Trip to Cortez Colorado 8/12/11

[grim]

I had originally planned this trip 2 years ago but then my little girl was born and for the sake of seeing every waking moment of her beginning existence i delayed it.

I am going to make this trip on 8/12/11 the meet point is going to be moco @ 7am we will grab some breakfast and talk about the route fuel up and head out.

I am planning to go see the Ancient ruins once I get to Cortez and then find a place to sleep through the night. Saturday morning im going to ride to the four corners and then head back home.

If anyone would like to join me you are more than welcome i advise you have a tool kit, rain suit, cash, and gear to keep you safe.

This trip for me is going to be a mild pace i am doing it for the views, the ride, the experience, and because i have never seen that side of the state before.

This is the route that is planned

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=mo...,2&vpsrc=6&z=8

EDIT: Revised route for a more scenic route. Please note that this may not be the same route we take to go back home though we may have to take a quicker route pending what time it is when we leave the four corners!

Edit: return trip

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=4+...ls&vpsrc=0&z=8



Edit were camping at koa for this run

[Blue]

Sounds like a really nice ride. I have always wanted to do something like this.

[grim]

your more than welcome to come along it's definitely going to be an experience!

[madvlad]

I would love to come with but I don't have the proper gear nor the money at the time

[Blue]

Thanks for being open to a noob. Ill let you know the plan when it gets closer to the date.

[CaptGoodvibes]

What do you need the spare gas tank for? There are gas stations all along your route.

I solo'd this route back from Durango on 6/6 this year. Epic ride!

[grim]

What do you need the spare gas tank for? There are gas stations all along your route.

I solo'd this route back from Durango on 6/6 this year. Epic ride!

I'd rather be safe than sorry this is the longest run I'll have ever done and I won't take any chances. an extra tank of gas keeps me warm and fuzzy inside and that's all that matters to me!

[CaptGoodvibes]

You're not going walkabout. Can you get 100mi/tank?

Easy peasy gas stops on your route(there will be others you pass to hit these. I'm just sayin'):
MoCo
Johnson Village
South Fork
Durango

It's not that far to Mesa Verde if you leave MoCo by 8am, which I know you can do easily, you'll be laughin' in Durango before the sun really starts beating you in the face.

[grim]

You're not going walkabout. Can you get 100mi/tank?

Easy peasy gas stops on your route(there will be others you pass to hit these. I'm just sayin'):
MoCo
Johnson Village
South Fork
Durango

It's not that far to Mesa Verde if you leave MoCo by 8am, which I know you can do easily, you'll be laughin' in Durango before the sun really starts beating you in the face.

yea it does look like theres alot of towns throughout the entire route so i guess a spare tank isnt necessary good lookin out!

[Zenshu]

I might be down for this if I am not in Kentucky at the time.

[grim]

I might be down for this if I am not in Kentucky at the time.

works for me itd be great to have you

[Zenshu]

Somewhat off topic but not totally since part of the route goes on a tollway, Can bikes in Colorado cruise the tollway free or is it just HoV lanes....I get so confused moving around so much.

[FZRguy]

You're passing up some of the best riding CO has to offer by not taking Hwy 50 west over Monarch Pass, thru Gunnison to Blue Mesa Res, Hwy 149 to Lake City, over Slumgullion Pass, and on down to South Fork. And no need to carry gas unless you’re planning on taking some dirt roads.

[madvlad]

We still have to pay tollways unfortunately

[Clovis]

Thats funny. That's where my wife wants to go for our 7th wedding anniversary. Same days too, small world.

[Zenshu]

Well that sux lol...I think maybe it was Georgia that bikes didn't pay tolls...I dunno I cant keep track of all these states traffic laws anymore.

[grim]

You're passing up some of the best riding CO has to offer by not taking Hwy 50 west over Monarch Pass, thru Gunnison to Blue Mesa Res, Hwy 149 to Lake City, over Slumgullion Pass, and on down to South Fork. And no need to carry gas unless you’re planning on taking some dirt roads.

I may take that route on the way back time permitting.

[FZRguy]

Take Hwy 491 north out of Cortez to Hwy 141 thru Naturita and Gateway to Grand Jct, I-70 east for the return trip. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

[CaptGoodvibes]

Re: the toll. His mapped route starts just off of E-470. That's the only toll.

You're passing up some of the best riding CO has to offer by not taking Hwy 50 west over Monarch Pass, thru Gunnison to Blue Mesa Res, Hwy 149 to Lake City, over Slumgullion Pass, and on down to South Fork. And no need to carry gas unless you’re planning on taking some dirt roads.

Exactly the route I linked above. I love 149!

[CaptGoodvibes]

yea it does look like theres alot of towns throughout the entire route so i guess a spare tank isnt necessary good lookin out!

No problem bud. I wish I could go but this is my last semester and all... trying to finish on a high note.

Don't worry about rest stops. The longest stretch without gas is like 35-45 miles... maybe... south of Fairplay... ish? And there are a crapload of good places to eat

[JustinP]

You're route is a slab fest - at a minimum, rather than taking 285 south from Salida, take 50 east past Gunnison and take CO-149 south to US-160. The Silver Thread scenic byway is one of the best roads in the country, never mind the state.

Either way, have fun, and stay safe!

[CaptGoodvibes]

It's not too bad except for the gunbarrel. But I ride an FZ-1 so touring sportily is a scenic adventure too. That's probably why I disagree so much with Vellos regarding 141. A road can be ridden for the view and sweepers without caring that it's not GG Canyon or St. Vrain.

[JustinP]

It's not too bad except for the gunbarrel. But I ride an FZ-1 so touring sportily is a scenic adventure too. That's probably why I disagree so much with Vellos regarding 141. A road can be ridden for the view and sweepers without caring that it's not GG Canyon or St. Vrain.

Oh, I agree as well, I was talking about scenery, not so much about how good the road was for Canyon carving. 149 really only has a few really good "riding" sections, it's more about the views and scenery. Same for 141, it's not tight tire shredding twisties, it's more relaxed sweepers while taking in the views

[oh10raven]

I've been putting off a work trip to Cortez all summer. This thread has actually got me thinking about riding down there opposed to flying. I'd have to stay for a couple days, so Grim your timing wouldn't work for me, but I'll definitely keep an eye on this thread for any tips you come up with. Enjoy the ride.