user 28803
Ridin' and smilin'
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- Apr 21, 2012
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Beautiful! I've gotta do a "ride Colorado" trip one if these days.
Seattle to SW-FOG Salida Co
- Thread starter Fontanaman
- Start date
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Fontanaman
Robin Trower
Day 5
My route for the day is dependent on crossing Colorado Hwy 12 most of which is gravel. The reports are it is very good gravel so I am not too worried about crossing. The reason for riding Hwy 12 is it is on of the most scenic road in Colorado with Aspens and magnificent views.
As I approach pavements end I see a sign saying Mag Chloride was being applied to the road. The road was closed for the next hour or so. I spoke with the lady holding the road closed sign. She said the solution was like a sticky salt brine used to keep the dust down. I was not willing to get a salt solution all over the bike so I turned around.
This meant a short trip to Salida over Monarch Pass.
The speed limit on US 50 near Monarch Pass
View from Monarch Pass
My route for the day is dependent on crossing Colorado Hwy 12 most of which is gravel. The reports are it is very good gravel so I am not too worried about crossing. The reason for riding Hwy 12 is it is on of the most scenic road in Colorado with Aspens and magnificent views.
As I approach pavements end I see a sign saying Mag Chloride was being applied to the road. The road was closed for the next hour or so. I spoke with the lady holding the road closed sign. She said the solution was like a sticky salt brine used to keep the dust down. I was not willing to get a salt solution all over the bike so I turned around.
This meant a short trip to Salida over Monarch Pass.
The speed limit on US 50 near Monarch Pass
View from Monarch Pass
Fontanaman
Robin Trower
Day 6
The group route for the day is over Independence Pass. Yes!
Rather than riding with the group I went into tourist riding mode, meaning I road this solo, so I could take pictures along the way.
Before the ride we had a group grope SW-FOG photo.
On the road..... wonderful.
Keep in mind I am doing all the photo with a Canon S100 pocket camera. Sweat.
A sheep is in the road. I was startled but had plenty of time to stop then take some photos.
Shooting into the sun is not good.
More road shots approaching Independence Pass riding from east to west.
At the Independence Pass overlook. My thoughs about Independence Pass can be summed up in one word - Massive!
Heading down the west side....
Aspen trees....
The group route for the day is over Independence Pass. Yes!
Rather than riding with the group I went into tourist riding mode, meaning I road this solo, so I could take pictures along the way.
Before the ride we had a group grope SW-FOG photo.
On the road..... wonderful.
Keep in mind I am doing all the photo with a Canon S100 pocket camera. Sweat.
A sheep is in the road. I was startled but had plenty of time to stop then take some photos.
Shooting into the sun is not good.
More road shots approaching Independence Pass riding from east to west.
At the Independence Pass overlook. My thoughs about Independence Pass can be summed up in one word - Massive!
Heading down the west side....
Aspen trees....
David Foley
Well-known member
Great photos - Fontanaman! Doing this with a pocket camera is very impressive!
Fontanaman
Robin Trower
Thanks guys! The Canon S100 pocket camera is working out better than expected. I am getting all the pictures I want without lugging a bunch of gear around. Yeah I don't have filters or a tripod for HDR but I am enjoying travelling lightly.
Actually the Canon S100 has a built in HDR funtion but needs a tripod for best results.
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Redfish Hunter
Gone Fishing
You are doing great so far. I am supposed to leave here in 13 days headed to that area. I am more than excited about the Hwy 141/Hwy 145 loop. Are the wildfires affecting your routing? You mentioned the lack of humidity and a range of temps. How much of a temp swing can I expect? Thank you so very much for doing this scouting run for me. I am getting the bikes ready, getting myself prepared and as this trip approaches I am having trouble remaining calm. I have made up my mind that Dad will ride that FJR through some of these passes and I will have pics.
Fontanaman
Robin Trower
Yes the 90+ temps and first are affecting my plans. I was going to head from Salida to Durango via Hwy 149 and 160 but a fire changed my plans. The town of South Fork where Hwy 149 and 160 intersect was evacuated. I could have went from Salida to Montrose but was not interested in more 90+ temps, windy weather and low humidity. I have been drinking about 0.5 gallons of water each day.
I am a Pac NW guy who is not used to 90+ temps, but the wind played more of a factor. At times it has gusted to 35 - you get tired of that after a while.
Fontanaman
Robin Trower
Day 7
The fire near South Fork spoiled my ride plans to Durango. I also I am tired of the 90+ temps, stiff wind and low humidity. In Colorado there many beautiful place in the Rockies but they are separated by vast expanse of hot, arid rangeland. Oh yeah internet access at the Gateway Hotel in Salida did work with a damn either - that also played a factor.
The new plan is to go to Mt. Evan the highest point you can drive to on a paved road in North America. So I created a route full of twisty fun. I highly recommend the book The Complete Guide to Motorcycling in Colorado by Steve Farson. Great book for finding the twisty road only the locals know about.
Along Hwy 25 near Fairplay.
Along the Tarryall Rd. Note this is under construction with a 10 mile gravel section. Not fun.
It was nice before it went to gravel.
My route took me to Deckers and up Pine Valley Roads. Great twisty and lot of LEO - good thing I was still in tourist mode.
It was Saturday and the road to Mt. Evans was crowded and slow going. It reminded me of the Going to the Sun Highway in Glacier National Park. The weather was cloudy and keeping the temps down - nice.
The top of Mt. Evans.
A screen shot of my GPS - it is accurate.
On the way down I shot a few photos.
I ended up in Boulder. Finding a hotel is not easy without a reservation. The lack of internet access in Salida made things difficult.
The fire near South Fork spoiled my ride plans to Durango. I also I am tired of the 90+ temps, stiff wind and low humidity. In Colorado there many beautiful place in the Rockies but they are separated by vast expanse of hot, arid rangeland. Oh yeah internet access at the Gateway Hotel in Salida did work with a damn either - that also played a factor.
The new plan is to go to Mt. Evan the highest point you can drive to on a paved road in North America. So I created a route full of twisty fun. I highly recommend the book The Complete Guide to Motorcycling in Colorado by Steve Farson. Great book for finding the twisty road only the locals know about.
Along Hwy 25 near Fairplay.
Along the Tarryall Rd. Note this is under construction with a 10 mile gravel section. Not fun.
It was nice before it went to gravel.
My route took me to Deckers and up Pine Valley Roads. Great twisty and lot of LEO - good thing I was still in tourist mode.
It was Saturday and the road to Mt. Evans was crowded and slow going. It reminded me of the Going to the Sun Highway in Glacier National Park. The weather was cloudy and keeping the temps down - nice.
The top of Mt. Evans.
A screen shot of my GPS - it is accurate.
On the way down I shot a few photos.
I ended up in Boulder. Finding a hotel is not easy without a reservation. The lack of internet access in Salida made things difficult.
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escapefjrtist
Searching for Dry Roads
Good looking trip Jim...except for the temps and wind!
Thanks for the pics and taking us along on the adventure.
--G
Thanks for the pics and taking us along on the adventure.
--G
Fontanaman
Robin Trower
Day 8
Today the plan is to continue north zig zagging the canyon approach roads west of Boulder.
So again I created a route full of twisty fun.
Coal Creek Canyon where I spot three LEO just waiting for speeder. Thankfully I was still in full tourist mode.
After Coal Creek Canyon I descended Lefthand Canyon. There was a bicycle event and the cyclists were riding up the 16 mile long canyon. Quite an impressive feat.
I arrived in Lyon Colorado to find, my route, Hwy 7 running along the souteast side of Rocky Mountain National Park was under construction. The sign said alternate routes advised so heeded the advice and went to Este Park. I was going to check out Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mt. NP but it too was under construction and the crush of people in Estes Park convinced me to drop that section of this route.
So I was on to Buckhorn Road and finally found open highway once again and the usual low Colorado speed limits.
Buckhorn Road pics.
Nice pavement here.
I head west on Hwy 14 where a take a few more pictures. Great scenery along this section of Hwy 14 before Cameron Pass.
I went south to spend the night in Kremmling Co.
Today the plan is to continue north zig zagging the canyon approach roads west of Boulder.
So again I created a route full of twisty fun.
Coal Creek Canyon where I spot three LEO just waiting for speeder. Thankfully I was still in full tourist mode.
After Coal Creek Canyon I descended Lefthand Canyon. There was a bicycle event and the cyclists were riding up the 16 mile long canyon. Quite an impressive feat.
I arrived in Lyon Colorado to find, my route, Hwy 7 running along the souteast side of Rocky Mountain National Park was under construction. The sign said alternate routes advised so heeded the advice and went to Este Park. I was going to check out Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mt. NP but it too was under construction and the crush of people in Estes Park convinced me to drop that section of this route.
So I was on to Buckhorn Road and finally found open highway once again and the usual low Colorado speed limits.
Buckhorn Road pics.
Nice pavement here.
I head west on Hwy 14 where a take a few more pictures. Great scenery along this section of Hwy 14 before Cameron Pass.
I went south to spend the night in Kremmling Co.
ahchiu
FJR Commander
Great pticures Jim, thanks for keepimg us updated on your trip, I want to get back to CO. I rode there in June 08 and it was HOT!!
Riona
Well-known member
Loving my armchair ride-along
Fontanaman
Robin Trower
Day 9
Today the plan is to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, Berthoud Pass and Loveland Pass.
Here is my route.
The first thing to catch my attention this morning it is it cooler in the Northern Colorado Rockies. I put my jacket liner. Nudge nudge hint hint Redfish Hunter.
After getting underway the next thing to catch my eye is how small the Colorado River is near Kremmling Colorado.
Colorado River
I drive up the Trail Ridge Road to an elevation of 12215. It is odd at the summit there is no turn out or parking area so I go back a forth a time or two to capture a GPS screen shot.
Along the way I take a few pictures. It was cloudy on the way up.
Before the descent the clouds cleared. Nice.
On the way up I noticed the Colorado River trailhead parking lot. It was then I got the idea for this picture. So on the way down I stopped, found the river and took this picture of the Colorado River.
Next I went to Berthoud Pass. There was some construction. They were applying tar snakes. Construction cones made a mess of photo ops.
Berthoud Pass descent.
Next I went to Loveland Pass. I had to take I-70 and there was a 11 mile construction backup. Lucky for me I got on the freeway at about the 8 mile mark. The delay wasn’t too bad. The exit to Loveland Pass could not come soon enough.
From Loveland Pass
Loveland Pass descent.
I am spending the night in Kremmling Colorado.
Today the plan is to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, Berthoud Pass and Loveland Pass.
Here is my route.
The first thing to catch my attention this morning it is it cooler in the Northern Colorado Rockies. I put my jacket liner. Nudge nudge hint hint Redfish Hunter.
After getting underway the next thing to catch my eye is how small the Colorado River is near Kremmling Colorado.
Colorado River
I drive up the Trail Ridge Road to an elevation of 12215. It is odd at the summit there is no turn out or parking area so I go back a forth a time or two to capture a GPS screen shot.
Along the way I take a few pictures. It was cloudy on the way up.
Before the descent the clouds cleared. Nice.
On the way up I noticed the Colorado River trailhead parking lot. It was then I got the idea for this picture. So on the way down I stopped, found the river and took this picture of the Colorado River.
Next I went to Berthoud Pass. There was some construction. They were applying tar snakes. Construction cones made a mess of photo ops.
Berthoud Pass descent.
Next I went to Loveland Pass. I had to take I-70 and there was a 11 mile construction backup. Lucky for me I got on the freeway at about the 8 mile mark. The delay wasn’t too bad. The exit to Loveland Pass could not come soon enough.
From Loveland Pass
Loveland Pass descent.
I am spending the night in Kremmling Colorado.
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Bugnatr
Well-known member
Are you having any fun yet?
Good stuff so far!
Good stuff so far!
Fontanaman
Robin Trower
Nah this is a complete drag riding a wonderful motorcycle every day for a few miles, taking photos, relaxing at night planning the next day's itinerary. Why would anybody in their right mind want to do this?
Mihalis fjr
Well-known member
A W E S O M E..!!!
What wonderful landscapes..!!!
What wonderful landscapes..!!!
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Fontanaman
Robin Trower
Day 10
Today the plan is to leave Colorado and spend the night in Thermopolis Wy.
Here is a route.
Before leaving Colorado for the flat lands in southern Wyoming I decide enjoy some of the twisty roads near Steamboat Springs.
Gore Pass is low elevation for Colorado standards.
Gore Pass
Range Land
Odd rock in the range land.
Same rock different perspective.
I blew by Steamboat Springs and up to Rabbit Ears Pass. I did not see any rabbit but did get some terrific view of the valley below. I took a few photos but nothing turned out - sometimes awesomeness can’t be caught with the camera.
I said goodbye the Aspen trees of Colorado and said hello to the flat land of southern Wyoming. But if you look hard enough there is always something to take a picture of. In this case the clouds are interesting.
The road rolls out of sight into the clouds.
I get a respite from the Wyoming range land along Hwy 20, the Wind River Canyon.
Wind River Canyon
I spend the night in Thermopolis Wyoming - a big mistake - the hotel was a dump. I tried to save a buck and it didn’t pay off. I should have went on up to Cody Wyoming. Worst was I had no internet. They said they had internet. I guess a wireless router sending an empty signal counts as internet service.... grrrrrr.
Today the plan is to leave Colorado and spend the night in Thermopolis Wy.
Here is a route.
Before leaving Colorado for the flat lands in southern Wyoming I decide enjoy some of the twisty roads near Steamboat Springs.
Gore Pass is low elevation for Colorado standards.
Gore Pass
Range Land
Odd rock in the range land.
Same rock different perspective.
I blew by Steamboat Springs and up to Rabbit Ears Pass. I did not see any rabbit but did get some terrific view of the valley below. I took a few photos but nothing turned out - sometimes awesomeness can’t be caught with the camera.
I said goodbye the Aspen trees of Colorado and said hello to the flat land of southern Wyoming. But if you look hard enough there is always something to take a picture of. In this case the clouds are interesting.
The road rolls out of sight into the clouds.
I get a respite from the Wyoming range land along Hwy 20, the Wind River Canyon.
Wind River Canyon
I spend the night in Thermopolis Wyoming - a big mistake - the hotel was a dump. I tried to save a buck and it didn’t pay off. I should have went on up to Cody Wyoming. Worst was I had no internet. They said they had internet. I guess a wireless router sending an empty signal counts as internet service.... grrrrrr.
escapefjrtist
Searching for Dry Roads
Awesome trip Jim, thanks for taking the time to post it up with shabby internet connections.
Can't wait to hear about it when you have the time!
--G
Can't wait to hear about it when you have the time!
--G
Fontanaman
Robin Trower
Day 11
Today the plan is to ride Beartooth Pass a first for me. After that I planned on going to Missoula Mt to spend the night. My how plans change and it is why I like riding solo. All the change would drive people nuts.
Here is a route.
I start off at 5:00am Mountain time and ride up to Cody Wy for a quick breakfast at a McD’s. Soon I am on Hwy 296, aka the Chief Joseph Hwy. This is a great road, a riders road where you can get out and enjoy the big sweepers, ride at a quick pace and enjoy the scenery! Awesome road.
Chief Joseph Hwy
There was a yellow caution sign before this photo saying “Caution road damage ahead”.
Never saw it. All I see is new gorgeous asphalt.
I also see a warning sign like this.
The fine black top continued for a few miles.
The typical Wyoming pavement replete with tar snakes returns but the scenery remain spectacular.
Chief Joseph Pass was too much fun. I reminded me of the North Cascades Hwy. A riders road not a gawker’s road. I take the left turn onto Hwy 212, Beartooth Pass.
Beartooth Pass Photos
The scenery is amazing. Like Independence Pass the word massive comes to mind.
After Beartooth Pass I head to I-90 and begin my trek to Missoula. Along the way I realize I can make it back home before sunset. This is my first 1000 mile day. The temperature was in the mid 60’s and low 70’s making for ideal riding conditions. So in one day I have three firsts, Beartooth Pass, Chief Joseph Hwy and a 1k day. I get home at sunset about 9:40pm Pacific time. It was an awesome trip.
The End
Today the plan is to ride Beartooth Pass a first for me. After that I planned on going to Missoula Mt to spend the night. My how plans change and it is why I like riding solo. All the change would drive people nuts.
Here is a route.
I start off at 5:00am Mountain time and ride up to Cody Wy for a quick breakfast at a McD’s. Soon I am on Hwy 296, aka the Chief Joseph Hwy. This is a great road, a riders road where you can get out and enjoy the big sweepers, ride at a quick pace and enjoy the scenery! Awesome road.
Chief Joseph Hwy
There was a yellow caution sign before this photo saying “Caution road damage ahead”.
Never saw it. All I see is new gorgeous asphalt.
I also see a warning sign like this.
The fine black top continued for a few miles.
The typical Wyoming pavement replete with tar snakes returns but the scenery remain spectacular.
Chief Joseph Pass was too much fun. I reminded me of the North Cascades Hwy. A riders road not a gawker’s road. I take the left turn onto Hwy 212, Beartooth Pass.
Beartooth Pass Photos
The scenery is amazing. Like Independence Pass the word massive comes to mind.
After Beartooth Pass I head to I-90 and begin my trek to Missoula. Along the way I realize I can make it back home before sunset. This is my first 1000 mile day. The temperature was in the mid 60’s and low 70’s making for ideal riding conditions. So in one day I have three firsts, Beartooth Pass, Chief Joseph Hwy and a 1k day. I get home at sunset about 9:40pm Pacific time. It was an awesome trip.
The End
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