Colorado Help Need - I Have 5 Days and a Rented Bike

[ExNavyInHouston]

I have 5 full days on a Rented Electra Classic and I need some direction and suggestions on must see things and must drive down roads.

I will hit the highway July 10 in Denver and then head out to cover the whole state of Colorado. I don't mind crossing borders if it's worth it.

Since I have this much time I don't mind going as far as Durango, but I want to know the best way to get there (the twistier the better), via Pike's Peak and Royal Gorge.

I figured we would head south and hit the Peak, first and the Gorge and then over to Durango, then start making our way back towards Frisco and end up the last day over at Estes Park before returning the bike and flying home.

Help me out with some "must drive" roads and I will zig and zag all over to hit them.

Also, are there some areas to avoid?

I appreciate anything you have to offer, no matter how insignificant you think it is, when I start adding it all up it may be the most important bit.

[Whamrick]

Here's my "must ride" list:

Mt. Evans - Highest paved road in North America. Over 14,000 feet to top.

Trail Ridge Road - Awesome views riding up to 12,000 feet.

San Juan Skyway - North of Durango, with an obligatory tourist stop in Silverton

Independence Pass - Between Aspen and Leadville.

Peak to Peak - Central City to Mt. Evans (While in Mt. Evans, ride Big Thompson Canyon to Loveland.) Since you're winding up in Estes Park and I'm guessing you're returning the bike to Denver, turn left on CR 46/70 and ride Clear Creek Canyon into Golden to put the finishing touch on a great five days.

When you're planning your route, factor in that mountain riding is slower so you don't make as many miles, you'll probably stop often to take in the scenery, and it's prime summer tourist season.

Also, In July I've ridden in short sleeves in Colorado and then I've worn everything I've packed to keep warm. Moutaintops are cold, even in summer.

Have a blast! Colorado has some great riding!

Woody

[ExNavyInHouston]

Thanks Woody ... I am stoked about this trip. I have some input to share here I got from another site. Will post it later when I get time.

[hardway77]

Here's a website with some pretty good info:
http://www.motorcyclecolorado.com

Tom

[cowdog]

http://www.mapquest.com/mq/4-KPw6
some of my favorites

[arctic_mp7]

Colorado is a great state to ride in. Go to the garden of the gods in Colorado Springs and then go to the Broadmore hotel to the bumble bee bar and have a yard of guiniess or a black and tan. Great place was my first duty station in the army and have been trying to get back there ever since enjoy.

[modette99]

When you leave Denver, take 67 out of Sedalia, CO towards Deckers, CO (67 to 97 turns back to 67, one section about 2-3 mile sis dirt but well worth it).

Deckers is the hangout for every motorcyclist. You could go up to Pines on 126 out of Deckers and stop and see the 200 year old Bar called the Buck Snort. It is not right in Pines, it is off to the right (east) and is located on a small dirt road but well worth the stop.

Seeing as you want to head to Pikes Peak, I then would head back south of 126 to Deckers, then 67 south to Woodland Park. From there take US24 east to Pikes Peak.

After Pikes Peak, go east on US24 to Colorado Springs. Then jump on I25 south for one exit (140) and take 115 to Canon City. Right before you get to US50 there is a place on your left called the Gooseberry Patch which has good food, and just a nice place to stop. Try the Sloppy Pocket :-)

From there jump on US50 west to Canon City. Canon City has the Prison Mesuem, and just past it to the west is the Royal Gorge. Please note that you can do a loop and ride over the bridge of the Royal Gorge with your ticket (they don't advertise this well, but first walk around and see the stuff and come back and pull up to the gate to the side of the ticket booths and show your ticket and ride across the bridge :-).

I'll let you figure out roads from there...but you should check out Bishops Castle too.

[modette99]

Originally Posted by arctic_mp7

Colorado is a great state to ride in. Go to the garden of the gods in Colorado Springs

GofG's is a mad house, I would stay away. You get tour buses, and people in general not knowing how to drive. Plus allt he hikers, and bicycles it is not fun at all on a motorcycle during this time of the year.

Also Cave of the Winds, and the Cliff Dwellings are something to check out on US24 between GoG's and Pikes Peak.

[modette99]

Originally Posted by hardway77

Here's a website with some pretty good info:
http://www.motorcyclecolorado.com

Tom

Also my site ;-)
www.cowrw.com

[hardway77]

Originally Posted by modette99

Also my site ;-)
www.cowrw.com

Mark,

It looks like you are starting to gather some great Colorado
riding info. I have added it to my favorites and will continue
to check it out.

Tom

[modette99]

Please keep checking it out, I try to add new stuff all the time...like todays Riders Photos, this guy looked to of gone down hard but said he was okay. I'm sure he will be sore tomorrow.