Have I told you how much I love Riding Colorado?

[ChucksKLRST]

Today was a continuation of yesterday digging into the Versys for a major service. I completed disassembly of the bike and was able to get to and measure the valve clearance. Turns out I only really need change 5 shims and I can use two of the old shims that are coming out. So I only need to buy three. My local dealers have them in stock and I will pick them up tomorrow. Removing the Cams is a bit of tedious work and following the instructions in the manual is a somewhat time consuming. One needs to take their time and stay calm and collected. No need to break anything or drop parts down into the engine. Taking pictures helps a lot for the reassembly. Attention to and marking the Cam position is important for the removal. Keeping a good work sheet of the valve measurements and shim measure is a must. Makes it easier to calculate the correct size shim needed to go back in. Here are a couple more pics of todays effort.

 

[Sadlsor]

Nice work Chuck!

 

[ChucksKLRST]

The Big Versys 24k maint project was finally finished yesterday. All went well with no shortage of bits or any overage of bits, so today I decided to take the FJR out for a ride to catch up on it’s monthly mileage amount. I have been neglecting the Mighty FJR lately. The weather liars are guessing that this weekend we are going to get a bunch of rain and the High Country will get it’s fair share of new snow, so off to Echo Lake I rode. This is one of my most favorite rides as it tops out at 11200 ft. above sea level and has plenty of curves. The actual highway 103 is 32 miles of great twist and turns from Evergreen, Colorado to Idaho Springs, Colorado with the entrance to Mt Evans (Mt Blue Sky) at the summit just overlooking Echo Lake. The road to Mt Evans is closed until Memorial Day, sometimes even longer depending on the snowpack. From Echo Lake I rode up to two of our three gambling towns Central City and Black Hawk . They were old dying mining towns that got a reprieve in early 90s and were designated as legal gambling towns. The property taxes sky rocketed and drove all the locals out and is now supported by the casinos and gambling industry. Onward from there and then I descended down Golden Gate Canyon and took a short detour through the grounds of Red Rocks Amphitheater. A famous outdoor amphitheater for concerts and Easter Sunday worship. Into Morrison and across town on highway 285. All toll 147 miles, many more smiles, and cleared my head of the past weeks stresses. After almost 10 years the mighty FJR is still running strong, smooth and fast. As fast as I want to go. Of course here are a few pictures to ride along with.

Ste 120 to 18567 E Hamilton Dr

maps.app.goo.gl

On the way to Echo Lake




Still on the way




Entrance to Mt Blue Sky (Mt Evans)




Looking back to the Echo Lake Lodge




Echo Lake


Down the other side to Idaho Springs



Up the mountain to Central City looking west on I -70



Looking down East on I-70





Entering Central City



On the way to Golden Gate Canyon looking West at the Continental Divide



Riding through Red Rocks

 

[ChucksKLRST]

Weather was gorgeous again today, So I had to GO RIDE. Took the Big Versys out into the foothills for a short 130 mile spin. Love the snow capped mountains.

9699-9623 CO-30 to 3167-3199 S Heather Gardens Way

maps.app.goo.gl

 

[Whisperquiet]

I love to ride through/in Colorado and will be heading to the BMWOA National Rally in Redmond, OR next weekend. My route will take me across Kansas on US36, into Ft. Collins, CO on US34, and along the Cache la Poudre river via CO 14 into Walden.
I’ll be spending the night in Vernal, UT where I am meeting up with friends for the final miles to the rally. Colorado is such a great place to ride!

 

[ChucksKLRST]

Thursday’s Ride
Guanella Pass opened up a couple of weeks ago so I thought I would GO RIDE the pass on Tuesday. Headed out Tuesday morning and got up the mountains to Idaho Springs and the weather looked very verboten. further West up the mountains . I decided that Guanella was not in the cards that day. So I just rode up to Echo Lake and back down through Evergreen and back home. Still one of my favorite rides up at an altitude of 11200 feet. Today Thursday the weather was a gorgeous Colorado Day with deep blue sky and vivid green valleys and with a bright white snow on the mountain peaks. No wind to speak of and cool temps 60s and low 70s in the High Country. Forecasted temps for the City were in the high 80s. I headed out around 0800 hrs. with the Big Versys . Navigated the traffic across the city without too much aggravation and motored up 285 to the Parmalee Gulch turn off. Leisurely rode the back roads to Evergreen Parkway where it meets up with I-70. I was able to ride the side roads that parallel I-70 into Idaho Springs and then continue with the secondary side roads to George Town. This is where the assent to Guanell Pass begins. No traffic on the pass today so was able to ride my own ride, as fast, or as slow as I wanted, to be able enjoy the curves and hairpin turns up the mountain, or to admire the scenery, without have to worry about other vehicles. The summit of Guanell Pass is 11699 ft above sea level. Spent a few minutes talking to a couple of riders from New York and a couple of riders from Israel. One always finds interesting people in the mountains. Took a few pictures and headed down the other side of the pass to Highway 285 and then on to South Park Coney Island for a Beer Brat and drink for lunch. On to a couple of my favorite canyon rides, Upper Deer Creek and Deer Creek Canyons, and across town to Aurora.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ea72RipuoDJ5jWfK9



Overlook in Evergreen looking west at the Continental Divide




On the way to Georgetown via the two lane.




Streams are high this year. Good snowpack melt off



Looking down on Georgetown



Climbing up Guanella Pass



Nearing the summit



The summit. 11669 ft above sea level



Yours truly



Beautiful view from the top



Another view from the top lookin at the Divide



On the way down the south side



Lunch.

 

[ChucksKLRST]

So the weekend came and went and the bikes and Wrangler stayed in the garage. With the large influx of population on the Front Range, I try and not venture too far from home on the bike during the weekends. Traffic is a nightmare and too many tourist and crazies; texting and driving on cell Phones. I do like to ride during the week; however I must deal with the all-day rush hour traffic to get across town to the foothills and my favorite back roads. The price one must pay to ride in the Colorado Rockies I guess. So today was Monday and the FJR has not been out all month. Time to Ride. I have wanted to ride the High Country so I chose Loveland Pass as today’s destination. I left the house about 07:45 and headed across town to do battle with the impatient work bound drivers and then navigated some of my favorite canyon roads to where I got on I-70 off of Bergan Park Road, mile marker 248. I could have taken two lane roads up to Georgetown but I wanted to make a little time and stretch the legs of the Mighty FJR. A few miles up the Freeway and then the turnoff to Loveland Pass and up we go. I rode to the summit and down a ways on the other side. Got down to Arapahoe Basin ski area and then turned around and headed back up to the summit. Took my pictures and motored back down the mountain to Idaho Springs. There I road 103 up to Echo Lake and down into Evergreen. (One of my favorite routes) On down Kerr Gulch and then over Top Road into the foothill canyons and across town to home. A short 209 mile ride today and another High Country point off the list.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/oXUyJwEuUTSqwc9CA


Scenic views on the back roads of Colorado



Glad they are fenced in.



Buffalo burgers along the route.



Climbing Loveland Pass


The summit



Just some views from the top.




More Views



More Views



.......and one last view



On the way back down

 

[Sadlsor]

Wow!
Not just the scenics... I haven't seen a III+ in years.
I can't find mine, but I still have two GPS V's.
One day I'll open an antique Garmin museum, and get rich.

 

[ChucksKLRST]

Today I wanted to ride Terryall Reservoir road, Highway 77. This is a wonderful scenic route of about 41 miles with beautiful high-speed sweepers and gorgeous scenery. The route lies between Lake George on Highway 24 and Jefferson on Highway 285, in the South Park Valley Basin. The best views are riding from South to North direction with Terrall Reservoir near the Northern part of the route. I left the house around 7am and headed up 285 to Pine Junction where I turned left on to Pine Valley Rd 126. This road winds down the mountain in Pine Valley to the little hamlets of Pine, Buffalo Creek, and then on to Deckers. (Where my favorite café is). From there the road # changes to 67 and onto Woodland Park to meet up with Highway 24. Making a right on to 24 and motoring over Ute Pass @9165ft and on to Lake George. About a half mile or so past Lake George is the turn off to 77 Terryall Road. 41 miles of motorcycle bliss. One can ride the sweepers at a brisk pace or just putt along and enjoy the smooth road and beautiful scenery. I chose, this time to mosey along and enjoy the ride. Highway 77 was repaved about 10 years ago, it was a three year project and does not get a lot of traffic. Mostly just campers heading to the reservoir and atv enthusiast, as there are atv trails parallel to the road.
After completing the 41 miles and taking my obligatory pictures, I exited 77 onto highway 285 at Jefferson and set up for the climb over Kenosha Pass (10001 ft). Traffic was a bit heavy on 285 today, so I decide to turn off at Grant and climb over Guanella Pass (11669 ft) and drop down into Georgetown. Being that I was just over Guanella a few days ago I did not stop for any pics, just motored on. From Georgetown I can ride side access roads along I-70 down to Idaho Springs and then on to Evergreen without getting on the freeway. I stopped at the Micky Dees in Evergreen for a quick lunch a pit stop and then on down Kerr Gulch, Parmalee Gulch on the 285 again for the run across Denver to home.
Almost 7 hours of riding and 255 Miles of Smiles, except for the crossing town in 96 degree heat on the home stretch. All in all another great local day ride in the Colorado Rockys.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/iXRd4aPiNpVqeijc9


Pine Valley 126 Looking north.




Along 67 with Pikes Peak in view





Just some nice view on 77 Terryall Rd.




Pretty Overlook




Great view looking north at the mountain peaks with the remints of the winter snows




Overlook at Terryall Res.




Been watching this old log house deteriorate over the years. a little bit more each time I ride by.





Up and over Guanella Pass





Two lane access road paralleling I-70



Pine Valley along the stream riding South

 

[John OoSTerhuis]

Thanks for the ridealong, my friend. Made all the more special by fond memories of actually riding those wonderful routes with you.

Warm Regards, John

 

[Tor]

On Saturday I was able to get out for a 140 mile loop with the V-Strom. Stopped for lunch at the Decker’s Café and watched the bikes come and go for a while. Then headed out . Did not take any pictures today as I have a bunch of file folder pictures of the area. The attached pictures are from my files, but they are pictures along today's route.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pDcDipyLzpkUGtmv7

Hmm, did they pave North Platte Rd? Maybe just the section south of Twin Cedar. N Platte past Twin Cedar is an absulutely gorgious route along the river,,,,not paved...

 

[ChucksKLRST]

Woke up this morning and realized I was out of German Brötchen. (German Rolls). So it was time to make one of my Famous Brötchen Runs to the German Bakery in Colorado Springs. https://www.wimbergers.com/ . Left the house at 0700 on my V-Strom 650 and headed south. Beautiful Morning. Crisp blue sky with great contrast of the green grass fields along the way. A gorgeous Colorado Day. My plan was to take the back roads south east out of town and hook up with highway 83 south of Castle Rock and onto to the Springs where I have to get on 12 miles of I-25 to highway 24. After I acquired the goods at the bakery I motored up the mountain on 24 to Woodland park and made a right on to highway 67 to Deckers. A sad note, my Deckers Cafe is closed and out of business. No telling what the space is going to be or when any business will move it to it. A sign of the times, I guess. Going to have to find a new place for a coffee stop. Stopped and talked to some riders from Oklahoma and gave them some route pointer for their ride to Estes Park. I continued on to Buffalo Creek and rode along the South Platte river for awhile and then onto some of my favorite canyon routes, down to C-470 and across town to home. Another good Bakery Run with the panniers stuffed with the goods. Staying up in the foothills the temps were in the 70 /80 but by the time I got across town and home the temps were 92. Too hot for me. 181 mile round trip.

S Tower Rd to Aurora Knolls - Hutchinson Heights

maps.app.goo.gl

Back roads south east on to the Springs




Stopped for a view of Pikes Peak




Almost to the Springs on Highway 83




The V-Strom at the German Bakery




Another view of Pikes Peak along highway 67




The Goods




Approaching Decker's Corner on highway 67




Rolling along the River ( North Fork of the South Platte River)

 

[Sadlsor]

Really nice, Chuck. As usual.
But here's the question: you got brotchen, but no bratwurst and senf?
Has the lack of oxygen affected your brain? Can't understand that thinking...

 

[ChucksKLRST]

Really nice, Chuck. As usual.
But here's the question: you got brotchen, but no bratwurst and senf?
Has the lack of oxygen affected your brain? Can't understand that thinking...

Still got my enough in my supply of those. Will make another trip when needed. Also our local Air Force Base commissary carries most of the brats and senf. It is only 5 miles away.

 

[Mellow]

Still got my enough in my supply of those

whaaaaaaat?

 

[Sadlsor]

Still got my enough in my supply of those. Will make another trip when needed. Also our local Air Force Base commissary carries most of the brats and senf. It is only 5 miles away.

Alrighty, then. I didn't have all the facts.
You have redeemed yourself.

Well done, sir.

 

[okckeith]

Great pictures Chuck. Battery Tender session here for me. Come on Fall. I'm feeling good and doing everything I did before cancer. Just don't want to risk it in the heat.

 

[ChucksKLRST]

Great pictures Chuck. Battery Tender session here for me. Come on Fall. I'm feeling good and doing everything I did before cancer. Just don't want to risk it in the heat.

Understood. I hated to ride in the Wichita Falls summer heat, and that was when I was 15 to 20 years younger and in good health then.

 

[ChucksKLRST]

On my Bakery Run yesterday (see my previous post) I met some riders from Oklahoma City and they were headed to Estes Park. On my ride home I got to thinking that I have not been up that way since last year. Also Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain Nation Park is one of my Trifecta rides that I try and get done every year. (Trail Ridge, Pikes Peak, and Mt Evans, which is now named Mt. Blue Sky.) So I thought I would GO RIDE Trail Ridge Road in RMNP today. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_Ridge_Road If you can get to the Park gate before 9am you don’t need a reservation. So I left the house at 6am with my FJR and two hours later I was at the top of Trail Ridge.12200 ft according to my GPS. The FJR made short work of the 100 miles from my house. It was beautiful weather at the top today, but a bit chilly at elevation. Briefly wished I had my heated gear. Ran into the Oklahoma guys again at the Alpine Center, so we shot the breeze for a while and I got my pictures and headed back down to Estes Park. From there I rode Peak To Peak Highway along the top of the foothills (Highway 7, 72, and 119 to the turn off of Golden Gate Canyon, highway 46 down to Golden. Then fought the weekend traffic getting across Denver to home. Great ride, a total of 240 miles and many more smiles.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VdrjGvoHKQvm7SvX8


Riding into the RMNP. All the following pictures are views along or on top of Trail Ridge Rd.




Me trying to do a proper selfie





Alpine Center and me.




on the way down




Stopped in Nederland along Peak to Peak Highway 72 for lunch at this Train Caffe'

 

[ChucksKLRST]

Today I needed to GO RIDE, but where? Thought about it for a while and decided I was going to get the second ride of my annual Trifecta rides for this year. As I have stated before, each year I try and get in a ride to three of the highest points I can ride my motorcycle up to. Trail Ridge Rd. in Rocky Mountain National Park ( highest point 12183ft), Mt Evans /Mt Blue Sky ( 14264 ft. ), and Pikes Peak (14110ft. ). I have already rode Trail Ridge a few weeks ago (See my earlier Ride report). So I chose Pikes Peak today. Made my online reservation and headed out south from the house at 06:45. I rode highway 83 to Colorado Springs, as I did not feel like riding I-25 Freeway. From there a short 12 miles of freeway to highway 24, past Manitou Springs to the turn off to Pikes Peak. No stops today at the German Bakery. On up the mountain to the entry plaza and paid my 13 bucks military discount fee and up the mountain I rode. Read all about Pikes Peak here https://www.visitcos.com/things-to-do/pikes-peak/ . Got my Pictures, but needed two cameras as my normal camera‘s battery died so out comes the cell phone for the rest of the pictures. About 40 mins later I headed down the mountain to start my ride home. Rode highway 24 to Woodland Park and then Highway 67 to Decker’s Corner. The Decker’s Café’ is no longer in business so no stopping there today. From Decker’s on to my favorite canyons and down the hills and across town to home. It was a great ride today, good thing I went early as I was coming down Pikes Peak there was a long convoy of tourists driving up the mountain. Lesson is to ride early before the tourist get on the road around 9 o’clock. 225 miles and many more smiles for today. Next is the planning to ride the third Trifecta ride which is Mt Evans (Mt Blue Sky). All Three of these rides need a reservation. Easy to make on line easy to get . Pictures are self explanatory and they are not in order because of two different cameras.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/1fPMVGgdMDmTLqyU6

Summit of Pikes Peak 14115 ft




Read the sign. The view from Pikes Peak was the inspiration for this song.




GPS is just a bit optimistic in the altitude but not by much.




On the way down




More down, lots of fun coming up early before the tourist hit the mountain.




once down the mountain one can visit the North Pole in the winter.





On the way to Pikes Peak entering Colorado Springs on I-25





The entry point to collect your money



On the way up




View of the mountain on the way up




On my way home along the North Fork of the South Platte River