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Colorado Mountain Adventure Ride 2018

'Monday July 9th, 2018 6:00'
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Colorado Mountain Adventure Ride 2018

US 550 - The Million Dollar Highway
US 550 - The Million Dollar Highway


Motorcycle Trip Summary:

Jackie and I have done several motorcycle trips to Colorado to meet up and ride with Jackie's brother, Ash. Our last visit in 2015 was based in Ouray.  We loved riding in the area so much we decided to base in Ouray again for several days and invited Ash to join us.

Intrigued by the rocky unpaved mountain passes we came on bikes suitable for tackling the terrain - BMW 1200 GS's and a KTM 1090. The were a blast both on and off road. 

We then moved on to the canyons west of the mountains spending a night in Grand Junction. From Grand Junction we crossed the Grand Mesa and took the long way to Aspen exploring more canyons on the way.

Details of this trip follow....

Jackie and her GS at Independence Pass
Jackie and her GS at Independence Pass


 


The Plan

  • July 7, Sat. - Fly to Denver from North Carolina.
  • July 8, Sun. - Hang out with Jackie's brother in Denver
  • July 9, Mon. - Pick up bikes, head for Ouray
  • July 10,Tue. - Million Dollar Highway to Durango and back
  • July 11, Wed. - The off road Alpine Loop in the high mountains
  • July 12, Thu. - Loop west through Telluride
  • July 13, Fri. - CO 141 loop to Grand Junction
  • July 14, Sat. - Grand Junction to Aspen
  • July 15, Sun. - Aspen to Denver
  • July 16, Mon. - return bikes, hang out in city
  • July 17, Tue. - Fly from Denver to NC.

 

Wayne Busch in Mancos, CO
Wayne Busch in Mancos, CO

The Best Motorcycle Roads on this Trip

US 550 - Million Dollar Highway

CO 141 - Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Road

CO 145 - Lizzard Head Pass

CO 65 - Grand Mesa Scenic Highway

CO 92 - Black Canyon of the Gunnison River

CO 133 - McClure Pass

CO 82 - Independence Pass

US 50 - Monarch Pass

CO 103 - Mt. Evans Scenic Bypass

CO 74 - Bear Creek Canyon

The Alpine Loop

Bird Camp Road 

 


Ash Brooks atop Engineer Pass on the Alpine Loop
Ash Brooks atop Engineer Pass on the Alpine Loop

Where We Stayed

Denver - Stayed with family

Ouray:

Point of Interest (49674)
Beaumont Hotel & Spa

Beaumont Hotel & Spa

(970) 325-7000

(970) 325-7000

Ouray - Beaumont Hotel
Ouray - Beaumont Hotel

Grand Junction:

Aspen:

Point of Interest (50661)
Hotel Durant

Hotel Durant

Cozy rooms in an informal, woodsy hotel offering free Wi-Fi & breakfast, plus an outdoor hot tub.

Cozy rooms in an informal, woodsy hotel offering free Wi-Fi & breakfast, plus an outdoor hot tub.

CO 141 - Jackie loved the ride, the heat, not so much.
CO 141 - Jackie loved the ride, the heat, not so much.

 


Notable Places Where We Ate And Drank

Sedalia


Denver

Link (59505)

Check Out Terminal Bar | Terminal Bar Denver

One of the best wine and beer bars offering the best burgers in Denver, Terminal Bar also offers a weekly Retro Happy Hour.

https://www.terminalbardenver.com/


Ouray

Ouray - Ouray Brewery
Ouray - Ouray Brewery


 

Link (59555)

Ouray's Original Brew Pub & Restaurant - Ouray Brewery

Ouray Brewery is a family owned restaurant and brewery in the heart of Ouray, Colorado, serving award-winning beers and pub-style American cuisine. Enjoy a unique restaurant atmosphere with our roof top dining or overlook our brewery.

https://www.ouraybrewery.com/

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Link (59539)

Thai Chili Ouray | Ouray, CO 81427 | Menu

Food Takeout from Thai Chili Ouray, best Lunch Specials, Salads, Thai Takeout in Ouray, CO

Lake City

Link (59648)

Menus for Southern Vittles - Lake City - SinglePlatform

Good old southern cooking!! specializing in fried fish, shrimp and chicken. also added this year is more BBQ. come check out our new menu items!

http://places.singleplatform.com/so...

Naturita

Point of Interest (50414)
Blondies

Blondies

This is a '50s decor local eating place

This is a '50s decor local eating place

Aspen

Point of Interest (59547)
Aspen Tap

Aspen Tap

Aspen Brewing Company

Aspen Brewing Company

Aspen - Ajax Tavern
Aspen - Ajax Tavern


 

Point of Interest (59546)
Ajax Tavern

Ajax Tavern

AJAX TAVERN - AT THE BASE OF ASPEN MOUNTAIN
Say “apres-ski,” and most people picture something strikingly similar to Ajax Tavern – glamorous yet easy. You can see Ajax Tavern’s sun-drenched, mountainside patio from halfway up the mountain – a simple target for lunch or cocktails. Arrive and let the people-watching begin; there’s no better seat in town.

Located at the base of Aspen Mountain and next to the Silver Queen Gondola, Ajax Tavern is the restaurant in Aspen for casual fine dining in an unbeatable atmosphere. The Tavern comes to life at lunch, and the party rolls on well into the night. If you go no further on the menu, try the truffle fries and Ajax double cheeseburger – they have earned their reputation.

AJAX TAVERN - AT THE BASE OF ASPEN MOUNTAIN
Say “apres-ski,” and most people picture something strikingly similar to Ajax Tavern – glamorous yet easy. You can see Ajax Tavern’s sun-drenched, mountainside patio from halfway up the mountain – a simple target for lunch or cocktails. Arrive and let the people-watching begin; there’s no better seat in town.

Located at the base of Aspen Mountain and next to the Silver Queen Gondola, Ajax Tavern is the restaurant in Aspen for casual fine dining in an unbeatable atmosphere. The Tavern comes to life at lunch, and the party rolls on well into the night. If you go no further on the menu, try the truffle fries and Ajax double cheeseburger – they have earned their reputation.

Silverton - Handlebars Saloon
Silverton - Handlebars Saloon

Silverton

Telluride
 

Point of Interest (59548)
Brown Dog Pizza

Brown Dog Pizza

Casual outpost offering a variety of pizza styles along with burgers, sandwiches, salads & wings.

Casual outpost offering a variety of pizza styles along with burgers, sandwiches, salads & wings.

Grand Junction
 

Point of Interest (50431)
The Rockslide Brewery and Restaurant

The Rockslide Brewery and Restaurant

Bustling microbrewery with mug club for locals, pub food, two daily happy hours & trivia nights.

Bustling microbrewery with mug club for locals, pub food, two daily happy hours & trivia nights.

Grand Junction - Il Bistro
Grand Junction - Il Bistro


Point of Interest (50432)
Il Bistro Italiano

Il Bistro Italiano

Homey chef-owned bistro offering Italian comfort food & a wine list with local vineyards noted.

Homey chef-owned bistro offering Italian comfort food & a wine list with local vineyards noted.


The Bikes We Rode 

The Bikes - Ouray
The Bikes - Ouray

BMW 1200 GS - Jackie (Rental)

BMW 1200 GSA, BMW 1200 GS - Wayne (Rental)

KTM 1090 - Ash (Personal)

KTM 690 - Ash (Personal)

Bikes Rented from:

Point of Interest (49667)
Colorado Motorcycle Adventures

Colorado Motorcycle Adventures

(720) 505-2030

(720) 505-2030

Colorado Motorcycle Adventures - Denver
Colorado Motorcycle Adventures - Denver

Things I learned on this trip - 

Plan your Colorado motorcycle trip to avoid riding into / out of Denver on weekends - Especially holiday weekends. If the weather is nice everyone heads for the mountains. Traffic can get brutal.

The rides are long -  When you link them together to form the most convenient loops you're often on a day ride. 

It's hot in the summer - Not the best time to ride the canyons. 

The Best Motorcycle Roads on this Trip

US 550 - Million Dollar Highway

US 550

North of Ouray, US 550 runs to Montrose. Ouray sits at the base of the mountain pass. North of town you enter a broad valley that continues to Montrose. The small town of Ridgeway lies between the larger towns at the significant junction with CO 62.

CO 550 - north of Ouray
CO 550 - north of Ouray

 

The Million Dollar Highway is the section of US 550 from Ouray to Silverton, so called due to the numerous gold and silver mines at it's highest points. From Ouray, the road climbs quickly through switchbacks as you leave town. There are a couple nice overlooks worth a stop to take in the grand views of the canyon you're about to enter. There's a small tunnel then you'll find yourself clinging to the two lane road perched on the edge of thousand foot drops with no guardrails. The road climbs along the slopes of the huge mountains, occasional glimpses of the rushing river below. Expect construction and short delays, they are always working on this road. Reaching some switchbacks near the top of Red Mountain you'll pass a scenic mine then roll out across the top of the pass. The road then winds the long way down to Silverton through wonderful curves high above the valleys below.

 

US 550 - The Million Dollar Highway
US 550 - The Million Dollar Highway


 

South of Silverton US 550 climbs again through curves and switchbacks to reach Molas Pass then makes a gradual winding descent through the broad wooded valley on the way to Durango

Video (59680)

CO 2018 - Million Dollar Highway

Clips from motorcycle riding on US 550 - The Million Dollar Highway in Colorado.

 

CO 141

 

CO 141 - The Unaweep/Tabequache Byway  was one of the best roads we discovered this trip.

 

CO 141 - entering the badlands / Slickrock
CO 141 - entering the badlands / Slickrock

 

It's a long ride. It takes a while to get into the slickrock area then there's a long open stretch.

CO 141 - slickrock area at south end
CO 141 - slickrock area at south end

 

Enjoy those high rocky areas while you can. The road next drops to a long flat stretch of desolate empty riding.

CO 141 - Some nice riding at the south end
CO 141 - Some nice riding at the south end

 

The long flat stretch across the open range leads to the start of the 150+ miles of canyons to come. 

 

CO 141 - south section
CO 141 - south section

 

Coming into the Naturita, the middle of the ride, the canyons start to build. It's a good place for a break. Blondie's Diner fit the bill, food was good.

 

Blondie's, Naturita
Blondie's, Naturita

 

The canyons continue to build north of Naturita. 

 

CO 141 - north of Naturita
CO 141 - north of Naturita

 

They really get big once you pass Gateway.

CO 141 - north end
CO 141 - north end

 

The canyons just go on and on, growing every bigger. It's amazing.

CO 141
CO 141

 

July is probably not the best time to ride this road, temperatures were over 100 degrees at times. Spring or fall are probably better, still the ride was thrilling.

CO 141 - Jackie loved the ride, the heat, not so much.
CO 141 - Jackie loved the ride, the heat, not so much.

 

As you draw nearer to Grand Junction the canyons become smaller and greener. Then gradually fade away. There's one last easy drop down into the valley and town.

 

CO 141
CO 141

 

CO 145

 

CO 145 starts at it's north end as an intersection with CO 141 near Naturita. It then runs southeast to Telluride passing the important junction with CO 62, the link to Ouray.

 

CO 145 - north of Telluride
CO 145 - north of Telluride

 

It's the section south of Telluride that offers the best riding through the high mountains.

 

CO 145
CO 145

 

CO 65 - Grand Mesa Scenic Highway 

CO 65 takes you on a beautiful ride across the top of Grand Mesa

 

CO 65 - morning start in the north Canyon
CO 65 - morning start in the north Canyon

 

Coming in from the I-70 at the north end, CO 65 makes a long and dramatic climb through a large canyon to gain the top of the mesa. 

 

 

C0 65
C0 65

 

Once you get on top of the mesa the road rolls along through the high forest the landscape dotted with innumerable small lakes. Trails lead off into the backcountry.

 

CO 65 - atop the north rim of Grand Mesa
CO 65 - atop the north rim of Grand Mesa

 

Midway across the mesa a visitor center offers a convenient scenic stop.

CO 65 - crossing the Grand Mesa
CO 65 - crossing the Grand Mesa

 

Once past the visitor center the road starts a long slow roll down from the heights. 

CO 65 - Grand Mesa Visitor Center
CO 65 - Grand Mesa Visitor Center

 

x

 

CO 65 - Grand Mesa Visitor Center
CO 65 - Grand Mesa Visitor Center

 

Grand Mesa Visitor Center view
Grand Mesa Visitor Center view

 

CO 92

Route (49964)
CO 92

CO 92

COLORADO HIGHWAY 92
One of the most breathtaking drives, Colorado Highway 92 crosses over Blue Mesa Dam and winds along the north rim of the Black Canyon, providing gorgeous views at every turn.

Pioneer Point offers great views of the Curecanti Needle and Curecanti Creek. Golden Eagles, Turkey Vultures, other birds and wildlife are common sights. Get a great view of the canyon at Hermit's Rest Overlook or take a hike to an overlook that begins on Highway 92 at Crystal Creek. Continue west to the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

CO 92 - near Gunnison
CO 92 - near Gunnison

 

C0 92 traces along the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River climbing to the rim of the deep gorge then rolling along the edge for quite a while.  It's a curvy technical ride in places. While you'll catch peeks into the depths, to really appreciate the beauty stop at the overlooks or ride out onto the points. 

CO 92 - Hermit's Rest Overlook
CO 92 - Hermit's Rest Overlook

 

The road drops down from the north rim then passes through Crawford and flatter country to reach C0 92 at Hotchkiss

 

CO 92
CO 92

 

CO 82

CO 82 - Independence Pass
CO 82 - Independence Pass

 

CO 82 runs from downtown Aspen over Independence Pass to meet US 24 at a remote junction. It's a gradual climb which brings you atop the edge of a huge gorge then circles around the rim. The edge of the road drops thousands of feet to the valley below and the heights can be intimidating. Coming down the road traces a river through the forest passing through the tiny town of Twin Lakes before it reaches the end of the run near the actual Twin Lakes.

Video (60063)

CO 2018 Riding Independnece Pass

Video and comments on a motorcycle ride from Aspen to Twin Lakes on July 15, 2018

 

CO 133

Route (50134)
CO 133

CO 133

Runs along the north fork of the Gunnison River climbing into the mountains. The river canyon gets tighter at elevation then there are nice views of distant mountains and some tall roadside formations. The road peaks at 8,755 ft McClure Pass, then drops to the small town of Redstone. It then follows along the Whitewater Crystal River.

 

CO 133 - Coal Mine
CO 133 - Coal Mine

 

CO 133 is a long nice ride we used to approach Aspen. Watch your speed at the west end near Hotchkiss and Paonia, we saw a lot of police activity here.

 

CO 133
CO 133

 

The road makes a gradual climb into the mountains ultimately crossing McClure Pass then running through wooded canyons as it descends towards Carbondale.

 

CO 133
CO 133

 

Approaching Carbondale the road traces the banks of the rushing Crystal River.  

CO 133
CO 133

 

US 50

US 50 - Monarch Pass
US 50 - Monarch Pass

 

US 50 from Poncha Springs to Grand Junction - Poncha Springs lies in a broad flat valley. Heading west the road soon climbs high into the wooded mountains through winding curves to reach Monarch Pass then makes a gradual descent to the beautiful canyons near Gunnison.

 

US 50 - Monarch Pass
US 50 - Monarch Pass

 

West of Gunnison the road crosses through the dry hills to reach Montrose. It's not a particularly scenic section.

 

US 50 - Lake San Cristobal
US 50 - Lake San Cristobal

 

From Montrose, US 50 angles north to Grand Junction. We found little of interest on this stretch of the road.

 

 

Map (59620)
 CO 103

CO 103

Mount Evans Scenic Byway:
The route begins at Idaho Springs, where it heads southwest away from the center of the city and follows the Chicago Creek. After exiting the city, the route begins climbing in elevation, ultimately reaching an elevation of about 10,000 feet,[2] where it meets State Highway 5, at Echo Lake Park. Together with Highway 5, the route to this point forms the Mount Evans Scenic Byway,[3] the highest paved road in North America. Then the route continues through Squaw Pass, along the upper end of Echo Mountain Ski Area and on to its terminus at County Route 151. Past this point, the highway is not marked by CDOT, but the rest of what is called Squaw Pass Road descends toward Evergreen

CO 103 - Mt Evans Scenic Byway
CO 103 - Mt Evans Scenic Byway

 

CO 103 combined with CO HWY 5 forms the Mount Evans Scenic Byway which includes the highest paved road in the US.

 

CO 103
CO 103

 

The ride is not far from Denver and connects to I-70 so it tends to get crowded on weekends and holidays.

 

CO 103
CO 103

 

The Echo Lake Lodge is a good pit stop with good food.

 

CO 103 - Echo Lake Lodge
CO 103 - Echo Lake Lodge

 

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Wednesday July 25th 2018
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