Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: alanp on February 03, 2019, 02:41:57 PM
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Mark your calendars, this years gathering will be held on three nights beginning Thursday Sept. 5 through Sat. Sept. 7, departing on Sun. Sept. 8. Location will be the same as 2017, the Ouray KOA, Ouray, CO.
NOTE, the campground is CLOSED until May 1, but you can make a reservation on the campgrounds website. The campground has both campsites and cabins that are big enough to share. When you make your reservation, MENTION THAT YOU ARE WITH THE MOTO GUZZI GROUP as they will do their best to keep us together.
Spread the word and I look forward to seeing many of you there! Below is the campground info for reference. Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions, and check back here for updates.
Ouray KOA
US Hwy 550 - CR23, PO Box J
Ouray, CO 81427
Phone: 800-562-8026
Fax: 970-325-0410
Email: koaouray1@gmail.com
Website: https://koa.com/campgrounds/ouray/
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Yay!!! Can't wait for some amazing riding... :bow:
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What does NAR stand for? Not to sound like an idiot but I’m trying to plan my 2019 road trips...
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NAR = Not A Rally
just an informal meet up. You're on your own.
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NAR = Not A Rally
just an informal meet up. You're on your own.
Yep. Now I remember that! Tough to get old. Thanks
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Woo, Hoo! That's a great place to stay. A great place to ride.
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We're planning on it!
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Fabulous. Thanks for pulling this together, Alan.
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adding to my schedule.
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I'll put it on the schedule. Alan - are you thinking of reserving a particular area of the campground? That worked pretty well last time.
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I'll put it on the schedule. Alan - are you thinking of reserving a particular area of the campground? That worked pretty well last time.
Dennis,
I am trying to contact the owner and set something up. I will post more info here when I get it. But for now, I just wanted to get this on everyone's calendar.
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Be sure and pack your bear mace! :laugh:
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I got in touch with the Owner, and we can reserve campsites, cabins and teepees NOW on the campground website. When you make your reservation, please mention that you are with the MOTO GUZZI GROUP, as they will do their best to keep us together.
(Note that I modified the first post of this thread to include this updated info)
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Reservation made... :thumb:
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I’m in for a cabin. Dry floor roof = good.
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Do I have to camp out back again?
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IN
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just curious if there were any mapped or anticipated rides done before or planned ?
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just curious if there were any mapped or anticipated rides done before or planned ?
Tempted to make this one as well...will see how the dates / work travel pan out.
That's a great campground, have stayed there a couple of times now on Land Rover expeditions - running all the 4 x 4 trails nearby. Fantastic scenery, great roads, truly a sweet spot
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just curious if there were any mapped or anticipated rides done before or planned ?
Last year there were two full-day rides: a loop via Naturita and Gateway to a point south of Grand Junction and back via US50 -- and my favorite, a loop over Red Mountain Pass to Silverton, Durango, Mancos, Dolores and over Lizard Head Pass to Telluride, then Dallas Plateau back to Ridgway and Ouray.
Longer rides are possible, for instance to Moab, or to Pagosa Springs via Lake City.
For the really adventurous, alternative lodging/camping can be had at the clothing-optional Orvis Hot Springs.
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For the really adventurous, alternative lodging/camping can be had at the clothing-optional Orvis Hot Springs.
In 2013, we had a group ride to Orvis to enjoy the hot springs. Gary Scott, his son, Red, me.
Sunset while soaking in the hot spring pool was pretty fun.
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just curious if there were any mapped or anticipated rides done before or planned ?
There will definitely be some planned rides. The Durango, Dolores, Telluride loop is sort of a must IMO. Such great roads and views. But there are a number of other possibilities. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Moab was mentioned. We may want to do an "off-road" route this year for those with Stelvio's or similar, but we will need a volunteer to lead that. My V7 is sticking to pavement!
If folks have other suggestions, this is a great place to discuss them.
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Done a lot of those rides Alan. I am not game on the off road stuff after I rented a jeep at the KOA a couple of years ago. I chickened out about half way to Engineer Pass.
Off-roading in a jeep is boring, uncomfortable and terrifying all at once.
A bike might be a little better. But something smaller than Stel, maybe a DR?
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Bump
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Alan, it is on my calendar. Look forward to seeing everyone again! Not sure if I will be on the Stelvio or the Cali.
I've ridden most of the passes on my KTM 450, but really have NO desire to take my Stelvio over them. The one that might be possible, is the dirt road from Telluride to the pass above Ridgeway. I have heard that it is pretty tame, but have no experience on it.
My experience last year with the 2 routes for the one day, was that the locals dug the dirt but the out of towners didn't go for it. I really enjoyed having the option available though.
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Bump. Riding season is upon us. Put this gathering on your calendar if you can make it! Lots of great riding in this area!
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Do I have to camp out back again?
Just remember to pack your bear spray Dave :smiley:
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Already have a cabin reserved!
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Bump
This is less that 2 months away! See the first post in this thread for details. If you are making a reservation, ask to be placed near the Moto Guzzi group.
On Friday, we will be riding the gorgeous Ouray, Durango, Dolores, Telluride, Ridgeway loop. Some of the best scenery Colorado has to offer, and great roads.
We will another group ride (or 2) on Saturday, route TBD. If anyone would be interested in an off pavement ride please let me know. There are at least a couple of good routes in the area that are not technical.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
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:thumb: :cool: :thumb: :smiley:
(https://i.ibb.co/82NCJBT/IMG-4210.jpg) (https://ibb.co/82NCJBT)
(https://i.ibb.co/2qXYWTN/IMG-4209.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2qXYWTN)
(https://i.ibb.co/DtmFP60/IMG-4207.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DtmFP60)
sulfate oxide (https://aluminumsulfate.net/aluminum-oxide)
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Here are a couple of potential off pavement routes for those that may be interested. The links provide maps and good descriptions. These are NOT the famous, difficult Jeep roads, but much more tame roads. I might even get talked into taking the V7 on one of these, but would like to hear from someone who has been on them recently. Anybody have recent experience with these? I have done Last Dollar and it is a beautiful route, but haven't been there for probably 20 years.
https://www.jeeptheusa.com/25-mesa-road-gp.html
https://www.jeeptheusa.com/last-dollar-road-20.html
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During the first Ouray NAR I spent the night at a friend's place near the north end of Last Dollar Road, two or three miles in from Dallas Divide (Noel on the google map). The whole route is less than 20 miles. The north end of the road was as described, firm and smoothly graded. I had no trouble riding it on the T with smooth sport-touring tires. With good dual-sport tires you could do the Noel-Telluride trip in under an hour.
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Looks good Alan. Maybe you will have a V85 by then......... :grin:
I would most likely give the Last Dollar route a go, as long as it hadn't rained in the area recently. My Stelvio is rockin' and I will be there on it. I have a room reserved at the Ouray Chalet Inn for Thursday-Sunday.
I might try the route from Delta down to Nucla on my way over on Thursday.
Looking forward to seeing everyone!
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As we get closer to the date, please post your incoming routes. A few of us can link up along the way. I could meet incoming traffic at Paonia, Crawford, Hotchkiss or Delta.
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Bump.
Looking forward to this! Please see the first post for the details. We will be doing some group rides and seeing some of the best scenery Colorado has to offer.
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Thanks for bringing this up, the timing is just right for me to give the V85 a long run. I booked a spot at the KOA (cabin).
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Thanks for bringing this up, the timing is just right for me to give the V85 a long run. I booked a spot at the KOA (cabin).
Fantastic! I am sure there will be many of us anxious to get a look at your V85!
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Rides I am considering for this event are below. I plan to lead group rides on Friday and Saturday. I will try to work up some maps to hand out. Interested in knowing what folks would like to do, and we can always split up into a couple of different ride groups to accommodate different interests.
Friday
The Durango, Dolores (lunch), Telluride, Ridgeway loop. I will be leading this ride, and it is one of the best in Colorado for scenery. We did this ride at the 2017 Western Adventure, it is a must do IMO. 235 miles, takes about 7 hours with lunch stop, so 9:00 am to 4:00 pm-ish. There is a fairly short and scenic dirt road (Last Dollar Road) that is an option near the end of the loop if you have a Quota/Stelvio/V85TT/death wish/etc.
Saturday rides (or alternate Friday rides - leaving these flexible for now pending some feedback)
Option 1a - Montrose, Crawford, Hotchkiss, Delta, Montrose loop. This loop includes CO 92 along the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, with some very scenic pullouts. 210 miles, will take about 6 hours with lunch.
Option 1b - Montrose, Black Canyon NP south rim, and return. This ride could start with the Option 1a group, then split off for a shorter option. About 100 miles out and back, will take about 3:00 to ride. Will involve paying to get into the NP if you want to see the views of the Canyon.
Option 2 - Naturita, Monticello Utah, Dove Creek, Naturita loop. This is a longer ride mileage wise, but generally faster roads. 311 miles, about 7 hours with a lunch stop.
Option 3 - Gateway and back. We did this ride in 2017 to visit the excellent Gateway Auto Museum. It is a 242 mile out and back ride and will take about 7 hours with lunch.
Option 4 - Dirt Road loop. Ridgeway to Silver Jack Reservoir to Cimarron, then return via Montrose on US50. This is 115 mile loop, 50 of which are dirt roads going over Owl Creek Pass. Google maps estimates time at about 4:30. Last time I did this (in a car) the roads were good and I don't recall any major obstacles, but maybe one of our more local folks will have a better idea of conditions. I would consider doing this on my V7 from what I remember of it.
Looking forward to this!
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There's a small chance I may make it. My Labor Day plans fell apart.
But I won't get ahead of myself since all my plans since May have failed. :weiner:
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Bump, only 4 more weeks.
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Bump
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Most excellent road choices, Alan!
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Most excellent road choices, Alan!
Thanks.
I am Planning on heading down from Boulder early Thursday morning if you want to meet up en route. Let me know and we can coordinate the details. And anyone else heading down from the front range area let me know if you would like to go together.
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We'll try to meet up, planning on an early Thursday getaway. Will call or PM closer to departure date.
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Alan, what's the route down? US 50 all the way to Montrose, or Colo 92 through Hotchkiss-Delta?
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Alan, what's the route down? US 50 all the way to Montrose, or Colo 92 through Hotchkiss-Delta?
Seth,
We are still coordinating that. I am open to coming through Hotchkiss, but need to see what everyone else is thinking. We will let you know as the time gets nearer. Looking forward to seeing you.
Alan
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I still haven’t gotten the SP III to run right, and the Mistral exhaust system doesn’t fit worth a sh—. Would you ride with me if I take the Sportster?
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I still haven’t gotten the SP III to run right, and the Mistral exhaust system doesn’t fit worth a sh—. Would you ride with me if I take the Sportster?
Dan and I plan to leave Boulder at about 7:30 Thursday morning, and we will be riding US285 then over Monarch Pass. If anyone would like to join us or meet us along the way, let us know.
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Ok, time to put my considerable cut, paste and coloring skills on display. I totally aced 2nd grade, just sayin'. I did not apparently do as well in learning how to make decent electronic maps.
Here are the rides I am proposing / considering for Friday and Saturday. Refer back to post 37 for my descriptions. Note that the actual rides we take and the days we ride them are subject to change due to weather or other factors beyond our control, but here is the current line up.
For Friday:
(https://i.ibb.co/s2Q0rbT/600-DE1-A6-F5-E2-4659-9685-240-B8225-D633.jpg) (https://ibb.co/s2Q0rbT)
chemical makeup of ammonia (https://aluminumsulfate.net/ammonium-sulfate)
For Saturday we have options. The first of the below maps is of Option 1A and Option 4 (partial dirt route) as described in post #37. These are my suggested routes for Saturday.
(https://i.ibb.co/2cxszFr/806-FB7-B9-6-E6-C-41-E2-9322-DF6865-A925-A3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2cxszFr)
This last map is of Option 2 which loops through eastern Utah. Might be a good option on either day if the mountain weather is not cooperating.
(https://i.ibb.co/4dSycM9/CD118-C05-8744-4185-BC0-B-4-BF415-B03-D11.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4dSycM9)
I know it may be hard to believe, but I think I can make GPX files (or a REVER route) of these rides using the REVER app. If you would like such files, let me know and I will give it a go.
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:bike-037:
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:bike-037:
Mike,
Get yourself some sort of new blue Guzzi and point it west!
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rocker59
I do remember the HOT SPRINGS very well :drool: the water was devine an relaxing.
That was one fine ride my son an I had together, it doesn't seem like it has been 6 years, but time flies when you have a good ride, that was a nice area.
Thanks for putting that together Rocker :thumb:
Gary Scott
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rocker59
I do remember the HOT SPRINGS very well :drool: the water was devine an relaxing.
That was one fine ride my son an I had together, it doesn't seem like it has been 6 years, but time flies when you have a good ride, that was a nice area.
Thanks for putting that together Rocker :thumb:
Gary Scott
Yep. Orvis Hot Springs. Fun. Fun!
I really need to get back out there. Life has just been in the way. I'm super-thrilled that Alan picked up the reins and has kept it going!
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Mike,
Get yourself some sort of new blue Guzzi and point it west!
I'm trying to work out the logistics. I have to be in Little Rock on Labor Day Weekend, September 1st. Then, I have to be in Fayetteville on Saturday, September 7. About the only way I could be there, this year, would be heading over on Tuesday or Wednesday. Hanging out all day Thursday, then heading home on Friday. It's about 950 miles / 16 hours from my place to Ouray. We'll see...
Thanks again for picking up the reins on this event. I missed the 2017 version and may miss the 2019 version, but I'll be back!
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Mike, hope you can make it. Keep us posted.
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Dan N and I plan to leave Boulder at about 7:30 Thursday morning, and we will be riding US285 then over Monarch Pass. If anyone would like to join us or meet us along the way, let us know.
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Dan N and I plan to leave Boulder at about 7:30 Thursday morning, and we will be riding US285 then over Monarch Pass. If anyone would like to join us or meet us along the way, let us know.
I assume you'll take 50 all the way to Montrose, and not divert to Crawford/Delta. Correct? You should hit Montrose around 1:30.
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In 2013, we had a group ride to Orvis to enjoy the hot springs. Gary Scott, his son, Red, me.
Sunset while soaking in the hot spring pool was pretty fun.
I think I stayed over a day to ride out to Gateway that year. Didn't know anything about Orvis though. :)
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We are 2 weeks away! I would like to get a head count so I can try to make a dinner reservation for Saturday night, so if you plan to be in Ouray that night please let me know. Thanks!
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I’m in. Dennis
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2 for sure, maybe 2 more.
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Gail can't come, so it's just me. Which means I'll be happy to share the cost of a cabin or tent site. Clean, quiet, sober elderly gentleman, nonsmoker, nonsnorer.
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I will be there, I may have a friend joining me. I will let you know next Tuesday for sure.
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Seth - you’re welcome to share the Kabin (hey, it’s a KOA) with me. I don’t know what furniture is in it, but I’m sure there are multiple beds of some kind. Dennis
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Thanks, Dennis. Count me in. Those cabins have bunk beds. I'll leave the tent at home.
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Bump...I am looking for a head count for Saturday dinner. Thanks to those who have replied, but please add your name to the list if you haven't. So far I have:
Alanp
Dharma Bum + 1 (and maybe +2 more)
Testarosa
dxhall
Utrider (maybe +1)
Redhawk
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Bump...I am looking for a head count for Saturday dinner. Thanks to those who have replied, but please add your name to the list if you haven't. So far I have:
Alanp
Dharma Bum + 1 (and maybe +2 more)
Testarosa
dxhall
Utrider (maybe +1)
Redhawk
Sorry I missed this, I'll be there for the dinner.
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MotoGeezer, you in?
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MotoGeezer, you in?
Dan told me he is not going to make it this year.
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My +1, is out.
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Bump. Less than a week away! Everyone have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend.
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MotoGeezer, you in?
Sorry - Can't be there. I'm having minor med issues with eyes :shocked: & personal plumbing. No long rides.
Also, the Norge is laid up 90 miles away @ Dealer in in Prescott AZ with electrical gremlins. Great bike when it's running but Wish I had my 750 Breva back !!!.
Godspeed to all who are going for a safe and joyous round trip.
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MotoGeezer,
Sorry to hear about your issues. Your Breva will be making the trip, though.
Michelle says hi!
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Only 2 days out. Not sure everyone will see this, it if you do please help me pass the word at the campground.
We will be meeting for dinner Thursday night, 6:00 PM at the Ouray Brewery, 607 Main Street. I would like to have a brief orientation meeting at the brewery, and will going over our ride options with everyone, including handing out maps, etc.
Looking forward to seeing you there, have a safe ride!
Alan
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My cel number is 303-944-8594 if you need to get in touch.
Alan
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I just called the KOA for reservation, they seem to have NO CLUE we are coming....so they say...
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I just called the KOA for reservation, they seem to have NO CLUE we are coming....so they say...
Well, that is unfortunate, although I am not sure that big of a difference from past versions of this event. All we have ever done is to tell folks to ask to be placed with the Moto Guzzi group when they make their reservation. Some people don't ask, and I suspect some of the folks who answer the phone don't know about us anyway. As a result, there have usually been a few folks scattered about. Good news is we are easy to find, just look for the Guzzis!
Were you able to make a reservation? If not, I'll bet there is someone who will have campsite or cabin they could share.
Alan
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All is good, Penny will do her best.
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I'm in
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Sorry I can't make it, fellas. Red had a death in the family, and I'll be at a funeral tomorrow.
Y'all have a good ol' time up there. I know I'd enjoy some cool Rocky Mountain air this week! It's hot and humid, here in The Hills.
:bike-037:
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Today, Saturday, we will ride to Crawford for lunch.
Dinner tonight at 6:00 at True Grit in Ridgeway.
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Depending on how you count, we had 12 or 13 Guzzis in attendance at various times.
This is on one of the passes en route to Mancos for lunch on Friday:
(https://i.ibb.co/LzYJT1T/Ouray19-Pass.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LzYJT1T)
Lunch at Mancos:
(https://i.ibb.co/3yNc75V/Ouray19-Mancos.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3yNc75V)
At Hermit's Rest, one of the highest points on Colorado Rte 92 along the north rim of the Black Canyon.
(https://i.ibb.co/sw1WnFG/Ouray19-Hermits2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sw1WnFG)
Also at Hermit's Rest:
(https://i.ibb.co/bXGFrCK/Ouray19-Hermits-Rest.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bXGFrCK)
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What a great time it was. I had a blast! We had great weather and lots of great riding and conversation.
Putting on rain gear in Rico, the much admired V85 in the foreground. Fortunately the dark clouds amount to little.
(https://i.ibb.co/KFC14dY/4836-CB2-D-DF35-47-F4-8734-162-B50-BAAB9-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/KFC14dY)
After a ton of wonderful curves, Taking a much needed break on CO92.
(https://i.ibb.co/RYFJ6Km/5-DB2-B3-D2-06-A0-4745-8-BB2-D2-A13100-FD47.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RYFJ6Km)
Dinner at True Grit in Ridgeway Saturday.
(https://i.ibb.co/51G4csH/37043873-CE41-4849-915-A-722-BEE6-B183-E.jpg) (https://ibb.co/51G4csH)
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Asking Dawdish to check in. Did you get the bike started and make it home OK?
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A couple more photos.
Ouray on Friday night
(https://i.ibb.co/xXc8GMB/DB28211-B-AE91-4-C60-96-E5-BF5-A6-DECAD22.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xXc8GMB)
The Ouray KOA.
(https://i.ibb.co/BcRd5fQ/2-F2-FE585-2-FC7-4961-BB22-9771351-F78-AE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BcRd5fQ)
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Michelle and I made it to the Springs a little after 4. Thanks again, Alan, for pulling this off, what a great group of people to spend the time with!!
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:thumb: Beautiful area , thanks for the pictures .
Dusty
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Great stuff, Hope to make it next time.
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I enjoyed meeting up with you guys in Ouray on my loop back into CO. Nice bunch of folks in a beautiful location. Thanks to Dave for the recommendation to go over Cottonwood Pass on my way back to Colorado Springs. I even enjoyed the hail storm just west of the summit on the fresh pavement :violent1:.
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Thanks Alan for making this happen! Great folks to ride with, and great roads with beautiful scenery. Tough to beat the San Juans. Look forward to seeing you all in Utah next September.
Roy
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Not coincidentally, our campfire chats (thanks for the bourbon, Dennis!) revealed that this group harbors a deep reservoir of wisdom, learning and moxie.
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Thanks Alan for making this happen! Great folks to ride with, and great roads with beautiful scenery. Tough to beat the San Juans. Look forward to seeing you all in Utah next September.
Roy
Great to see you, Roy. Already looking forward to Utah next year.
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Not coincidentally, our campfire chats (thanks for the bourbon, Dennis!) revealed that this group harbors a deep reservoir of wisdom, learning and moxie.
The Wildguzzi Western Adventure NARs have been some of my favorite Guzzi gatherings. I sure hope to make the next one!
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MotoGeezer,
Sorry to hear about your issues. Your Breva will be making the trip, though.
Michelle says hi!
Mike,
Hope "our" 750 Breva ran as good for you in 2019 as it did for me in 2017! How many miles on it now? Did Michelle get to Ouray too?
Dan
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Not coincidentally, our campfire chats (thanks for the bourbon, Dennis!) revealed that this group harbors a deep reservoir of wisdom, learning and moxie.
Did you folks have a fairly intelligent discussion about the Beverly Hillbillies ? Despite my former reservations , doing so is actually possible , just don't bring up Bigfoot :laugh:
Dusty
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Did you folks have a fairly intelligent discussion about the Beverly Hillbillies ? Despite my former reservations , doing so is actually possible , just don't bring up Bigfoot :laugh:
Dusty
That reminds me, I have friends in mountains, SW of Denver, about 9k elevation. There is shop is town with lots of Bigfoot stuff and claims there of sightings.
OK, anyway, my friends visited me in June and they show me some photos from their yard. It was late snow on the ground, maybe April or May and there were tracks in the snow with a 5 foot stride. No other tracks. :shocked:
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Dan, the Breva ran like a fine Swiss watch. Low mileage of 51, high of 60. Couldn't match Michelle's high 90 mileage, though!
Funny story - we were at the top of the newly paved Cottonwood Pass and had just moved her bike from in front of the sign when two guys from Kansas City pulled up on Teneres'. We took their picture, then one of them drops down on the ground and pulls off 20 pushups, hops around yelling that "there's plenty of oxygen up here", hops back on his bike and exits the parking lot bouncing up and down in the saddle like a kid on a carnival ride. Michelle looks at me and comments " I think he's just a bit intimidated by a girl on a little Honda!"
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A couple of campground pics and Cottonwood Pass
(https://i.ibb.co/vm9ms57/rs-P1070052.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vm9ms57)
(https://i.ibb.co/GV05hLf/rs-P1070068.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GV05hLf)
(https://i.ibb.co/vJ2xY93/P1070053.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vJ2xY93)