Colorado Riders Thread

[_Sheffjs_]

Colorado thought: lately I have been finding myself running a lot with out the windshield and I am leaning towards bringing my windshield but running without it. Thoughts? Colorado roads spit rocks a lot? 

We both run full face helmets, no big deal in Florida - no shield.

[Misfit]

Shield is not nessesary to ride here. Few bugs in the mountains. Getting here through the bugs is another story. You will want to bring rain gear. Rocky Mountain rain isn't like FL rain. You will get hypothermia in these mountains without it. 

[MarkT]

Yep.  I ride with and w/o here. w/o, usually more local rides, usually on George (the red bobber below). In the summer, on a couple hundred mile day ride through the mountains, at least half the time you'll hit a local cloudburst.  Nice to duck behind a shield then (I'm usually using a half helmet sans face shield) unless you enjoy stinging rain on the face.  Bugs non-existant here.  Except in cow country.  Only one mosquito allowed in the state at a time. Ya swat that, they let in another.

[_Sheffjs_]

   gear, we have more than needed.   

[MarkT]

Gotta share this with the CO riders (and others esp. if you are going to visit in Co Springs area):

Beautiful day today.  Lotsa bikes out.  There was also a HUGE bicycle ride, in Douglas County, with state patrol & DC sheriff's helping with traffic.  The ride encompassed almost all of the roads I took between the Ranch and Palmer Lake - about 40 miles.  No harm for me, I wasn't in a hurry.  Try to get George out at least monthly for his exercise.

So I rode down to Palmer Lake taking the long scenic rte, via Deerfield Rd, Russelville Rd, Hwy 83 to Lake Gulch Rd, thru Castle Rock on Plum Creek Parkway, Wolfensberger Rd, and Perry Park Rd to Palmer Lake.

In Palmer Lake, just a half block S of the big Harley hangout O'Malley's, is the Speed Trap Bistro.  



They are open for breakfast and lunch Sun-Wed opening 8-2.  Thus-Sat they add dinner 5-11.  Have live music weekend evenings. See http://www.speedtrapbistro.com/  They are highly rated / reviewed.

Very good food and service, with some outside tables.  You can watch tons of biker traffic going by. Anyway, they have a dish TO DIE FOR. (besides a full breakfast & lunch menu)  That's their Smoked Salmon Asparagus Eggs Benedict Crepe.



OMG.  I don't know when I'm going to check out other stuff on the menu because this one is SO GOOD!!!

Well, while I was sitting there, had lotsa bikers oogling George.  Nice feeling!



To top off the ride, on the way back I had an idiot try to beat out George on a merge lane. YEEHAW!!!!   GAME ON!!!!   He didn't know he was up against a blown sleeper!  Just LOVE spanking morons.  CLEANED HIS CLOCK so spotless he pulled over to the shoulder to check why his ride was so slow!

[Valkorado]

Sounds like a great day, Mark.  Drooled on myself a bit checking out that breakfast!  Been getting some good weather over this way too, riding every day.  Yep, people notice Valkyries.   

[Tailgate Tommy]

Sounds like a fun time Mark!

[MarcusS]

LTD and MarcusS are going to be stopping in Grand Junction on Saturday 6-24 and ridding on up to Billings MT on Sunday. Got any advice on motels or places to avoid please send me a message.  We are starting our trip in Houston Friday morning.

[Valkorado]

LTD and MarcusS are going to be stopping in Grand Junction on Saturday 6-24 and ridding on up to Billings MT on Sunday. Got any advice on motels or places to avoid please send me a message.  We are starting our trip in Houston Friday morning.

Marcus I lived in the armpit Grand Junkyard for about five years.  Try to avoid North Avenue, it's a big cruise town and North is the main drag.  Nosy as hell at night, and a pretty Valk might attract those who want to do more than look at it.  I'd go out by the airport, it's kinda separate from town.  Not sure what might be the best out there, but most the big chains are represented.

Oh, yeah, try to make the time for a short detour through the Colorado National Monument and Rim Rock Drive while you're there.  Fun ride, well worth it!   

[BlueDrewid]

Who's Riding up to Billings, MT on Sunday, 25th?

I do not have a reservation, and need to split a room/go in 3rds, sleep on floor, etc!
Non-smoker & Quiet (if you hit the sack early).

Only need 2 nights = Sunday 25th & Monday 26th, I'm out Tuesday, 27th.

Help,... Drew Robertson
720-925-8831 cell/text 

[BlueDrewid]

Hey Y'all.

FYI,.. I'm good on a hotel room.  Another buddy here in Colorado is helping me out.

Thank you for all your help!  I appreciate it!

Looking forward to seeing everyone, meeting new Valkster's and getting some great rides in.

Drew
720-925-8831

[DarkSideR]

I left early and am in Helena working until Friday. Can barely concentrate on work itchin to get down to Billings.

I'm looking forward to seeing you Colorado folk.

Have safe travels.

[deadpan]

 Went for a ride to Independence Pass yesterday, there's a lot of smoke  in the Hills from the Utah fires.
 See y'all in Billings. 

[Tailgate Tommy]

See you in Steamboat before then!

[MarkT]

Are we still alive here?

[DarkSideR]

How about Saturday, August 19th we do the Pikes Peak or Bust ride. Who's in?

[MarkT]

Count me in.  Maybe June. Weather permitting of course - she's a fair weather rider while I'm more hard core but hate detailing the scoots.  Might ride George if it's really nice.

[deadpan]

 

[Tailgate Tommy]

Sounds good.

[Misfit]

Anybody want to ride this weekend? I have been busy lately and when not I have been playing in the dirt. I have no plans or route. Just putting the feelers out there. Could be a day ride or an overnight somewhere. Motel or camp. Makes no difference to me. Any thoughts? 

[deadpan]

I'm in  x 2 for a day ride need to be back in woodland late afternoon, early evening. 

[MarkT]

I'd like to get the new tent out for another night - needs to be setup anyway after it's first outing last month was in heavy rains.  There's a nice park S of Crawford, haven't been there in years. I saw the Mad Dog Ranch Fountain cafe has reopened last time through town, as well as another nice place to eat across the street. Some of the best roads in the state are in the area.  Not planning on doing any markarita fixins.  Maybe a ride up the Black Canyon followed by Grand Mesa.  Or one through Gateway.  Haven't seen the car museum in a while. That would be a full weekend.

[Valkorado]

I may jump in for a day ride when you get to this side of the divide.  Tentative on camping, need better gear.

[Brewer]

I have a front tire to mount. Rear on the front which means shops will hesitate or decline is my guess. Any suggestions for a shop that will do it? 

[MarkT]

I'm guessing Aurora Honda would.  Private family-owned, seem less worried about litigation issues.  But then I've been their customer for 20 years so they know me - not gonna sue, spend a lot there. Might not represent their POV for a stranger.

[Valkorado]

My local shop mech just slapped on a Michelin Pilot Activ reverse mount for me.  He has less problem doing that than mounting Taxi Tires on back.  He always scolds me about them car tars and calls Ride-On "crap", but he still gets 'er done. 

[J.Mencalice]

I'd like to get the new tent out for another night - needs to be setup anyway after it's first outing last month was in heavy rains.  There's a nice park S of Crawford, haven't been there in years. I saw the Mad Dog Ranch Fountain cafe has reopened last time through town, as well as another nice place to eat across the street. Some of the best roads in the state are in the area.  Not planning on doing any markarita fixins.  Maybe a ride up the Black Canyon followed by Grand Mesa.  Or one through Gateway.  Haven't seen the car museum in a while. That would be a full weekend.

Notes:

Sirs, Crawford State Park is a couple miles out of town and usually fills up on weekends, but you can check once you get there, I doubt if there is anything available as the local folks use it readily on weekends.  Joe and Pam are both gone (she's got the Ranch up for sale) and the cafe was sold and now is reopened under the new name.  Diamond Joe Cafe and Bar is just before you enter south of town and it's owned/managed by a local person (been there ten years so I guess they are established).  Real nice and prices seem reasonable for a roadhouse.

Also, this is the week of the Delta County Fair and so the town of Hotchkiss will be full up with people and the restaurants as well.  Try Zack's BBQ if that is to your liking and if the wait isn't too long.

The Olathe Sweet Corn Festival is on Saturday ($15 entry and all the sweet corn you can eat).  Hot and dusty at the site, but a good place for some music and food.  A family affair around Montrose.

The annual Serenity Ride is taking place in Cedaredge this weekend with mostly old renegades (a lot of clean and sober recovering) in attendance; that place will be full up with ancient Harleys and ancient Harley riders and ancient Harley ol' ladies.  All you can eat pancake breakfast, sliced ham and scrambled eggs for $7 on Saturday 7-10 AM by the Grand Mesa VFW as their fundraiser at the Stolte Shed.
You can probably find a camping spot up on the Grand Mesa if you can stand the mosquitoes that have finally broken camp and looking for blood meals.

First weekend of August, kids back to school in a couple of weeks and so every family in the area is out and about to get in some outdoor activities before the end of summer.

Gateway, CO 141 got shot up this past weekend by some nut-job firing at cars...he hit one...now in the Mesa County Jail on 1 Mil bond.
Ridgway to Whitewater is always my favorite ride in the fall; low volume of vehicles and three different landscapes from start to finish along the San Miguel and Dolores.
The resort at Gateway with it's car museum is crowded on weekends, but I guess the definition of crowded is always up for discussion in city vs. rural people's observations.

A good ride and safe one to all.

[Misfit]

I'd like to get the new tent out for another night - needs to be setup anyway after it's first outing last month was in heavy rains.  There's a nice park S of Crawford, haven't been there in years. I saw the Mad Dog Ranch Fountain cafe has reopened last time through town, as well as another nice place to eat across the street. Some of the best roads in the state are in the area.  Not planning on doing any markarita fixins.  Maybe a ride up the Black Canyon followed by Grand Mesa.  Or one through Gateway.  Haven't seen the car museum in a while. That would be a full weekend.

Notes:

Sirs, Crawford State Park is a couple miles out of town and usually fills up on weekends, but you can check once you get there, I doubt if there is anything available as the local folks use it readily on weekends.  Joe and Pam are both gone (she's got the Ranch up for sale) and the cafe was sold and now is reopened under the new name.  Diamond Joe Cafe and Bar is just before you enter south of town and it's owned/managed by a local person (been there ten years so I guess they are established).  Real nice and prices seem reasonable for a roadhouse.

Also, this is the week of the Delta County Fair and so the town of Hotchkiss will be full up with people and the restaurants as well.  Try Zack's BBQ if that is to your liking and if the wait isn't too long.

The Olathe Sweet Corn Festival is on Saturday ($15 entry and all the sweet corn you can eat).  Hot and dusty at the site, but a good place for some music and food.  A family affair around Montrose.

The annual Serenity Ride is taking place in Cedaredge this weekend with mostly old renegades (a lot of clean and sober recovering) in attendance; that place will be full up with ancient Harleys and ancient Harley riders and ancient Harley ol' ladies.  All you can eat pancake breakfast, sliced ham and scrambled eggs for $7 on Saturday 7-10 AM by the Grand Mesa VFW as their fundraiser at the Stolte Shed.
You can probably find a camping spot up on the Grand Mesa if you can stand the mosquitoes that have finally broken camp and looking for blood meals.

First weekend of August, kids back to school in a couple of weeks and so every family in the area is out and about to get in some outdoor activities before the end of summer.

Gateway, CO 141 got shot up this past weekend by some nut-job firing at cars...he hit one...now in the Mesa County Jail on 1 Mil bond.
Ridgway to Whitewater is always my favorite ride in the fall; low volume of vehicles and three different landscapes from start to finish along the San Miguel and Dolores.
The resort at Gateway with it's car museum is crowded on weekends, but I guess the definition of crowded is always up for discussion in city vs. rural people's observations.

A good ride and safe one to all.

Thanks for the info. I will let Mark and June pick the destination. I really don't care. Just looking to ride. Anyone else? 

[J.Mencalice]

I'd like to get the new tent out for another night - needs to be setup anyway after it's first outing last month was in heavy rains.  There's a nice park S of Crawford, haven't been there in years. I saw the Mad Dog Ranch Fountain cafe has reopened last time through town, as well as another nice place to eat across the street. Some of the best roads in the state are in the area.  Not planning on doing any markarita fixins.  Maybe a ride up the Black Canyon followed by Grand Mesa.  Or one through Gateway.  Haven't seen the car museum in a while. That would be a full weekend.

Notes:

Sirs, Crawford State Park is a couple miles out of town and usually fills up on weekends, but you can check once you get there, I doubt if there is anything available as the local folks use it readily on weekends.  Joe and Pam are both gone (she's got the Ranch up for sale) and the cafe was sold and now is reopened under the new name.  Diamond Joe Cafe and Bar is just before you enter south of town and it's owned/managed by a local person (been there ten years so I guess they are established).  Real nice and prices seem reasonable for a roadhouse.

Also, this is the week of the Delta County Fair and so the town of Hotchkiss will be full up with people and the restaurants as well.  Try Zack's BBQ if that is to your liking and if the wait isn't too long.

The Olathe Sweet Corn Festival is on Saturday ($15 entry and all the sweet corn you can eat).  Hot and dusty at the site, but a good place for some music and food.  A family affair around Montrose.

The annual Serenity Ride is taking place in Cedaredge this weekend with mostly old renegades (a lot of clean and sober recovering) in attendance; that place will be full up with ancient Harleys and ancient Harley riders and ancient Harley ol' ladies.  All you can eat pancake breakfast, sliced ham and scrambled eggs for $7 on Saturday 7-10 AM by the Grand Mesa VFW as their fundraiser at the Stolte Shed.
You can probably find a camping spot up on the Grand Mesa if you can stand the mosquitoes that have finally broken camp and looking for blood meals.

First weekend of August, kids back to school in a couple of weeks and so every family in the area is out and about to get in some outdoor activities before the end of summer.

Gateway, CO 141 got shot up this past weekend by some nut-job firing at cars...he hit one...now in the Mesa County Jail on 1 Mil bond.
Ridgway to Whitewater is always my favorite ride in the fall; low volume of vehicles and three different landscapes from start to finish along the San Miguel and Dolores.
The resort at Gateway with it's car museum is crowded on weekends, but I guess the definition of crowded is always up for discussion in city vs. rural people's observations.

A good ride and safe one to all.

Thanks for the info. I will let Mark and June pick the destination. I really don't care. Just looking to ride. Anyone else? 

No doubt about why you are dropping over to this side.  The roads call out here to be ridden, as they are some fun!  I prefer weekdays when off of work so that they can be ridden with fewer autos, RV's, out of state drivers (rubber necking and unpredictable), and alcohol fueled yeehaws.
Yes any destination you choose will be the right one.

[Valkorado]

Yes, Western Colorado is a heckuva place to ride.  Like you mentioned, the weekend traffic is getting thicker here, and ya gotta watch out for gawkers, texters, drunks, stoners and the occasional camoflaged deer.  Had a black bear run across the road right in front of us when riding over Monarch Pass this spring! 

Anyway, I just ordered a small bivy tent and a high tech insulated sleeping pad. They won't be here for this weekend, but I'll be set for some semi-comfortable rustic camping on future trips.  I figure one night in a decent motel would cost about what I paid foir the motorcycle camping gear, so good investment even if I only use it a couple times a season.  Already have a 20* bag that packs down smaller than a loaf of bread.

[Misfit]

Where and when do you want to meet. Dick is coming for the day but has company coming to his place Saturday night and needs to be home. 

[MarkT]

Turns out I have to work tomorrow.  Now trying to get away for a day ride Sun. Want to try to get a overnight with camping in once or twice yet this season. That might be better once the monsoon pattern ends and kids are back in school. Also we might need to get online and do reservations.  Hate that but it looks like reality. Have to pay attention to local events like Jmencalice pointed out. We used to stay in Montrose every summer and ride the area for several days. But that wasn't camping and we reserved way in advance. Still gonna ride somewhere Sun but might be smaller, local.

[baird4444]

it snowed today on Monarch Pass!!

https://www.facebook.com/CBSDenver/photos/a.55276458299.66819.52552983299/10155183355548300/?type=3&theater

[MarkT]

Time to remember Darby again. Labor Day weekend 9/1-4. Sorry we didn't get this set up sooner.  As a result you need to do this quick before the rooms are gone.  Yeah I know - procrastination on our part constitutes an emergency on your part.  Prices are higher than usual due to the holiday - but still not too bad for what you get.

We got our rooms booked today.  So did Damon.

Lodging is the big deal - get it locked in before it's gone - like today.  We've blocked out some rooms in Montrose at the Black Canyon Inn - got a group discount.  Even so, lodging all over is more spendy on this holiday weekend.  Dee at the Inn needs us to call in asap  before we lose the block.  Our reduced price is $89.95.  We have ground floor rooms so your bike is outside your door.  The High Country Cruisers stayed here every summer for years for the week long SW Colorado ride-ins. It's across the street from the Country Lodge where we stayed the last 2 years. The night is Saturday Sept 2.  # is 888-204-0199.  Ask for Dee.  Eric is the manager.

The jewel of this ride is the North Face Lodge in Lake City.  If you recall, this is the fabulous B&B (minus the 2nd B) we stayed in 3 years ago, on the trip we lost Darby.  It's a themed motel, like a B&B, but at a motel price. If you recall, the driveway needed work.  Well the North entrance is now paved with concrete (S entrance still a challenge so go north).  They have five rooms left as of right now, for Sunday evening 9/3.  (Sat is gone).  In fact this place is so nice we planned the ride around rooms availability here. One room left has two queen beds, for doubling up if you want. The North Face has a fabulous deck overlooking the front road, where I'm spinning markaritas - I'm only doing this one night, at this place - it's a lot of work. CALL TODAY IF YOU WANT TO DO THIS RIDE.  Rooms are going fast.  Call 970-944-5200 - Robin is the owner. Prices are about $130 incl taxes.

Actual ride route.  Flexible on this, but the plan is to start in Buena Vista.  June & I are staying in Salida Fri night at the Salida Inn & Monarch Suites - nice place, newly remodeled. A couple doors west of the Bounty restaurant on Hwy50 - might eat there or go downtown by the river like we did last year. Fri night best rate is $159 + tx - veterans discount puts it at $140. I recommend staying in Salida or Buena Vista so we can start early Sat. We've stayed in a couple other places in Salida - cheaper - the Circle R and the American Classic Inn.  Both are dumps. Well like my grandaddy says,  the oats are cheaper after they've been through the horse.

Tentative, start early from the Shell station, Pine & Hwy24, Buena Vista, Hwy 24 N.  Hwy 82 W. Independance pass,  Aspen, Fuel in Carbondale, Hwy 133 SW McClure Pass, Hwy 92 Crawford for lunch at either Pam Cocker's Mad Dog Ranch Fountain Cafe (now renamed & owned) or across the street at Diamond Joe's Cafe and Saloon - 166mi from Buena Vista.  Fuel in Crawford. Hwy 92 Black Canyon of the Gunnison, then W on 50 to Montrose. 79mi from Crawford.   Overnight.

On Sunday, Hwy 550 S over Red Mountain Pass through Silverton & Durango. Lunch probably in Durango unless it's too early then continue on 160 E towards Wolf Creek Pass. Lunch in Piedra or Pagosa Springs if appropriate. 168mi to Kip's Grill in Pagosa Springs so that's a good distance to lunch. At South Fork, NW on 149 along the headwaters of the Rio Grande through Creede to Lake City. Two fuel stops, at Durango 107mi, and South Fork, 103mi. Total for the day 283mi. Check in at the Lodge before too late so we can grab a bite in the Cannibal Grill Saloon or the Lake City Cafe.  Markarita's on the deck!

Monday - N on 149 to Hwy 50, E to Gunnison for the FABULOUS brisket at 5B's BBQ.  E from there on 50 and split off to home as needed.

Here's the deck at the North Face Lodge:



Rooms left right now:

Ute Trail:




Gold Mine:






Cowhands:







Aspen:






Antlers:




American Basin:




Ski Hill:

[hager the horrible]

So, I have to go to Gunnison to meet up with you for dinner? Any idea what time? -Mrs the Horrible

[Valkorado]

So, I have to go to Gunnison to meet up with you for dinner? Any idea what time? -Mrs the Horrible

Or you could just ride along with a front ranger (or tag in a cage) and join us for each and every meal!  Seriously, I'm really looking forward to this always good ride for a really great man -- it's becoming a Colorado tradition!

BTW scratch the Ute Trail room, I snatched it up.  I'll book Montrobia manyana.

[Tailgate Tommy]

Got my rooms booked  Got the "Slumgulllian" in Lake City.

[baird4444]

well Damnit....
   I had 2 more vacation days to burn before Sept. 20 so last
week I put in for the 6th and 7th....
    depending on work schedule will try to catch y'all here in Montrose

                       - Mike

[Valkorado]

well Damnit....
   I had 2 more vacation days to burn before Sept. 20 so last
week I put in for the 6th and 7th....
    depending on work schedule will try to catch y'all here in Montrose

                       - Mike

You should request to switch your vacation days and join the posse.

[MarkT]

Robin says we have one room left.  - The Antlers I believe.  HURRY HURRY HURRY!!!!!