2015 Colorado Classic 1000 - June 20/21 *ride report added*

[LowRyter]

wow,  3 guys got back before midnight.  They must've been hauling ass.

[rocker59]

wow,  3 guys got back before midnight.  They must've been hauling ass.

Actually, if you look again, 12 riders arrived before 12:00 Midnight.

The Guzzi Norge 1200 8v arrived at 10:45.

Those early arrivals were definitely hard-chargers with big fuel tanks, big bladders, and iron butts.

Mark and I might've been able to trim a couple hours off if we hadn't made that wrong turn, and if his key hadn't gotten stuck in the ignition.  Beating midnight would've still be tough, though.

[alanp]

Thanks for the great ride report, and congrats on finishing!  I rode this last year with Mark Kelley and really wanted to do it again, but we had planned a trip to Germany.  Sitting in the Toronto airport waiting for my flight home reading this.  Seeing that you didn't finish until after 3 am I am probably glad I missed this one, but the weather looked good at least.

Thanks again for all the details and pictures.  I don't think I took a single picture along the ride ( other than gas stops) because I was too focussed on finishing as soon after dark as possible.  But it sure is nice to see those great roads and blue skies!

[rocker59]

We missed you Alan!  The riding was good.  Nice clear weather, and only a little hot on 141.

The route did have some slow sections, and we didn't ride "too fast" on the more open sections.  Just maintained "the pace".  A couple of long fuel stops and that missed turn at the end cost us a lot of time.  And riding slow in the dark for the last 135 miles.

With better lights and not missing that turn, we probably could've checked in just after midnight.  If I do another one of these, I'll definitely be fielding some more candlepower.  The last 135 miles was really slow with our current lighting.

[oldbike54]

 The darkest stretch of road I have ever ridden is US 50 between Gunnison and Montrose CO . Let my buddy on his Cali lead , which was a mistake , as he seemed oblivious to the large fauna standing along the road . Never so glad to see the lights of Montrose .

 Keep up the good work Mike , the old girl is impressive , and when did a 20 year old MC become old ? 

  Dusty

[rocker59]

Mark and I both had tools and fuel, and didn't have to use them. Mark's flat happened at the finish and we both had tire repair kits.

We both need to get serious about lighting, though!!!

I did learn that carrying two cards for automated pumps is a good idea.  My Visa was also declined, but I had my debit card and it went right through.  I'd have been in the same boat as those guys, if my debit card hadn't worked at South Fork or Saguache.

[rocker59]

Great thread Mike. Thanks for sharing and enjoyed the weekend in Cripple Creek.

Thanks Tim.  Good to see you at Cripple Creek.  Hope to see you again at the next one.

[blakebird]

That's a great route they picked - some of my favorite roads.
I've done several SS1K's, three documented and many others - but doing unfamiliar mountain roads in the wee dark hours does not make it a 17 hr event like it can be on the interstate!

Lots to be said for home field advantage! I know the exact turn you missed and ended up headed for Guffey - you were very close to the end at that point.
You can definitely outrun your headlights on some of the older iron too - nicely done!

[Texas Turnip]

Thanks Mike for the ride report. I relived a lot of the roads with you, but no way would I run any of it at night.

A couple here got on I-20 Exit 556 and rode 500 miles to Pecos and turned around and rode back for their
SS1000. They were not on Guzzis. Wish they could see your report.

Thanks for promoting Moto Guzzi.

Tex

[tiger_one]

The KTM 1190 guys are using Cyclops kit, I installed mine a few months ago, HUGE difference over OEM and our lights were pretty good I thought.  Not sure what they have for the MG.

http://www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/

Congrads on the ride!

[Mile High Guzzi]

I'm a little late posting my final thoughts on the 2015 Classic 1000; I guess it took me a couple of weeks to fully recover!!  Here are some thoughts:

• Eric (LongRanger) puts on a great event.  Well organized, planned and a real riders challenge.  It attracts some serious riders too (not me)
• This has to be one of the toughest Saddle Sore 1000's.  The route, the location and the elements come together to make it real challenge 
• A riding buddy helps.  Rocker was great support for me this year, as was AlanP last year
• Murphy showed up this year.  Rocker's final drive leak, my jammed ignition switch, my flatted rear tire, and getting lost all conspired to slow, but fortunately not stop us
• In spite of the mechanical gremlins, the Guzzi's performed very well in the event
  
• I usually enjoy about the first 700 miles, then the rest is just gutting through it
• Never listen to a lost HD rider at 2am if they are trying to give you directions....
• All the BMW riders I have met on these are real riders, and I appreciate that they always have very bright auxiliary lighting, so if you are fortunate enough to follow their wake at night, it really helps.
• I am a bad (I mean really bad) rider once the sun goes down.  I don't think I was ever comfortable riding at night, but as my eyesight declines with age, I have significant issues in the curves at night.  If I stop doing these, this will be the reason.

So this is now my 3rd finish in an event that I never would have thought I could finish once, so I will have to see how I feel come next year, but regardless I hope LongRanger keeps putting these on for years to come; it's a great event.

[rocker59]