80's during the day, depending on where you are. This is typical. As already mentioned, layer, layer, layer.
2. Weather. Beyond large temp swings, be aware that if there are storms, they often contain sleet, hail and snow, even when the temps are above freezing. And you can have rain turn to snow on you very quickly. If it is cool and stormy, be cautious of attempting to go over high passes. Take a lower elevation route if you have the option.
3. Smoke. It has been mentioned, and it is here now. It has been changing day to day, coming and going with the wind as it is coming from CA, Idaho and Canada, but the amount of it is significant. We have had warnings against going outside over the past week, and it doesn't look very pretty. Don't know what to expect in the next weeks, but just letting you know.
4. I will give you just one road/ride suggestion. My absolute favorite ride in CO is State Hiway CO92 from Sapinero (west of Gunnison on US50) to Crawford. It is a great road with very little traffic, but the real reason to do this is to stop at the 3 or 4 lookouts down into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Several of them require SHORT hikes to see the view, but they are extremely worth it. Some of the most amazing vantage points into one of the narrowest, deepest canyons you will ever see.
Hope you have a great trip!
Fantastic!
Any advice on the gas station situation? While touring on thirsty boy (KTM), I can generally get about 35mpg which equates to about 150-160 miles per tank. Are there particular stretches of road I need to look out for in terms little or no petrol?
Accommodation suggestions?
If you were coming to the area and had about 4 full days of riding planned, would you do the San Juan Skyway with Million Dollar included, Peak to Peak (up north), Black Canyon, etc. Or is that just too damn much crammed into 4 days of riding? This would be my first visit there and I don't like to rush once I'm to the good riding. I generally stop, smell a few roses, and take lots of pictures and so forth. Last time I did the whole of the Blue Ridge, tried to do it in a limited number of days and I just started to feel like Chevy Chase pulling up to the Grand Canyon, taking one look, and getting back in the car :grin: But the reality is I have no idea if nor when I can/would get back out there so I'd like to get some super riding in once I'm there and see as much as possible within reason and time.
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Fantastic!
Any advice on the gas station situation? While touring on thirsty boy (KTM), I can generally get about 35mpg which equates to about 150-160 miles per tank. Are there particular stretches of road I need to look out for in terms little or no petrol?
Accommodation suggestions?
If you were coming to the area and had about 4 full days of riding planned, would you do the San Juan Skyway with Million Dollar included, Peak to Peak (up north), Black Canyon, etc. Or is that just too damn much crammed into 4 days of riding? This would be my first visit there and I don't like to rush once I'm to the good riding. I generally stop, smell a few roses, and take lots of pictures and so forth. Last time I did the whole of the Blue Ridge, tried to do it in a limited number of days and I just started to feel like Chevy Chase pulling up to the Grand Canyon, taking one look, and getting back in the car :grin: But the reality is I have no idea if nor when I can/would get back out there so I'd like to get some super riding in once I'm there and see as much as possible within reason and time.
I don't find the gas situation to be a ... situation. Not much different than any place else I have ridden, but I guess you can get caught off guard if you don't fill up when you have a reasonable opportunity.
As for what to do, I don't think the things you list are too much for 4 days (if I was riding), BUT, it depends on how much riding you like to do in a day. You say you like to stop and smell the roses, and distances in CO go by slowly because of several factors
- lots of scenery to stop and see
- lots of twisty roads
- difficult to pass slow moving vehicles, like trucks and campers which can go VERY slow up the hills
So you won't be averaging 65 mph. More like 35. Factor that in.
Of the things you list, I would put the Peak to Peak on a lower priority. It is a great road and I ride it all the time, but it is in a different part of the state than the other places on your list and might be hard to get to from the other areas. I am not saying don't do it, just not priority 1. It is better to do less and enjoy what you do, than to do too much and rush through it all.
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One more thing...mountains make their own weather...on their own time...don't be too stubborn to turn around in the high country when things get dicey...
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Of the things you list, I would put the Peak to Peak on a lower priority. It is a great road and I ride it all the time, but it is in a different part of the state than the other places on your list and might be hard to get to from the other areas. I am not saying don't do it, just not priority 1. It is better to do less and enjoy what you do, than to do too much and rush through it all.
Good point. About everything west of Denver is great, including the Peak to Peak.. but some are greater than that. :grin:
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It is so disappointing to find out the *Red Barn* in Montrose is closed . The *Old Mad Dog Cafe* is also shut down and has been for years , what next , will we hear that Pikes Peak has closed do to a lack of business ?
Dusty
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It is so disappointing to find out the *Red Barn* in Montrose is closed . The *Old Mad Dog Cafe* is also shut down and has been for years , what next , will we hear that Pikes Peak has closed do to a lack of business ?
Dusty
Well, you could always go to the Red Barn in Ft Smith...
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Well, you could always go to the Red Barn in Ft Smith...
We went there almost every week for several years , unfortunately it just isn't the same :sad:
Dusty
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If you want to consider a "home base" to take different day rides from look up the little town of Green Mountain Falls. You are only about 15 miles from Colorado Springs but still in a beautiful, somewhat remote and quite setting with a good central location.
GliderJohn
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We went there almost every week for several years , unfortunately it just isn't the same :sad:
Dusty
I loved their relish tray hors d'oeuvres, though eating in a stable was strange. Good steaks...
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The Pantry in Green Mountain Falls is not to be missed!
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From Dharma Bum:
The Pantry in Green Mountain Falls is not to be missed!
:thumb: They have the best Eggs Benidict I have had anywhere.
GliderJohn
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Colorado is beautiful, but I think Utah is even more so.
Rich A
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Quick question. One of many I'm sure as I get further into this. Black Canyon looks spectacular; however, I notice there is a South Rim road, and East Rim road, and maybe even another one. Which ones should I take? All of the above?
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I loved their relish tray hors d'oeuvres, though eating in a stable was strange. Good steaks...
The owner at the time always seated our party (usually my crew from the old catfish hole) as far away from the other diners as possible because we were likely to act up :laugh: There was a double stall that he reserved for us on Monday evening a couple times a month .
Dusty
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Quick question. One of many I'm sure as I get further into this. Black Canyon looks spectacular; however, I notice there is a South Rim road, and East Rim road, and maybe even another one. Which ones should I take? All of the above?
If I were going back to the Black Canyon (and I might in a few weeks), I'd go down CO 92 (on the North and East side of the canyon) and check out all the overlooks.
If I wanted to walk down into the canyon, I'd take the road on the South/West side (mainly US 50 and branch roads), where the trailhead(s) down into the canyon are ....
Lannis
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Quick question. One of many I'm sure as I get further into this. Black Canyon looks spectacular; however, I notice there is a South Rim road, and East Rim road, and maybe even another one. Which ones should I take? All of the above?
Are you going to ride the boring ride to get there on that supermoto? I would definitely put a bike like that in my truck bed. Why wear out the sticky tires on the slab.
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Quick question. One of many I'm sure as I get further into this. Black Canyon looks spectacular; however, I notice there is a South Rim road, and East Rim road, and maybe even another one. Which ones should I take? All of the above?
of course hwy 92 is free. You'll have to pay to get in the Park for The Canyon roads. I'd ride them both.
IIRC the road the fork to the left (coming in from the south) has tremendous views. See my buddy Craig (the fireman from Texas)
(https://g3.img-dpreview.com/017709277E05461A8EB0225C98C8AA86.jpg)
The fork to the right is steep and curvy. In fact, it was so steep that I turned around going down it with a passenger on the back but I never really noticed it when I rode it one-up.
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Are you going to ride the boring ride to get there on that supermoto? I would definitely put a bike like that in my truck bed. Why wear out the sticky tires on the slab.
Yes, I do plan on riding the exceptionally straight, very long, LONG way to get there (near 1100 miles) and because of vacation limitations, I gott ride it in two days or less. This is one of the complications of the trip. I won't have time to explore interesting side roads nor chug along off the freeway. I even explored the idea of taking advantage of the low airfare now from northern KY airport to Denver where roundtrip is only $200, and then renting a bike for 3 or more days once there - seem to be at least several options for renting bikes in Denver, and at least one of them straight from the airport! And because I'm not paying the hotel nor the gas to get there that going the long route would entail, it's actually not "that" much more expensive to just fly and rent. And too, if the bike breaks down you can still just get back on the plane and go back home without worry about the bike per se as it's not your own.
But as all of you know motorcycling is not a game of dollars and sense. There is a certain charm and enjoyment to riding new roads on your own bike. And not just charm but likely some safety and practicality too, you know the bike, know what it will do, what it won't do, etc. The KTM and I have been to WV, VA, NC, TN, IN, GA, AR, and more. With my trusty Airhawk and my Madstad shield, it's a fantastic tourer, and simply one of the best scratchers around once you get to the twisty bits. And I just slapped new rubber on both ends so I figure the sticky parts will just be worn in by the time I get there :grin:
of course hwy 92 is free. You'll have to pay to get in the Park for The Canyon roads. I'd ride them both.
IIRC the road the fork to the left (coming in from the south) has tremendous views. See my buddy Craig (the fireman from Texas)
(https://g3.img-dpreview.com/017709277E05461A8EB0225C98C8AA86.jpg)
The fork to the right is steep and curvy. In fact, it was so steep that I turned around going down it with a passenger on the back but I never really noticed it when I rode it one-up.
Thanks for the info, Low.
I've had so many trips bottom out within even a day of expected leave so fingers crossed but I'm hoping to depart on Friday, arrive just east of Denver or Colorado Springs by Saturday evening.
Not sure where I'll go first from there nor how I'll do it per se. I know I want to see BCG and ride the Million Dollar Highway and San Juan Skyway and I'll have 4 full days of riding to do it. SJS is about 230ish miles roundtrip, I think? I wouldn't want to ride much more than 100 miles or less a day on that per se as I'm sure I'll be wanting to stop a lot and take it in at lots of points.
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Lots of good recommendations. For a four day, first trip I recommend concentrating on the SW corner of the state, which is what you seem to be doing. I highly recommend Colo 141, particularly from Naturita to Gateway (fuel).
Regarding fuel: On the eastern plains fuel can be few and far between, in the mountains most places on the map have fuel. I recommend planning on getting fuel when you have 50 miles left in the tank.
I don't know where you are coming from, but it seems to be from the east. US 36 and US 50/400 are good choices, and a lot more pleasant than the Interstates - very little traffic. I have traveled both many times; you can cruise at +10 and watch the scenery instead of the traffic.
Dan
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Lots of good recommendations. For a four day, first trip I recommend concentrating on the SW corner of the state, which is what you seem to be doing. I highly recommend Colo 141, particularly from Naturita to Gateway (fuel).
Regarding fuel: On the eastern plains fuel can be few and far between, in the mountains most places on the map have fuel. I recommend planning on getting fuel when you have 50 miles left in the tank.
I don't know where you are coming from, but it seems to be from the east. US 30 and US 50/400 are good choices, and a lot more pleasant than the Interstates - very little traffic. I have traveled both many times; you can cruise at +10 and watch the scenery instead of the traffic.
Dan
given all that. I'd trailer the bikes and stay in Montrose or Ouray. Actually Ouray. There's a nice KOA in Ouray.
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I'd prefer trailering, too.. but another option is 36 across the endless plains.
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Ouray is nice. There are even hot springs there. I like that it was named for a great Uncompahgre Ute chief and is located in the tribe’s original hunting grounds (the Utes were removed from Colorado and placed in a Utah reservation by the guh-ment). The approach to Ouray that is further West follows the Dolores River and along with the Million Dollar Highway makes a great loop.
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I've stayed in Ouray/Ridgway several times. You can use it as a base for the Million Dollar Highway, Mesa Verde, Telluride, Black Canyon, Gateway, Lake City and even Moab. Might be a stretch to make Independence Pass.
You could knock out two or three of those on a weekend. Probably 5 days there to do all.
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(https://thumb.ibb.co/b6BcyU/COLORADO_HIKING.jpg) (https://ibb.co/b6BcyU)
36 is a nice run from the east, and it's ALL endless prairie. It's Kansas! fubarguzzi lives a little north of 36 in nebraskey
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Colorado West of Denver and the front range is so wonderful. You are going to need a month to see it.
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Colorado West of Denver and the front range is so wonderful. You are going to need a month to see it.
More than that. I have been going out every year for the last 30+ years sometimes staying as long as 8 weeks. It never get old! The single track is great, the jeep trails/passes are spectacular, and the roads are a pure delight.
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I'd prefer trailering, too.. but another option is 36 across the endless plains.
Oops - typo. I meant to say US 36 (now corrected)
I rode US 36 to the Mississippi this summer, and four years ago to it's eastern end in Ohio. A great way to cross the plains and prairie.
Dan
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Last month I rode my Norge across Canada (CO -PA) for something different. It's all the same, Manitoba awful.
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So I'm out here, got into Colorado Springs last night. Shoulda listened to the trailering advice :grin:
I've done near 800 mile days on my KTM but riding out here - and mainly using the fast roads - in two days (basically 1200 miles) was a special kindi of brutal. If, if I say, I ride the bike back I will take 3 days to get home and LISTEN to your advice about avoiding interstates.
But. But. I have an idea. I'm here and already enamored with the place. While out here I would like to ride as much as possible. And too, flights back to KY are cheap for the moment. Sooooooo. Anyone want to keep a 950 Supermoto for a couple weeks? It would have to be a very longtime member, with a great driving record :grin: and someone I obviously relatively trust - well, as much as you can trust anyone you only know through an internet board. So anyways. This is just an idea I'm considering. I would stay out here a couple more days, then person and I would meet up and drive me to airport on maybe Friday or Saturday. Person would keep bike until I can fly back out in a couple months or have it shipped back to me. Person would be free to ride the bike but person should definitely have a good handle on containing himself when stirred as it encourages this. Lots of issues with this plan but it is something I'm considering. Or just finding somewhere in Denver to keep the bike for a month or two when I can get back out here.
Or just put the bike in short term storage for cheap.
Thoughts?
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Just got back this past Saturday. Trip of a lifetime. Thank you guys so much for the suggestions. I never would have even found Black Canyon without you fellas mentioning it. Had a wonderful journey. I have the great blessing of seeing some absolutely amazing landscapes in my life, both here and overseas; however, I can't emphasize this enough, Colorado is the most scenic, gorgeous, and varied of any I have ever witnessed. Every mile is a calendar piece. So incredibly and fantastically different even 20 minutes later in the same ride. I will admit to not being very enamored with the roads themselves. In fact, they would probably slot in well, well behind Arkansas, Deal's Gap, Georgia, and so forth. But you simply don't care. They are fun enough to be interesting and it would take away from the scenery to be engaged constantly in the roads alone :boozing: My ride encompased Colorado Springs, Pike's Peak, Cripple Creek area, Bighorn Sheep Canyon, Cannon City, Black Canyon, Ouray (where I stayed a couple nights), and the Million Dollar Highway. I covered about 3300 miles or more total in the journey. I bypassed the interstates, took the long way home and was better for it, though Kansas and Missouri still just about killed me :grin:
If you wish to see all 250ish fantastic photos, here is the link
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmikyarS
Meanwhile, here are just a few of the stunning photos
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1871/42771418780_918d5c841e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28ayGEQ)2EE85139-1A96-4177-9B25-3334C686C084 (https://flic.kr/p/28ayGEQ) by Brian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/flickr_bri/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1864/30710991668_a053641056_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NMPRSm)1C0618B3-1C52-4BBD-A1CA-FAB7A676C053 (https://flic.kr/p/NMPRSm) by Brian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/flickr_bri/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1856/30710997168_3b5b68e8cc_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NMPTvb)D46114F5-13D9-4BF1-8391-2DBABDA45529 (https://flic.kr/p/NMPTvb) by Brian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/flickr_bri/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1873/43671595095_d70e57cefd_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29x7kJ8)5FF707EC-5085-46A8-91EA-7C28B41AF99C (https://flic.kr/p/29x7kJ8) by Brian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/flickr_bri/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1856/43671611445_55f68044ea_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29x7qA2)19747D91-F3C3-4909-B119-6572A9BDF9FC (https://flic.kr/p/29x7qA2) by Brian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/flickr_bri/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1889/30710871938_117de690f2_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NMPfh3)2F831AE6-F3D7-4394-A15A-4C0643CF022F (https://flic.kr/p/NMPfh3) by Brian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/flickr_bri/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1841/43671464265_3b47837d6a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29x6EQr)7D88575F-C43A-4096-B430-C215E0FD7C4B (https://flic.kr/p/29x6EQr) by Brian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/flickr_bri/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1846/43671465745_af4a23e060_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29x6FgX)F2F6EAE4-5D78-49F5-90A7-C3BAC5F825FA (https://flic.kr/p/29x6FgX) by Brian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/flickr_bri/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1844/44531416062_606d95f430_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2aR69xy)F668244F-B028-40CE-8E78-F60DF73231F3 (https://flic.kr/p/2aR69xy) by Brian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/flickr_bri/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1888/43671288795_7e8156f8cb_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29x5LF6)2A92F591-D44B-4A10-87F2-96EED97DDBE5 (https://flic.kr/p/29x5LF6) by Brian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/flickr_bri/), on Flickr
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1871/43671482815_fa3cb554b4_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29x6Lmg)5183A3AE-E230-41FD-8EE8-2AF68CE08BD4 (https://flic.kr/p/29x6Lmg) by Brian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/flickr_bri/), on Flickr
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Glad you had a good trip. If you're like me, you'll be back...
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Anyone who can ride a giant dirt bike 800 miles in one day is one tough hombre :bow:
Nice pics Bipper :evil:
Dusty
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Sounds like it was a great trip. :thumb:
If I may ask what roads did you use to cross Kansas? It is hard for KS and NE to compete after you have seen Colorado.
GliderJohn
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Well, you hit some of the best we have, but really only got a good start on what Colorado has to offer. Come back when you can stay longer!
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Anyone who can ride a giant dirt bike 800 miles in one day is one tough hombre :bow:
Nice pics Bipper :evil:
Dusty
I actually think the most I did was maybe 700, Dusty, and you wouldn't be calling me a tough hombre if you heard the baby crying my arse was doing even with my cherished Airhawk. All worth it, however.
Well, you hit some of the best we have, but really only got a good start on what Colorado has to offer. Come back when you can stay longer!
Sounds like it was a great trip. :thumb:
If I may ask what roads did you use to cross Kansas? It is hard for KS and NE to compete after you have seen Colorado.
GliderJohn
Like I said, trip of a lifetime. I'd love to live there. Interesting, the elevations did seem to affect my carbed bike a bit. Often had to adjust the idle speed depending on my elevation that day :grin:
I also fully imagine there are vastly more technical roads I didn't visit in both Colorado and Kansas. And too, parts of Kansas 50 were fantastic in an almost cinematic way where me, the endless power lines, and the bike were the only signs of life I could nor did see for many, many miles.
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:thumb: Beautiful pics. Sounds and looks like you had an outstanding time.