Colorado Riders Thread

[fudgie]

Thx for the info for CO. Spent the night in La Junta and Montrose. Didn't make the Gunnison Canyon since we were delayed a hr or 2 for construction. So we just sat in the pool instead. Million dollar hwy was awesome and prob my new fav road. Hit 4 corners and spent the night in Mexican Hat Utah. Thx again for the info. 

[DarkSideR]

For this Saturday, August 19th here are the details for the Pikes Peak or Bust Ride.

Who    - Whomever wants to ride.
What   -  Drive 15 miles up an 8,000 foot ascent, around 156 turns, with stops along the way.
When  - 9:00 a.m.
Where - 5089 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade, CO 80809 (Main Gate)
 - Meet outside the gate. We will ride through together to get a group rate.
How    - Get up Saturday morning and ride!
Why    - Because we can.

Lunch together at Rudy's after we come back down.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.  

[MarkT]

We'll be there.  Weather supposed to be good.


Oops.  Might not be there depending on plans for the Eclipse trip.  I will advise before Sat.

[Misfit]

Bumme! I have a dual sport ride lined up with another group rolling out a 7:00 on Satuday morning. Chase is part of the dual sport ride. Deadpan is in OR. I will pass on the info to Ron. He doesn't do computers. Ride safe. 

[MarkT]

I just put up a post on the general board looking for a Casper local to let us tent Sun night before the Eclipse, ride back Mon Eve.  It's 314 mile from the Ranch here to Casper, a day ride one way.  Casper is dead center on the eclipse path, they have a bunch of festivities planned.  http://eclipsecasper.com/

Like to ride?  I have a large new tent, all you need is your sleeping gear. Just guys on this one unless you bring your own tent.  Should fit in my trailer if needed.

My post on the Gen board at http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,96628.msg959716.html#msg959716

[MarkT]

Plan B.  And this is most likely - about to be plan A.  

W/O a camp site in Casper, I plan to get some sleep Sun eve, then get up and depart by 2:00AM and head for Alliance NE, 270mi.  This site is recommended as a good viewing site by  greatamaricaneclipse.com, as "Highway 385 in the vicinity of Alliance, Nebraska would be a good choice with uncrowded roads, proximity to maximum eclipse duration, and favored weather odds." Alliance is dead center on the path.     Partial eclipse begins at 11:27, full begins at 12:49:16 ends at 12:51:47, partial ends at 14:16.  

I have superb lights on Jade, and plenty of range with the belly tank. The route there, I believe will be less traffic then the route N on I-25, as well as the resources at the North end, and especially the less traffic returning. (Reports on the news predict the worst traffic will be Mon afternoon on I-25.) The early departure gives me some time to find a good location, claim it and set up the video camera on a tripod. Averaging only 50mph, this is about a 5 hour ride - expect to avg more than that. I plan to then return same day, making this a long day ride. Good thing I have a Russell seat.

In Alliance, there's Arby's, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, several other restaurants, several parks, several motels, a Safeway, gas stations, NAPA, and no Wal-Mart.

Alliance is having an Eclipse Festival: https://www.facebook.com/2017SolarEclipseAllianceNebraska/

Right now this is just me on this ride. It would be nice for safety etc to have a couple bikes or more but I'm going even if alone - like DDT, I've ridden alone on long cross country trips many times. If you would like to ride with - please advise & we will figure out a meetup.

And finally - astronomers and others are saying, this is a Once In A Lifetime opportunity.  Well, actually you can travel and do it again. This one is pretty close.  But they say, everyone should experience this at least once. It makes you aware of our place in the cosmos.  It's almost a religious experience.

[MarkT]

Plan C - I see there's lots of tent camping available in the Alliance area.  Going to check into that tomorrow.  See http://carhengesolareclipse2017.com/sites/

[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? 

Woody's Wheel Works in Denver $25.00

[J.Mencalice]

Plan C - I see there's lots of tent camping available in the Alliance area.  Going to check into that tomorrow.  See http://carhengesolareclipse2017.com/sites/

http://www.denverpost.com/2017/08/11/solar-eclipse-path-of-totality-carhenge/

Lived and worked in Alliance for eight months a few years back and it's a lot smaller than one would imagine, about 4.5 square miles. It's a railroad town for assembling long coal trains (Powder River Basin coal) for distant destinations. The article says that about 8500 people live there, but it seems a lot smaller than that.  Only four ways in and out of town so any large number of vehicles can clog up the two lane blacktops pretty easily; I believe that they  are expecting about 10000 people for this event.

I'd check out Hemingford which is about 25 miles north of Alliance and has a good sized county fairgrounds (Box Butte) and a town park.  I think it'd be quieter and less crowded than Alliance for a camp over.  Not many amenities in the forms of gas, restaurants, and markets.  Really small.

Alliance will be stuffed to the gills and the Safeway will probably be emptied come Monday.
Loved Alliance.  Genuine farming/ranching people and an easy going lifestyle.  The one thing that sticks with me after all these years is that there was still a drive in theatre, a really long airport runway for a tiny facility, and a Woolrich outlet store when I was there.

There are many square miles of farmland in the surrounding area that may be offering space for camping and some newly carved campgrounds.
One thing about the Sandhills county is that there is a LOT of open space out between there and there.

Wish you well in your travels up to the panhandle for the "big dark".

[Misfit]

I have to work on Monday. I don't care to see the eclips anyway. My vision is bad enough now. I don't need to stare at the sun. Have a great trip. 

[MarkT]

It's going to be Plan C.  Have a site reserved for the ridiculous price of $10.  I might get there and find he quoted too low and it's not recorded - the range I'm hearing for prices around the area is min $80(tents) - max $350(RVs).  Also he's a business right on hwy 385 which will be noisy.  One operator quoted a rumor they are thinking of calling the Natl Guard to handle traffic.  Whoa. Definitely want to get off the highway.  Got an operator about to CB on a negotiated price on primitive camping on a ranch near Carhenge. Obviously I need to leave early and find a route in other than 385.  There's a lot of ranchers renting spots on large acreages.  The 3-digit figures are just greedy - one said he had like 20 spots sold on a 120 acre parcel so users can be well spread out and he won't come anywhere near filling it up.  The SOP is charge what the market will bear. But this is pure windfall for them and gouging in my book.  At no cost to them; renting pastures so no crop damage and only cost might be if they have to pay for the listing on http://carhengesolareclipse2017.com/sites,  renting a couple porta-potties, or more facilities if providing hookups. Which I don't need as I have my own toilet, water, and electricity (extra battery & inverter).  

Damon, you don't actually look at the sun w/o protective lenses.  It's actually quite an event when it becomes night in the middle of the day, with the land all lit up all around on the horizon.  I'm setting up my video camera on a tripod and watch/film the shadow's approach. Throw my welder's goggles on & check out the corona - but not film it - then point the camera at the shadow's recession.  Not to put too much energy into the photography, that will diminish the experience.  I learned that 30 years ago when I took my kids skiing here but also brought one of the Hasselblads.  The camera BECAME the day and ruined it - I was WORKING. Now I bring point & shoot cameras to events and just take grab shots; no more MAKING photographs.  The cobbler's kids go barefoot / plumber's faucet leaks.

Going there via Hwy 71 out of Limon - staying off 385 completely - which also has construction.  That will be a nightmare.

 I negotiated the tent price down to $80 (he started at $125). This site is on a ranch, out of town, on quiet country roads, on the lawn with his house close by. I'm bringing water & toilet & some electricity.  If others come I'll add a small tent to use with the toilet, otherwise it's in my big tent. Again, not camp cooking.  I'm bringing sandwich stuff & refreshments in the cooler - not assuming the Safeway & restaurants won't be overwhelmed.

If anyone wants to participate, will be leaving early Sun. Distance is 309mi from the ranch here. You'll probably need to supply your own tent but I can put it in the trailer; now June wants to see Carhenge and our campsite is a mile away. Admission is free.

[MarkT]

Departure time from Buena Vista (Shell Station, Pine & Hwy 24) - if we roll by 9 we have to average 41mph to make the 166 miles to Crawford for lunch by 1:00.  Seems doable to me, considering the roads and one gas stop. Is 9 departure OK for all?  I realize some are probably not staying local Fri night. I wanted to make it 8, which would make a really early start for some.  Of course it would be best if we all stay Fri night in the area.

[Misfit]

I told Ron this morning kick stands up at 9:00 from the Shell in BV. We can eat anywhere along the route. At Hotchkiss those that are tired can head to Montrose and get their room. Those that want to ride some more can head down the Black Canyon and then back up 50 to the motel. 

[Tailgate Tommy]

Sounds good to me

[MarkT]

I suppose but if we can make it to Crawford we'd like to see what has happened to the Mad Dog Ranch Fountain Cafe.  We have a history there 15 years ago, many trips to visit, stayed at the house, as friends of Pam & George Magenta (her brother) and acquaintances of Joe. Ate in the cafe many times. Pam had a GW trike, and a Shadow. I rode her trike - the only one I've ever been on.  She openly invited bike clubs on their web site.  Kind of annoyed the townfolk, I understood.  She and Joe hosted the VOA ride-in at the town park across the street around 2003 I think it was.  Pretty cool, Joe Cocker giving out the club awards. George had a black and jade '97 or '98. Very aggressive rider, he had a mishap with his niece on the back. We have some pieces from the Cocker's house yard sale around 2008, signed by Joe. We haven't been back since they closed the cafe and now that Joe is gone and Pam has sold the "big house".  As I said before, I noticed the Cafe is up and running again, on a recent ride - I wasn't leading and we just sailed by - I understand from a Western Slope VRCC local (He posted in this thread), under new ownership.

 Back in the day, this was a High Country Cruisers ride I think - that's a HCC T-shirt by the front door.  That's George Jackson (who built my "George" bike below) behind his yellow wing.



Photo by George Magenta:



BTW this is a ride report I posted long ago, to Crawford, still up:

http://www.f6rider.com/Valk/colorado.htm

[Valkorado]

Hmmm.  I was planning to meet y'all either in Crawford, on Hwy. 92 or at the damn dam bridge.  Really wanting to do the Independence Pass leg but don't want to spring for another night's lodging in Salida or Buena Vista.  I'll have to rethink the logistics...

[MarkT]

Seth, I'm pretty sure we are going to Crawford. At least June & I are.  I want to return to the MDRFC as I said above. I don't see being "tired" after only 166 miles and it's less than half that from Crawford to Montrose down hwy 92 & 50, after being refreshed at lunch.  The ride does need to start by 9 in BV to do Independence and McClure passes in time to lunch SW of McClure pass.  And BTW, Crawford is only 10 miles at most from Hotchkiss which is the first possible place to eat after McClure.  There might be a cafe in Hotchkiss but I've never noticed it.

BTW, The HCC used to do a day ride - Leaf Peeper Ride - a day ride that included Leadville, Aspen, Crawford, Salida, and Canon City and all the passes in between - around 450 miles or so, depending on where you started and finished. Now I'm curious, gonna check that distance - I wouldn't want to do that now, as old as I am.

I lied - just checked that ride distance with my routing ap - it's 582 miles from and to our place. Now THERE'S a reason to be tired.  Especially w/o a Russell Daylong seat!

[Valkorado]

 

[MarkT]

HEY SETH!  It's only 82 miles from your house to the start in BV - and most of it high-speed road! Leave by 7 and you'd be there for sure in time!

[baird4444]

          " There might be a cafe in Hotchkiss but I've never noticed it. "

there are places in Hotchkiss, a BBQ joint that I haven't tried,
http://www.zacksbbq.net/

and a Mexican place on main, as well as 1 of the Taverns on main
has a pretty good lunch- Beef Manhattan......

just throwin out more options- Mike
 

[Valkorado]

HEY SETH!  It's only 82 miles from your house to the start in BV - and most of it high-speed road! Leave by 7 and you'd be there for sure in time!

Considered that and still might do the early riser thing...

Did a "Rescue Ride" to benefit the local EMTs late September 05 on the trusty old Shadow, basically the same ride in reverse.  Billed as  "3 Passes, 7 Counties, 1 Day". Started and ended in Gunni, thru Crawford and over McClure, Carbondale, lunch in Aspen, over Independence Pass, through Buena Vista and over Monarch Pass.  I love that ride!   

[MarkT]

We're turning off 133 at Paonia for the shortcut to Crawford. Those who aren't tired can come with us, to eat in Crawford at the MDRFC then continue on the Hwy 92 Black Canyon ride, to 50 then to Montrose.  That segment is 79 miles on one of the best twisty and scenic rides in Colorado.  Otherwise the road from Paonia to Montrose via Delta is 53 miles - shorter on high speed roads, non-twisties, non-scenic.

[baird4444]

anybody coming through Montrose next week need some Memphis shades??
Might be an easy pickup....

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,96893.msg962762.html#msg962762


NOTE...   picture link fixed

[MarkT]

I have a Clearview, the company is local in Loveland now.

[EZRiderF6C]

Can't tell you how much I wish I could go this coming weekend, but I had two big trips this year already:

• Did the northwest loop (denver->billings for inzane2017->spokane->portland->pch->Eureka->San Jose->LA->Vega$->Denver. for 3800 miles in 8 days)
  pre-Sturgis and all over the black hills.
  

Next year for sure!

So I was hoping to come down this weekend to Mark T, but I see you have plans!    Let me know when.

David

[Valkorado]

Great ride dudes and dudettes, tore up some of Colorado's best roads in a two day spree.  Good to see the fossilized faces and meet some new folks.  Loved the group riding, and solo bombing down the familiar twists home from Lake City!  Thanks MarkT for the organization, lead and powerful libations.  Damon, take care of my new ride.  

Oh, yeah.  It was a special treat happening upon two very cool Spyder riders from Friendswood, TX in Montrose.  What are the odds of that?

[MarkT]

Great weekend, super ride with old friends and new.  Nobody hurt, no breakdowns, good food, good friends, good lies, GREAT roads.  Thanks to everybody who came, thanks for the donations for the patio libations (we broke even).  A BIG thanks to Deja & George for the wrapup dinner - AWESOME place you built, the burgers were perfect as well as the side dishes and desserts!  Love that blueberry pie!

[Tailgate Tommy]

What you guys said! It was great fun!

[Moofner]

So it has been a bit quiet... I missed the labor day ride Been trying to save my money to buy some MarkT goodies.

Anything going on before it gets all super snowy?

[DarkSideR]

Gents,

Time for a winter project. I bought Saddle Bags from Deadpan and need to get them painted.

I got a couple of quotes from painters here in Pueblo. The lowest was $1,000 for prep, a 2 tone paint job, and clear coat. That seemed high to me, so...

Those of you who have had paint work done, can you please make suggestions to who you used and what you paid for their services?

Thank you much,

DarkSider 

[Jess from VA]

Not from CO, but here in VA, I took my OE Yami hardbags (wife's bike) to my local auto bump and paint shop, and their painter did a perfect job on them.  Course, they were OE new with very little prep necessary, and only a single color.  $250.  He didn't even scan the color, just eyeballed it, added a bit of gold flake to a black paint, and they were dead nuts perfect with the existing OE Yami bike color.

To me, a lot of bike specific painters think they are Leonardo da Vinci, and want paid accordingly.  For some exotic multicolor paint jobs, that might be worth it, but for just a single or double color (and pinstripe), I don't know.  I do know that good prep is the key to any great paint job, and if the bags need a lot of prep, that can cost you. 

[Tailgate Tommy]

Gents,

Time for a winter project. I bought Saddle Bags from Deadpan and need to get them painted.

I got a couple of quotes from painters here in Pueblo. The lowest was $1,000 for prep, a 2 tone paint job, and clear coat. That seemed high to me, so...

Those of you who have had paint work done, can you please make suggestions to who you used and what you paid for their services?

Thank you much,

DarkSider 

I got a quote of $1600 from a local body shop. Used bags with one small seam crack and stock black paint.

[Willow]

I'm 600 miles east of you.  I took the bags apart.  The painter charged me $200 per bag with some light repair.  I've used him multiple times.

[Tailgate Tommy]

I'm 600 miles east of you.  I took the bags apart.  The painter charged me $200 per bag with some light repair.  I've used him multiple times.

That would be worth the ride sir!!

[DarkSideR]

I'm 600 miles east of you.  I took the bags apart.  The painter charged me $200 per bag with some light repair.  I've used him multiple times.

Worth a ride indeed, except this is a winter project and having our first snow on the ground, a ride is not looking promising. But shipping... Do you have contact info for the painter?

[Willow]

I'm 600 miles east of you.  I took the bags apart.  The painter charged me $200 per bag with some light repair.  I've used him multiple times.

Worth a ride indeed, except this is a winter project and having our first snow on the ground, a ride is not looking promising. But shipping... Do you have contact info for the painter?

TC Concepts in Topeka, Kansas.  The good news is that he is 60 miles west of me so closer to you than I am.  The number I have for him is 785 640 5112 but that's been a few years ago.  Elsewhere he is listed as 785 235 2628.  Some of his work is shown here: http://www.greenlawnracing.com/tc%20concepts.htm .  He painted several Valkyrie items over the years for me.  Among them are my bags.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Are you going to do the 2 tone like Willow's or like PTGB's ?

[DarkSideR]

Are you going to do the 2 tone like Willow's or like PTGB's ?

This is the toughest decision of my life. One day I'm gung-ho to go one way, then the next day I go the other.

Right now I'm leaning to two tone, blue bags with a white panel on the side.

I want it clean, be appealing, but I want it to also say custom. Arg!

[The emperor has no clothes]

Are you going to do the 2 tone like Willow's or like PTGB's ?

This is the toughest decision of my life. One day I'm gung-ho to go one way, then the next day I go the other.

Right now I'm leaning to two tone, blue bags with a white panel on the side.

I want it clean, be appealing, but I want it to also say custom. Arg!

Both styles have their good points. Willows matches the original and PTBG's looks cooler from the side. IMHO

[DarkSideR]

I'm 600 miles east of you.  I took the bags apart.  The painter charged me $200 per bag with some light repair.  I've used him multiple times.

Worth a ride indeed, except this is a winter project and having our first snow on the ground, a ride is not looking promising. But shipping... Do you have contact info for the painter?

TC Concepts in Topeka, Kansas.  The good news is that he is 60 miles west of me so closer to you than I am.  The number I have for him is 785 640 5112 but that's been a few years ago.  Elsewhere he is listed as 785 235 2628.  Some of his work is shown here: http://www.greenlawnracing.com/tc%20concepts.htm .  He painted several Valkyrie items over the years for me.  Among them are my bags.

Well Carl I thank you much for the referral, but.. I just talked to TC Concepts. He quoted me $900 for the pair. If I include shipping I'm at what my local guy quoted me.

The good that came from this is that my local guy seems to have given me a fair price.