TWT Colorado Mountain Pass Rally July 17-22

[Tourmeister]

Howdy,

:tab This is one of two big rallies that we will be doing this year. By "big" I mean we will be doing six full days of riding in Colorado. If you want to see Southwestern Colorado, then this rally is your thing! There will be street and dualsport routes. Everyone will be provided with detailed directions and maps

TWT Colorado Mountain Pass Rally (http://backroadmotorcycletours.com/05-EVENTS/COL-071705/index.htm)

:tab To get in on the group reservations, there is a 30 day cutoff prior to the arrival date for room reservations at each hotel. If you wait any longer, the unreserved rooms will be released to the general pool at higher rates. We have ten rooms blocked at each hotel.

:tab If you have any questions, post them here.

:tab I sure hope you can make it out for this rally, you won't regret it!

Adios,

[Tourmeister]

Howdy,

Riders going to date:

Dower and Alag
Dyna Sport
Tourmeister
Wczimmerman and blazin' mama
Wasabi
Klaus & Diane

Adios,

[thestudent]

about how much will this cost?

thanks

[Snoopster]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed & hoping that I can go on this trip again. I had such a great time. It was definitely a turning point in my riding. The scenery was beautiful & the roads were great. I would highly recommend this tour. :bow: As of right now I'm waiting to see if a coworker will change her vacation.

[dower]

As of right now I'm waiting to see if a coworker will change her vacation.
JUST GET A NEW JOB!!! :nana


:chug:

[Tourmeister]

Howdy,

Some teasers for this trip ;-)

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/061204Colorado/DSC01908.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/061204Colorado/DSC01911.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/061204Colorado/DSC02006.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/061204Colorado/DSC02008.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/061204Colorado/DSC02043.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/061204Colorado/DSC02049.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/061204Colorado/DSC02055.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/061204Colorado/DSC02085.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/061204Colorado/DSC02088.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/061204Colorado/DSC02112.JPG

[wczimmerman]

Just a quick bump to remind folks about this adventure! Jen and I are looking forward to it!

[wczimmerman]

Gettin' closer! Let's get some more folks to join us on this fantastic ride!

[dower]

I hope Snoopster can get a new job by then. ;-)

[Tx Rider]

I gotta figure out what bike to bring. :)

[garydogwood]

i'll probably go on this one too. more than likely with the wife on back. couldn't go to such a beautiful place and leave her behind.

gw.

[wczimmerman]

Mid-April BUMP!

[Dirtrideroader]

I really wanted to join you guys this year, but it is not going to happen. We are leaving the 1st of July heading to Yellowstone. We will be heading up through SW Colorado on the way. Neither my brother or I have enough room in a vehicle to haul both families, and we don't own a motor home, so Randy and I offered to just ride our bike while the wives ride up in the SUV with the kids.
I know, it is a terrible sacrafice, giving up A/C all the way across Texas, but it was the least we could do.
Anyway, we will be getting back the week you guys are heading up there.
Have a good trip. Be safe. Tell me how Engineer pass via the dirt route.

[Wasabi]

Just wanted to add a little incentive to do the Colorado trip for the VStrom riders. I have been given special knowledge that all VStrom riders will have divine protection and blissful en-Joye-ment for this trip. A sign was shown to me while on last years trip that I would like to share. Only my camera was able to capture this event.

Behold the patron saint of the Wind “VSTROM has spoken with the sacred sign of the shinning light ?????

(Note, the light skipped right pass the GS)


http://wasabi.smugmug.com/photos/5352770-S.jpg

What exactly was spoken I am not sure, but I do know it was a great trip and if you can go you should, even if you don’t ride the divine VStrom.


Note: I read somewhere that the word VSTROM is German and is roughly interrupted as “To cut through the Wind”. Not to be misinterpreted as passing wind.

[Squeaky]

... all VStrom riders will have divine protection and blissful en-Joye-ment for this trip.

Well that's just dandy Bill, but can the same divine power come get me out of work and deposit some extra $$$ so my Strom can go on this trip? :roll:

[Dirtrideroader]

... all VStrom riders will have divine protection and blissful en-Joye-ment for this trip.

Well that's just dandy Bill, but can the same divine power come get me out of work and deposit some extra $$$ so my Strom can go on this trip? :roll:

Sell your SV and you will have that extra money. Wait minute, I would stay here and keep the SV. You can never have too many motorcycles...

[STrider]

Those paved sections look nice....

On the very outside chance I
1. Can even swing going
2. Have a choice in bikes by then

Which is would be better bike for this trip?
Sprint
XR650R (street legal)

As usual, this is largely wishful thinking at this point

[Tourmeister]

Well... that depends on if you want to do the DS or the Street routes ;-)

Adios,

[STrider]

Yeah, I recognized that question needs some qualifiers:

If the dual sport is fire roads & gravel roads, I'd likely take the Sprint & do street routes. If its trails & hills (or a mix w/ fire roads), I'd take the XR. Range may also be a factor. Unless I can also squeeze an aftermarket tank into the budget (or one comes on a used model), the XR lacks range.

[Tourmeister]

No single track trails. Just fire roads and jeep trails.

[scratch]

Which is would be better bike for this trip?
Sprint
XR650R (street legal)


If you don't mind getting your bike a little dusty and the odd rock chip or two, you can take your Sprint down some of the gravel roads. Bringing up the rear, here's proof that it can be done:

http://www.twtex.com/linkfiles/061204Colorado/DSC02085.JPG

This section that had to be traversed to get to the spot in the photo above:

http://www.twtex.com/linkfiles/061204Colorado/DSC02088.JPG

- and this wasn't the steepest or rockiest part of the road either... :eek: ;-)

[maximumrob]

Four buddies and I did a similar trip 3 yrs ago for 7 days...best riding of my life.

After I get the ok from my wife tonight (assumed), I'll probably sign up myself and have asked that my bro-in-law and Dad join as well.

Are there still rooms available in the reserved blocks?

Thanks,
maximumrob

[wczimmerman]

Four buddies and I did a similar trip 3 yrs ago for 7 days...best riding of my life.

After I get the ok from my wife tonight (assumed), I'll probably sign up myself and have asked that my bro-in-law and Dad join as well.

Are there still rooms available in the reserved blocks?

Thanks,
maximumrob

So? Y'all coming?

[Tourmeister]

Yes, there are still rooms available. You can see where we will be staying each day here:

http://backroadmotorcycletours.com/05-EVENTS/COL-071705/register.htm

Adios,

[maximumrob]

No luck...it's not in the vacation budget or bank this year.

[Klaus]

I've reserved a room at the base motels, now starts the paperwork.

[Tourmeister]

Awesome! Looking forward to the trip!

[Tourmeister]

Just an updated list of those planning on attending:

Dower & Alag
Dyna Sport
Tourmeister, Blue Bomber and Minimom
Wczimmerman & Blazin' Mama
Wasabi
Klaus & Diane

Adios,

[Tourmeister]

:tab I don't suppose we have any more people interested in the street riding aspect of this trip do we? The more people that sign up for the trip, the lower the rate will be for everyone. If you are on the fence about going on this trip, do it. I promise you won't regret it ;-)


Adios,

[Todd in LC]

I have obtained clearance for this trip and will be attending if I can get my coworker to tag along and we split the Hotel costs. This is a good opportunity for him to prove to me that you can sport tour on a Moto Guzzi Daytona for a week.

What will the temps be like? I need some new gear and am wondering if perforated leather will be warm enough for this trip.

Is everyone trailering up?

[Tourmeister]

:tab Temps may range from mid 30's to just over 100 F, in the same day... The weather in the mountains is unpredictable and can vary drastically in a very short period of time. You will need good cold/wet weather gear and then once that is peeled off, something for the warming weather in the desert and canyons. Last year in June, we saw 107 F and driving snow/rain. A good hail storm is not that uncommon either :lol: Still, it is an incredible riding experience!

:tab Don't give up if you coworker can't make it, post up and you may find someone willing to split the rooms with you anyway.

:tab I will be trailering and thus far have no other bikes lined up for the trailer. I can carry three other bikes and two additional people. First come first served!

Adios,

[Tourmeister]

:tab By the way, for you DS riders, have you thought about what you plan to carry on the bike? Might not be a bad idea to have gear for overnighting on a mountain just in case ;-) Camel Bak is a must, 2 liter min, and I will be carrying at least another 2 liters on the bike. Unless you have real short range on your bike, I think we should be okay on gas. Longest segment might be 125-100 miles or so. First Aid kit contents? Something for splints and tournequet. Food. What else?

Adios,

[Tourmeister]

Just a quick shot of one of the passes the DS folks will be doing. This was taken on 5/29/05!!

Cinnamon Pass Northeast of Silverton
http://ovangkol.smugmug.com/photos/23371201-M.jpg

I think I will start on the TKC-80's and take the Tourances in the truck just in case I change my mind ;-)

Adios,

[Tx Rider]

Sweet, the new KTM will be loving that stuff. :)

I finally got my blinkers/hi-lo beam/brake lights/horn all on and working as well as an 18 liter tank and a "comfort" seat. Took my first ride around town on it but the inspection station was closed. It's going to be one sweet DS bike.

It'll be broken in and ready for Colorado. From riding it it feels like it'll do highway better than my old one does, even if it feels smaller and lighter for some reason. Specs say it's about the same weight. Electric start and lights when I'm idling rocks.

I found a sweet quick remove pannier rack for it so I may go ahead and mount some side bags.

How much pavement will the DS bikes be doing? I'm wondering whether I should run a TKC80 or a teraflex, the boob tire.

[Tourmeister]

John,

:tab It will probably be a 50/50 mix of pavement and offroad. I plan to bring the extra Tourance tires just in case I decide the knobbies are not needed. However, I plan to start with the knobbies.

Adios,

[Tx Rider]

Ok, definately not teraflex territory. If I get my 17" front I might just score a set of pirelli scorpions, pretty much a 17" tourance type tire that a lot of the motard guys are riding on, and bring the dirt wheels for backup.

It's going to take a lot of looking to see what I really wan't on those 17's.

How many miles you reckon we'll do for the week? 2000 miles?

[Tourmeister]

:tab The street routes are 300-330 miles per day max. They will generally start 9:00am and get back 6:00pm-ish. The DS routes will probably not be quite so long as they are going to have MUCH lower average speeds. In many places, blowing a corner means falling over a thousand feet. So I will be taking it very easy ;-) I figure 200-250 max for the DS stuff. We can play it by ear and adjust if needed.

Adios,

[Tourmeister]

:tab Okay, working out one of the DS routes and to keep the overal route distance manageable, we will need to do one segment that is about 215 miles. Otherwise, we have to make about a 60 mile detour to go get gas... I can carry 2-1/2 extra gallons on the GS. How does everyone else feel about carrying extra gas?

:tab We'd also be doing lunch somewhere out on top of the Uncompahgre Plateau, a seat with a view... ;-)

[dower]

On the way out to Big Bend I did over 200 without my gas light even coming on so 215 shouldn't be a problem. I'll also carry an extra gallon just in case. ;-)
Then again, this all depends on the wifey letting me out of her sight for a day. :-?
As for lunch, I'll eat a protein bar everyday, it really doesn't matter. My only requirement is beer with dinner. :chug:

[dower]

<<BUMP>>
This is an wonderful trip, and time is running out for anyone not already signed up. If you're on the fence go ahead and make the plunge, you won't regret it. :-D

:chug:

[Tourmeister]

By the way Will, are you wanting to bring both of your bikes or just the Dakar?

Adios,

[dower]

By the way Will, are you wanting to bring both of your bikes or just the Dakar?

Adios,
I was planning on bringing just the Dakar, but I could very easily be talked into taking both. :twisted: Beth could then ride the Dakar on days that we're not going DS'ing. :-D :angel:

:chug:

[Tourmeister]

:tab Can't leave Sarah in the hotel by herself ;-) We were thinking she migh rent a jeep to put around in while we are riding and have her meet the group for lunch on some of the days. I don't think either of us would be comfortable with her trying to drive a jeep in the offroad stuff, especially with Sarah in the baby seat hehe.

Adios,

[dower]

:tab Can't leave Sarah in the hotel by herself ;-) Good Point, Sarah would have all the hotel staff to the point of insanity, or they would never want her to leave, it totally depends on her mood.

Seriously, I'm not planning on bringing Trinity. If trailer space permits I may consider it, but don't save a space for her.
:chug:

[Tx Rider]

:tab Okay, working out one of the DS routes and to keep the overal route distance manageable, we will need to do one segment that is about 215 miles. Otherwise, we have to make about a 60 mile detour to go get gas... I can carry 2-1/2 extra gallons on the GS. How does everyone else feel about carrying extra gas?

:tab We'd also be doing lunch somewhere out on top of the Uncompahgre Plateau, a seat with a view... ;-)

I don't like carrying extra gas but I will, 215 shouldn't be much but It'll depend on our speeds and I haven't gone out and tried the mileage on the new bike yet.

[Steve strom]

Fellows,
I'm coming. I'm gonna put some trail tires on the v-strom and try the ds routes.
Steve

[Tourmeister]

Cool. Don't put off making the hotel reservations. July is prime time for that area and rooms are going quick. The list of hotels where we are staying is on the BMT site:

http://backroadmotorcycletours.com/05-EVENTS/COL-071705/register.htm

You don't have to stay at those, it is just where we will be staying and meeting each morning before the rides start. I highly recommend case/engine guards for the Strom. I will be running the TKC-80 Knobbies based on recommendations from the locals I have been in contact with.

Adios,

[Steve strom]

Hey Scott.....
TKC80 were recommended by Wasabi also. Someone told me that the area's jeep renters offer some kind of added cost 'damaged tire insurance'. Do you expect that we will have a high probability of cut tires??
"I don't need no engine gaurds"! I'm not going all the way to CO to drop my bike. Actually, the bike does already have guards.
Thanks for the advice.
I am wondering who will be doing the ds routes.
Steve

BTW.....
I'm considering to look for someone who may want to share a motel room w me in the interest of each saving app $300.

[Tx Rider]

Is it time to go yet!?!?!?!?

I think I'm just going to go with my stock DOT knobbies, and bring a spare set of tires in case I need em.

[Tourmeister]

:tab Steve, I really don't know what to expect regarding cut tires. I was thinking I might get tubes to fit my tires just in case I get a puncture that is too big for a patch. From what I have seen in trip reports from the area, it should not be a big problem as most of the roads we will be doing are maintained two track roads.

Adios,

[dower]

Fellows,
I'm coming. I'm gonna put some trail tires on the v-strom and try the ds routes.
Steve

:dude: :dude: Another DS'er!! Sweeeet :dude: :dude:

[dower]

Ok Scott, who is going? Is it time to go?

:-D

[Tourmeister]

:tab We'll be picking up another DS rider in Colorado. He lives in Crested Butte. Not sure how Steve Strom plans to get there, maybe he'll work something out with Dyna Sport or Wasabi :shrug: Not sure how Klaus and Diane are getting there, perhaps riding all the way? Chris and Jenny will meet us in Canon City Sunday. Will Bird wants to come but if he gets a job between now and then that might prevent him from coming.

:tab I just found out that my rear shock may be blown... :roll: Remember when we were heading out to Big Bend and I hit that nasty dip on the Willow City loop that made the bike squeal like a pig? I'm starting to wonder if that squealing was not my shock... I will be pulling it off tonight (hopefully) and taking it to Patrick for a checkup/rebuild.

Adios,

[Squeaky]

I just found out that my rear shock may be blown...

I thought you just put that on there recently... :-(

[Tourmeister]

I did, not long before that trip... :roll:

[dower]

I just found out that my rear shock may be blown...

I thought you just put that on there recently... :-(
It was installed fairly recently. :-( Hope everything works out.

Scott,
If we run out of trailer space maybe we can work something out and take my truck. I would have to borrow a trailer though. :-|

:chug:

[Tourmeister]

Unless you are bringing more than two bikes, we are fine ;-)

[Squeaky]

Not sure how Klaus and Diane are getting there, perhaps riding all the way?

I spoke to Klaus on Saturday, but I'm not sure how often he checks in here... He and Diane are heading out to Colorado early and doing some camping, so don't worry about trailer space for them. I think they're riding the whole way.

[Tx Rider]

:tab Steve, I really don't know what to expect regarding cut tires. I was thinking I might get tubes to fit my tires just in case I get a puncture that is too big for a patch. From what I have seen in trip reports from the area, it should not be a big problem as most of the roads we will be doing are maintained two track roads.

Adios,

I'll be carrying a spare heavy duty tube and tire irons, a 21" that'll go in any size tire to get us to the hotel, though I seriously doubt we'll need it.

[Steve strom]

Fellows,
Wasabi was the first I asked for a ride and he graciously agreed to take me and a second v-strom, another silver one at that.

How many miles could be expected out of the continental TKC80 tires......is the highway mileage between houston and ft worth significant re: these tires??

BTW.....I am not a 'dual sporter': I just happen to want to tag along with the ds crowd. Hope y'all don't get tired of waiting for me to catch up.

Looking forward to the trip. But geez - it will be tough to get thru a week+ without having the company of a 16 and a 19 yearold as is the norm for me. :chug: :chug:

Is it now omly 3 weeks away??

Steve

[Squeaky]

BTW.....I am not a 'dual sporter': I just happen to want to tag along with the ds crowd. Hope y'all don't get tired of waiting for me to catch up.

I'm in the same boat as you Steve, but I can't make this trip. When you get back, make sure your purdy silver Strom and mine get together and share stories - and tell yours to teach mine how to ride around in that stuff. ;-)

[Tourmeister]

How many miles could be expected out of the continental TKC80 tires......is the highway mileage between houston and ft worth significant re: these tires??

:tab You can pretty much count on the TKC's being spent by the time you get back from Colorado. Getting up to DFW beforehand won't kill them, especially if you aren't doing more than 80mph. High speed will wear them down pretty quick.

BTW.....I am not a 'dual sporter': I just happen to want to tag along with the ds crowd. Hope y'all don't get tired of waiting for me to catch up.

:tab Do you have any dirt experience? Some of the roads we will be doing may be quite steep with loose rocks. Dirt riding is NOT like street riding. I guess you can try it and if it is not to your liking, there are several places where you can easily get back on the main highways where the Street riders will be. I'll make sure you know where you are going.

:tab I would recommend you get some knee/shin guards from somewhere like CycleGear. You will probably want some thigh/hip protection as well. If you go down, the knees and hips are likely to hit rocks. You can pick up leg and arm protection for not too much $$ at CycleGear. I am looking at these:

http://www.btosports.com/p/MSR/MSR3301

I would wear them under my riding pants.

Adios,

[birdwh]

Anyone looking for a roommate for Raton, Canon City and/or Montrose hotels? If you only have a single room I can sleep on the floor and still split cost 50/50. I'll only be in Montrose the first night or 2. After that I split off from the tour and head north.

[dower]

Camel Bak is a must, 2 liter min, and I will be carrying at least another 2 liters on the bike.

:tab Just and FYI. I went by Mountain store in Spring, Texas (http://www.gandermountain.com/storelocator/storedetail.asp_Q_store_id_E_106Ganderurl). They have the 100oz (3liter) Camelbak Reserviors (http://www.camelbak.com/rec/acc_reserv.cfmurl) in stock for 30 bucks. They also have the full system if you don't already have a camelbak. This would be a good item for the DS's on this trip. Maybe even for everyone else.

:chug:

[Tourmeister]

:tab Got my new dirt boots :dude: The Cycle Shack in Conroe is having a sale on their dirt boots. They have SIDI, Alpinestars, Thor and a few others. I picked up the SIDI Flex boot for about $50 less than I could find it on the net! They also have a nice assortment of DS bikes sitting on the show room floor!

:tab The new Moose riding pants should be here in a few days.

[Steve strom]

Fellows,
Someone please post or link to a few pics from a previous Colorado trip....just to whet the appetite.

Got a camelbak look-alike hydration pack from ebay. A 3 liter pack for $29. total.

I've heard the tkc80 tires referred to as knobbies and saw pictures of them.....but since getting a set in my hands yesterday, I have several times hoped that these would be overkill. They feel rather aggressive. :-D My wife asked me how one could go riding in conditions that require those tires and not fall down. Goes to show you how much she knows.

Finally got a heavier spring for the vstrom's rear shock. Now sag w my bodyweight is proper w the preload at minimum rather than at maximum as w the stock spring. Should be good on the road - hope it'll be good for offroad.

Hope to remember to pack light.

See y'all soon,
Steve

[Tourmeister]

Here are the pics I posted ealier in this thread:

http://www.twtex.com/viewtopic.php?p=34729#34729

However, if you need more than that...

http://twtex.com/viewtopic.php?t=1802

No DS riding though, just street. If you want more DS oriented pics, visit the AdvRider.com site and search the ride reports section for "Colorado GS Ouray" and you should get tons of great stuff.

The TKC's are not true knobbies as the "knobs" are quite large. The nice thing is that they handle great on the pavement.

[Nico]

Having JUST returned from the Montrose area on Saturday, I HIGHLY recommend going there. If you are on the fence about whether to go or not, do it. Do it. Durango low was 42 degrees when we were there and the high in Montrose was 95ish. Most days it was in the high 80s. Afternoon showers were fairly regular, but not a big deal whatsoever.

Scott, highway 50 (east I believe) out of Montrose is currently completely torn up for about 3-5 miles. Its been reduced to two lanes of gravelly, ripped up pavement. Assuming you are going out that way, you may want to leave a little earlier on that day. Traffic delay wasn't bad, but it'll take a bit more than normal. Hopefully they'll have it taken care of by the time you get there. Also, there were some delays on

The riding? Absolutely amazing. Incredible even. I highly recommend 141 near grand junction! 90 miles of high speed sweepers and almost no traffic. Scott, I'm drooling and I want to go back. Unfortunately I just used a good chunk of my vacation time and budget for the year for my week trip. I'll be jealously following the trip :(

Oooo, ooo... There's another road in the black canyon park thats so technical it'll make you cry. About 12 miles of REALLY tight corners (15-20mph indicated) and almost zero traffic. I think we saw about 6 or 7 cars and they were parked. Breathtaking scenery too. If you want to know where exactly, I'll look it up. There were also a few other places with road construction that may be done when ya get there. Some that definitely won't. Again, let me know and I'll look up where it was.

Weather was great, riding was spectacular and the Best Western Red Arrow in Montrose has huge rooms with microwave and fridge for the post-ride beer :)

Man I so wanna go back. I'm so jealous.

Nico

[wczimmerman]

Here's a link to the current road conditions:
http://www.dot.state.co.us/travelinfo/CurrentCond/ClosuresNWSW.htm

[Tourmeister]

:tab There is ALWAYS road construction in Colorado :lol: The roads in the mountains last maybe two years before they get torn up and have to be redone. I've been out there three times and every single time we have had to sit in traffic while waiting for a pilot car. It is unavoidable and is just part of the whole experience. Actually, the time spent waiting for the pilot vehicle is a great time to meet other bikers and chat. Although, it can get pretty hot standing out in the open.

:tab Hwy 141 is an awesome ride and is on the plan for this trip. The scenery is unbelievable and the curves fantastic. Montrose is a great spot for staging for about four or five big loops, each of which is different and awesome.

:tab Nico, did you do the really steep road down into the East end of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison? that is tight and technical!! I think it is a 16% grade. for comparison, most Interstates never get over a 5% grade. Did you make the run over the Grand Mesa just East of Grand Junction? It is due for a repaving. We ran it a few years back literally a week or so after it had just been repaved. It was bike nirvanna :dude: Then there is Hwy 92...

:tab There is just something about that area that keeps me coming back. I never get tired of it.

[Nico]

Yep we did the "cliff" road. Really, really cool. I agree, that area is just amazing. I'd move up there and eat raman and peanut butter for the rest of my life if it was year round riding. Unfortunately you don't get to ride that much out of the year. And yeah, the few delays there aren't really that big of a deal. They are really good at managing the traffic.

Yall have fun and be safe!

Nico

[Hoop]

if you're in the neighborhood, take Blue Mesa cutoff, which is a dirt road that runs from the hiway north of Lake City and comes out on hiway 50 halfway to Montrose, cuts off a lot of pavement. It's an easy (high speed) dirt road, with some nice dips and turns.

Another easy dirt road is Last Dollar Road that leaves Telluride and runs north through some Aspen, comes out near Ridgeway if I remember right.

[Tourmeister]

I believe both of those roads are on the routes ;-)

[Tx Rider]

Scott is there a good place lined up in Raton to park trucks and trailers?

I was assuming I'd park it there and ride back to it the next Saturday, riding light and tossing any gear in the recovery truck to get to the next hotel, is that about the plan?

It just struck me I'd better ask.

[Tourmeister]

:tab Last time the hotel was very cool about us leaving Bill's car and trailer. However, you have to disconnect the trailer so it can sit in it's own parking space. Bill had a big chain with a lock and locked it to a light post. The lady at the desk said she would keep an eye on it for us during the week. You just have to put it in the non-premium parking spots ;-)

[Tx Rider]

That'll work. Almost time to go!

[Tourmeister]

Anyone bringing bailing wire with them?

[wczimmerman]

Anyone bringing bailing wire with them? :scratch

[Tourmeister]

Duct tape, bailing wire, zip ties, JB Weld... just good things to have with you when things might get broken... ;-)

[wczimmerman]

Duct tape, bailing wire, zip ties, JB Weld... just good things to have with you when things might get broken... ;-)


Ah...OK.... :bigokay:

[Tx Rider]

Anyone bringing bailing wire with them?

Always, never know when you'll have to tie off a busted tank bag zipper with it. :lol:

I'm struggling with the gas situation myself, I should have about 200 miles worth in the tank or close to it.

I really don't want gas cans in my tank bag again, I would like to get away without a tank bag at all, but I have nowhere to strap gas to really if I want to bring a lil extra.

[Tourmeister]

:tab Gas should only be an issue on one day. If we make good enough time that I can extend the route a bit, then we might be able to hit some gas stations mid way instead of trying to make it in one go. Hard to know beforehand though :shrug:

[Tourmeister]

:tab Okay, I just finished calling the hotels and they are all getting ready to drop the unreserved rooms from our block. So if you want to go and want the group rate, you'd better act fast. Also, I double checked with the hotel in Raton and they are cool with trailers being left in the parking lot for the week. It is lit and monitored.

[Tourmeister]

:tab Can't remember if I mentioned it, but the street riders will be visiting several different National Parks and it would be a good idea to buy an anual pass. They are $50 and good anywhere for a year. Visit at least three parks and you will save money as most of the parks are about $20 to get into. There will be three parks on this trip for street riders.

[wczimmerman]

Is it $50 per person? Where do you get them?

[Tx Rider]

So our longest dirt riding leg is 215 miles unless we make good enough time to take a 60 mile gas detour right?

Ok, I haven't been able to get a feel for mileage on the new bike yet, but the tank is "rated" at 18 liters (4.7 gallons) which would be somewhere between 220 miles if it gets 47mpg like my old one or 188 if it only gets about 40 mpg.

I'll bring a bag to tie on the back with a gallon gas can in it so I should be good for at least 220 that way, possibly 260.

The bike comes jetted lean, and I've left it that way, so hopefully I'll get more towards the 47mpg. I'll be using my first tank full out of Raton to check the gas mileage, is that the long leg?

I was a bit worried about any potential water crossings we might hit with all the snow they got this year, but I talked to an old friend of my dads that lives up there and he said they have all pretty much gone down to normal.

[Tourmeister]

Chris,

:tab The passes can be bought at the entrance to any of the parks. They are per person. Although, my pass has a spot on the back for two signatures, the other being "spouse". So maybe... just maybe they might let you both in on one pass. The park visits are optional, but worth the money if you can swing it!

:tab John, the long leg will be after we get out to Montrose. So you will have two days to check your mileage on the KTM.

[wczimmerman]

I'll call them and find out for sure. Can you tell me what parks we're hitting?

Here's the info from the nps.gov site:
Your National Parks Pass:

Provides admission into any National Park requiring an entry fee.
Is valid for one full year from first use in a National Park
Will admit you and any accompanying passengers in your vehicle, where a per vehicle fee is required.
Will admit spouse, parents, and children at those Parks where a per visitor fee is required.
If you are 62 or older or receive disability benefits, you may be eligible for the Golden Age or Golden Access Pass !

I'll need to find out what type of fee is required at each park-whether it's per person or per vehicle.

[wczimmerman]

Nevermind. I found this in their FAQ:

Q. My spouse and I are each riding our own motorcycle, will one NPP cover both our entries?
A. Yes. Except at those parks that have a separate motorcycle fee, the pass admits the pass holder, spouse, parents, and children. At parks with a separate motorcycle fee, the pass allows the pass holder and spouse in on two motorcycles.

[Tourmeister]

Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Mesa Verde
Colorado National Monument

[Tx Rider]

Wow was just looking over this ride report over on the ADV site.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48108&page=1&pp=15

Tell me we're going on these roads and passes?

I'm not going to be worth anything at work, I should just head up there right now.

[Tourmeister]

Hehe...yes, we will be doing a lot of those roads ;-)

[Gilk51]

Hehe...yes, we will be doing a lot of those roads ;-)

John, it's a trap - all the roads are east of I25! Watch out!
:-P

[Steve strom]

Dyna sport - Appreciate the link!

These pics are not going to make it any easier to earn a paycheck this week.

See ya.

Steve

[wczimmerman]

Just a heads-up:

Looked up gas prices in Colorado at http://www.gaspricewatch.com/usgas_index.asp and found gas to be from 2.10 in Colorado Springs to 2.90 in Aspen. Montrose was running about 2.40 and Canon City was 2.23.

[Tourmeister]

That sounds about right. Last year we paid 2.85 in Aspen for the mid grade stuff. Heck, yesterday it was 2.25 for the cheap stuff here in Montgomery!

[Thermalser]

Just a heads-up:

Looked up gas prices in Colorado at http://www.gaspricewatch.com/usgas_index.asp and found gas to be from 2.10 in Colorado Springs to 2.90 in Aspen. Montrose was running about 2.40 and Canon City was 2.23.

That's what you'll see around a four block radius in Houston. :roll:

[Steve strom]

Here's the 10 day forecast for Montrose, CO from weather.com. I was expecting to be getting away from the heat. :-? Elevation????

High /Low (°F) Precip. %
Tonight Jul 11 Clear 59° 20 %
Tue Jul 12 Sunny 99°/61° 20 %
Wed Jul 13 Mostly Sunny 97°/60° 10 %
Thu Jul 14 Mostly Sunny 96°/61° 10 %
Fri Jul 15 Partly Cloudy 93°/61° 10 %
Sat Jul 16 Partly Cloudy 96°/59° 20 %
Sun Jul 17 Partly Cloudy 95°/60° 10 %
Mon Jul 18 Mostly Sunny 93°/57° 10 %
Tue Jul 19 Partly Cloudy 91°/58° 10 %
Wed Jul 20 Partly Cloudy 92°/56° 20 %

Hope forest fires are over with soon.

Steve

[Tourmeister]

There are places where it may be hotter than that, but most often we will be in cooler areas ;-) It has been known to snow in July up in the mountains where we will be riding!

[Tourmeister]

:tab By the way, for those of you that have not already paid, I only accept cash once we are on the road, no checks :-P For those that have prepaid, email me and I will send you a link to the GPS files for the Street and DS routes. I also have the text descriptions of the street routes. Not even gonna try writing out the DS routes in text... :lol:

[Cruzintexas]

You all have a great and safe trip. There is still a little sand on the road in places and the animals are larger than those in texas. Hopefully I will get my ride report done before you all get back.
Steve N Rita

[Tourmeister]

:tab Okay, for all you DS folks, who wants a copy of the printed out maps? All I have done is screen prints from the TOPO software in the areas where we will be riding, but I don't want to waste a crapload of paper copying them if no one else wants a copy. These are backups in case all of our GPS's go belly up on us at once.

:tab You guys think it is hard waiting for the trip to get here...? Imagine pouring over maps for hours on end, poking around other people's trip reports, looking at their pics, going back to the maps, trying various routes... It has been killing me! I have been dreaming about it when I go to bed after a long night of working on the stuff. :lol: Then there are the sections of the DS route where the existence of the "road" is unknown which is where some of the adventure will come in... Hopefully, those of you not going won't be reading about us on the news :-|

[Steve strom]

"Hopefully, those of you not going won't be reading about us on the news "

Et tu, Scott. ???
Discussion of the trip w co-workers & wife seems always to get to 'the dangers'.

Not really griping. Just taking note.

Steve

[dower]

:tab Okay, for all you DS folks, who wants a copy of the printed out maps?
I'd like a copy.

:chug:

[Tx Rider]

I don't need a copy as long as I'm with someone who has one. :)

[dower]

Ok, just a few more hours then I'm outta here!!! :twisted:

[Gilk51]

Ok, just a few more hours then I'm outta here!!! :twisted:
You are an insensitive, mean, cruel, person, you are. :angryfir:

(but have a good time, anyway!) and be safe :mrgreen:

[Snoopster]

Hope all of ya'll have a safe & fun trip. :mrgreen: Don't anyone trip to out do my "# of drops in one day" record, okay. :pound: While in the truck later down the road, I'm sure the Tulip Princess will have all sorts of stories to tell like she did last night.:angel:

[Tx Rider]

Something tells me we'll have a few drops on the DS side of the ride. ;-)

So what times are you folks leaving and arriving in Raton? I'm hoping to get there by about 2pm Saturday in time to go see if any of the bike shops have any better goretex pants than the one's I have.

[Wasabi]

Something tells me we'll have a few drops on the DS side of the ride. ;-)


So what times are you folks leaving and arriving in Raton? I'm hoping to get there by about 2pm Saturday in time to go see if any of the bike shops have any better goretex pants than the one's I have.

Its about 680/566 (MS Street/ Yahoo maps) miles from Arlington to Raton. Avg 68/57 mph = 10 hours. What time are you flying out to get there by 2pm ? :-? .

Steve and I hope to be on the road Saturday NLT 7am. We plan to take I20 to Sweetwater , Tx 84 to Lubbock, Tx 84 to Santa Rosa NM (I40), NM 84 to Las Vegas (I25) to Raton. I expect to arrive Raton around 6pm.

The Lubbock waypoint may be altered to Amarillo not sure yet.

Do you have a fast/better route ?

[Tx Rider]

Well I went through Raton on my way to Laramie Wyoming, left at 10:30 or 11 am and hit Laramie at 11:30pm, driving about 5 over the limit all the way with no stopping for anything but the fastest gas pumping I could do.

I'll be going in a straight line out 114 to 287 through Amarillo to Dumas , and then 87 all the way to Raton. Only 550 miles or so and not too bad a drive once you hit New Mexico.

I'll be packed and ready to hop in the truck tonight and leave early, 5-6am or so with breakfast and lunch packed and only stopping long enough to slide the card and pump and hop back in.

A lot of little towns to slow down in, but it saves 130 miles over an I-20 route for me, or about 2 hours with no stops.

[WoodButcher]

Steve and I hope to be on the road Saturday NLT 7am. We plan to take I20 to Sweetwater , Tx 84 to Lubbock, Tx 84 to Santa Rosa NM (I40), NM 84 to Las Vegas (I25) to Raton. I expect to arrive Raton around 6pm.

The Lubbock waypoint may be altered to Amarillo not sure yet.

Do you have a fast/better route ?

I'd try the Amarillo route if I were you. Kind of deadly boring until you hit New Mexico, but definitely shorter and you will make about the same time as using the interstate. Arlington, Wichita Falls, Dumas, Dalhart, Clayton. I've done that in a car from the other direction (Gunnison, CO headed for Austin).

Clayton to Raton is nice. You should see some antelope in the evening over on the towards the hills. Fortunately they are very shy and avoid the road.

Have fun all of you. I did some dual sporting the Ouray area a couple of weeks ago and the high dirt passes were still getting cleared, but I understand almost all in that area are open now. It will be cool above 10,000ft.

[buck000]

It will be cool above 10,000ft.

Isn't that area all above 10K feet or so? :-)

+1 on the have fun.









































*******s... :tears:

[Gilk51]

short cut in Amarillo is FM1061 on the west side instead of Dumas.

Take Sonce Road off I40 (near the mall) to 1061 - goes through Channing and by Boy's Town via US395 to Dalhart.

Also has less cattle feed lots than the Dumas route... :-? (phew)

[Tx Rider]

I did an altitude profile on the routes Scott sent, it went from about 6k to like 10-11k several times during the route, I think that was the Lake city route or mosquito pass.

This is gonna rock, if I can stay up with the big bikes on the road section, my knobs are definately not going to hang on road curves with their TKC's though.

I'll make up for it climbing in the rocks though. :twisted:

[Tourmeister]

:tab We are leaving as soon as Will gets here, hopefully not much after 6:00pm. We'll be driving straight through tonight in the hope that Sarah will sleep most of the way. We are heading up I45 then running I20 out to Sweetwater. We'll be heading up through Lubbock and Amarillo. We've done 287 several times and I just hate all the stopping for the small towns and speed traps. It really kills the mpg on the truck to have to stop/start so much as opposed to just cruising on the freeway. 845 miles for us, 17 hours. Hopefully we will arrive in Raton shortly after noon on Saturday.

[Tx Rider]

Ouch, 18 hours is about my limit for straight through driving these days, I start getting dangerous after that.

I did that coming back from Wyoming, went northe through centennial and across west through Libby flats and down. Left at 8:30am and didn't get home until about 3am.

Guess we'll see you all Sunday morning. :)

[pazz]

Hey,folks...I couldn't get the week off that this trip is scheduled,so I did the next best thing. We have three couples going up the week that ya'll get back. If there are any road closings,bad construction areas or anything else that you can relay to me, I would definately appreciate it. We are leaving out LATE Saturday or early Sunday and I will check this thread before we leave. Our route is basically Raton-Leadville-Grand Junction-Durango. Best of luck to you all,enjoy those vistas!

[jollyroger75243]

Just seeing this! I'm headed to Colorado Springs Friday night 7/22 in the cage to pick up another dual sport bike.

To late even offer road assistance.