Long-ass rides 2011

[mtnairlover]

Here comes summer!

This time around though, the posts of long-ass rides will be anyone's long-ass ride. With that in mind, today's post is of a ride I had not done yet, and was hosted by GuitarX.

This ride was his first ride on the Ninja1000 that he won a 3-month trial of through Cycle World. He decided to take it on it's maiden journey down to Bishop's Castle. Quoted from Gary numerous times throughout the day..."This is my favorite ride!"

Considering this was my "virgin" ride, all I gotta say is, Wow!

I think my Odo read something like 480 miles round-trip from Westminster. The total time on the road for me was about 13 hours. Our lunch was about 2 hours and the breaks were anywhere from a couple minutes to one kinda long (about 30 minutes) break because of a mechanical issue on one of the bikes.

Oh and lunch? Wonderful! Check out Sangrita's (http://www.sangritarestaurant.com/) in Westcliffe if you ever pass through that part of our beautiful state. They've got a new chef program going on where the menu changes based on the chef.

I have only one regret from this ride. I would have loved to have had the time to take more photos of the amazing scenery along the route. I can't say it enough...damn, we're lucky to live here!

Some photos of the day...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Group%20Rides/ninja_at_bishops.jpg
The Ninja1000

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Group%20Rides/bishops.jpg
Bishops Castle

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Group%20Rides/erik_joking.jpg
Joking around :)

Let the long-ass riding begin!

[Ninja2]

Here the pics TJ took. Thanks for taking pictures everyone. I'll bring my camera today.

[Ninja2]

More

[BC14]

Great pics. I agree Cathy, we do need to stop n snap some more pics on the next ride(s). The group was a little large yesterday to really accommodate that well, though.

[ChrisCBX]

It was great fun with old friends and nice to meet some new ones.

It was a little bit of a wait for lunch. Like most back road or small town restaurants, they aren't ready for so many people to come in at once. The lunch was definitely worth the wait however.

It was my first time to Bishops. I had wanted to see it for years and finally got around to it. I look forward to riding down there again.

[Ninja2]

I recently switched from BT16s to Pilot Powers, and I need to get used to the way those handle. So I kept checking my tires, because they just felt weird. Esp at slow speeds, which is all the time for me . :-)

[ChrisCBX]

The one group shot that I got.

[Ninja2]

Some more, incl. BornWild's newest baby.

[Concabar]

Thanks for posting them Rabea.

I had a great time yesterday, really enjoyed riding will all of you. Very good riders. Cathy you are a really good rider, all I remember is your headlights in my mirror. :)

TJ

[Ninja2]

More. I love Maria's bike. Maybe a new bike in my near future?! And a worn-out sprocket.

[Nvr2late]

I took this route with Gary a few months back and was excited to go again especially since it was his first trip on the new ninja. It is quickly becoming a favorite of mine and I look forward to going again. The scenery is breath taking.......caught myself looking around a few times, oops. I can't say enough about the group of riders that were with us, nice to have great people along for the adventure!!


Looking forward to the next one!!!

[Ninja2]

More pictures. OK. Nice way to tie me over till the north meets south ride, too.

[Ninja2]

Last ones. See you in a bit. It's 10.15am and I am getting ready.

[mtnairlover]

Thanks for posting them Rabea.

I had a great time yesterday, really enjoyed riding will all of you. Very good riders. Cathy you are a really good rider, all I remember is your headlights in my mirror. :)

TJ

I can say the same for you!


More. I love Maria's bike. Maybe a new bike in my near future?! And a worn-out sprocket.

The seating position on the triple and on the Zed and on the Ninja1K really does come in handy on the longer rides...heck, I could include the SV's in this class, as well. :)

[Ninja2]

I can say the same for you!



The seating position on the triple and on the Zed and on the Ninja1K really does come in handy on the longer rides...heck, I could include the SV's in this class, as well. :)
I agree. I was very positively surprised when I sat on BornWild's ZX10R a few weeks ago.

[JohnEffinK]

Damn, Picked a hell of a weekend to leave town!!!!

John

[BC14]

Was really nice weather. I'm hoping this Sat is gonna be as nice, or better than last :)

[mtnairlover]

Ah memories! Gotta love 'em.

So, we had another nice weekend for riding this past weekend. Anyone else get out for a long-ass ride?

This time around, I thought I'd plan a route that went over Trail Ridge Road and then out to 20-mile road just past Steamboat Springs. But, alas, TR was not open. So, me and a few others decided to take Cameron Pass to Steamboat and then out to 20-mile. It was going to be about a 550 mile round trip ride, taking us over Gore Pass next and then over Willow Creek Pass and then back home over Cameron Pass. But, mechanical issues on one of the bikes shortened our route by about 90 miles. So, the complete route was Cameron Pass to Rabbit Ears Pass, to 20-mile road, to Gore Pass, through Byers Canyon and over Berthoud Pass and then home.

All the passes accept Gore Pass, were packed with snow. About 5 feet of it (and more in some areas) still remained on Cameron, Rabbit Ears and Berthoud. I only got a pic when we stopped at Cameron, but for a little perspective, here's a pic of Berthoud on June 6, 2010...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Group%20Rides/berthoudpass_group2-1.jpg


Cameron Pass on June 4, 2011...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Group%20Rides/con_zed.jpg


Still had a good ride. :)

[BC14]

I'm fixing the "mechanical issue", aka tire, on Thursday, so I'll be good to go again for Saturday to tear up the corners :D

[ChrisCBX]

It was a good day to get out in the sunny Colorado mountains. :)

[mtnairlover]

It was a good day to get out in the sunny Colorado mountains. :)

Too bad the haze from the fires had drifted so far north, but the Yampa River Valley area really was amazing, as well as Poudre Canyon.


I'm fixing the "mechanical issue", aka tire, on Thursday, so I'll be good to go again for Saturday to tear up the corners :D

Awesome!

[Zach929rr]

Wow did you actually get Mika to ride without his eurotrash crowd?

[mtnairlover]

Well, actually...that ride (the first pic) was last June (second pic this June). He hasn't been on one of my rides since then. Of course, I barely post any rides anymore. I stick with whomever is arranging a ride and tend hear about them by word of mouth, or on FB.

Hmmm...maybe it was my evilness (mwahaha :devious:) that made him start riding with the euro-riders. Yeah...no.:no:

[mtnairlover]

Yet another wonderful ride on Saturday. Most of the usual suspects on long rides did a shortened version of a ride because of out-of-state visitors. But, I was able to find someone to join me. It's always nice having at least one riding buddy. I didn't want to bore her, because my plans this time were to take in the scenery and shoot a boatload of pics.

The ride turned out being long only because of the time it took to do it round trip...total miles ~360...kinda wimpy in comparison. Anyhoo, I still enjoyed myself because of the scenery and being able to share it all with someone.

Some pix...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Group%20Rides/zed_limey_loveland_pass.jpg


The other side of Loveland Pass was amazingly beautiful. A-Basin looks like several runs are still open. The time of day combined with the low-lying clouds in combination with the sun shining off the snow-laden mountain tops was absolutely breathtaking. This pic pales in comparison to the real thing...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Group%20Rides/loveland_pass2.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Group%20Rides/limey_zed_tennessee.jpg


http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Group%20Rides/limey_at_redcliffe.jpg


We had skirted the rain all morning long. The rain hit us right about Toponas and stayed with us over Gore Pass. That's where both bikes ended up taking on a whole bunch of dirt from the road. My bike slipped out on a relatively dry patch before heading into the heavy wet stuff, which definitely freaked me out, but considering all the dirt on the Zed when I got home, I think I understand why it had slipped.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Group%20Rides/zed_and_limey_hwy131.jpg

last pass...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Group%20Rides/zed_on_berthoud.jpg

Total time was about 9 hours with all the stops.

[GuitarX]

Soooo jealous...

[Nvr2late]

It was a great ride even with the rain shower. My bike is definitely in need of a major cleaning today. The many stops for photo ops was a nice change of pace from our typical long-ass rides. Thanks for having me along I look forward to the next one.

[mtnairlover]

Hey, Maria? How'd that pic of the bird on your mirror turn out? That was too funny/cool.

[Nvr2late]

Hey, Maria? How'd that pic of the bird on your mirror turn out? That was too funny/cool.

I didn't get him looking at me but it's still pretty cute.

[mtnairlover]

Yep, that's the one. Funny...like it's his bike! ;-)

[mtnairlover]

Another long-ass ride in the memory banks....

Today's ride was the longest ride I've ever been on and completed in one day...all told, 715 miles round trip leaving my place at 5:30 a.m. and rolling back into the garage...dirty, buggy, slow...and happy at 7:45 p.m.

Showers are not over-rated...ahhhh...

Anyhoo, some pix...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Group%20Rides/slumgullion_070111.jpg



http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Group%20Rides/springcreek_070111.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Group%20Rides/wolfcreekpass_070111.jpg


http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Group%20Rides/othersideofwolfcreek_070111.jpg


Homeward bound...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Group%20Rides/endofday_tolakecity_070111.jpg

[Ninja2]

Here comes summer!

This time around though, the posts of long-ass rides will be anyone's long-ass ride.

We did not come close to your mileage, but since my butt hurts, I hope this still qualifies as a long-ass ride: 470 miles. COS to Winter Park, Walden, Poudre and back from FTC on the superslab. Here a few pics:

[mtnairlover]

We did not come close to your mileage, but since my butt hurts, I hope this still qualifies as a long-ass ride: 470 miles. COS to Winter Park, Walden, Poudre and back from FTC on the superslab. Here a few pics:

Very nice!

lol...I don't feel the sore butt...ever. Of course, there's enough cushion there to keep me comfy for...a long while. :lol:

Looks like you two had an awesome day as well.

[Bashed]

MAL,
Nothing like Lake City for some lunch.:yes:
I'm stuck @ a 72 hr job this year, but it beats the alternative.
Envious.....

[mtnairlover]

MAL,
Nothing like Lake City for some lunch.:yes:
I'm stuck @ a 72 hr job this year, but it beats the alternative.
Envious.....


We all need to win the MegaMillions and retire. Then we can enjoy the mountains more than once a week.

I can't believe we made it to Lake City by 10:30. Of course, leaving at 6 a.m. does help.

There's one place in particular along that route I want to go back and explore a little more...there are several signs off of hwy112 and one off of hwy114 that pointed to a canyon. Gotta go back and see it. Oh and the pass on hwy114...the approach from the south...talk about massive old growth Aspen. Beautiful!

I'll say it over and over again and never get tired of it...I love living here!

[Zach929rr]

I'm doing Poudre a week/half from now on a Wednesday if you are interested.

[Ninja2]

Very nice!
Looks like you two had an awesome day as well.

Yes, it was wonderful. It was so nice escaping the heat. It felt great in the mountains. And Eric did a great job keeping up with me :lol:.

On a serious note, he was really patient with me, and the waitress in the Brickhouse... . Traffic was kinda bad, esp on 70 and parts of 14. So if you can ride with Zach on that Wed, do it!

[BC14]

The traffic was pretty bad on 285 fri, but luckily the 3 of us were heading the opposite way of holiday travelers.

[Nvr2late]

Great ride on Friday, thanks to the two of you for a fun day. Definitely a lot less traffic than I what I had to deal with on the way back from Steamboat today. Total mileage for the weekend was 1,174 time to go see TFOG.

[mtnairlover]

I'm doing Poudre a week/half from now on a Wednesday if you are interested.

Boy do I wish! I don't work at a school district anymore, so I work all the time like everyone else...gah! I requested Friday off and since I've been on the job for only 2 months, I need to watch my p's and q's not to mention the fact that I will be requesting a week off for my honeymoon in October. Enjoy your ride...the road has a few new pavement spots, so it's gotten better in the lower stretches. Now, they just need to work on the upper parts.


Great ride on Friday, thanks to the two of you for a fun day. Definitely a lot less traffic than I what I had to deal with on the way back from Steamboat today. Total mileage for the weekend was 1,174 time to go see TFOG.

Dang, girl! I was looking at my tires on Friday coming home, too. Not too much longer and I'll be making my visit to TFOG as well. It's always a pleasure riding with you as well.


The traffic was pretty bad on 285 fri, but luckily the 3 of us were heading the opposite way of holiday travelers.

Lol...good thinking there kiddo! I love how a day like that can come together so nicely with just a little bit of planning.

I was talking with my Dad today about my ride and he was quite impressed with the mileage. He also brought out his map to see where we went. There's a few areas of CO he hasn't been to yet, and Lake City is one of them as well as Black Canyon of the Gunnison. I think my step-Mom is quite eager to get out and explore...she kept talking about the great gas mileage they get in their car...lol.

[BC14]

I was talking with my Dad today about my ride and he was quite impressed with the mileage. He also brought out his map to see where we went. There's a few areas of CO he hasn't been to yet, and Lake City is one of them as well as Black Canyon of the Gunnison. I think my step-Mom is quite eager to get out and explore...she kept talking about the great gas mileage they get in their car...lol.
I've got a route planned out for that too :)

[mtnairlover]

I've got a route planned out for that too :)

Shweet! Does it look anything like the one I did last year? ;)

[BC14]

Probably pretty similar.

[BC14]

I"m gonna plan out a Saturday hwy 92 trip in the near future for the first or second weekend in August.

[mtnairlover]

I"m gonna plan out a Saturday hwy 92 trip in the near future for the first or second weekend in August.

Hmmm...

:yay:

[mtnairlover]

Well, even though it wasn't a ride, it was a long-ass drive yesterday that took me and my daughter all the way out to Glenwood Springs, via Independence Pass and Aspen. It's hard getting her to want to go outside, but every time I do, she finds a way to make me smile. This time, she looks at me and says, "Thanks so much for taking me out here!" She was in awe most of the day...until she got light-headed on top of Independence Pass...lol.

Some pix for those who have not been out that way...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Scenery/mtn_panorama.jpg

This is what you get to see along the hike to the lookout at the top.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Scenery/mycar_waterfall.jpg

Just had to stand under the waterfall...ahhhh...oh and yes, there's a sharp drop-off next to my car. About a couple hundred feet or so, down.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/Scenery/independance_townsite.jpg

I'm always passing this historic site on my bike. This time, I had the time and lack of speed to actually pull over and check out the townsite. There's about a dozen buildings in some form of crumbling disrepair that can be found at this site.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l12/mtnairlover/bigrockwithzed.jpg


Just a random bike photo thrown in for good measure.;) This was taken today on P2P. Had to get my bike-fix in somehow.

[LivingPools]

I was going to post a separate thread, but this seems like a better place for it :)

A long ass-ride for me, just over 400 miles door-to-door: http://tinyurl.com/3zk5lr7

Worst of all, I took the wrong bike! Would have been more comfortable on the V-Rod or ST4S, took the Ninja instead. I find it hard to believe it has the best seat out of the 600 supersports.

The ride down I-25 was windy enough @ 90 MPH to be not very enjoyable with my little MRA windscreen. Don't get me wrong, its way better than stock, but not as good as what I have on my other bikes.

Accomplished the big goal of the day, to see Bishop's Castle. Looking forward to returning there with the wife and climbing up into that sucker.

Took a wrong turn up CO-1 and wound up in Guffey, what an odd little town. If not the wrong turn, my miles would have been way closer to 300.

Riding Deckers later in the day was actually pleasant. No RV traffic and both cars holding me up pulled over pretty quickly to let me pass. Well, the Escalade held on for a couple of minutes, but the delay worth watching the driver trying to hustle that beast through the 30 MPH curves :D

[mtnairlover]

Yeah, I25 and I70 are not on my list of favorite roads...lol. But, looks like you had some good riding after the pain of the slabway. ;-) Diversions, even if unexpected are sometimes quite nice. Hopefully, you had a chance to see some interesting scenery on that little detour.

I took a long ride this weekend, as well. But again, it was in the cage. A planned overnighter with my daughter to see parts of Colorado I hadn't ventured through before and well worth the time. I think she enjoyed it too, despite being a teenager. :D Of course, she is my kid, so dorkishness runs in the blood.

I hope everyone else that went on long rides this weekend enjoyed themselves as well.

[BC14]

The 640 miler I did on Saturday to go up into WY and do Snowy Range road was great. If you have the opportunity to make it up there, during the summer, please do. There was still quite a bit of snow in the shade at the higher elevations. The road lives up to its name. Lots of good views as well.. Gonna have to stop and take pics next time.

[Concabar]

The 640 miler I did on Saturday to go up into WY and do Snowy Range road was great. If you have the opportunity to make it up there, during the summer, please do. There was still quite a bit of snow in the shade at the higher elevations. The road lives up to its name. Lots of good views as well.. Gonna have to stop and take pics next time.

Yes Cathy, it is a definitely a must. Great riding, great scenery, great times.

[BC14]

Yes Cathy, it is a definitely a must. Great riding, great scenery, great times.
Did you just call me Cathy? :p

[mtnairlover]

Yes Cathy, it is a definitely a must. Great riding, great scenery, great times.

lol...yep, I've done that road about 3 times since 2006 and I agree, it's a trip worth taking. ;-)

Erik? You will never and can never be me.:p

[BC14]

Erik? You will never and can never be me.:p
I agree 1,000,000% :hibye:

[Concabar]

Did you just call me Cathy? :p

Haha. No Erik, I know your username now. I was agreeing with your quote and reiterating it to Cathy. :) However, she already be us on the ride along time ago.