Colorado Riders Thread

[DDT (12)]

Josh,

You'll be joining some mighty fine company if you do attempt to clean our girl! Several other guys also can't seem to stand her being dirty all the time... As for her rider, well, he just looks at all the dust, mud, and bugs the way a soldier looks at campaign ribbons on his/her chest! It took a lot to get her to look that way, and I'm proud of every inch of the journey!!!

DDT


Rob,

It helps that I am a poor navigator! Oh well, some of my best memories have resulted from wrong turns, missed turns, and U-turns... Well, one U-turn in particular turned out to be not-so-great, but heck, even that episode had a silver-lining and some good memories associated with it... I do love to go adventurizing with our girl!!!!!!!    

DDT


Connie & Michael,

Glad y'all will be making it too! Really glad now that I know Michael never attended Gilbert Elementary School back in the fifties!

DDT


Mark,

Tell your niece that we took a vote, and Creede is her new venue for vow-swapping! Shoot, what will we ever do for Markaritas if you aren't there?

DDT


Valkorado,

Yeah, I'm looking forward to meeting more good folks out yonder, you included! About time, don't you think? BTW, I asked ALI about the petting thing, and she said it would be an honor... bring it on!

DDT

[baird4444]

     Ali and DDT?
 I am going to have to hookup with you guys Saturday
          evening in Montrose for sure!

                            - Mike

[Brewer]

I am in, Snowshoe Lodge in Creede is full but I was able to grab a reservation just down the road at Cascada Bar & Grill and Cabins for Sunday night.

[Valkorado]

I am in, Snowshoe Lodge in Creede is full but I was able to grab a reservation just down the road at Cascada Bar & Grill and Cabins for Sunday night.

   Party at Brewer's cabin!   Second thought, the live music will be at the Snowshoe so that's where I'll be!

[DarkSideR]

I am in, Snowshoe Lodge in Creede is full but I was able to grab a reservation just down the road at Cascada Bar & Grill and Cabins for Sunday night.

 

[DDT (12)]

Really looking forward to this adventure!!! Looks like I'm going to have some company on the way out there, too... Still one or two bases to cover between now and then, and, of course, there are always the unexpected things that can crop-up and alter plans. However, the promise of all that awaits us keeps me highly motivated and seriously eager to get on the road!!!

Only downside, near as I can tell anyway, is we won't be consuming any Markaritas this time, but... alas... sigh... life can throw some curveballs at us, and we can only adjust and deal with them... I've been around enough of the participants to know that adjustments will be made, everything will workout nicely, and the whole thing will exceed expectations... This could easily turn into something totally epic!!!!!!!!!!

DDT (Grinning from ear to ear, panting like an overheated Saint Bernard!)

[EZRiderF6C]

Hello!

ValkyrieJosh just advised me of this thread.  I had no idea.  So glad to be here.  I just created the ColoradoVRCC page with a link to this page so others find it.  I was also going to put events on the FB calendar for that page so that it is perhaps easier for folks to find us.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/coloradovrcc

I understand there is a Labor Day ride coming up and would love to participate.

Here's the FB link:  https://www.facebook.com/events/238817573428487/

And I sent a request to the VRCC events page to have this event created there.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,61580.msg1017318.html#msg1017318



Thanks,
David

[EZRiderF6C]

The events page appears to be empty.  This is a "Colorado Riders Thread"... Any thought to forming a "Colorado Chapter" page?  Is it too hard with the divide between the eastern and western slopes?

I'm trying to figure out my dates for being on the Labor Day Ride!!  Looking forward to meeting all of you folks!

[Valkorado]

You guys getting this THICK, HEAVY smoke in your respective necks o' da woods?  I heard they had the 9-16 fire 100% contained yesterday, so that probably ain't it.  I'm thinking it's from the massive firenadoes in Cali, looks like wind patterns are bringing it this way.  Took a ride today.  Have never seen smoke this thick in the Valley, to my recollection.  Figured I'd cut 'er short so I don't clog up my air filter!    Seriously, never seen worse.  Windows closed, HEPA filter on.  .

[Valkorado]

Any thought to forming a "Colorado Chapter" page?  Is it too hard with the divide between the eastern and western slopes?

Yeah, us country folk just ain't partial to you city slickers!  

Welcome!  You'll find the Darby Ride info a page or so back, but you might find getting lodging difficult at this point.  I think there is an overflow across the street from ground zero in Montrose (can't remember the name) , and maybe another in Creede.  Good luck, look forward to meeting you.

EDIT:  Like MarkT says below, I don't do Facebook.

[MarkT]

Hello!

ValkyrieJosh just advised me of this thread.  I had no idea.  So glad to be here.  I just created the ColoradoVRCC page with a link to this page so others find it.  I was also going to put events on the FB calendar for that page so that it is perhaps easier for folks to find us.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/coloradovrcc

I understand there is a Labor Day ride coming up and would love to participate.

Here's the FB link:  https://www.facebook.com/events/238817573428487/

And I sent a request to the VRCC events page to have this event created there.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,61580.msg1017318.html#msg1017318



Thanks,
David

David,

What's wrong with just using the system Misfit (our local VRCC rep and a principle of the VRCC) set up?

I should say I know you meant well by setting this up.  But unfortunately, creating another venue for our local comms will dilute the use of the existing forum.  We need comms to be in ONE place not scattered all over the internet.

Most of us have been here for a LONG TIME, me, I've been a contributor in this community since before it was a community and the VRCC was formed in about '99 - Got my first Valk in '97, still have it and 3 others, and was asked to co-edit this club's web page by Gale Scalzi ("Oz" the founder) back then but declined as I was busy making Valk exhausts.  Lamont Bryden accepted the job instead.

The VRCC needs MORE participation on these boards, not less due to yours and other's efforts to pull the traffic away.

I for one do not like facebook, how it works and ESPECIALLY THEIR PRIVACY INFRINGING.  Also this page can be set to notify you by email if there is a new post.  I for one won't post on your newly created FB page and won't look at it.  

[EZRiderF6C]

Any thought to forming a "Colorado Chapter" page?  Is it too hard with the divide between the eastern and western slopes?

Yeah, us country folk just ain't partial to you city slickers!  

Welcome!  You'll find the Darby Ride info a page or so back, but you might find getting lodging difficult at this point.  I think there is an overflow across the street from ground zero in Montrose (can't remember the name) , and maybe another in Creede.  Good luck, look forward to meeting you.

EDIT:  Like MarkT says below, I don't do Facebook.

LOL!  I hear you!  I was born in Montrose but it's been a loooong time since I was there and I'm really looking forward to it and seeing all of you! 

[EZRiderF6C]

Hello!

ValkyrieJosh just advised me of this thread.  I had no idea.  So glad to be here.  I just created the ColoradoVRCC page with a link to this page so others find it.  I was also going to put events on the FB calendar for that page so that it is perhaps easier for folks to find us.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/coloradovrcc

I understand there is a Labor Day ride coming up and would love to participate.

Here's the FB link:  https://www.facebook.com/events/238817573428487/

And I sent a request to the VRCC events page to have this event created there.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,61580.msg1017318.html#msg1017318



Thanks,
David

David,

What's wrong with just using the system Misfit (our local VRCC rep and a principle of the VRCC) set up?

I should say I know you meant well by setting this up.  But unfortunately, creating another venue for our local comms will dilute the use of the existing forum.  We need comms to be in ONE place not scattered all over the internet.

Most of us have been here for a LONG TIME, me, I've been a contributor in this community since before it was a community and the VRCC was formed in about '99 - Got my first Valk in '97, still have it and 3 others, and was asked to co-edit this club's web page by Gale Scalzi ("Oz" the founder) back then but declined as I was busy making Valk exhausts.  Lamont Bryden accepted the job instead.

The VRCC needs MORE participation on these boards, not less due to yours and other's efforts to pull the traffic away.

I for one do not like facebook, how it works and ESPECIALLY THEIR PRIVACY INFRINGING.  Also this page can be set to notify you by email if there is a new post.  I for one won't post on your newly created FB page and won't look at it.  

Hey Mark!

I totally understand where you are coming from.  You asked the question and I will respond.  And I'm not a big fan of the stalker, bully and thief that started facebook.  On the other hand, I would say that 9 out of 10 Valkyries that I run across on the open road do not know about the VRCC, the VOC or any other "Valkyrie Presence" online.  If nothing else there should be FB pages that POINT back to the FORUM.  There are many state chapters of the VRCC that run state-level facebook pages and I see this as no different.  Too, the VRCC forum has some serious issues including:

• online store is offline
• video page is out of date by many years
• events page is blank
• major events are not well published
• forum is hard to navigate (and I was running this forum software and many others including all the way back to one-ringy-dingy back when they were new).
• there is ZERO mobile integration
• and more.

I am not bashing.  I promise.  I know this is a labor of love and I know that it is all managed in someone's spare time (which none of us have).  I would be happy to help manage the forum, and specifically a "colorado chapter" page.

We all have a passion for these incredible machines and there are many people today that will not use the forum just for the lack of mobile integration.  If we refuse to support newer technology that many riders are using today we miss out on new blood.  There is strength in numbers.  The number one complaint potential valkyrie vendors have is "there are not enough customers".  The only way to reach them is to have a presence where they are looking and unfortunately, today that means FB.

I'm not arguing with you at all, I'm just evangelizing the fabulosity of the Valkyrie then and now!  I respect you and all of the "old guard" more than you know.  You folks are by and large the reason these machines are still rolling today.


David

[Brewer]

Hey Misfit,

What time and location are we meeting in Buena Vista? I am pondering riding up Saturday or joining you in Leadville for Dinner Friday.

Cheers
Bewer

[Misfit]

Fridays arrival will depend upon work scheduals. As far as leaving out on Saturday am, kick stands up at 8:10 from the Columbine Inn ans Suites. That will put us rolling past the intersection of 285 and 82 right close to 8:30. Those that are coming from the south need to be at that intersection ready to roll just before 8:30 and can fall in line to follow us to the top of the pass. We will stop there for awhile. Those that are late to the intersection can meet us on top. This is going to be a good sized group so we will just roll through to the top. There I will have route maps to hand out so that those that want to ride faster, slower, take pics, or longer stops don't feel like they are holding up the rest. On the flip side those that want to move on down the road won't have to feel like they have to hang with the group. I do want to keep the group together until lunch time on Saturday. I have a place picked out and have contacted the restaurant to let them know to have extra staff on duty that day. If the group breaks up before then the extra staff would be a burden on the restaurant managment. On the other hand if I didn't contact them and make arrangements for extra staff thinking that the group would break up before that and didn't the lunch stop could take a couple of hours and be a burden on the group. EVERYONE NEEDS TO HAVE A FULL TANK OF FUEL SATURDAY AM. We have a planned stop on top of the pass. A lunch stop in Basalt/El Jebel. A gas/water stop in Paonia and the last stop at the motel in Montrose. These are the planned group stops. If anyone wants to stop more of less than these group stops they are welcome to do so but will be on their own or with their small group. This group will be to big in these mountains to keep all together and worry about individuals needs. Those coming from the south will need to bring some extra layers. I will be cool for you up high and at night. We have a planned lunch stop on Sunday also but I don't see it as being a problem like Saturday. I have tried to work this out so that we can all have a fun safe ride and good fellowship at the motels. Thank you all for coming to honor our friend Darby. He would be proud to know that you all came and had a good time. 

[DarkSideR]

Those of you looking for a Hotel Friday night - FYI;

I found affordable accommodations in Twin Lakes right on Hwy 82. Looks like I will be able to get up Saturday a.m. have breakfast, coffee, and wait until the Flight of Dragons to roar past.

[Misfit]

Slight change of plans for the Darby ride. After further consideration of our group I have decided that it will be best to go kick stands up at 9:00 am Saturday. This will give the sun a little more time to warm things up both in Leadville and on top of the mountain. We have folks coming up from the south as well as the south west that are not acustomed to our temps up here at the 1st of sept. We will still be alright as far as ending the ride in Montrose at a decent time for supper. This later departure time should put us rolling past the Twin Lakes turn off at about 9:20. If you are waiting there again we will just roll through and folks can fall in there. We will stop on top and all other previous plans will remain the same. Remember to have a FULL TANK OF GAS both Saturday and Sunday mornings before we roll. I think we should probably plan on a 9:00 am departure from Montrose on Sunday for the same reasons. I don't want our warm weather friends to travel all the way here to start their days miserable. Sorry for the changes but I am trying to take into account the entire group and make it fun and enjoyable for all. 

[Valkorado]

Slight change of plans for the Darby ride. After further consideration of our group I have decided that it will be best to go kick stands up at 9:00 am Saturday. This will give the sun a little more time to warm things up both in Leadville and on top of the mountain. We have folks coming up from the south as well as the south west that are not acustomed to our temps up here at the 1st of sept. We will still be alright as far as ending the ride in Montrose at a decent time for supper. This later departure time should put us rolling past the Twin Lakes turn off at about 9:20. If you are waiting there again we will just roll through and folks can fall in there. We will stop on top and all other previous plans will remain the same. Remember to have a FULL TANK OF GAS both Saturday and Sunday mornings before we roll. I think we should probably plan on a 9:00 am departure from Montrose on Sunday for the same reasons. I don't want our warm weather friends to travel all the way here to start their days miserable. Sorry for the changes but I am trying to take into account the entire group and make it fun and enjoyable for all. 

So it would be OK for your Colorado friends to be miserable ay?  See how you are?   
Seriously, just 'cause I've lived in bone chilling cold for years hasn't made me used to it!  Good call.   

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Slight change of plans for the Darby ride. After further consideration of our group I have decided that it will be best to go kick stands up at 9:00 am Saturday. This will give the sun a little more time to warm things up both in Leadville and on top of the mountain. We have folks coming up from the south as well as the south west that are not acustomed to our temps up here at the 1st of sept. We will still be alright as far as ending the ride in Montrose at a decent time for supper. This later departure time should put us rolling past the Twin Lakes turn off at about 9:20. If you are waiting there again we will just roll through and folks can fall in there. We will stop on top and all other previous plans will remain the same. Remember to have a FULL TANK OF GAS both Saturday and Sunday mornings before we roll. I think we should probably plan on a 9:00 am departure from Montrose on Sunday for the same reasons. I don't want our warm weather friends to travel all the way here to start their days miserable. Sorry for the changes but I am trying to take into account the entire group and make it fun and enjoyable for all. 

What will the temps be ?  Long john's needed cold or just cool ? Jacket or coat needed ?

[DDT (12)]

Damon,

Speaking only in my own behalf, I appreciate the consideration for wimpiness! While those of us traveling from dear ol' Dixie truly are also seeking to escape the heat... there are limits to how 'cool' we'd like to be! Still, I am bringing my artic gear... just in case...  lol  

DDT

[Valkorado]

Slight change of plans for the Darby ride. After further consideration of our group I have decided that it will be best to go kick stands up at 9:00 am Saturday. This will give the sun a little more time to warm things up both in Leadville and on top of the mountain. We have folks coming up from the south as well as the south west that are not acustomed to our temps up here at the 1st of sept. We will still be alright as far as ending the ride in Montrose at a decent time for supper. This later departure time should put us rolling past the Twin Lakes turn off at about 9:20. If you are waiting there again we will just roll through and folks can fall in there. We will stop on top and all other previous plans will remain the same. Remember to have a FULL TANK OF GAS both Saturday and Sunday mornings before we roll. I think we should probably plan on a 9:00 am departure from Montrose on Sunday for the same reasons. I don't want our warm weather friends to travel all the way here to start their days miserable. Sorry for the changes but I am trying to take into account the entire group and make it fun and enjoyable for all. 

What will the temps be ?  Long john's needed cold or just cool ? Jacket or coat needed ?

I can remember seeing my breath one morning in Creede on a past Darby ride.  I don't like long Juans (Southwestern spelling) because once that Colorado sun starts beating down it can go from cold to hot fast.  As a fellow wimp, I like to crank up the heated jacket to keep the vital organs thawed, then pull the plug when the sun starts beating down.  On a normal day you'll appreciate your mesh by mid morning.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Damon,

Speaking only in my own behalf, I appreciate the consideration for wimpiness! While those of us traveling from dear ol' Dixie truly are also seeking to escape the heat... there are limits to how 'cool' we'd like to be! Still, I am bringing my artic gear... just in case...  lol  

DDT

[

Bruce, did you guys have "Bunny Boots" in Korea ? (Sorry, couldn't resist) 

[fudgie]

Slight change of plans for the Darby ride. After further consideration of our group I have decided that it will be best to go kick stands up at 9:00 am Saturday. This will give the sun a little more time to warm things up both in Leadville and on top of the mountain. We have folks coming up from the south as well as the south west that are not acustomed to our temps up here at the 1st of sept. We will still be alright as far as ending the ride in Montrose at a decent time for supper. This later departure time should put us rolling past the Twin Lakes turn off at about 9:20. If you are waiting there again we will just roll through and folks can fall in there. We will stop on top and all other previous plans will remain the same. Remember to have a FULL TANK OF GAS both Saturday and Sunday mornings before we roll. I think we should probably plan on a 9:00 am departure from Montrose on Sunday for the same reasons. I don't want our warm weather friends to travel all the way here to start their days miserable. Sorry for the changes but I am trying to take into account the entire group and make it fun and enjoyable for all. 

What will the temps be ?  Long john's needed cold or just cool ? Jacket or coat needed ?

Prob cold/cool. July 30 it was 40 deg when we went left to go thru the mntns. But 101 deg on the western side. Last yr on million dollar hwy it was 45 deg on aug 1st when we left Montrose. I was in full leathers.

[DarkSideR]

I'm sure I will be putting my new Baker air wings and Clearview vent to work on that ride.

[DenverDave]

Here is the forecast for Friday and Saturday in Leadville, Elevation: 10,152′
Will probably be in the low to mid 40's at 9am Saturday morning.
The altitude maybe the more important thing to worry about for those coming from lower elevations, give yourself sometime to acclimate to the thinner air, drink lots of water and get plenty of rest.

Fri 8/31
63° /36°
Mostly sunny
Hist. Avg.
65°/35°
   
Sat 9/1
64° /35°
Cloudy, a shower in the area
Hist. Avg.
65°/35°

[f6gal]

Damon,

Speaking only in my own behalf, I appreciate the consideration for wimpiness! While those of us traveling from dear ol' Dixie truly are also seeking to escape the heat... there are limits to how 'cool' we'd like to be! Still, I am bringing my artic gear... just in case...  lol  

DDT

Ditto DDT... appreciate the consideration for cold weather wimps.

[Tailgate Tommy]

I broke my fibula in Idaho a few weeks ago and I don't think the doctor will let me out of my boot with an ok to ride by then so I'll likely be in the car with heat, heated seats, and A/C for the afternoon

[Valkorado]

I broke my fibula in Idaho a few weeks ago and I don't think the doctor will let me out of my boot with an ok to ride by then so I'll likely be in the car with heat, heated seats, and A/C for the afternoon

Dang, Tom. What the heck, ya make retirement and promptly start banging yourself up?  It'll be good to see you regardless of how you pamper yourself along the way!

[DDT (12)]

Damon,

Speaking only in my own behalf, I appreciate the consideration for wimpiness! While those of us traveling from dear ol' Dixie truly are also seeking to escape the heat... there are limits to how 'cool' we'd like to be! Still, I am bringing my artic gear... just in case...  lol  

DDT

[

Bruce, did you guys have "Bunny Boots" in Korea ? (Sorry, couldn't resist) 

We had what we called 'Micky Mouse' boots... like the bunny boots but black instead... Those were really great for keeping one's feet warm... provided... you also kept the feet dry! If we wore them during the day while working hard, our feet would sweat, then we'd nearly freeze at night on guard duty! Most of us chose to wear regular combat boots during the day and just tough it out... then use the MM boots at night for the coldest temps most of us had ever experienced... I really liked that item... however, I also respected the risk inherent with their use! Did you have them in the Navy, or are they an Alaska thing?

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Damon,

Speaking only in my own behalf, I appreciate the consideration for wimpiness! While those of us traveling from dear ol' Dixie truly are also seeking to escape the heat... there are limits to how 'cool' we'd like to be! Still, I am bringing my artic gear... just in case...  lol  

DDT

[

Bruce, did you guys have "Bunny Boots" in Korea ? (Sorry, couldn't resist) 

We had what we called 'Micky Mouse' boots... like the bunny boots but black instead... Those were really great for keeping one's feet warm... provided... you also kept the feet dry! If we wore them during the day while working hard, our feet would sweat, then we'd nearly freeze at night on guard duty! Most of us chose to wear regular combat boots during the day and just tough it out... then use the MM boots at night for the coldest temps most of us had ever experienced... I really liked that item... however, I also respected the risk inherent with their use! Did you have them in the Navy, or are they an Alaska thing?

DDT

Just AK. (I like the black ones better also)

[Misfit]

Hey Joe
Gerbings are good although I doubt you will need them. You will want to layer up in the morning so you can adjust with the elevation. Leadville is up over 10,000' and we will be climbing from there. That will be the coolest part of the trip. I expect by noon you will be stripping off some of those layers but I wouldn't lose them all. After lunch we will be climbing again. Then after the gas stop we will be decendig  but as evening comes you will be putting something back on. Sunday will be much of the same. As for me I will just wear what I always wear (unless I'm riding in extreme cold). My riding pants and jacket are waterproof and vented. When it's cold I close the vents. When it's hot I open them. When it's really hot I close them again and in extreme cold I use gerbings and layers. We won't see anything extreme on this ride unless we have an unusual storm come though. I would say bring a jacket and your gerbings jacket or vest.I doubt that you will need to plug them in though. You will also need a light and a heavier pair of gloves along with some chaps or riding britches. Don't pack a lot of cold weather gear because you will only experience cooler temps here in CO. The rest of you trip out and back will be in much warmer temps. Also we have Walmarts everywhere. Ride safe. 

[DarkSideR]

I am really excited for the Darby Ride. It's going to be great to see everyone, and meet some new folks.

I have been working quite a bit on my bike to get her looking the way I want, and accessorized to meet my needs. There's just one more thing to do to her..

I am looking forward to revealing on the ride.

T-Minus 19 days & counting.

[Gary]

I have been working quite a bit on my bike to get her looking the way I want, and accessorized to meet my needs.

It's a sure bet now it'll rain at least on the ride out since you've got her all dolled up... 

[DarkSideR]

I have been working quite a bit on my bike to get her looking the way I want, and accessorized to meet my needs.

It's a sure bet now it'll rain at least on the ride out since you've got her all dolled up... 

Not necessarily. I have to get it back from where's it currently at, and if I don't wash it before the ride then no curse.

[DDT (12)]

Hey Josh,

If it'll help to avoid the curse, I won't wash ALI!!!    Ummm, I'll be traveling with SmokinJoe and Troutdude, though, and I can't guarantee I can keep them and cleaning material away from our girl; however, ... I will try! Might be a good idea for you to abstain, also… just in case...   

DDT

[DarkSideR]

DDT,

I appreciate your sacrifice. Wait, your not... 

[Misfit]

We just had a cancellation for Creede on Sunday night. It is a king room and it is held in my name. It has a $50.00  on refundable non transferable deposit on it. If you are interested in this room and saving someone $50.00 let me know. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Here is the forecast for Friday and Saturday in Leadville, Elevation: 10,152′
Will probably be in the low to mid 40's at 9am Saturday morning.
The altitude maybe the more important thing to worry about for those coming from lower elevations, give yourself sometime to acclimate to the thinner air, drink lots of water and get plenty of rest.

Fri 8/31
63° /36°
Mostly sunny
Hist. Avg.
65°/35°
   
Sat 9/1
64° /35°
Cloudy, a shower in the area
Hist. Avg.
65°/35°

Thank you 

[trout dude]

I will be finshing the last few touches on my bike this week and will be leaving home and taking the long cut thru Gods Country (TN) to meet up with Everyone to start heading that way Can't wait i know it will be a awesome time      See everyone soon

[DarkSideR]

I will be finshing the last few touches on my bike this week and will be leaving home and taking the long cut thru Gods Country (TN) to meet up with Everyone to start heading that way Can't wait i know it will be a awesome time      See everyone soon

I'll be taking a long cut too. Leaving Colorado by car Weds. a.m. for Tusla where the Attic Rat is putting his finishing touches on my bike. Thursday - riding the freshened up bike 620 miles straight home, then up to Twin Lakes on Friday. Will fall in behind ya'll Saturday morning as you head up Indy Pass. Can't wait as well!