Colorado Riders Thread

[Tailgate Tommy]

I might be up for a ride depending on the date.
Tom

[HighMtnsPete]

Colorado Valk riders... We are starting a meetup group exclusively for Valk riders and specificcly in the greater Denver metro area (probably Ft. Collins to Colorado Springs) that are serious about getting together and riding.  If you are interested please check it out! We just started it this week so we will see how it goes.  Thanks,   Pete

  http://www.meetup.com/Denver-Boulder-Honda-Valkyrie-Riders-Motorcycle-Touring/

[MarcusS]

I live in Houston but plan to arrive in the Denver area Saturday June 6th to ride up to Spearfish Sunday the 7th. Please let me know who is interested in riding up with me.  I do not have a Motel picked out yet. I am accepting suggestions. I will be coming in from Colorado Springs.

First night on the road I plan to visit my Son in Lubbock Tx

Please send me a message with your contact info.

MarcusS

[MarkT]

As I said above, I am leading a few of us out of the Denver area on Sunday, for a one-day transit to Spearfish.  We will be a smallish group, just a few bikes, easier to ride that way.  We will probably avoid the slab but use state highways.  I'm thinking mostly Hwy 85.  I have ridden this entire route before.  It's a bit shorter off the slab, and also a better ride, IMHO.  I usually avoid the slab but use the "blue highways" on all cross-country rides.

We haven't nailed down meeting details yet.  I'll get into that here, early this coming week.  You can join us if you want to.

You might want to stay in Castle Rock if you ride with us.  There are quite a few hotels there.  Good location and you can stay out of Denver traffic.

[MarkT]

OK, Here's the riding plan to Spearfish on Sunday, I think is good.  It's staying off the slab except to get around Denver.  Pretty much Hwy85 all the way.  Broken into 3 segments - 133mi, fuel in Cheyenne; 140mi, fuel in Lusk; 147mi to Spearfish.  420mi total.  There are some possible add'l stops for butt breaks if we need them - nice thing about the "blue highways" - easy to gas and rest.  We want to meet at the Valero in Franktown just North of the 86-83 Highway crossroads at 8:30 and leave at 9:00 ON TIME. North on Parker rd (83) to E470.  Take the tollway (no change needed, license plate scanned, you'll get a bill in the mail) around Denver and get off at Hwy 85.  The remainder is 85 to Spearfish. The entire road is 65mph or better IIRC except in the towns - not many of them.

I have Garmin's best Zumo665 with NavWeather & Traffic, displays Doppler radar of rainclouds - expect that will come in handy on this trip.  Speaking of radar - also have that on board.  However I plan to ride without excessive speed. (Generally stay within 5 or catch Hell from June).  Though I don't have cruise control like on the wing, I watch the speed closely to prevent the "yo-yo" effect.

Please post here if you will join us.

This map has more resolution; you can download, if the detail isn't showing here.

[Tailgate Tommy]

Wish I could ride there with you guys -looks like it will be fun, but I'm riding in from Iowa so see you there on Sunday!
Tom

[DarkSideR]

Mark,

I will be joining you if that is okay.  I think Wrangler (New Guy), and Deadpan (Dick) will be going too. Hope this doesn't make the group to big.

[Valkorado]

Looks like a well thought out route.  We're planning on joining you Sunday morning, and will let you know if that changes.  We still need to arrange lodging for Saturday night.

[MarcusS]

Mark,
Thanks for the information and I look forward to the trip.

I can stay at Castlerock and meet at the Valero at 8:30.

I mapped the Valero  as 13185 S Parker Rd.  It is about 6 miles north of Franktown.

Your proposed route is the same one I planned. I will send you a PM with my contact info so we can text on the road.

Marcus S.

[MarkT]

Marcus -

OK sounds good.  Wrong on the Valero location - that is the Stroh's Ranch Valero you're talking about.  The one in Franktown used to be a Shell and recently became Valero.  There's a Subway in the same building, listed on Garmin's City Navigator North America NT 2015.4 latest map as "Levers Fresh Foods" and the fuel still listed as Shell gas, and a Wells Fargo right next door.  It's about 1 city block N of 83/86 intersection - in the Big Burg of Franktown which is barely more than a crossroads.

[MarcusS]

Mark,
Found the Valero ( shell)  in Franktown. Thanks.



Marcus

[Valkorado]

Were booked for Saturday night at the Super 8 Castle Rock.  Cheapest we could find, $80.50 total.  If anyone else is interested their number is 1-303-688-0880.

[Valkorado]

Marcus -

OK sounds good.  Wrong on the Valero location - that is the Stroh's Ranch Valero you're talking about.  The one in Franktown used to be a Shell and recently became Valero.  There's a Subway in the same building, listed on Garmin's City Navigator North America NT 2015.4 latest map as "Levers Fresh Foods" and the fuel still listed as Shell gas, and a Wells Fargo right next door.  It's about 1 city block N of 83/86 intersection - in the Big Burg of Franktown which is barely more than a crossroads.

For those reliant on their GPS, it looks like the Leevers Fresh Foods address in Franktown is 2195 North State.

[MarkT]

Mark,

I will be joining you if that is okay.  I think Wrangler (New Guy), and Deadpan (Dick) will be going too. Hope this doesn't make the group to big.

Sounds good.  We aren't too big yet. I'm looking forward to this ride, and the whole week up there.

Maybe if we are all carrying cell phones, it would be a good idea to exchange numbers OFFLINE to enable texting, so we can contact as a backup in the event it's needed. (Road emergency together with separation)  Might be good to facilitate the return ride, since comming in this thread might be unavailable w/o computers, or  hard with phones.  If everyone PM's or emails their # to me, I'll put them together and PM them back out to all on the ride.

Also, since we don't all know each other's riding style, I'll do a quick ride briefing before we depart at 9:00.  Just so we are all on the same page.

Personally, I always bring my laptop on all trips.

[Wrangler]

Mark, I'm in too!  I'll hook up with you guys along the way, possibly on 470.  I don't want to back track to Franktown out of Denver.  For your consideration, the road that runs north out of Hudson, that ends up in Lasalle, is a good alternative to 85 north of Denver.  No lights and half the truck traffic.  We used it Saturday, due to an accident on 85, it was a breeze.  Check it out.  Any straglers in Denver going to Spearfish on Sunday, let's go!

[DenverDave]

Anyone leaving the Denver area on Saturday for Spearfish??

A few of us are meeting at the Cracker Barrel, near 120th and I-25, in Northglenn.

Breakfast at 7:30 am
Departing at 8:30 am

Gas station conveniently located next door.

Looking forward to seeing everybody in South Dakota   

Safe Journey

Dave

[Brewer]

Anyone leaving the Denver area on Saturday for Spearfish??

A few of us are meeting at the Cracker Barrel, near 120th and I-25, in Northglenn.

Breakfast at 7:30 am
Departing at 8:30 am

Gas station conveniently located next door.

Looking forward to seeing everybody in South Dakota   

Safe Journey

Dave

See you Saturday morning!

[MarkT]

Sunday riders to Inzane - update:

Stopping in Torrington for lunch, 217 miles in, at Deacon's, 1558 Main St - here's 5 reviews.  No negatives at zomato.com:


Dan
6 Reviews , 0 Followers
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Apr 24, 2014
POSITIVE
  
I live for this place...and I only get to come here once a year.. I drive all over the western US and I always eat where the locals eat. I get to come through Torrington once a year for one night. If I could find a way to work in Torrington, I would move here for one reason...Deacons. The food is so perfect it boggles the mind. The staff are happy, attentive, kind, and funny. The prices are low when you really see how MUCH food is on your plate. The atmosphere feels like home. Listening to the ever present tables of old men talking together about crops, cows, relatives, and neighbors is refreshing and funny. The desserts are meal in themselves and the triple layer pie should be illegal in 48 states. If you can still walk out of here under your own power, you're doing it wrong. If you have to drive an hour or two out of your way....do it. Had a chance to talk with one of the owners, Dan, by accident. I wanted to tell "the manager" how happy I was with my visit and I asked the gentleman taking my credit card if I could talk to a manager. Turns out he owned this place. Nice, down to earth guy helping out his staff all over the place. You can't find a place to park if you are "late" and come in at 6 pm.


Mtdavids
173 Reviews , 4 Followers
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Feb 23, 2013
Rated
  
Stop Here For Breakfast. When traveling, we always look for local spots that look busy. This place fit the bill. Had biscuits and gravey...some of the best I have ever had. My wife and I really enjoyed the service and food was great.



Hungry Denverite
171 Reviews , 13 Followers
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Jan 11, 2013 via mobile
POSITIVE
  
I was told this is the place to eat when I visited Torrington, and I'm glad I took that advice. Really top-notch homemade food with a nice variety on the menu. All around great experience.



Exray
18 Reviews , 0 Followers
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Oct 16, 2010
POSITIVE
  
Thumbs up. Torrington is short on good eating places but Deacon's fills the bill every time.



Johnny B
31 Reviews , 2 Followers
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Aug 30, 2010
POSITIVE
  
I love the Deacon!. Dan and Tracy's restaurant is my favorite place in town! Good down home country cooking!

[DarkSideR]

InZane To-Do List;

Needles Hwy (close to Custer)
 
Hwy 87, Needles eye Tunnel
 
Mt Rushmore National Monument: Busy, parking is in a congested structure, select a safe place to leave the bike.
 
Devil’s Tower: Don’t plan on staying long, nothing to do but look at a giant rock column, there’s a hiking trail around the thing, walking less than ¼ of it will suffice in seeing it as it all looks the same.
 
If you like caves: Jewell Cave.
 
Reptile Gardens: We like it because they have everything that will bite you and kill you. Probably more of a family thing.
 
Hwy 16 – 16A Iron Mtn Road: This is fun with the pigtail bridges and the tunnel at the top of the second loop.
 
Custer State Park: They have the only pure strain of American Bison there (Just big buffaloes) nice park, long ride, no guarantee you’ll  see any buffalo.
 
Hot Springs, Mammoth dig site. Again more of a family oriented attraction.
 
Lehman Trikes “Leaders of the Three World” are manufactured in Spearfish. They used to give tours, fun to see how they make them.
 
Belle Fourche, Geographic Center of the U.S. (no big deal like, 4 corners nat’l monument)
 
The small towns like Keystone, Lead, Deadwood and Hill City are all tourist traps, some providing gambling, we stayed out of them.
 
Ellsworth Air force Base tour (Rapid City) : They have the B1B strategic  bombers there.

[MarkT]

Good list.

Speakin of Buffalo - I just love this pic.  Yours Truly on BluByYou with TaTonka leading the ride in Yellowstone around 2004 IIRC.



Two more of the same fella:

[Valkorado]

According to Denver Dave's post this morning,

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,78700.0.html

we are going to need to recalculate the route.  Lusk is flooded out, with more severe weather and heavy rain predicted over the next several days.  Supposed to be HEAVY rain here for our takeoff over the Continental Divide tomorrow morning, and more severe weather in the Castle Rock area.  We are watching and waiting, if it doesn't improve dramatically we may have to cancel the Castle Rock room and delay our departure.  This weather chaps my hide!

OK, Here's the riding plan to Spearfish on Sunday, I think is good.  It's staying off the slab except to get around Denver.  Pretty much Hwy85 all the way.  Broken into 3 segments - 133mi, fuel in Cheyenne; 140mi, fuel in Lusk; 147mi to Spearfish.  420mi total.  There are some possible add'l stops for butt breaks if we need them - nice thing about the "blue highways" - easy to gas and rest.  We want to meet at the Valero in Franktown just North of the 86-83 Highway crossroads at 8:30 and leave at 9:00 ON TIME. North on Parker rd (83) to E470.  Take the tollway (no change needed, license plate scanned, you'll get a bill in the mail) around Denver and get off at Hwy 85.  The remainder is 85 to Spearfish. The entire road is 65mph or better IIRC except in the towns - not many of them.

I have Garmin's best Zumo665 with NavWeather & Traffic, displays Doppler radar of rainclouds - expect that will come in handy on this trip.  Speaking of radar - also have that on board.  However I plan to ride without excessive speed. (Generally stay within 5 or catch Hell from June).  Though I don't have cruise control like on the wing, I watch the speed closely to prevent the "yo-yo" effect.

Please post here if you will join us.

[MarkT]

Looking at the weather, right now Monday has a better forecast, at least per the Weatherbug.  Have to get more reports.

Meanwhile, we are still planning to leave on time, Sunday morning at 9:00 from the Valero in Franktown.  Not letting a little weather ruin Inzane.  We will be prepared for rain with convertible helmets and full rain gear.  Sorry you have to deal with Monarch Pass.  BTW, I bought a case of Australian licorice for your visit last time - thought it would be a nice touch (yeah I like really good licorice too so it was just an excuse).  But we ate most of it since.  Still have some...

Checking with the highway departments on road closures.  Looks like the lunch at Deacon's in Torrington is off.  I'm thinking we will shift East as we still prefer staying off the slab if we can.  

I'll put up a revised route after I get one confirmed.  Maybe they will have the bridges replaced at least temporarilty  before the return ride.

[Valkorado]

This must be what they meant by "Come hell or high water".

[MarkT]

OK, revised route for Franktown - Spearfish.  I've checked for road conditions with all 4 state depts of transportation.  As of right now, this route has no closures and minimal cone zones.  We can still take Hwy 85 to Torrington, stop for gas at Cheyenne, and have lunch at Deacon's at the half way point.  Then the detour starts.  OK, this route adds some miles and we will likely be riding at least some of it at a slower pace so we should put in a 3rd gas stop so we don't have an issue with lower-range bikes, plus more rest breaks for comfort adjustments.  Stops are, Cheyenne WY Valero fuel at 133mi, Torrington WY Deacon Restaurant for lunch at odometer 217; Mitchell NE Kwik Stop fuel at odo 239; Chadron NE Shell fuel at odo 337; optional stop in Hermosa SD if wanted; arrive at Holiday Inn at odo 490.

So the GOOD NEWS is, no need to clean your bike before the ride!

Bring rain gear - we will all need it!

[Tailgate Tommy]

You guys ride safe and have fun! See you in Spearfish.

[DenverDave]

Looks like a change of plans for those of us leaving Saturday.  Leaving Denver about 6AM and heading straight north on I-25 to Douglas Wyoming, then hwy 59, north to Gillette, then east on I-90 to Spearfish.  Looking to beat the afternoon storms.  Should be in Gillette around noon-1pm

Still meeting at 120th & I-25

Everyone ride safe, and be on the look out for road damage caused by the heavy rains, and avoid Lusk Wyoming(at least for a few more days)

Dave

[Misfit]

Rode in on 385 today. Easy ride with minimal rain. Ride safe. 

[MarkT]

Mark,

I will be joining you if that is okay.  I think Wrangler (New Guy), and Deadpan (Dick) will be going too. Hope this doesn't make the group to big.

Those riding with us on Sunday (meetup in Franktown or along the way)  please PM or email me your cell # so we can have a contact ability on the road.  Just in case.  I will send mine to you as well.  we can all share them with understanding, NOT FOR SPAMMING.  I don't spam and I pushback against spammers. Plz advise if you want me to share with those on this ride.

Thx. 

[DenverDave]

Brewer, Robin and I left Denver about 6:45 and heading straight up I-25. Stopped for gas in Cheyenne, Wheatland and Douglas. Made it Gillette for lunch and gas about 12:45.  Arrived at GZ at 3pm. 

We fought the winds off and on all day and ran into the slightest hint of rain between Douglas and Bill Wyoming. We followed some some rain clouds heading into Spearfish.

Please have a safe ride tomorrow and see everyone Sunday afternoon

Dave

[Brewer]

Home safe, thanks to everyone that helped make this a great Inzane for a first timer.

[DarkSideR]

It was a good, quick ride home with Brewer.  I too had a wonderful first InZane.

[DenverDave]

Robin and I made it home just before 6pm, bike unloaded and making plans for dinner.  Caught up to MarkT and his group on E-470 just north of Denver, they should be rolling in about now(7pm). Had a great time and the week just flew by, the weather could have cooperated a little more, but everyone  got in some good rides during the week.

Dave

[Tailgate Tommy]

I made it to Marshalltown,IA at 7:30  last night. Had lunch with BIg D and Little D at a Subway some where along I90. No rain on the way back! It was great seeing everone, great riding -and there was pie! Looking forward  to the Labor day  ride.

[Valkorado]

Got home about 12:30 today.  Like a horse that knew she was close to her stall, Silver Bullet ate up the road and the heavy weekend traffic between Canon City and Gunnison.  What a fun week!!!  Many thanks to Polky for keeping two road weary and stinky folks off the cold, dark and forest rat infested Monarch Pass last night.  What a good man and gracious host.  Time for a hot steamy shower.

Some shots from Aladdin, WY (population 15).


https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0TuB7W83hDCV25xbU9nRjhyMGc/edit?usp=docslist_api
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0TuB7W83hDCZEpjcy1IQ29ndGs/edit?usp=docslist_api

[MarkT]

Made it back last night around dinner time.  Thanks to Seth & Cheryl (sp?) and Ron for riding with us.  No weather of course and a couple stops for flagmen.  Stopped for body fuel at Deacon's in Torrington - they lived up to their rep.  I had the Prime Rib sandwich with horsey sauce and au juice, onion rings and cheesy veggie soup of the day - all excellent.  Heavy traffic on hwy 85 around Greeley and we got separated but no worries we handled it and got back together. Total for the trip was 1222 miles.  Thanks to all for a great week (except the weatherman) and especially the VRCC crew and Damon & family - great work and thanks for coming up with the VRCC Challenge Coin.  That's gonna come in handy for the Patron Markaritas on the Darby Ride! ( I expect to spin at least one frozen P/GM (Patron / Grand Marnier) Markarita to everyone on the ride - over and above the pedestrian  Horny Markaritas (Hornitos) ) Yeah I have TWO Challenge Coins - not likely you'll have me losing a challenge!  See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Challenge_coin for the history and rules of challenge coins.

[Wrangler]

Had a great time with you guys and gals!  Another first timer, enjoyed the hell out of it.  Followed Josh by about an hour out of Spearfish and made it to my bud's funeral service in Cheyenne at 1:30.  Even though the weather was sketchy at times, got a lot of riding in.  That place in Cheyenne Crossing had a great breakfast, along with the pie place in Custer for chicken pot pie.  Looking forward to the Darby Ride.  MarkT, you looked like a King on a Throne riding through the canyon on 14.... Classic!

[nogrey]

Had a great time with you guys and gals!  Another first timer, enjoyed the hell out of it.  Followed Josh by about an hour out of Spearfish and made it to my bud's funeral service in Cheyenne at 1:30.  Even though the weather was sketchy at times, got a lot of riding in.  That place in Cheyenne Crossing had a great breakfast, along with the pie place in Custer for chicken pot pie.  Looking forward to the Darby Ride.  MarkT, you looked like a King on a Throne riding through the canyon on 14.... Classic!

Hey Wrangler: It was good to ride with you Josh, Redline, Whooray and Domino1. The "Purple Pie" restaurant in custer was amazing, especially that raspberry/rhubarb/jalapeno pie! Riding was awesome as well.
Was good to meet MarkT and his wife. What a great time! Interested to find out how a "Markarita" tastes! That would be fun!
Everyone I met at Inzane was so very nice. Really had a great time. Thanks to you all!

[nogrey]

Got home about 12:30 today.  Like a horse that knew she was close to her stall, Silver Bullet ate up the road and the heavy weekend traffic between Canon City and Gunnison.  What a fun week!!!  Many thanks to Polky for keeping two road weary and stinky folks off the cold, dark and forest rat infested Monarch Pass last night.  What a good man and gracious host.  Time for a hot steamy shower.

Some shots from Aladdin, WY (population 15).


https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0TuB7W83hDCV25xbU9nRjhyMGc/edit?usp=docslist_api
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0TuB7W83hDCZEpjcy1IQ29ndGs/edit?usp=docslist_api

Was sure a great time at Inzane! Loved meeting you all. We must have the same breed of "horse" as mine was not to be held back once we reached the 100 miles from home mark. Not sure what my fuel mileage was, but she ate over 5 gallons in 100 miles. Hmmm....

[nogrey]

Home safe, thanks to everyone that helped make this a great Inzane for a first timer.

Didn't know this was your first time! Mine too. What a great trip and what wonderful people! Had an awesome time and really enjoyed meeting you Brewer. Although, I think a guy with a handle like "Brewer" really shouldn't show up at an event without a few bottles of the home-brew for sampling ;-)

[Brewer]

I had some choices to make on the pack list difficult to fit enough mead for everyone to get a sample plus gear and clothing.