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Cruiser
Posts: 89
Chandler, AZ | Hello CO Riders and those wanting to ride to CO... I will be heading to Durango with a couple of other guys on Victorys. We will be leaving the Phoenix area on August 30th and rolling into Durango that evening. Durango will be our base camp through Sept 4th...
Anybody out there around to ride??? The only set ride plans we have is the Teluride Loop. Those that live in the Durango area or have been there, what are your suggestions for rides???
Thanks all,
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Cruiser
Posts: 173
Prescott Valley, AZ | Take a look at my recent post (1721 miles 5 days) and you'll see what I did last week (21st - 25th), wish I had known you were going, I could have rearranged my dates!!! The Teluride loop is Great but I would HIGHLY Recommend Hiway 149 as a real sight to see! The AAA map we used did not list it as a senic byway but I'll promise you you'll not find a better road if you like green and mountains at the same time. Just keep an eye out for deer out there on the higher parts of the mountain passes as they are plentiful and your eyes will be looking all over as opposed to the road to your front!!! The US 550 is good as is US 50, you really can't go wrong on any of the roads in southern Colorado. I intend to go back soon and do the 149 (Silver Thread) on a clear day as when we rode it we had a bunch of rain, even still it was a memorable ride even with all the weather we had to put up with. Yes, I am jealous as I won't be able to go just yet but I can assure you you'll enjoy most any road you chose from Durango. Don't forget to take some "warm" clothing with you, when we passed over one summit (11,900') on Hiway 149 I saw 45 degrees and it felt MUCH colder as we were in some rain showers at the time!!
Ride Safe, Ride Often!!
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Cruiser
Posts: 235
Evergreen, CO | Hey Bearcat -
I've ridden Slumgullion Pass (the one you referenced at 11900) over Labor Day weekend, in pouring rain, low 40s, saw it snowing higher up, and I can completely agree with you, I was chilled to the bone. 149 is a great road, and especially right after Labor Day is very lightly traveled. You would be amazed at how the ride "feels" different between the date you rode it, and if you ride it in September. You can really FEEL fall then!
Chandler Tom -
Are you riding to Durango for the Four Corners Run? It is happening over Labor Day weekend, and just about all lodging, and lots of campsites, all fill up well in advance of this event. I attended it for many years, and had to make reservations up to 6 months in advance to get my first choice for a place to stay. The riding availability in that part of Colorado is hard to beat. The 550/62/145/160 loop is one not to miss.
Another nice loop, although a bit further north than Durango, is to take 550 north, where it meets up with 50 in Montrose. Continue on 50 north to Delta, 92 east out of Delta, then 133 north out of Hotchkiss, over McClure Pass to Carbondale, then a right onto 82 through Aspen, over Independence Pass, down into Twin Lakes, then a right onto 24 south, to 285 just south of Buena Vista, and then 50 west, over Monarch Pass, through Gunnison, Blue Mesa Reservoir, Black Canyon NP, to Montrose. This loop must be done in the summertime, as Independence Pass is open no more than from Memorial Day to Labor Day! This loops is a vast combination of many of the great aspects of Colorado, from high mtn passes, to fruit growing areas, to mining towns, and in most cases, some eye popping scenery.
I'm sure no matter what route you ride in CO when you're here, it will be enjoyable. It is one of the things that drew me to this state. I only wish I had the ability to ride all these roads year round. The really GOOD roads are only really rideable for 3-5 months each summer.
I'm off on my own journey starting today.....WA state/Vancouver Island/BC/Alberta/Montana and home....5000+ miles in 17 days.
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Cruiser
Posts: 89
Chandler, AZ | Bearcat, Sorry I did see your post at that time my trip was cancelled until just a couple of days ago when I was able to free up the time! Would have been great to ride with you my Brotha! Space, we are not going to make the 4-Corners Run part of this ride... Each year I do 6-8 days out during July, this year schedules got messed with so we actually are heading straight to Durango with little to no plans except to put on a bunch of miles on and see the sights. Thanks for all the suggestions. Space..have fun in BC. I have always wanted to ride up there...maybe next year! Post tons of pics.
Bearcat let me know if you might want to ride with us as we head through Flagstaff. Also, when we come back we are going to stay the night in Flag (either the 4th or 5th).
CT
Edited by Chandler Tom 2008-07-31 10:39 AM
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Durango in Sept