Sturgis Excursion

[Richrider]

A small group of us are coming from Ohio to Sturgis and will be taking a little
diversion to Colorado to check out Pike's peak.
None of us have ever been there before, does anyone have any insight
or any must do rides in the area?

There are lots of great rides on the front range of Colorado. The time you have available is the only limit.

As far as Pikes Peak itself, unless something has changed, motorcycles are not allowed on the toll road that ascends the mountain. Even if they have changed this rule, I wouldn't ride up that particular road. The upper half is gravel, and tends to be washboarded badly. I would plan on renting a car for the day in Colorado Springs.

Harris

[Mongo38]

If you coming down 25 from SD, I"d definitly take in Rocky Mountain national park, if you haven't done it thats an awsome ride and view.

[BUDKING]

Rich,


I'm right just east of you on I 90 in Westlake. Do you have a set group going? I got my RK Custom last year and was hoping to hook up with a group heading to Sturgis this year. Are you trailoring or riding?

Budking

Originally Posted by Mongo38

If you coming down 25 from SD, I"d definitly take in Rocky Mountain national park, if you haven't done it thats an awsome ride and view.

Great advice. In fact, if you're coming down 25, get off at Loveland, head west up Big Thompson Canyon through Estes Park. See RM National Park, then come down the Peak to Peak Highway. From there, it's easy to sneak up on Pikes Peak from the back, via the mountains.

Harris

[Richrider]

Harris
Thanks for the info. we weren't sure if bikes were allowed on the Peak or not.
Actually I didn't have a clue, like I said we have never been there but from what I've seen and heard about this portion of Colorado it's something I want to see.Everyone who has been there says you gotta go ride Colorado.
We will definitely check out the sites you mentioned too.
Thanks again.

[Richrider]

Budking
Right now we have 2 definites, 2 maybes and 1 not sure.
So it will probably be just 2 of us. Trailering to the guy I'm going
with is like a sin, so no trailer we will ride.
We are also going to do an Ironbutt from Ohio to Colorado then
head to Sturgis after Pike's Peak.
As it gets closer we should have a more solid feel for who's going
but all I know is it's going to be one kick-ass good time.

[MPZ]

Any road into the mountains from the Springs is a great road. Take Colorado Ave west from downtown Springs through old Colorado City and Manitou for lots of bars and places to eat. This is the old highway. After Manitou you will be routed onto the 4 lane but you can get off again at the Chipita Park exit and go through Green Mountain Falls, again for bars and such. When you get to Woodland Park you can head north for a mountain drive to Denver, or you can go to Cripple Creek to gamble. If you want to go that far, Salida is a nice town.
Or, if you're heading north from CS, take the old highway (83) instead of the Interstate. There's supposed to be a good biker bar in Franktown. From there go west through Castle Rock over to Sedalia and the Sedalia Grill. Always great-looking barmaids there. There's a motorcycle shop in town too.
Most dealers and shops in the area carry the free Southwest Scooter News which will let you know what's going on in the area.

[Jams]

Originally Posted by MPZ

Any road into the mountains from the Springs is a great road. .

Make that -- any road west of the Front Range -- is a great road.

Stay away from I-25 if you can. The traffic sucks big time!

[scooternut]

Did sort of the same trip last year but from PA. Planning on doing the same this year.

Advice, dont run I 70, there is a wonderful two lane alternative. I picked up 36 out of Decatur ILL and ran it all the way to CO. It is a two laner through MO and Kansas and actually made Kansas enjoyable for me.

It will not slow you up for your ironbutt. If i recall Kansas was about 400 or so miles with no stoplights that i can remember where you could easily run 80-90 if youre into that. Great history along the way as well. Pony express, oregon trail, etc....

I did Rocky Mountain National Park also and would call that a must see as it is on your way one way or another. I think the pass takes you to 12,600 feet, claims to be the highest "continuously paved road" in the country. Snow in Aug and lotsa elk to see. Several miles of road above the tree line. Fantastic views.

[ginger]

not sure how long you are planning on being in sturgis, but definate must sees are the the needles highway, up along custer state park, iron mountain road. all of those have nice scenary and some nice twisty turns. but don't forget to come into town for the festivities. there are always nice sites to see down town too

[Ed Y]

Originally Posted by Harris

There are lots of great rides on the front range of Colorado. The time you have available is the only limit.

As far as Pikes Peak itself, unless something has changed, motorcycles are not allowed on the toll road that ascends the mountain. Even if they have changed this rule, I wouldn't ride up that particular road. The upper half is gravel, and tends to be washboarded badly. I would plan on renting a car for the day in Colorado Springs.

Harris

Harris,

Not sure what time frame you're talking about but I made the trip up in late 90's and there were lots of bikes going up and down. Maybe it's changed since then. Really didn't think the road was too bad going up except for the rain, sleet and snow the last 3 miles going up. Had to wait at the top for 3 hours for snow to quit and graders to work the road. Fun ride back down though.

Moral to the story. If you're going up on a bike, do it in the morning. Lots of mid-to-late afternoon bad weather at the top. Course, it would have been nice if they told us this on our way up.