Have I told you how much I love Riding Colorado?
- Thread starter ChucksKLRST
- Start date
John OoSTerhuis
Life Is Good!
Very nice pictures, my friend. Good to see your face in one of them!
Warm (I mean really Iowa warm) Regards, John
Warm (I mean really Iowa warm) Regards, John
Sheriff41
Chuck
I intend to venture out to CO after I retire and your posts will serve as reference and inspiration. We have a couple high spots around San Antonio, maybe 200' or so. 
OP
OP
ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
Another early beautiful late summer day here along the front Range of the Colorado Rockies. It has been a couple weeks since I rode up into the High Country. Today I chose to ride the Big Versys 1000 SE over Guanella Pass via Echco Lake. Along the secondary roads in the foothills there are signs that say "Please Share The Road" Meaning don't run over the bicyclist. All is good, but I never thought that it also meant, don't run into the Big Horn Rams. I was motoring up the steep switchback of Guanella Pass, came around a corner and there was a heard of Big Horn Rams moseying up the road. First time I have run into them along this route. I also came across couple of dear, but they were too fast to get a picture. Here are a few pictures and the route that I rode today.
https://goo.gl/maps/fiVecJeobc7u5dw39
The big Versys at Echo Lake
Ram looking out for Traffic.
Ram trying to figure out if I am a threat
Share the road.
Looking North at the Continental Divide
The Summit of Guanella Pass
Heading down the south side of Guanella Pass
https://goo.gl/maps/fiVecJeobc7u5dw39
The big Versys at Echo Lake
Ram looking out for Traffic.
Ram trying to figure out if I am a threat
Share the road.
Looking North at the Continental Divide
The Summit of Guanella Pass
Heading down the south side of Guanella Pass
Thanks for the pix and the write ups. Very fun to see the beauty of Colorado!
OP
OP
ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
Thanks, One just has to know where to take the photograph.
OP
OP
ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
Last night I decided I wanted to do a very early ride down along the river “North Fork of the South Platte” which required me to leave the house no later than 07:00 hours. This desire also required me to wake up at around 0:500 so as to get my stuff together. It is getting harder and harder for this 73 year old body to get moving in the early morn. Finishing my breakfast and two cups of coffee, I did a quick check over of the V-Strom and was out the door at 06:30. A beautiful cool morning of around 60 degrees with blue skies, and no wind.
I made my way across the south side of the Denver Metroplex without too much aggravation from the Tuesday morning work traffic. Amazing how so many people can be in such a hurry to get to their place of employment and then in the afternoon be in such a hurry to leave it….it is great to be retired and not deal with that rat race anymore. Once on the south west side of the city, my route was to take me up over Rampart Range and down the other side past Spruce Wood, descending down Nighthawk Canyon (Three miles of dirt road with a 15 degree descending grade) to the river.
Once down the canyon I rode along the river leisurely enjoying the coolness of the shadows and the warm of the sun peeking over the hill tops in the early morning. This is one of my favorite rides but I very rarely get to ride it so early in the day. No traffic, just a few early morning anglers trying their luck with fly fishing for river trout. I brought along my little camp chair and stopped for a while to take in the sounds and sights of the river. Sat for about thirty minutes and just listened to the gurgling of the water as it flowed over the rocks and watch the shadows grow shorter as the sun rose higher in the sky.
OK enough sitting around, back to highway 126 towards the hamlet of Pine. Where to ride to now? As I was motoring along highway, I passed the dirt road FS 550 (Redskin Creek Road) turn off to Wellington Lake. This is a private lake tucked back into the hills of the Lost Creek Wilderness area about eight miles from the pavement of HW 126.I have not been back here in a few years since my DR650 days. It has been raining lot back up here in the hills lately. Everything was a beautiful green against the blue of the morning sky. I began to wonder what condition the dirt road / trail was going to be. Only one way to find out, GO RIDE. As made my way back through the forest, the further in I got, the hills got a bit steeper, the trails became a bit narrower, and there were a few muddy spots, but no water crossings to contend with. After about 30 minutes of traversing through the forest I emerged out at Wellington Lake. The Lake was quite low from the last time I was up here a few years ago. I suppose some could blame climate change as Colorado and the West has been in a drought state for the last few years, Snow packs in the mountains have been less and for a shorter duration and normal rain fall has been somewhat scarce.
Took a few pictures of the lake and then headed back towards Highway 126 via Forrest service roads 560, and 211. 17 miles and about an hour to the Deckers Café’. Just a half mile or so from the lake is a water crossing. It looks small and shallow but was deeper than expected. The water came up past the axles. Exiting the water I was able to save the bike from sliding out from under me. FS 560 takes one over a small pass called Stony Pass and then through the forest to exit out into the Burn Area of the Hayman Fire of 20 years ago. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hayman_Fire).
What used to be forest is now open rocky hills as the grasses and bushes have taken over the landscape where the trees once stood. Unfortunately I will never be able to see the area reforested with the pine trees on the hills that I use to hike, during my younger years. I motored along the FS road 360 for a while and stopped to chat with a couple of KTM riders doing my route in reverse. On up hill and dale to FS211 which leads down the hill to highway 126 and then three more miles to the Decker Café. Which was not open today? No coffee stops today. It’s time to ride on home before the temps get to high crossing the city. Back up Nighthawk Canyon, over Rampart Range and down into the craziness of civilization. I arrived home about 11:45 having ridden about 150 miles or so today. Good ride and I enjoyed it a lot. I rode about 35 miles of dirt out of the 150 total miles. 55 of which was just crossing the city to and fro.
https://goo.gl/maps/E3d56VgcWFxEFeAo6
I made my way across the south side of the Denver Metroplex without too much aggravation from the Tuesday morning work traffic. Amazing how so many people can be in such a hurry to get to their place of employment and then in the afternoon be in such a hurry to leave it….it is great to be retired and not deal with that rat race anymore. Once on the south west side of the city, my route was to take me up over Rampart Range and down the other side past Spruce Wood, descending down Nighthawk Canyon (Three miles of dirt road with a 15 degree descending grade) to the river.
Once down the canyon I rode along the river leisurely enjoying the coolness of the shadows and the warm of the sun peeking over the hill tops in the early morning. This is one of my favorite rides but I very rarely get to ride it so early in the day. No traffic, just a few early morning anglers trying their luck with fly fishing for river trout. I brought along my little camp chair and stopped for a while to take in the sounds and sights of the river. Sat for about thirty minutes and just listened to the gurgling of the water as it flowed over the rocks and watch the shadows grow shorter as the sun rose higher in the sky.
OK enough sitting around, back to highway 126 towards the hamlet of Pine. Where to ride to now? As I was motoring along highway, I passed the dirt road FS 550 (Redskin Creek Road) turn off to Wellington Lake. This is a private lake tucked back into the hills of the Lost Creek Wilderness area about eight miles from the pavement of HW 126.I have not been back here in a few years since my DR650 days. It has been raining lot back up here in the hills lately. Everything was a beautiful green against the blue of the morning sky. I began to wonder what condition the dirt road / trail was going to be. Only one way to find out, GO RIDE. As made my way back through the forest, the further in I got, the hills got a bit steeper, the trails became a bit narrower, and there were a few muddy spots, but no water crossings to contend with. After about 30 minutes of traversing through the forest I emerged out at Wellington Lake. The Lake was quite low from the last time I was up here a few years ago. I suppose some could blame climate change as Colorado and the West has been in a drought state for the last few years, Snow packs in the mountains have been less and for a shorter duration and normal rain fall has been somewhat scarce.
Took a few pictures of the lake and then headed back towards Highway 126 via Forrest service roads 560, and 211. 17 miles and about an hour to the Deckers Café’. Just a half mile or so from the lake is a water crossing. It looks small and shallow but was deeper than expected. The water came up past the axles. Exiting the water I was able to save the bike from sliding out from under me. FS 560 takes one over a small pass called Stony Pass and then through the forest to exit out into the Burn Area of the Hayman Fire of 20 years ago. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hayman_Fire).
What used to be forest is now open rocky hills as the grasses and bushes have taken over the landscape where the trees once stood. Unfortunately I will never be able to see the area reforested with the pine trees on the hills that I use to hike, during my younger years. I motored along the FS road 360 for a while and stopped to chat with a couple of KTM riders doing my route in reverse. On up hill and dale to FS211 which leads down the hill to highway 126 and then three more miles to the Decker Café. Which was not open today? No coffee stops today. It’s time to ride on home before the temps get to high crossing the city. Back up Nighthawk Canyon, over Rampart Range and down into the craziness of civilization. I arrived home about 11:45 having ridden about 150 miles or so today. Good ride and I enjoyed it a lot. I rode about 35 miles of dirt out of the 150 total miles. 55 of which was just crossing the city to and fro.
https://goo.gl/maps/E3d56VgcWFxEFeAo6
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ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
High Country Trifecta II.
If any of you have been following my ride posts on my Face Book Page, you have read of me mentioning my Ride Trifecta. I call it my High Country Trifecta. Each year I try and do a motorcycle ride to Trail Ridge Rd in Rocky Mountain National Park, Mt Evans, and Pikes Peak. The last couple of years I have only been able to accomplish only two of the rides, Trail Ridge, and MT. Evans. I posted my Trail Ridge ride a few weeks ago and this past Friday I was able to accomplish my Mt. Evans ride. Only one more peak to go. I will try and do Pikes Peak this month, if it does not snow at the summit, before the end of September.
Last Wednesday I was surfing my Moto forums on my computer, and it dawned on me that Labor Day weekend was coming up. I have not been to the summit of Mt. Evans this year and Mt. Evans summit traditionally closes right after Labor Day. I better get my reservation and GO RIDE. Got on line, registered on the Park Service website and made my reservation for Friday Sept 2. Two dollar reg. fee and I have a lifetime Fed Parks Pass. I am all set to go.
My Reservation window for Mt. Evans was for 0800-1000. This required me to leave the house at 0700. Another early morning rise and shine for this old retired guy. My route is one that I ride a lot up to Echo Lake as this is the starting point for the climb to the summit of Mt. Evans. The ride to Echo Lake is one of my favorite routes and I have ridden it a lot. Across Denver on Highway 285 to Upper Turkey Creek Canyon, then a right turn on to High Dr. which drops out in Old Evergreen. Passing the Evergreen Golf Course on Upper Bear Creek Rd, I Ride back through the canyon past some very, very (Lots of Money) expensive homes. A few miles later I make a right turn onto Witter Gulch Rd. This road starts the climb up to Squaw Pass Rd. Witter Gulch Rd has quite a few steep switchback turn on it. This is preparation for the switchbacks on Mt. Evans. Once onto Squaw Pass Rd (103) it is a beautiful ride topping out at 11,000 ft before a slight decent to the Echo Lake Lodge at 10,000ft. Here is the entrance to the Summit of Mt. Evans, State Highway 5. It is an overstatement to call this road a highway. I presented my Reservation document and my Federal Parks Pass had headed up Mt Evans Road. 14 miles later I was at the Summit, (14,200ft. according to my GPS.) Took a few pictures and then headed down to ride some of my fav. twisty’s before crossing the city to home. Part two of my trifecta is done. Great ride, 150 miles and many more smiles.
https://goo.gl/maps/8uETGoVcJ6CAkwr47
If any of you have been following my ride posts on my Face Book Page, you have read of me mentioning my Ride Trifecta. I call it my High Country Trifecta. Each year I try and do a motorcycle ride to Trail Ridge Rd in Rocky Mountain National Park, Mt Evans, and Pikes Peak. The last couple of years I have only been able to accomplish only two of the rides, Trail Ridge, and MT. Evans. I posted my Trail Ridge ride a few weeks ago and this past Friday I was able to accomplish my Mt. Evans ride. Only one more peak to go. I will try and do Pikes Peak this month, if it does not snow at the summit, before the end of September.
Last Wednesday I was surfing my Moto forums on my computer, and it dawned on me that Labor Day weekend was coming up. I have not been to the summit of Mt. Evans this year and Mt. Evans summit traditionally closes right after Labor Day. I better get my reservation and GO RIDE. Got on line, registered on the Park Service website and made my reservation for Friday Sept 2. Two dollar reg. fee and I have a lifetime Fed Parks Pass. I am all set to go.
My Reservation window for Mt. Evans was for 0800-1000. This required me to leave the house at 0700. Another early morning rise and shine for this old retired guy. My route is one that I ride a lot up to Echo Lake as this is the starting point for the climb to the summit of Mt. Evans. The ride to Echo Lake is one of my favorite routes and I have ridden it a lot. Across Denver on Highway 285 to Upper Turkey Creek Canyon, then a right turn on to High Dr. which drops out in Old Evergreen. Passing the Evergreen Golf Course on Upper Bear Creek Rd, I Ride back through the canyon past some very, very (Lots of Money) expensive homes. A few miles later I make a right turn onto Witter Gulch Rd. This road starts the climb up to Squaw Pass Rd. Witter Gulch Rd has quite a few steep switchback turn on it. This is preparation for the switchbacks on Mt. Evans. Once onto Squaw Pass Rd (103) it is a beautiful ride topping out at 11,000 ft before a slight decent to the Echo Lake Lodge at 10,000ft. Here is the entrance to the Summit of Mt. Evans, State Highway 5. It is an overstatement to call this road a highway. I presented my Reservation document and my Federal Parks Pass had headed up Mt Evans Road. 14 miles later I was at the Summit, (14,200ft. according to my GPS.) Took a few pictures and then headed down to ride some of my fav. twisty’s before crossing the city to home. Part two of my trifecta is done. Great ride, 150 miles and many more smiles.
https://goo.gl/maps/8uETGoVcJ6CAkwr47
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Pop-Pop
Site Supporter
It looks like ill b there next week. Waiting for the heat wave in the southwest to break.
OP
OP
ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
High Country Trifecta III
High Country Trifecta: Trail Ridge Rd RMNP, Mt. Evans, Pikes Peak.
The daylight is getting shorter and the dark is getting longer. The warm weather is turning to a cooler time and soon the snow will be flying in the High Country. Watching the weather forecast for the Front Range of Colorado, a cool / cold front is going to be moving in this coming weekend. Along with it is forecasted some long overdue rain. However that also means that there might be snow at the 14000 ft. level in the High Country. I still need to ride to the summit of Pikes Peak to accomplish my High Country Trifecta for this year.
Thursday was supposed to be another overly hot day so I decided to make my ride to Pikes Peak on Thursday, one, to escape some of the heat in the City and two, to be able to complete my trifecta ride this year. I made my reservation for the 08:00 to 10:00 window, which meant I had to leave the house between 06:30 and 07:00 . It is a two hour+ ride to the gate of Pikes Peak drive, without riding down south on I-25. I try not to ride freeway as much as possible. Riding I-25 between Colorado Springs and Denver during rush hour in the morning is taking one’s life in their own hands. Crazy driver who think the freeway is a race track.
I left the house at 06:30 on the dot and made my way south on State highway 83. It runs through Parker and then on to Franktown and then the road opens up on to the north east side of Colorado Springs. Only real morning work traffic to deal with is from SE Aurora, through Parker and halfway to Franktown. After that, few cars and open road. I had to get on the freeway at Inverness parkway on the north side of the Springs for the last 20 miles to the Cimarron exit onto Highway 24. There after a few miles west up the mountain past Manitou Springs through some great 35-45 MPH twisties it bring me to the turn off for the Pikes Peak Toll Road. This passes by The North Pole Santa’s Work Shop Park and to the toll booth for the ride up Pikes Peak. As a side note: If one does not want to ride /drive up the 14000 for mountain, there is a Cog Rail train that leaves out of Manitou Springs to the summit. I have ridden the Cog Rail train many years go, and I would recommend it. Great ride. Fun Time.
Paid my 13 dollars (I get a two dollar military / senior discount) and started up the mountain. The ride starts at 7375 ft and ends at 14110 ft. in altitude. Beautiful ride through the forest and then the real fun is above tree line. The switch backs get a little bit steeper and tighter as the road ascends up the mountain with many stretches of no guard rail. Magnificent ride up. 19 miles from the toll booth to the summit and 98 miles from my house to the summit. I arrive at the toll booth around 08:40 and arrive at the Summit of Pikes Peak about 09:20. Took my pictures and looked around. The views were not as clear as I would have like because of the smoke from the Western State’s fires. A bit hazy to say the least. Headed back down the mountain around 09:50 and decides I would make the ride home via Woodland Park to Deckers and then along the North Platte river on Highway 67. Stopped at the Deckers Café for a short break and drink and then headed along the river for the rest of the ride home.
Another great ride along the Colorado Front Range. Just over 200 miles total
https://goo.gl/maps/qpFJVaoEzpTiEwxa7
High Country Trifecta: Trail Ridge Rd RMNP, Mt. Evans, Pikes Peak.
The daylight is getting shorter and the dark is getting longer. The warm weather is turning to a cooler time and soon the snow will be flying in the High Country. Watching the weather forecast for the Front Range of Colorado, a cool / cold front is going to be moving in this coming weekend. Along with it is forecasted some long overdue rain. However that also means that there might be snow at the 14000 ft. level in the High Country. I still need to ride to the summit of Pikes Peak to accomplish my High Country Trifecta for this year.
Thursday was supposed to be another overly hot day so I decided to make my ride to Pikes Peak on Thursday, one, to escape some of the heat in the City and two, to be able to complete my trifecta ride this year. I made my reservation for the 08:00 to 10:00 window, which meant I had to leave the house between 06:30 and 07:00 . It is a two hour+ ride to the gate of Pikes Peak drive, without riding down south on I-25. I try not to ride freeway as much as possible. Riding I-25 between Colorado Springs and Denver during rush hour in the morning is taking one’s life in their own hands. Crazy driver who think the freeway is a race track.
I left the house at 06:30 on the dot and made my way south on State highway 83. It runs through Parker and then on to Franktown and then the road opens up on to the north east side of Colorado Springs. Only real morning work traffic to deal with is from SE Aurora, through Parker and halfway to Franktown. After that, few cars and open road. I had to get on the freeway at Inverness parkway on the north side of the Springs for the last 20 miles to the Cimarron exit onto Highway 24. There after a few miles west up the mountain past Manitou Springs through some great 35-45 MPH twisties it bring me to the turn off for the Pikes Peak Toll Road. This passes by The North Pole Santa’s Work Shop Park and to the toll booth for the ride up Pikes Peak. As a side note: If one does not want to ride /drive up the 14000 for mountain, there is a Cog Rail train that leaves out of Manitou Springs to the summit. I have ridden the Cog Rail train many years go, and I would recommend it. Great ride. Fun Time.
Paid my 13 dollars (I get a two dollar military / senior discount) and started up the mountain. The ride starts at 7375 ft and ends at 14110 ft. in altitude. Beautiful ride through the forest and then the real fun is above tree line. The switch backs get a little bit steeper and tighter as the road ascends up the mountain with many stretches of no guard rail. Magnificent ride up. 19 miles from the toll booth to the summit and 98 miles from my house to the summit. I arrive at the toll booth around 08:40 and arrive at the Summit of Pikes Peak about 09:20. Took my pictures and looked around. The views were not as clear as I would have like because of the smoke from the Western State’s fires. A bit hazy to say the least. Headed back down the mountain around 09:50 and decides I would make the ride home via Woodland Park to Deckers and then along the North Platte river on Highway 67. Stopped at the Deckers Café for a short break and drink and then headed along the river for the rest of the ride home.
Another great ride along the Colorado Front Range. Just over 200 miles total
https://goo.gl/maps/qpFJVaoEzpTiEwxa7
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ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
Todays short 130 mile ride.
Today I left the house about 08:00 to go ride down to Deckers for a cup of coffee on my way to the South Platte river road. The little Versys X300 was the bike of choice. Along the route I noticed that a few leaves on the bushes and trees were just starting to turn to their golden yellow, just ever so slightly. Winter is not far off. I am not going to bore you with a lot of verbiage today, just take a look at the pictures.
https://goo.gl/maps/zD8117WLTvF1yYMq8
Today I left the house about 08:00 to go ride down to Deckers for a cup of coffee on my way to the South Platte river road. The little Versys X300 was the bike of choice. Along the route I noticed that a few leaves on the bushes and trees were just starting to turn to their golden yellow, just ever so slightly. Winter is not far off. I am not going to bore you with a lot of verbiage today, just take a look at the pictures.
https://goo.gl/maps/zD8117WLTvF1yYMq8
OP
OP
ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
Leaf Peeking with the Big Versys.
It has been three weeks since I have been up into the High Country. It is late Sept and the Aspin have been changing from their Summer Greens to their Autumn Golds. Decided I need to take a ride up and get some pictures, before they turn to their Winter Browns and blanket the earth from the inevitable coming snows. Chose to ride the Big Versys for this excursion over Guanella Pass. (11669ft). I should have realized , because the Local News has been advertising Guanella Pass and Kenosha Pass, as prime Leaf Peeking areas , that traffic was going to be heavier than normal. I figured that it was a Thursday and most people would be at work , I would avoid the weekend crowds. Wrong, and Wrong again. The assent up Guanella was slow going with every one gawking at the leaves. Once at the summit, it might have been a Walmart Parking Lot. Cars everywhere. Hard to get a good picture without unwanted cars in the picture. Here are the pictures for today’s Leaf Peeking.
https://goo.gl/maps/PbMz4HfoY7UjWkhZ7
It has been three weeks since I have been up into the High Country. It is late Sept and the Aspin have been changing from their Summer Greens to their Autumn Golds. Decided I need to take a ride up and get some pictures, before they turn to their Winter Browns and blanket the earth from the inevitable coming snows. Chose to ride the Big Versys for this excursion over Guanella Pass. (11669ft). I should have realized , because the Local News has been advertising Guanella Pass and Kenosha Pass, as prime Leaf Peeking areas , that traffic was going to be heavier than normal. I figured that it was a Thursday and most people would be at work , I would avoid the weekend crowds. Wrong, and Wrong again. The assent up Guanella was slow going with every one gawking at the leaves. Once at the summit, it might have been a Walmart Parking Lot. Cars everywhere. Hard to get a good picture without unwanted cars in the picture. Here are the pictures for today’s Leaf Peeking.
https://goo.gl/maps/PbMz4HfoY7UjWkhZ7
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okckeith
Site Supporter
Very nice! Thanks for sharing.
OP
OP
ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
Late October’s Overnight Ride. October 20 thru 21 2022
The Aspin have shed their golden leaves, and what remains on the branches are winter brown. The motorhomes and travel trailers have all been put back in storage or moved south. The Colorado High Country Byways and Highways are now free from the scenery gawking tourist. The weather guessers are forecasting one last warn beautiful couple of days of Sun and Warmth in the mountains before winter fills the passes with snow.
I had been talking to my wife, Sue, earlier in the season about doing some overnight rides, as I have ridden everything, out and back within a day’s time frame. Wednesday evening she said to me “GO RIDE an overnighter before the weather changes this coming weekend. Go get one last High Country ride this season” Great Idea. I quickly packed my civilian version of a Go Bag, checked out the FJR, and plotted an overnight route on my Colorado Road & Recreation Atlas and planned to head out Thursday morning around 0730.
I had planned about a 500 mile loop with the first day to be just less than 300 miles and the second a 200 mile day. Gets me home and across the Zoo of Denver before all the animals escape from their work places. The first day my route was to take me out (Highway 285) across South Park to Buena Vista and then up over Cottonwood Pass (12126ft) crossing the Continental Divide from East to West. From there down (Rd306) to Taylor Reservoir Recreation Area. From there (Rd 742) parallels along the Taylor River through Taylor Canyon. With lunch at Almont Three Rivers Resort. From Buena Vista to Almont is 50 miles of some of the best riding. Beautiful Vistas from the top of Cottonwood Pass, to gorgeous views along the Taylor River Canyon. The roads are a FJR / ST motorcyclist delight with sweeping curves. One major advantage to riding this during the Off Season in late October is the lack of traffic. I only had two vehicles in front of me for the complete 50 miles. The FJR made quick work of them and that is with some stops for photo ops. During tourist season this route is quite crowded.
I arrived at the “Three Rivers Resort” looking forward to their tasty Bacon Burger, only to be greeted with a “Closed for the Season” sign. No Bacon Burger for me. One of the down sides to riding Colorado during the off season in late Oct. So onward to the town of Gunnison, Colorado, another 18 miles down the road. Stopped here at a Mickey Dee’s and had their version of a Bacon Burger. Function Food.
I had thought about stopping and spending the night in Gunnison but it was still too early in the afternoon and not enough miles for my travel plan. Turned east on (Highway 50) toward Monarch Pass (11312ft). Highway 50 traverses the high planes between mountain ranges and follows the Tomichi Creek to the little village of Sergeants at the base of Monarch Pass before crossing the Continental Divide from West to East. A pretty ride with some High Speed curves and s few Colorado Highway Patrollers out of Gunnison. No, I did not get stopped, I had lots of time and this is supposed to be a relaxing road trip. I just set the Cruise on the FJR at the speed limit and let it do what it does best, keeping me from getting a speeding ticket. Made the climb up to the summit of Monarch Pass and stopped for a couple of more pictures. The east side of the pass takes us down across (Highway 285) on to the town of Poncha Springs, where I stopped for an Ice Cream treat. Here Highway 50 crosses 285 and continues on to Salida, Colorado. Here in Salida is where I will spend the night. Found me a place for dinner in down town Salida, along the river called the Boathouse Grill. Cool place. If ever in Salida stop in for lunch or dinner.
End of Day One. 275 miles for the day.
sportshandle.com
https://goo.gl/maps/wL8v5ExSU7X1mdV3A
The Aspin have shed their golden leaves, and what remains on the branches are winter brown. The motorhomes and travel trailers have all been put back in storage or moved south. The Colorado High Country Byways and Highways are now free from the scenery gawking tourist. The weather guessers are forecasting one last warn beautiful couple of days of Sun and Warmth in the mountains before winter fills the passes with snow.
I had been talking to my wife, Sue, earlier in the season about doing some overnight rides, as I have ridden everything, out and back within a day’s time frame. Wednesday evening she said to me “GO RIDE an overnighter before the weather changes this coming weekend. Go get one last High Country ride this season” Great Idea. I quickly packed my civilian version of a Go Bag, checked out the FJR, and plotted an overnight route on my Colorado Road & Recreation Atlas and planned to head out Thursday morning around 0730.
I had planned about a 500 mile loop with the first day to be just less than 300 miles and the second a 200 mile day. Gets me home and across the Zoo of Denver before all the animals escape from their work places. The first day my route was to take me out (Highway 285) across South Park to Buena Vista and then up over Cottonwood Pass (12126ft) crossing the Continental Divide from East to West. From there down (Rd306) to Taylor Reservoir Recreation Area. From there (Rd 742) parallels along the Taylor River through Taylor Canyon. With lunch at Almont Three Rivers Resort. From Buena Vista to Almont is 50 miles of some of the best riding. Beautiful Vistas from the top of Cottonwood Pass, to gorgeous views along the Taylor River Canyon. The roads are a FJR / ST motorcyclist delight with sweeping curves. One major advantage to riding this during the Off Season in late October is the lack of traffic. I only had two vehicles in front of me for the complete 50 miles. The FJR made quick work of them and that is with some stops for photo ops. During tourist season this route is quite crowded.
I arrived at the “Three Rivers Resort” looking forward to their tasty Bacon Burger, only to be greeted with a “Closed for the Season” sign. No Bacon Burger for me. One of the down sides to riding Colorado during the off season in late Oct. So onward to the town of Gunnison, Colorado, another 18 miles down the road. Stopped here at a Mickey Dee’s and had their version of a Bacon Burger. Function Food.
I had thought about stopping and spending the night in Gunnison but it was still too early in the afternoon and not enough miles for my travel plan. Turned east on (Highway 50) toward Monarch Pass (11312ft). Highway 50 traverses the high planes between mountain ranges and follows the Tomichi Creek to the little village of Sergeants at the base of Monarch Pass before crossing the Continental Divide from West to East. A pretty ride with some High Speed curves and s few Colorado Highway Patrollers out of Gunnison. No, I did not get stopped, I had lots of time and this is supposed to be a relaxing road trip. I just set the Cruise on the FJR at the speed limit and let it do what it does best, keeping me from getting a speeding ticket. Made the climb up to the summit of Monarch Pass and stopped for a couple of more pictures. The east side of the pass takes us down across (Highway 285) on to the town of Poncha Springs, where I stopped for an Ice Cream treat. Here Highway 50 crosses 285 and continues on to Salida, Colorado. Here in Salida is where I will spend the night. Found me a place for dinner in down town Salida, along the river called the Boathouse Grill. Cool place. If ever in Salida stop in for lunch or dinner.
End of Day One. 275 miles for the day.
Gold, Silver And Gambling: How Colorado's Gaming Towns Came To Be
When mining dried up, three Colorado towns found a way to stay alive. Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek welcomed gaming.
sportshandle.com
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OP
OP
ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
Day two found me awake before sunrise. By the time I got myself together watched a bit of the local weather on the Motel room TV and had the included Motel Breakfast, it was getting light. Nice little local motel for a somewhat reasonable price called the Gateway Inn. The route for today was to follow (Highway 50) along the Arkansas River to just before Canyon City and turn left (north) on the (HW 9) to (County Rd 11). Then on to the intersection of (Rd 11 and Rd 1) into the town of Cripple Creek,
I left the motel at 07:30 in temps of 29 degrees. A bit cool along Highway 50 that parallels the Arkansas River as it winds through the canyons. Fortunately I had my electric liner and electric gloves. Never take a trip to the Colorado High Country without. It is beautiful ride along the Arkansas River during the sunrise. The rising sun glistening through the trees, the bright sun painting over the shadows on the sides of the canyon walls. Of course riding east in the early morn, it was a bit of a challenge to see with the glare in my eyes as I rounded a shadowed corner into the bright rising sun.
Before I knew it the sexy female British voice of my Garmin 550 GPS was telling me to turn left in a quarter mile onto (Highway 9). Here we start our ride back north again and begin to climb into the hills north west of Canyon City, were we meet up with( County Rd 1). High Park Road. This traverses over hill and dale, up and down, around the bends on a route that will bring many smiles to the rider. Also very scenic. The choices are ride fast and pay close attention to the road or… Ride slow and pay a lot of attention to the scenic vista views. Take your pick. I chose to ride a bit slower this morning. As I was approaching the intersection of (11 and 1) the fuel range was reading 50 miles till empty. There is a little country store called the Evergreen Station, time for gas and another cup of coffee. This store lies at the base of the mountain( Rd 1) that climbs up to Cripple Creek @ (9500ft). Another great little twisty, winding road. More of a Sport Bike road vs. a Sport Touring road. Filled up with coffee and gas, headed up the road to CC, what a blast of a ride. I had to stop at the Cripple Creek Colorado veteran’s memorial and pay my respects and get a couple of pictures. Rode through the main street of Cripple Creek. CC is one of three legal gambling towns here in Colorado. Cripple Creek, Black Hawk and Central City. These three towns were dying off, so back in 1990 the State Colorado designated them for legal gambling. Since then the casino have moved in and revitalized these town, but the old locals died out or sold out, as they could not afford the new property taxes, because of the increase values of their old properties. https://www.coloradoinfo.com/blog/colorado-casinos
As I headed out of town up and over the mountain I stopped for a couple of pictures overlooking Cripple creek and the Sangre de Cristo mountains in the far back ground.
Still a bit too early for lunch so I decided to head north of Highway 67 to Woodland Park and then on to Deckers for lunch. At this point I am about 60 miles from home, over and through some of my local canyon roads down into Denver. I make the ride to the Deckers Café about once a week to sit out on the patio listen to the gurgling of river running by and have a tall coffee. Very peaceful in the morning and a great ride to and from through the foothills along the river. Gotta Love Riding Colorado.
End of ride 210 miles for the second day total miles for the overnight ride 485.
goo.gl
I left the motel at 07:30 in temps of 29 degrees. A bit cool along Highway 50 that parallels the Arkansas River as it winds through the canyons. Fortunately I had my electric liner and electric gloves. Never take a trip to the Colorado High Country without. It is beautiful ride along the Arkansas River during the sunrise. The rising sun glistening through the trees, the bright sun painting over the shadows on the sides of the canyon walls. Of course riding east in the early morn, it was a bit of a challenge to see with the glare in my eyes as I rounded a shadowed corner into the bright rising sun.
Before I knew it the sexy female British voice of my Garmin 550 GPS was telling me to turn left in a quarter mile onto (Highway 9). Here we start our ride back north again and begin to climb into the hills north west of Canyon City, were we meet up with( County Rd 1). High Park Road. This traverses over hill and dale, up and down, around the bends on a route that will bring many smiles to the rider. Also very scenic. The choices are ride fast and pay close attention to the road or… Ride slow and pay a lot of attention to the scenic vista views. Take your pick. I chose to ride a bit slower this morning. As I was approaching the intersection of (11 and 1) the fuel range was reading 50 miles till empty. There is a little country store called the Evergreen Station, time for gas and another cup of coffee. This store lies at the base of the mountain( Rd 1) that climbs up to Cripple Creek @ (9500ft). Another great little twisty, winding road. More of a Sport Bike road vs. a Sport Touring road. Filled up with coffee and gas, headed up the road to CC, what a blast of a ride. I had to stop at the Cripple Creek Colorado veteran’s memorial and pay my respects and get a couple of pictures. Rode through the main street of Cripple Creek. CC is one of three legal gambling towns here in Colorado. Cripple Creek, Black Hawk and Central City. These three towns were dying off, so back in 1990 the State Colorado designated them for legal gambling. Since then the casino have moved in and revitalized these town, but the old locals died out or sold out, as they could not afford the new property taxes, because of the increase values of their old properties. https://www.coloradoinfo.com/blog/colorado-casinos
As I headed out of town up and over the mountain I stopped for a couple of pictures overlooking Cripple creek and the Sangre de Cristo mountains in the far back ground.
Still a bit too early for lunch so I decided to head north of Highway 67 to Woodland Park and then on to Deckers for lunch. At this point I am about 60 miles from home, over and through some of my local canyon roads down into Denver. I make the ride to the Deckers Café about once a week to sit out on the patio listen to the gurgling of river running by and have a tall coffee. Very peaceful in the morning and a great ride to and from through the foothills along the river. Gotta Love Riding Colorado.
End of ride 210 miles for the second day total miles for the overnight ride 485.
Salida to Aurora
goo.gl
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Beautiful pics and report. Did you take some of those pics on the fly?
Thanks for the ride along
Thanks for the ride along
OP
OP
ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
Yes, I have the technique down as long as my gloves are not too bulky.
Have you ever been down Phantom Canyon Rd or Shelf road out of Cripple Creek ? What I've read is that they are kept up very well and unless raining useable with car or motorcycle.As I headed out of town up and over the mountain I stopped for a couple of pictures overlooking Cripple creek and the Sangre de Cristo mountains in the far back ground.
Still a bit too early for lunch so I decided to head north of Highway 67 to Woodland Park and then on to Deckers for lunch. At this point I am about 60 miles from home, over and through some of my local canyon roads down into Denver. I make the ride to the Deckers Café about once a week to sit out on the patio listen to the gurgling of river running by and have a tall coffee. Very peaceful in the morning and a great ride to and from through the foothills along the river. Gotta Love Riding Colorado.
End of ride 210 miles for the second day total miles for the overnight ride 485.
Salida to Aurora
OP
OP
ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
Yea I have ridden them quite a few times over the years, however it has been a few years since I have been down that way. An adventure bike or a duel sport is a better choice to ride those roads. Not an street bike. I have ridden it on my V-Stroms and my old KLR .
DARN!!