Colorado tour

[gman47]

We're planning a tour of Colorado for our annual tour. I have a route mapped out and would like someone from there to give a look-see and maybe some advice/comments.

Thanks, shelly!! The route I've chosen takes into account many factors: the number of riders (10-12), likes, don't likes, don't cares and time on the road. So here's the route:

June 6, Sat. Grand Junction, Co. to Cortez,Co. 233
Day 4 Rt. 50E to 141S to 145S

June 7, Sun. Cortez, Co. to Salida, Co. 282
Day 5 Rt.160E to 550N to 50E

June 8, Mon Salida, Co. to Carbondale, Co. 238
Day 6 Rt. 50E to 9N to 24N to 82N

June 9, Tues. Carbondale, Co to Salina, Ut 335
Day 7 Rt.133S to 92W to 50/70W

Thanks in advance for any advice or comments

[dshelly]

Go ahead and post your route on here. I'm sure between all the guys on here, someone has ridden where you plan to go.

[usranger74]

While I live in NE, I have spent the last 4 yrs ridding CO as I have a Son living in Cortez. It is hard to find a bad road or ride.

1. Make sure you take some cold/wet weather ridding gear. In early June you could see snow both on the road and on you.

2. You might be a little ahead of family vacation time. But, a lot of the more popular CO roads are often chocked with RV and slower moving vehicle. While the scenic values are very high the "ridding" value might wane a bit.

3. Lots of wildlife on the roads. Elk, bear, deer, RM Sheep, Doll Sheep etc.

A. If I follow this route the way to stated it. "June 6, Sat. Grand Junction, Co. to Cortez,Co. 233
Day 4 Rt. 50E to 141S to 145S" I can tell you that it is one of my all time favorite rides. Most folks who ride CO would not or do not take this route. The 141 section will have little traffic. Very few RVs. Great riding. The last half of the 141 S will take you through red rock country. On 145s look out for road overwash if it has recently rained or is raining.

B. June 7, Sun. Cortez, Co. to Salida, Co. 282 Day 5 Rt.160E to 550N to 50E - US550 has outstanding scenic values. But traffic can be high with RV and 18 wheelers that could lug down to 10-15 MPH with traffic backed up. If I were going to Salida from Cortez I would stay on US 160 and cut north on CO 149. Scenic value, while high, will be less than US550 but the ride value will be much better. ALSO US 50 from Gunnison to Salida has a lot of traffic(RV and Truck). If it were me, I would take CO 114 out of Gunnison then US 285 North - good scenic value and far less traffic.

C. June 8, Mon Salida, Co. to Carbondale, Co. 238 Day 6 Rt. 50E to 9N to 24N to 82N. Good ride. The 9N part I am willing to say is a hidden jem. Great MR riding road. 82 N is an outstanding ride to the Pass. After that I don't care for the ride to Carbon. Just me. To much traffic. To much urban living.

D. June 9, Tues. Carbondale, Co to Salina, Ut 335Day 7 Rt.133S to 92W to 50/70W - - I will be doing the same ride a few days before you. I have not been on a MC on 70 past Grand Junction. But I have done it in a car dozens of times. If you have the time I would take the following ride off of I 70. Go south on UT 128 to Moab then north on US 191 back to I 70. There is Gas and Food at Green River, UT.

I hope this helps. Enjoy the ride

[cactusjack]

I respectfully disagree, Bill. 550 is the Million Dollar highway - everyone should ride it at least once.

[usranger74]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I respectfully disagree, Bill. 550 is the Million Dollar highway - everyone should ride it at least once.

No disagreement CJ. If it were my first time that what I would do as well, based on its reputation. But, it's no were near the ridding vale of CO 149 and US 160 to 149 is a very nice ride as well.

[waterman]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I respectfully disagree, Bill. 550 is the Million Dollar highway - everyone should ride it at least once.

Originally Posted by usranger74

No disagreement CJ. If it were my first time that what I would do as well, based on its reputation. But, it's no were near the ridding vale of CO 149 and US 160 to 149 is a very nice ride as well.

550 is a must do but 149 has some stunning riding as well.

[gman47]

Thanks for the great info. I usually try to follow the " green dots" as much as possible, have never been disappointed.

[pipereed]

Is it worth it to go to Colorado? Can i see something interesting there?

[plumber63]

Originally Posted by pipereed

Is it worth it to go to Colorado? Can i see something interesting there?

If you stay out of the tourist trap areas, you can see some beautiful scenery. Colorado National Monument Park is worth a look.
149 coming out of South Fork and ending up at 50 is a really great ride. 114 South out of Gunnison is nice.
145/141 loop is also a nice ride.

[paradiddle]

Originally Posted by pipereed

Is it worth it to go to Colorado? Can i see something interesting there?

Yes, it’s worth it to go to Colorado! I had an incredible trip there last year that I still think about often.))