Riding in Colorodo - The Fun is Gone

[F6Dave]

Colorado used to have some of the best motorcycle roads anywhere. Routes like the 'Million Dollar Highway' were on top ten lists for riders. But that's been changing. For one thing, traffic is far worse, especially on roads to the mountains from the Denver or Colorado Springs areas. Riding eastbound I-70 out of the mountains on a Sunday afternoon can land you in hours of stop and go traffic. I know a woman who went skiing on a holiday weekend last winter and spent 13 hours driving home. It normally takes three.

There are times (usually weekdays) when the traffic is much lighter, but the riding still isn't great because Colorado's roads are literally crumbling. I sometimes ride to a racetrack in eastern Colorado to watch MRA motorcycle racing. But for the last two years the pavement on US-36 has become so rough that the bike takes a terrible pounding. Potholes are everywhere, and the state (CDOT) rarely even fills them anymore.

Some people blame it on Colorado's weather, but adjacent states with similar climate like Utah and Wyoming have far better pavement. Then last week I saw this article confirming the obvious: Colorado highways are nearly the worst in the nation, with only 2 states having interstates in poorer condition. Secondary highways are even worse, with pavement so old that shoulders are disappearing and so many potholes in some places that center stripes become invisible. And it's all by design, to reduce driving, and CO2 emissions. The governor's appointees to the transportation actually brag about the plan.

If you're planning a trip to Colorado you might want to read the article:  https://pagetwo.completecolorado.com/2024/10/11/hillman-colorado-highways-crumble-under-cdot-neglect/

[f6john]

I haven’t been to Colorado but I can attest to traffic being crazy, especially on the interstates in my area. Cruise control is practically useless unless you like hitting resume over and over. I found some very bad roads in Alabama last year and what made it worse was I was traveling them at night and some of the potholes were mostly invisible until you’re on top of them.

[Valkorado]

Issues have been reported statewide this season of leaf peepers getting impatient and incidents of violent road rage resulting.  State Troopers are telling everyone to chill out and be patient on the overcrowded roads.

Yes, I can attest to the crumbling roads and overcrowding.  It's a different Colorado than the one I grew up in and loved dearly.  There have been a couple days this summer I've went out for an relaxing ride, and found it more a stressful cluster flock.  Unfortunately this summer has been spent dealing with home foundation issues, etc.. and longer rides haven't been an option.

[SCain]

Then last week I saw this article confirming the obvious: Colorado highways are nearly the worst in the nation, with only 2 states having interstates in poorer condition.


[/quote]
I think one of those states is the Land of Entrapment

[F6Dave]

Then last week I saw this article confirming the obvious: Colorado highways are nearly the worst in the nation, with only 2 states having interstates in poorer condition.

I think one of those states is the Land of Entrapment

I agree. Recently I've travelled in 16 states, and New Mexico and Colorado had the worst roads by far. I-40 is especially bad, and after some really rough stretches I've seen vehicles on the shoulder inspecting for damage. Arizona and Nebraska also have a few rough stretches but are mostly good.

California was a pleasant surprise, though I stayed far away from the LA and SF metro areas. The Pacific Coast Highway was in good condition and even had some new asphalt, maybe due to recent rockslides. Much of Sonora Pass had been recently paved and it was a highlight of my trip.

Utah had the best pavement of all, and combined with their breathtaking scenery and light traffic (even SLC isn't bad) Utah may have the best riding in the USA.