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Big Rig
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« on: August 02, 2018, 12:06:52 PM » |
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Hey guys,
Looking to ride the Rockies next year (4 to 5 days)...will fly into Denver and rent (Eagle Rider)...I am looking for some info from you guys that ride out there...
Best time of the year (storm avoidance) usually do a 4 day the second week of July...
Looking for two lane and NO supper slab....
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #1 on: August 02, 2018, 12:19:20 PM » |
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Hey Dave, I'll let others more familiar with the roads there give their advice. I will say you can't go wrong as long as you stay off the interstates in the cities. The Durango, Million Dollar Hiway area is pretty cool. What are you planning on renting ?
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« Reply #2 on: August 02, 2018, 12:23:47 PM » |
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Big Rig
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« Reply #3 on: August 02, 2018, 12:30:33 PM » |
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Would love to rent the new wing, but it is show as not available...Street Glide or Road Glide...any suggestions??
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #4 on: August 02, 2018, 12:49:10 PM » |
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Would love to rent the new wing, but it is show as not available...Street Glide or Road Glide...any suggestions??
The Wing we rented on the Catskills ride was very good. I think it was a '14 or '15 model. My only issue with it was no Hiway pegs. But it handled great. |
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Moonshot_1
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« Reply #5 on: August 02, 2018, 02:10:39 PM » |
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Been out to Denver a few times. Son lives in Central City which is just north of Idaho Springs. Idaho Springs is just west of Denver off I-70 and is the gateway to Mt. Evan.
I'm sure there are folks who will post other roads that are more challenging than Mt. Evan, but for me, this was like the road of death. Highest paved road in N. America. Kind of paved in spots. Utterly destroyed in others. Pretty exciting.
For just exciting and great views I would suggest the following.
Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs area. Wonderful road up to the summit with a convenience/restaurant/souvenir shop on a gravel parking lot. 14,100 ft
Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park area is the entrance. Stunning views. Great roads.
Hwy 34 Loveland to Estes Park
Hwy 6 out of Golden to Hwy 119 through Central City casino area and north beyond. Nederland is on this one and has a neat restaurant called the Black Forrest.
From Denver, you can plan on most of the day going up and through Rocky Mountain National Park. Unless your intention is to just burn up the road, then you are going to spend a few hours. If you are looking for the scenic stuff, plan for most of the day up there. There are breweries up this way as well that have tours. Ft. Collins has a Bud one and some others. Don't know if that is an interest or not.
From Denver, Pikes Peak is south down around the Colorado Springs area. This trip would be a most of the day one too. Air Force Academy is located there as well and you can visit the chapel and some of the grounds there.
From Denver, Mt. Evan is just to the west. This would be a half day's worth for just that. I'd plan to do it in the morning. Watch out for the goat herds near the summit.
Lots of other roads in between. Have fun!
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Mike Luken
Cherokee, Ia.
Former Iowa Patriot Guard Ride Captain
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EZRiderF6C
Member
Posts: 17
Doesn't matter what you ride, just that you do.
Colorado
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« Reply #6 on: August 02, 2018, 02:21:08 PM » |
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Hey guys,
Looking to ride the Rockies next year (4 to 5 days)...will fly into Denver and rent (Eagle Rider)...I am looking for some info from you guys that ride out there...
Best time of the year (storm avoidance) usually do a 4 day the second week of July...
Looking for two lane and NO super slab....
Hello! Happy to help. I have a bunch of fellow riders and we know tons of 2-lane twisty joy through the rockies. I live on the south side of the denver metro area. David |
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EZRiderF6C
'98 GL1500CD
'15 GL1800CF 40th Anniversary
'08 HD Rocker-C, Willie G. Design.
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J.Mencalice
Member
Posts: 1850
"When You're Dead, Your Bank Account Goes to Zero"
Livin' Better Side of The Great Divide
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« Reply #7 on: August 02, 2018, 02:37:54 PM » |
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Hey guys,
Looking to ride the Rockies next year (4 to 5 days)...will fly into Denver and rent (Eagle Rider)...I am looking for some info from you guys that ride out there...
Best time of the year (storm avoidance) usually do a 4 day the second week of July...
Looking for two lane and NO supper slab....
Here's an idea for you. Avoid Denver entirely, interstates entirely, fly to Grand Junction, CO, pick up your cycles directly and start riding two lane state highways north and south into the mountains or southwest towards Moab, UT and the four corners region. There are at least three full one-day trips from GJ if you base out of there that are impressive if you haven't ever seen the Colorado Rockies. https://motodiscoveryrentals.com/https://www.eaglerider.com/grandjunction/motorcycle-rentalYou have Harley, BMW, or dual sports to choose from. Check it out.  |
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« Last Edit: August 02, 2018, 03:54:32 PM by JMencalice »
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"The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive." Bill Watterson
Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance...
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10514
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #8 on: August 02, 2018, 03:19:52 PM » |
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Was thinking this when I saw the subject title! https://www.denverpost.com/2018/02/03/2018-ride-the-rockies/It's one to avoid, I've ridden through (NOT in) them before. +1 on avoiding the Denver area. It's just too nutty nowadays. Not that Pikes Peak and R. M. N. P. aren't great to see, but they are heavily crowded with tourists. The whole state is getting that way, but the western half in general is less congested, cooler and in my opinion just better open space riding. While we have lots of calm sunny days, be prepared for phunky weather including cold driving rains, hail, spooky lightning and heavy wind gusts any time of the riding season. Monsoons are usually mid July thru August. Colors are mid to late September thru October depending on region. |
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« Last Edit: August 02, 2018, 03:27:44 PM by Valkorado »
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby"  |
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DirtyDan
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« Reply #10 on: August 02, 2018, 04:32:40 PM » |
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Beware the weather in Colorado
DO NOT TRUST IT........!
Dan
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Do it while you can. I did.... it my way
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10514
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #11 on: August 02, 2018, 08:54:02 PM » |
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Beware the weather in Colorado
DO NOT TRUST IT........!
Dan
Yep, true. I've been caught in an "out of the blue" hailstorm on a 10% chance of precipitation day that accumulated over an inch of stinging, marble sized hail on the road in a few minutes. In another five minutes we rode out of it, wide eyed and somewhat traumatized from the experience. I recall another "nice" day tooling along when it clouded up a bit and FLASH, BOOM right over my head! T'was a goosebump raising, God fearing religious experience. Heavy cold rain followed, again short in duration but in-freaking-tense. Most often our mornings are good riding statewide, and as a rule of thumb the big storms build up with the afternoon heat. Just remember when a Colorado meteorologist says there's a 20% chance of isolated storms, there may indeed be an 80% chance you'll miss 'em. But there is a 100% chance you don't want to get caught under the intense ones! |
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" |
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DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4120
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #12 on: August 03, 2018, 04:18:04 AM » |
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Beware the weather in Colorado
DO NOT TRUST IT........!
Dan
Yep, true. I've been caught in an "out of the blue" hailstorm on a 10% chance of precipitation day that accumulated over an inch of stinging, marble sized hail on the road in a few minutes. In another five minutes we rode out of it, wide eyed and somewhat traumatized from the experience. I recall another "nice" day tooling along when it clouded up a bit and FLASH, BOOM right over my head! T'was a goosebump raising, God fearing religious experience. Heavy cold rain followed, again short in duration but in-freaking-tense. Most often our mornings are good riding statewide, and as a rule of thumb the big storms build up with the afternoon heat. Just remember when a Colorado meteorologist says there's a 20% chance of isolated storms, there may indeed be an 80% chance you'll miss 'em. But there is a 100% chance you don't want to get caught under the intense ones! VR, Yep, that about sums up my experience out there, too! Still, there is so much stunning beauty, exhilarating, challenging rides, self-discovery to benefit from, and awesome feelings to enjoy, that the rewards definitely outweigh the risks and inconveniences!!! I love to return time and time again, and I also love to share the experience with others who haven't done it yet... O2S had some advice for this weary traveler on the subject, and I'll pass it along to anyone thinking about riding there... "Suck it up buttercup!" Get on with gettin' on and have a fabulous time!!! Unforgettable thrills and lifelong memories await all who dare!!! DDT |
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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Crackerborn
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« Reply #13 on: August 03, 2018, 05:13:21 AM » |
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I spent three days in CO this past June and while I could not avoid Denver (our daughter lives there), the back roads were fun. The wife flew to spend more time with the daughter and the shopping malls, I rode the IS out. There and back took 4 days. The last day on the road back, I was under the same rain cloud through some of NE, all of IA and WI. Never had a drop fall on us in CO.
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Life is about the ride, not the destination. 97 Valkyrie Tour 99 Valkyrie Interstate  |
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12762
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #14 on: August 03, 2018, 07:12:30 AM » |
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Top 3 scared moments ks..to colorado between Salinas tornado's and Denver with Limon thunderstorms and Huge winds up there
Yes all afternoon events
Can't wait to see it again
550 great Lower Colorado mountains also on my bucket list into New Mexico had wanted to ride with valker but didn't work out
No desire to be near Denver again
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« Last Edit: August 03, 2018, 07:24:05 AM by Oss »
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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MAD6Gun
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« Reply #15 on: August 03, 2018, 08:51:36 AM » |
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Beware the weather in Colorado
DO NOT TRUST IT........!
Dan
Yep, true. I've been caught in an "out of the blue" hailstorm on a 10% chance of precipitation day that accumulated over an inch of stinging, marble sized hail on the road in a few minutes. In another five minutes we rode out of it, wide eyed and somewhat traumatized from the experience. I recall another "nice" day tooling along when it clouded up a bit and FLASH, BOOM right over my head! T'was a goosebump raising, God fearing religious experience. Heavy cold rain followed, again short in duration but in-freaking-tense. Most often our mornings are good riding statewide, and as a rule of thumb the big storms build up with the afternoon heat. Just remember when a Colorado meteorologist says there's a 20% chance of isolated storms, there may indeed be an 80% chance you'll miss 'em. But there is a 100% chance you don't want to get caught under the intense ones! I remember when my brother and I were out there for inzane in Frisco. We were riding back to the hotel when it started raining but the sky ahead was clear and sunny. I looked up and there was a black cloud right over us. What the hell. Rode out from under it in a few miniutes. Mountain weather is unpredictable to say the least. |
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DarkSideR
Member
Posts: 1795
To be good, and to do good, is all we have to do.
Pueblo, Colorado
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« Reply #16 on: August 03, 2018, 09:21:39 AM » |
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If you are focusing on mountain riding watch out for early spring time whereas cold and snow can still exist in the higher elevations.
Get out of the Denver Metro area as quickly as possible.
Riding Due west of Denver on I-70 yields traffic and expensive places to stay.
Heading up to the Northwest corner of the state around Steamboat Springs will find less traffic, great roads, and affordable stops.
Heading down to the southwest area of the state will find great roads, lots to find and to, less traffic, and affordable stops.
I have been all over the State of Colorado being a native, and having ridden motorcycle since 98'. I now live in Southern Colorado. Let me know if the southern part of the state gets your interest and I will be happy to get you a list of destinations, things to do, and roads to travel.
Hope this helps,
DarkSideR
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2001 Valkyrie Super Tourer VRCC#34410 VRCCDS#0263  |
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F6Dave
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« Reply #17 on: August 05, 2018, 09:12:41 AM » |
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As others have said, avoid the Denver area. In fact, you can hit stop and go traffic on I-25 between Fort Collins and Colorado Springs any time of day. The same goes for I-70 from east of Denver to the continental divide, and the C-470 beltway around the south and west sides of Denver.
The roads are getting pretty rough, too, especially I-70 in the mountains which has some crater sized potholes. I just drove here from the central coast of California via I-5 and I-80, and all the states along the route had better roads than Colorado, even California with all its budget problems.
Having said all that, there still are some great rides in this state. Independence Pass east of Aspen is incredible. The Grand Mesa near Grand Junction is a relatively unkown gem. Colorado 141 west of Whitewater through Gateway is awesome and virtually deserted. If you take it stop at the Gateway Canyons resort and check out one of the best auto museums in the world -- no kidding. Colorado 92 along the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a curvy delight with spectacular scenery, and is also nearly deserted.
There are many other great roads too. But some, like Trail Ridge road through Rocky Mountain National Park or the 'Million Dollar Highway (US-550) north of Durango, are badly congested in the summer.
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10514
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #18 on: August 05, 2018, 09:38:29 AM » |
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As others have said, avoid the Denver area. In fact, you can hit stop and go traffic on I-25 between Fort Collins and Colorado Springs any time of day. The same goes for I-70 from east of Denver to the continental divide, and the C-470 beltway around the south and west sides of Denver.
The roads are getting pretty rough, too, especially I-70 in the mountains which has some crater sized potholes. I just drove here from the central coast of California via I-5 and I-80, and all the states along the route had better roads than Colorado, even California with all its budget problems.
Having said all that, there still are some great rides in this state. Independence Pass east of Aspen is incredible. The Grand Mesa near Grand Junction is a relatively unkown gem. Colorado 141 west of Whitewater through Gateway is awesome and virtually deserted. If you take it stop at the Gateway Canyons resort and check out one of the best auto museums in the world -- no kidding. Colorado 92 along the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a curvy delight with spectacular scenery, and is also nearly deserted.
There are many other great roads too. But some, like Trail Ridge road through Rocky Mountain National Park or the 'Million Dollar Highway (US-550) north of Durango, are badly congested in the summer.
And... The population forecasts predict that Colorado Springs and El Paso County will outgrow Denver. The state is growing at a crazy pace. Megalopolis, anyone? https://www.krdo.com/news/colorado-springs-el-paso-co-predicted-to-outgrow-denver-co-by-2035/656597030To say 92 is practically deserted would be stretching it. In fact Gunnison County is pretty packed this summer, and what was a very enjoyable area to ride in is becoming a bit frustrating. Not the area I grew up and learned to ride in anymore, no sir. And there are lots of new, extremely bad drivers. I went from frustrated to madder than a hatter at several who were trying to kill me the other day. I'm dreading the opening of the new, improved (paved) Cottonwood Pass next year. The Gunnison Valley is quickly becoming an overrun area. To make things worse, our beloved City Council seems to think affordable housing is desperately needed.  Don't get me started... Oh yeah, that auto museum in Gateway is awesome, for sure!  |
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« Last Edit: August 05, 2018, 09:43:16 AM by Valkorado »
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" |
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J.Mencalice
Member
Posts: 1850
"When You're Dead, Your Bank Account Goes to Zero"
Livin' Better Side of The Great Divide
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« Reply #19 on: August 05, 2018, 10:02:26 AM » |
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Hey guys,
Looking to ride the Rockies next year (4 to 5 days)...will fly into Denver and rent (Eagle Rider)...I am looking for some info from you guys that ride out there...
Best time of the year (storm avoidance) usually do a 4 day the second week of July...
Looking for two lane and NO supper slab....
And don't forget to sample from our locally brewed specialty beers; one in particular will put hair on your chest and a curl in your upper lip. Yeehaw!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1fV3edEdfE |
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"The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive." Bill Watterson
Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance...
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F6Dave
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« Reply #20 on: August 06, 2018, 05:25:42 AM » |
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As others have said, avoid the Denver area. In fact, you can hit stop and go traffic on I-25 between Fort Collins and Colorado Springs any time of day. The same goes for I-70 from east of Denver to the continental divide, and the C-470 beltway around the south and west sides of Denver.
The roads are getting pretty rough, too, especially I-70 in the mountains which has some crater sized potholes. I just drove here from the central coast of California via I-5 and I-80, and all the states along the route had better roads than Colorado, even California with all its budget problems.
Having said all that, there still are some great rides in this state. Independence Pass east of Aspen is incredible. The Grand Mesa near Grand Junction is a relatively unkown gem. Colorado 141 west of Whitewater through Gateway is awesome and virtually deserted. If you take it stop at the Gateway Canyons resort and check out one of the best auto museums in the world -- no kidding. Colorado 92 along the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a curvy delight with spectacular scenery, and is also nearly deserted.
There are many other great roads too. But some, like Trail Ridge road through Rocky Mountain National Park or the 'Million Dollar Highway (US-550) north of Durango, are badly congested in the summer.
And... The population forecasts predict that Colorado Springs and El Paso County will outgrow Denver. The state is growing at a crazy pace. Megalopolis, anyone? https://www.krdo.com/news/colorado-springs-el-paso-co-predicted-to-outgrow-denver-co-by-2035/656597030To say 92 is practically deserted would be stretching it. In fact Gunnison County is pretty packed this summer, and what was a very enjoyable area to ride in is becoming a bit frustrating. Not the area I grew up and learned to ride in anymore, no sir. And there are lots of new, extremely bad drivers. I went from frustrated to madder than a hatter at several who were trying to kill me the other day. I'm dreading the opening of the new, improved (paved) Cottonwood Pass next year. The Gunnison Valley is quickly becoming an overrun area. To make things worse, our beloved City Council seems to think affordable housing is desperately needed. Don't get me started... Oh yeah, that auto museum in Gateway is awesome, for sure! That's sad to hear that Colo. 92 has been discovered. I haven't been on it for 2 or 3 years but it has always been one of my favorite roads in the state. I remember riding it in '99 to the VOA rally in Crawford. It was packed with NEW Valkyries! The rally banquet was catered by Joe Cocker's wife Pam, who owned a restaurant in town. Here's Joe himself handing out door prizes:  |
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F6Dave
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« Reply #21 on: August 06, 2018, 05:55:03 AM » |
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Hey guys,
Looking to ride the Rockies next year (4 to 5 days)...will fly into Denver and rent (Eagle Rider)...I am looking for some info from you guys that ride out there...
Best time of the year (storm avoidance) usually do a 4 day the second week of July...
Looking for two lane and NO supper slab....
And don't forget to sample from our locally brewed specialty beers; one in particular will put hair on your chest and a curl in your upper lip. Yeehaw! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1fV3edEdfEHere's some Colorado brewing history. The first microbrewery in the state was in the small town of Paonia. At the time, it was illegal to sell beer at retail from a brewery of any kind. So the brewer made beer in his basement, carried it outside, then sold it to his wife's restaurant in the upper floor of the building. It wasn't long before a bill was introduced to reform the archaic Colorado law. |
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