2008 CSC Road trip to the Grand Canyon?

[Clovis]

So we did the first annual CSC road trip to Durango on June 30th/July 1st and clocked in over 1000 miles for most riders.

10 Riders and a couple of hotel suites with some occasional motorcycle riding in between! It was a blast and I'm greatly looking forward to the next one!

Have any plans been made or discussed yet? :)

-Clov

[rforsythe]

Hm, not yet!

[Jason ON]

I'm planning one for me (not sure of the dates yet) through the 4-corners area. Four day trip most likely. I was going to do it this September, but a wedding and this new job got in the way, so now I'm thinking lat April/May.

[Sean]

I'm planning one for me (not sure of the dates yet) through the 4-corners area. Four day trip most likely. I was going to do it this September, but a wedding and this new job got in the way, so now I'm thinking lat April/May.

That sounds cool. But, would I have to ride with you?

[Jason ON]

Like, on my handlebars? Only if you want to.

[Clovis]

I love to travel and I especially love to travel by motorcycle.

I've been kicking the idea of a 3-4 day round trip to the Grand Canyon next summer (2008). I've never been and it's something I'd love to see.

It's roughly 700 miles from Colorado Springs to Flagstaff, AZ if going to the Southern Rim or slightly less (650ish) to Lake Jacob, AZ for the Northern Rim.

That's of course also taking the direct route (interstates) but of course a more scenic or mountain route would probably be preferable.

It's simply an idea at this point but would anyone be interested?

-Clov

[FZRguy]

Yeah, that’s a ways off. I’ve been to Durango too much so I was kicking around a trip over the Snowy Range and/or the Flaming Gorge. It’s been a while since I’ve ridden those areas.

[Brat]

I've been kicking the idea of a 3-4 day round trip to the Grand Canyon next summer (2008). I've never been and it's something I'd love to see.

yes, been there in ma cage, great drive. on the bike better i imagine.

[N1KSS1KS1x]

Hell yeah this would fun.

[HogGlider]

Some friends of mine from Minnesota and I are actually planning a similar trip next summer. Taking off to Moab, cut through the great morman state of Utah, down to Vegas area hit Hoover Dam, down to Kingman AZ, up Route 66 for a while, Grand Canyon, then off to the 4-Corners and up through central Colorado.

I will keep an eye on this group trip for dates and see if my buddies and I can't link up for part of it with some of you. Road trips are really where the real fun of riding motorcycle happens IMO!

[mtnairlover]

I absolutely loved the trip down to Durango. It was a great group of peeps, amazing weather and awesome roads.

Let's see if I can remember this right. We started out going down through Deckers to Woodland Park to pick up the CoSpgs peeps, then hwy24 to Buena Vista, then to Gunnison. Then right as you get to the Blue Mesa Res., there's a road that goes south to South Fork. I think it's hwy169 (or 149). Nice ride, some canyon stuff and lots of scenery. From there to Pagosa Springs, then to Durango. The next day, it was up the Million Dollar hwy to Ouray, and then up to Montrose, and over to hwy50(?) I think. Basically took the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison all the way to Gunnison. Then Buena Vista. At that point, Cosprgs peeps split off and North folks headed north up 285.

My most fav parts of the trip were Wolf Creek Pass, Monarch Pass and the North Rim road. Absolutely amazing and lots of work, too.:)

Can't wait for next summer.

[Joecycle]

This sounds sweet. I'll have to keep my eyes out for more info. I'd totally be in!

[FZRguy]

That was Hwy 149, which takes you south to Lake City, Creede and South Fork. It’s very low traffic and a great stretch of pavement for two wheels.

[firegixx600]

I'm packing up my mountain bike and putting up a donation jar at 7-11 for this one!

[Clovis]

hahaha. This one is going to be a blast ;) All though I'm thinking if we go through the San Juan mountains to Durango its going to be closer to a 4-5 day trip.

Ride down to Durango (full day of riding), stay at the iron horse inn (party at the iron horse!), ride to the grand canyon, stay there and ride around for a day, then 2 days riding back?

It's amazing, throw on some saddle backs, a tank bag and tail bag to the R1 and it becomes a sports tourer ;)

[Clovis]

The south rim looks like it is more developed (accomidating as far as lodging, gas, ect).

[Nick_Ninja]

The South Rim is like Disneyland. Get yer reservations (including campsites) early. Oh, and there is an IMAX there too.

[FZRguy]

I think NN is sayin’ North Rim…

Maybe just me, but I like to go where hoards of people aren’t for vacation. Alaska anyone?

[Clovis]

I know the trip is still a ways out but whoo, I'm looking forward to it :)

What could be more fun then a group of sport bikes on a 5 day adventure? :)

-Clov

[N1KSS1KS1x]

Is my little tank on my six gonna make it from gas stop to gas stop? Planing on a coulple more mods and from what ive heard its gonna put my range at about 100miles.

[Clovis]

Wow, 100 miles? :) You may want to look at getting a spare!

Then again the R1 gets 140-160 miles per tank so yeah, we'll be stopping every 120 miles or so.

Going to Durango at least I know gas wasn't an issue last summer.

It's only 310 miles from Durango to Flagstaff with a ton of little towns along the way so yeah, we'll be fine :)

[N1KSS1KS1x]

Depding on how many folks come maybe we should run chase truck or something?

[Sortarican]

I'd be up for something like this, still bummed I missed this summers S/W ride.

From Flagstaff ya gotta go down Oak Creek Canyon (89a I think).
Beatiful twisty little stretch following the creek in the canyon with great spots so swim and slid.

The road from there through Sedona/Cottonwood/Jerome/Prescott has some nice stretches too.

[Clovis]

Depding on how many folks come maybe we should run chase truck or something?

A chase truck would be nice but who's going to make the 1600 or so mile round trip in a vehical watching everyone else have fun on the bikes? :)

Unless it starts to rain, then it may be a different story =P

[N1KSS1KS1x]

I know a couple peeps that would do it. We would need a good rig set though trailer and all as I've yet to get umm
I might be good though,Pops just bought a new cruiser and will be coming and I may ride his fjr which can make the stops no problem.

[Warren]

I would love to go on this trip! I was at the North Rim a while back and it was beautiful. There are some pretty good roads between here and there too!

[Killa Kawi]

i dont know about going that far, seeing how ima have a brand new bike gotta keep it around the springs untill its first service, then im good to go, but i was thinking maybe a trip down to Vegas. I LOVE VEGAS. I think it would be great to go down there with a few riders. Anyone interested in doing that run as well?

[Clovis]

Well the first service comes after what.. 600, 1000 miles? :) It's not too hard to get beyond that point.

[Killa Kawi]

aha sure isnt.i ride everyday and all day heh heh

[DavidofColorado]

I'd be in. Can someone PM a map of the route?

[Killa Kawi]

well depending on my school schedule, i might not be able to do a run like that to the grand canyon, just starting college. But if i can do it, then yes i would love to go to the canyon as well.

[DavidofColorado]

I haven't been to the GC since 2001 and I drove my blazer there. I blew a lot of money in gas. I would love to try it on a bike. It took 15 hours in a truck from Denver to Phoenix. 8 hours from Denver to Vegas in a car. It would be an interesting ride.
What would something like this cost? Just to get some figures to work with.

[Bashed]

I haven't been to the GC since 2001 and I drove my blazer there. I blew a lot of money in gas. I would love to try it on a bike. It took 15 hours in a truck from Denver to Phoenix. 8 hours from Denver to Vegas in a car. It would be an interesting ride.
What would something like this cost? Just to get some figures to work with.

A few of my buddies and I are going to do basicly what we did last year. We are going to go to the SBK races at Miller and ride there in 2 days. Stay and watch the races for two days and then take a route I mapped out a few years ago and skirt the north rim on the way home, a 3 day trip. This gets in most of the good roads in south Utah and south/west Colorado. This will occur @ the end on May, first of June.
Gas depends mostly on your bikes milage. I figured 30 MPG and that equates to no more than $15 per 150 miles. 500 miles = $50 @ $3.00 per gallon. Most budget motels , IE motels 6/8 are 40-60 per night.Split in half with a roomie it $25. That leaves $25 for food for a day, sooo its right @ $100 for a day, give or take.
Add up the days and any other activities and you will be really close for a budget.
This is my personal guide and YMMV, your milage may vary.
Hope this helps.
Later Bash

[gsxrscott]

So about a grand huh?

[OldKneeDragger]

Hmmm.... I'm going to be doing a special little 32 hour non stop, high millage :crazy: ride in Nevada ending the afternoon of June 1st (same day WSB ends in Tooele). If I can get a few hours of sleep, I'll hook up with the Bash group for a more leisurely pace coming back on Monday the 2nd;)

[pilot]

In that past two years I've made several trips through the areas of the Four Corners while on travels from Denver to Las Vegas. Each time my goal was to take at least some form of a different route.

Grand Canyon-here's what I learned:
This area of the US is fantastic for riding. The roads, the weather (in general), the views and the people are truly enjoyable.
The best times of the year to make this run are mid-April to early June and early September to mid-October (less sand on the roads).
Weekdays are best as the foot traffic is limited.
It is better to take the 64 in from 89 and enjoy the Desert View run in from the west than it is to come in from the south through Flagstaff, Williams, 160/64, respectively. The southern route in is a two lane (so is the east side) that runs through the forest. Now don't get your hopes up for a twisty run, at speed, in-Heavy traffic from I-40.http://www.marvelousmarv.com/IMG_0075.jpg
Expect waits of up to an hour to get into the south entrance.
Within a 1/4 mile of the park gate the road splits from one lane in to multiple lanes.
Buy your National Parks pass before you go. This will save 20-50% of your wait time at either entrance as well as other parks.
From the south you won't see the Canyon until you get to the first park and viewing stop.
From the east you will see it from nearly the beginning as you pass through the Navajo Indian Reservation.Monument Valley, Capitol Reef, Zion north and west of Kayenta, AZ on 163 is spectacular.
Route yourself through 163, 291, 95 into Hanksville. This will take you around the north end of Glenn Canyon Nat. Rec area.
Between Hanksville and Torrey on the 24 you will pass the buttes of Capitol Reef Nat. Park.
Then south on 12 to Boulder (a great place to overnight as they have some fantastic lodges in this area). Watch out for cattle on the road.
South out of Boulder on 12 you will come to Escalante and you will hit 24 miles of some of the best twisties I have ever seen. The road runs alone the Escalante Canyon from the base up to the peaks of the ridges. You'll go from deeply cambered tight turns at the bottom of the canyon to fast straights that have 1000 foot drops on each side with no guard rails:shocked:. They don't sand this area and the road is in near perfect condition.http://www.twisty-roads.com/hitehwy.jpg
Notice: Don't do this run in mid-summer. The heat will do you in... One section of the run is called Hell's Kitchen and another is Devil's Table. So you get the picture.
Southwest of here you'll head to Bryce Canyon and Zion.
Both are spectacular but don't expect anything more than a putter ride as traffic on these two lane roads and speed limits are restrictive.Mesa Verde National Park.
Do this run only on a weekday.
Go through the main gate around lunch (I'll explain)
This is the best set of high speed twisties I have seen in a long time.
Go through the gate one at a time separated by 10 minutes or so between bikes.
The road in is two to three lanes wide and is near 25 miles long.
It has huge elevation changes and fast turns.
You can see way ahead of most turns as trees on this run are limited.
The 360 views are impressive.
Law enforcement is heavy on the weekends and present on weekdays.
They run radar--heavy. This was told to me by a ranger who was an exotic car junkie and fell in love with my Lotus. I got lucky. Traffic was very light and she called ahead and let the officers know I was coming in. I heard them say they would "take lunch" at the main building and that I should "enjoy the ride in". She told me this and I said, "You're kidding? Right?". She winked and confirmed that it was a great road and I should have some fun with it but I'd only have about 30 minutes. Sure enough, when I arrived at the main building the rangers were all standing around waiting for me to pull up and they asked how the ride was. Go figure.
If you go in as a "herd" of bikes, they'll call ahead and be waiting for you.
You can view the ruins, at several locations, within about 50 steps from getting off your bike.http://www.tourparabienestar.com/blog/uploaded_images/IMGP5145-799556.JPG
Any one of the runs along the border of Colorado and New Mexico is phenominal.
The roads in Colorado are in a bit better shape along the border.
Do these runs at or near sunset as the photo ops in the canyons of NM are outstanding.
The 30 miles of run from the the CO/NM border, south of Pagosa Springs (quick! make a break for a run up and down the south side of Wolf Creek Pass), to Chama, NM will blow you away with intense color and shape. This is what those high desert paintings were made for!
You can run from Durango, CO to Pajoaque, NM (just N of Sante Fe) in less than 5 hours. So this makes a great run for a late start out of Durango.
Pajoaque, NM is know for the excellent gaming/golf/hiking resorts. Call ahead for best bookings.Your best bet for repairs are in Farmington, and Sante Fe, NM. Cortez and Durango, CO. Blanding, Cedar City, or St. George, Utah. Kingman, Page, Flagstaff, Tuba City, Kayenta, AZ.

I know that this is a lot of information, but I hope it helps.

Have a great ride to the Grand Canyon and places beyond!

[Sortarican]

I'd be up for all or part of this ride.
Still bummed I couldn't do last summers S/W ride or Bash's Baja Blowout.

It sounds like it'll be right around my B-Day too.
What better way to celebrate than tooling through the painted desert and the Res lands?

...Your best bet for repairs are in Farmington, and Sante Fe, NM. Cortez and Durango, CO. Blanding, Cedar City, or St. George, Utah. Kingman, Page, Flagstaff, Tuba City, Kayenta, AZ....
Don't get me wrong, Tuba City Rocks!
But they think a dodge is an exotic.
Got stuck there for three days waiting for an altenator for a Datsun back in the early 90's.
And watch out for the Navajo's driving back from the wet counties with a truckload of drunken uncles.
They tend to forget what the yellow lane dividers are for.

[Killa Kawi]

so is anyone wanting to plan a trip down to vegas?..

[pilot]

I tend to go when duty calls (Mom not doing to well).

I might do a ride after March.


I had to get some road munchies in Tuba City. I went into the local "Safeway" and felt like what it must feel like to be the only non-white in "our" area. But within moments I felt right at home. The Navajos are very friendly (including the one half drunk in his truck waiting for his wife to get back with the groceries). I sat on the curb and talked with him for about 20 minutes on what life was like on the reservation. Damn, we, did those folks an injustice with the firewater. I hope they get it all back and then some with the casinos, ha.

[suzinpink]

hummmmm me n vegas..... BAD combo...lol

[pilot]

hummmmm me n vegas..... BAD combo...lolI can help you get a "good paying job" if you like. I do real well at standing outside of motel rooms making sure things are OK. BTDT, ha.

[Killa Kawi]

hahaha i might need ya..haahha

[Sortarican]

..... The Navajos are very friendly (including the one half drunk in his truck waiting for his wife to get back with the groceries)...

LOL,
Try popping the hood on your car in the parking lot.
You'll be hip deep in "Uncles" in a heartbeat.

Loved going into the Yellow Front looking for a Datsun alernator.
The guy just looked at us like we were joking and said:
"Datsun.......isn't that one of those little weener dogs?"

Good people though, as long as you don't jack with them, and ackowledge that you're not in the USA but on res land, they'll usually be cool with you.
(Though expect to pay "white" prices for everything.)

Mmmmm...now I'm Jonesing for a Navajo Taco.:yumyum:

[suzinpink]

I can help you get a "good paying job" if you like. I do real well at standing outside of motel rooms making sure things are OK. BTDT, ha.

Oh pilot.... the sacrifices you'd make for me!!!

[JustSomeDude]

What about Salt Lake, to Jackson, WY... Yellowstone... and back? :)

[Killa Kawi]

im down for that as well..