If you were going to Colorado (pics added)

[oldbike54]

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  There was a double stall that he reserved for us on Monday evening a couple times a month .

 Dusty

[Lannis]

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

[twowheeladdict]

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.

[LowRyter]

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)




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.

[bpreynolds]

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 

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)




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. 

[redhawk47]

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

[LowRyter]

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.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I'd prefer trailering, too.. but another option is 36 across the endless plains.

[Sheepdog]

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.

[LowRyter]

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.

[Guzzistajohn]

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

[Bill Dee]

Colorado West of Denver and the front range is so wonderful.  You are going to need a month to see it.   

[Trialsman]

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.

[redhawk47]

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

[Trialsman]

Last month I rode my Norge across Canada (CO -PA) for something different.  It's all the same, Manitoba awful.

[bpreynolds]

So I'm out here, got into Colorado Springs last night.  Shoulda listened to the trailering advice 
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  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?

[bpreynolds]

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     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 
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
2EE85139-1A96-4177-9B25-3334C686C084 by Brian, on Flickr
1C0618B3-1C52-4BBD-A1CA-FAB7A676C053 by Brian, on Flickr
D46114F5-13D9-4BF1-8391-2DBABDA45529 by Brian, on Flickr
5FF707EC-5085-46A8-91EA-7C28B41AF99C by Brian, on Flickr
19747D91-F3C3-4909-B119-6572A9BDF9FC by Brian, on Flickr
2F831AE6-F3D7-4394-A15A-4C0643CF022F by Brian, on Flickr
7D88575F-C43A-4096-B430-C215E0FD7C4B by Brian, on Flickr
F2F6EAE4-5D78-49F5-90A7-C3BAC5F825FA by Brian, on Flickr
F668244F-B028-40CE-8E78-F60DF73231F3 by Brian, on Flickr
2A92F591-D44B-4A10-87F2-96EED97DDBE5 by Brian, on Flickr
5183A3AE-E230-41FD-8EE8-2AF68CE08BD4 by Brian, on Flickr

[Sheepdog]

Glad you had a good trip. If you're like me, you'll be back...

[oldbike54]

 Anyone who can ride a giant dirt bike 800 miles in one day is one tough hombre 

 Nice pics Bipper 

 Dusty

[Gliderjohn]

Sounds like it was a great trip.
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

[Dharma Bum]

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!

[bpreynolds]

Anyone who can ride a giant dirt bike 800 miles in one day is one tough hombre 

 Nice pics Bipper 

 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.
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 
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. 

[Rhodan]

   Beautiful pics.  Sounds and looks like you had an outstanding time.