Colorado Riders Thread

[Randy McKenna]

High Country Cruisers stayed at the Black Canyon inn at Montrose for our old rallies.  Just rode by there last week.  I still enjoy an occasional Markarita!

[DenverDave]

Unfortunately Robin and I will be moving her mom to a smaller apartment that weekend, it is a brand new complex less than a mile away from our house, so her mom will much closer if she needs anything.

Last year I had to take the car and would have enjoyed riding the bike this time. 

Robin and I are leaving on Sept 5th for a few days in Custer, South Dakota with some friends.  Planned this trip about 6 months ago.  I will be taking (scouting) pictures and maybe some video of mostly the southern part of the Black Hills, I will be posting some of them.

I hope everyone has good time and ride safe.


Dave & Robin

[Misfit]

Well crap. I've double booked. I thought for sure that my friends from the great state of TX could make this ride with us. The fact is that they won't be getting into Colorado Springs until Sunday. I have been looking forward to their company and so with regret for starting something that I can't finish my gut tells me to hang back and host my Texas friends. It's not that I won't be riding as I plan to take them on a tour around here. After that they will be heading west to do about the same route as the rest of you will riding. I may still ride over to Gunnison with the group from this's side of the divide on Saturday. Maybe have lunch and head back to meet the TX crew. I hope that someone from around here will pick up the lead for this ride and schedule a meeting place and time to head over the pass. I am sorry that I won't be making this ride but I am greatfull for the opertunity to hang out with some of my southern Valkyrie brethren. Ride safe my friends. 

[Hollyday]

Misfit!!   Don't back out silly!   Go ride your ride    We can wave to you as you come back to Co Springs and we go to Montrose lol!

It's all good silly!

[Valkorado]

Well, doggone it Damon!      I like Josh's idea of having them thar Texans meet up with us on the Western side of the Divide, especially since they'd like to do the same ride.  It looks like a really good handful of folks are coming, so I'm still planning on doing this.  Plus, I've never had a Markarita.  As luck would have it my slow fork leak is back and being stubborn; I'll have to have that fixed or it'll be wearing a bandage.

[MarkT]

Just got back from my road trip last night late. Got soaked the last 3 hours - One of the few times I'll actually wash the bike rather than detail it.  Took the blue highways & back roads all the way from Racine. No Interstate riding at all until I had to for a stretch at the end to deal with the rain. As a result, it was all small town people, and way more friendly than those I meet often on the interstates.

Deerslayer ran like a clock the whole trip with one minor issue.  One of my rear speakers set up a harmonic and vibrated the mount right in two, then lay against the fender until I saw it at my overnight stop.  Scratched the paint pretty bad.  CRAP!  Well it's a rider, not a show bike - if I had custom paint I'd be really upset.  For now I'll just touch it up and replace the speaker mount & call it good. Meanwhile I have plenty of pipes work that gets my time first...

I had said my Ultimate seat hasn't been the best for me - pretty much 3 hours then monkey butt sets in.  Lasted longer this time.  Yesterday it was 670 miles and not a problem then or today.  Though I did stop frequently to walk it out. Had used a sheepskin earlier in the ride which didn't help.  Though it did help last night for keeping the water off my butt.

If anybody cares, I'd like to ride with the Texas guys and Damon as well.  The more the merrier (up to some point).  I'm planning on packing the blender and some fixens for Markaritas at our stopovers.  Also bringing the Hero cameras, hope to get some videos and sequence-series stuff, say over Red Mountain pass.  Beautiful views up the headwaters of the Rio Grande too (Creede & Lake City valley, Hwy 149).  Wolf Creek Pass, more beautiful views.  Then there's the Black Canyon of the Gunnison between Blue Mesa reservoir and Crawford.  Not to mention the Dolores river valley (Hwy 141) with Gateway and the amazing Discover car museum at the North end. Or Telluride and Hwy 145 through the Uncompahgre and San Juan Nat'l Forests. Too much great stuff to see in one weekend.  That's why our local club based our annual ride-ins in Montrose for years.

[R J]

MarkT, sounds like you had way way way tooooo much fun.

Those are some great highways you listed.

In my ventures in your part of the woods, I rode a couple of those roads.

Always loved the roads West of Denver also.   No, not that wide super slab, the little 2 lanes ones.

Oh, how many miles you got on the Ultimate now?    Mine finally broke in about 3,100 miles to where I quit getting monkey butt.

Be safe and work hard to make some $$$$$.

[Brewer]

Labor Day weekend? I thought this was planned for 8/16 or 8/23.... I could go over labor day weekend

[Valkorado]

It's sounding like the Labor Day weekend ride should just be rescheduled to leave on Sunday instead of Saturday. That is of course if the hotels will work with those of us who have already booked their rooms.

Those darn Texans... 

Looks like that might work better for all involved.  valk303 and tyklli what are your thoughts?

[MarkT]

It's sounding like the Labor Day weekend ride should just be rescheduled to leave on Sunday instead of Saturday. That is of course if the hotels will work with those of us who have already booked their rooms.

Those darn Texans... 

Looks like that might work better for all involved.  valk303 and tyklli what are your thoughts?

I've already made reservations - and the wife can not shift either.  I don't think rescheduling the ride for all - likely most are working - to enable some on vacation to attend, is the best soln. Some of those now scheduled may drop out. But that's just me.

[Brewer]

Labor Day Weekend ride. A group of us took a ride last year on Memorial Weekend through Gunnison, Montrose, Durango, Pagosa Springs, Creed, and back to Gunnison. Some of the folks on that ride have asked to do it again. Some that did not make that ride have asked to do it again. Anyone else interested? I have asked Seth to set up the same motels that we used last year. I hope we are not to late in my planning to get a few rooms for that weekend. As it stands we will roll Saturday morning the 31st. Stay in Montrose that night. Head over the Million Dollar Highway on Sunday and stay in Creed Sunday night. Roll home Monday. So far it will be me, Chase, McKenna, Ron, Pastor Dean, Austin, and Seth. I am sure Dick will want to go along with Hager the Horrible. Anyone else want in, Dave, Robin, Josh, Stan, Dennis???? I am hoping I can get Holiday, Buzzkill, and there crew to tag along. 

I missed this earlier post and would like to join the fun. What reservations do i need to make?

[DarkSideR]

Labor Day Weekend ride. A group of us took a ride last year on Memorial Weekend through Gunnison, Montrose, Durango, Pagosa Springs, Creed, and back to Gunnison. Some of the folks on that ride have asked to do it again. Some that did not make that ride have asked to do it again. Anyone else interested? I have asked Seth to set up the same motels that we used last year. I hope we are not to late in my planning to get a few rooms for that weekend. As it stands we will roll Saturday morning the 31st. Stay in Montrose that night. Head over the Million Dollar Highway on Sunday and stay in Creed Sunday night. Roll home Monday. So far it will be me, Chase, McKenna, Ron, Pastor Dean, Austin, and Seth. I am sure Dick will want to go along with Hager the Horrible. Anyone else want in, Dave, Robin, Josh, Stan, Dennis???? I am hoping I can get Holiday, Buzzkill, and there crew to tag along. 

I missed this earlier post and would like to join the fun. What reservations do i need to make?

The Country Lodge the night of the 30th (In Montrose), and The North Face Lodge (In Lake City) the night of the 31st.

[Valkorado]

I've already made reservations - and the wife can not shift either.  I don't think rescheduling the ride for all - likely most are working - to enable some on vacation to attend, is the best soln. Some of those now scheduled may drop out. But that's just me.

Aah-so!  Your earlier post made it sound like you were bagging out on us and bringing your markaritas with you!  On with Plan A!  I look forward to seeing some of the radical mods you've made to your bike that I've been reading about, and seeing JCK's slick looking machine. I also look forward to meeting everyone!  Brewer just backtrack to my post with lodging info.  Hopefully there will still be rooms available.

[DarkSideR]

Well crap. I shouldn't have made the suggestion to reschedule the ride.  

Lets keep the ride as planned (Saturday - Monday). And as Damon suggested, I can help take lead on the ride whereas I know that route like the back of my hand.

Lets plan a group meeting point at the Western Gas Station in Poncha Springs (Just west of Salida, where Hwy 50 & Hwy 285 meet) at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday the 30th. This meeting point will accommodate those coming in from the north so they won't have to ride on the Interstate. From there we can mosey west, lunch in Gunnison, ride the Black Canyon, and head into Montrose.

Sound good?

[Brewer]

Perfect, thanks Josh.

I am booked for both nights. Now I need to ride every day to get my butt properly shaped to fit my Valk seat

Cheers
Brewer

[Tailgate Tommy]

Yah, thanks Josh for stepping up. Sounds good to me, but I think I'll need to take the Interstate (I-25 from Fort Collins) 

tkylli

[Misfit]

It appears now that the Texans are trying to reroute and hook up with our group in Lake City. I am hoping that all will work out. For now I have booked in Montrose and am waiting on a return call from LC.  

[MarkT]

Well crap. I shouldn't have made the suggestion to reschedule the ride.  

Lets keep the ride as planned (Saturday - Monday). And as Damon suggested, I can help take lead on the ride whereas I know that route like the back of my hand.

Lets plan a group meeting point at the Western Gas Station in Poncha Springs (Just west of Salida, where Hwy 50 & Hwy 285 meet) at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday the 30th. This meeting point will accommodate those coming in from the north so they won't have to ride on the Interstate. From there we can mosey west, lunch in Gunnison, ride the Black Canyon, and head into Montrose.

Sound good?

Used to be a really great restaurant right across from that station but they were closing some time ago.  They had great homemade pies and catfish to die for.  It was a perfect midway point for the ride to Montrose.

[Tailgate Tommy]

It appears now that the Texans are trying to reroute and hook up with our group in Lake City. I am hoping that all will work out. For now I have booked in Montrose and am waiting on a return call from LC.  

Damon - may I please impose upon you to bring my tee shirt??
Thanks! Tom

[MarkT]

FYI Just South of Lake City is where Alferd Packer had his tasty winter.  There's a marker next to the road.  Here's my post on a previous thread on Alferd (yep that's how he spelled it).  There's a saloon in Lake City dedicated to The Packer.  And they ain't Green Bay fans!

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,54766.msg526083.html#msg526083

Also at Creede, south of Lake City on 149, is where Robert Ford, the Jesse James murderer, was himself murdered.

From wikipedia:

Robert Ford had settled in Colorado, where he opened a saloon-gambling house in Walsenberg. When silver was found in Creede, Ford closed his saloon and opened one there.[17]

On the eve of Easter 1892, Ford and gunman Joe Palmer, a member of the Soapy Smith gang, were drinking in the local saloons and proceeded to shoot out windows and street lamps along Creede's Main Street. With the help of friends and business partners of Smith, they were soon allowed to return. Ford purchased a lot and on May 29, 1892, opened Ford's Exchange, said to have been a dance hall.[18] Six days later, the entire business district, including Ford's Exchange, burned to the ground in a major fire. Ford opened a tent saloon until he could rebuild.

Three days after the fire, on June 8, 1892, Edward O'Kelley entered Ford's tent saloon with a shotgun. According to witnesses, Ford's back was turned. O'Kelley said, "Hello, Bob." As Ford turned to see who it was, O'Kelley fired both barrels, killing Ford instantly. O'Kelley hence became "the man who killed the man who killed Jesse James." O'Kelley's sentence was commuted because of a medical condition, and he was released on October 3, 1902. O'Kelley was subsequently killed on January 13, 1904 while trying to shoot a policeman.

Ford was buried in Creede, but later was exhumed and reburied in Richmond in his native Ray County at Richmond Cemetery.

[DarkSideR]

Yah, thanks Josh for stepping up. Sounds good to me, but I think I'll need to take the Interstate (I-25 from Fort Collins) 

tkylli

True but you can take either 285 south, or 115 and meet me in Penrose.

[baird4444]

   I really like the way this is cuming together.
       I'm looking forward to meeting everyone in Montrose!
              - Mike

[Tailgate Tommy]

Yah, thanks Josh for stepping up. Sounds good to me, but I think I'll need to take the Interstate (I-25 from Fort Collins) 

tkylli

True but you can take either 285 south, or 115 and meet me in Penrose.

Meeting you in Penrose sounds good to me. Looks like I can blast down I-25 to 115 to Penrose in 3hr & 18 Min. early Saturday shouldn't be much Denver traffic. 
We can work out the details of when and where to meet - whatever works out best for you, when we get closer to the 30th.

[Valkorado]

We can chow down in Gunnison, sounds like the timing will be right. 

Maybe 5B's
http://www.fivebsbbq.com/

Or The Ol' Miner
http://www.olminersteakhouse.com/

[DarkSideR]

 Anyone else up here in Cripple Creek today? So far I've seen a Black Valkyrie (thinking its Valk303), and I saw a Valk with a sidecar.

[Misfit]

Ron and I were there. Came late and left early. Not my kind of crowd. Looked more like a Halloween costume party than a veterans memorial. By the way thank you to all that have served and continue to do so. 

[hager the horrible]

Put me in the count reservations made for labor day weekend ride

[Misfit]

Cool. Always a pleasure to ride with you Darby. 

[GREENDRAGON]

Green Dragon & Turtle dove are booked at Country lodge in Montrose 8/30 and North Face Lodge in Lake City 8/31. looking forward to the ride and meeting everyone. 

[Tailgate Tommy]

Green Dragon & Turtle dove are booked at Country lodge in Montrose 8/30 and North Face Lodge in Lake City 8/31. looking forward to the ride and meeting everyone. 

Phil -if you want some company riding down give me a call.

Tom

[DarkSideR]

This ride is shaping up nicely. So Far it looks like the following have committed;
- Misfit w/McKenna
- Chase
- Valkorado
- Ron
- Pastor Dean 
- Austin
- Hagar The Horrible
- Green Dragon
- Turtle Dove
- Baird444
- MarkT
- June
- Tkylli
- Valk303
- Brewer
- Chillerman
- Joshcornkid w/Sage
- (2) Texans
Totals 19 bikes (Nice!)  

That is a good group!

I have emailed Thunderbass53, iba1990, odonoghue0, and Freep about the ride but haven't heard any responses.

[BuzzKill]

4 Texans. Buzzkill and Hollyday, and Lucky_1_Chris and his better half. Valkpilot and Disco were unable to make arrangements. We will be coming in from Trinidad on Sunday into Lake City staying at the Alpine Moose Lodge which is right next to yalls motel. There is supposed be a restaurant in the lodge.  I would guess a mid to late afternoon arrival. Pastor Dean will remember us from the wet waterfall ride at Inzane.

[Misfit]

My plan is to leave my house at 8:30 Saturday morning. I need to give the folks coming south from Fort Collins time. It is 125 miles from Phil's house to my house. We will ride to Canon City and hook up with Darby at the Shell station on the west side of town. Anyone with a standard tank can top off there and will have plenty of fuel to make it to Gunnison. We will hook up with Seth there and have some lunch. Then it's off to the North rim of the Black Canon. 

[Brewer]

Well crap. I shouldn't have made the suggestion to reschedule the ride. 

Lets keep the ride as planned (Saturday - Monday). And as Damon suggested, I can help take lead on the ride whereas I know that route like the back of my hand.

Lets plan a group meeting point at the Western Gas Station in Poncha Springs (Just west of Salida, where Hwy 50 & Hwy 285 meet) at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday the 30th. This meeting point will accommodate those coming in from the north so they won't have to ride on the Interstate. From there we can mosey west, lunch in Gunnison, ride the Black Canyon, and head into Montrose.

Sound good?

Are we good to meet at Western Gas Station in Poncha Springs or should I plan to meet other riders at a different location?

Cheers
Brewer

[Valkorado]

Looking forward. 3 town 3 source forecast looks promising.   

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Gunnison&state=CO&site=GJT&lat=38.5447&lon=-106.927

http://weather.weatherbug.com/CO/Durango-weather/local-forecast/7-day-forecast.html?zcode=z6286

http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USCO0227

[MarkT]

Well crap. I shouldn't have made the suggestion to reschedule the ride.  

Lets keep the ride as planned (Saturday - Monday). And as Damon suggested, I can help take lead on the ride whereas I know that route like the back of my hand.

Lets plan a group meeting point at the Western Gas Station in Poncha Springs (Just west of Salida, where Hwy 50 & Hwy 285 meet) at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday the 30th. This meeting point will accommodate those coming in from the north so they won't have to ride on the Interstate. From there we can mosey west, lunch in Gunnison, ride the Black Canyon, and head into Montrose.

Sound good?

Are we good to meet at Western Gas Station in Poncha Springs or should I plan to meet other riders at a different location?

Cheers
Brewer

Because this meeting is so early and so far away, we are spending the night before in Salida.  June doesn't want a really long day of riding starting at dawn when she has not had long rides yet this season.  OK, it's like I know better than to not make momma happy - or the rest of the trip will suck.  Yeah I know, it's 163 miles from here to the Western station.  That makes the first day 180 miles instead of 343.  (Of course I just came back from a 2500 mile rd trip, no sweat on big mile days.) So we will be at the station before 10.  BTW my Garmin software says it's a Shell station.  I haven't been there for awhile so don't know.  OK NEVERMIND the western station marker is under the Hwy285 marker in the Mapsource software.  That's just east of the actual 285-50 intersection - Shell is a bit west of there.

[Misfit]

I believe there is a shell station at the intersection of 50 & 285.

[T.P.]

I have not been following this thread, and just popped in today.

I hope while you guys are staying in Lake City that you get the Texans a rental jeep and get them up on the Alpine Loop.

Engineer Pass and Alpine Loop Jeep Trail

Something they will never forget.     T.P.

[DarkSideR]

My plan is to leave my house at 8:30 Saturday morning. I need to give the folks coming south from Fort Collins time. It is 125 miles from Phil's house to my house. We will ride to Canon City and hook up with Darby at the Shell station on the west side of town. Anyone with a standard tank can top off there and will have plenty of fuel to make it to Gunnison. We will hook up with Seth there and have some lunch. Then it's off to the North rim of the Black Canon. 

Misfit, did you mean the Shell Station in Penrose at Hwy 115, & Hwy 50?

[MarkT]

20 yrs ago my son and I camped on the town plat of the ghost town of Eureka - upstream of Silverton, for a week, and four-wheeled the entire area - all of the old mining trails then passable by jeep or dirt bike.  Some were downright hairy, white-knucklers.  Especially Black Bear into Telluride.  But all around the San Juans between Ouray, Silverton and Lake City, absolutely stunning and great fun in a 4-by.  Interestingly, we woke up to a flat every morning.  I would change the tire and drive into Silverton to repair it while Vince got breakfast ready.  We were incredibly lucky we didn't get two tires with rock cuts at once.  Did a lot of videos, still have them.  On tape.

Speaking of Black Bear, I posted this report on the pass in The Colorado Pass Book before - but applies to this part of this thread.  Note especially the parts I highlighted.  The Jeep rental companies specifically forbid anyone taking their jeeps on Black Bear.