Mountain ride and museum tours Saturday Sept. 2nd.

[pilot]

Several riders have been asking for an organized ride on Labor Day Weekend. Here's one (not too long, not to short) and it also has the added benifit of a little bit of Colorado history. For the price of what a lunch ($10.50) would cost you, you get the following...

(Gear Heads and history buffs should like this)--Please note that I am also inviting the Lotus Car Club along. So that means we could have a mix of Esprits, Elises, Elans and Exige's on this ride with us. I will be riding my bike.

We will meet at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden at 8:45 AM, Saturday, Sept 2nd, 2006. Gates open at 9:00 AM. Admission is 8 bucks. This is a world famous railroad museum!

Please see below for a map/photos and link info.

I spoke with the museum and they say that they have over 100 train cars on site and many of them you can walk through. Also, there is a miniture model system downstairs in the museum. Please check out their website for more details. I asked them how long it would take to enjoy a basic (not too detailed) tour and they said an hour to an hour and a half should be good.

That means we depart the museum and hit the road from the parking lot at 10:35 AM. --This also works for those that don't want the tour. (see below for more ride details)


http://www.crrm.org/

The Colorado Railroad Museum is recognized as one of the best privately supported rail museums in the United States. This "can't miss" site for railfans features over 100 historic narrow and standard gauge locomotives and cars exhibited on 15 acres at the foot of North Table Mountain, near Golden, Colorado.

The museum was established in 1959 to preserve for future generations a tangible record of Colorado's flamboyant railroad era, particularly the state's pioneering narrow gauge mountain railroads. In 1964 the not-for-profit Colorado Railroad Historical Foundation, a 501 (c)(3), was formed to assume ownership and operation of the museum.

a sample of what you'll see

a view from the parking lot


From there I am going to take you on a nice ride (not to fast, not to sloooow) up the "secret" back way along I-70 from Golden to Loveland Pass ski area. I realize that some riders/drivers will suggest that we turn off on this road and that, etc. But, one of the reasons for this ride is to demonstrate how to avoid I-70 traffic and get a senic ride too.

This route will be very handy for any of you who plan on wanting to avoid heavy traffic whether you are skiing or camping. For those of you who have not been stuck on I-70 during heavy traffic--it can be a nightmare and stinky with exhaust fumes too.

See Part 2 of 2 for more on this post (below)

Pilot

[pilot]

(part 2 0f 2)

Near the top of I-70 We'll get off at Silver Plume and do a 45 minute break to eat a sack lunch (bring something to eat unless you plan on eating at someplace on the way back to town).

While in Silver Plume we can visit the George Rowe Museum for a donation of $2.50. This museum is an old 1800s brick school house that has been restored and holds a replica classroom and rooms full of mining exhibits. Outside there are some picnic table that we can take a break at. Be advised, there is a very short (one minute ride) good condition non-paved road from that takes us from the I-70 exit to the museum. I was their last weekend and it was no "big issue". I only say this because I know some folks absolutely refuse to let their tires hit gravel/dirt etc.


George Rowe Museum
Silver Plume. Main St. at west end of town. (303) 569-2562.
Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Located in a school house built in 1894 of Silver Plume brick, named after George Rowe, a resident of Silver Plume for many years. Donations requested.




old Silver Plume

the museum

After the stop we'll turn around and enjoy the view going back down to Denver along the same route (yep, it looks totally different along the way back). This route has several "KEY TURNS" and you gotta pay attention or you'll miss one of them next time you go up.

We should be back down the hill by 1 to 1:30 PM. Just in time to get a few things taken care of before heading over to my place for an afternoon of Labor Day style partying. (see post in the General Discussion section of the CSC website)


Best regards and good riding to you,
Pilot
303-944-9874 cell
pilot at virginvinyl dot net

[Nick_Ninja]

Man I'd go but ......................... CU vs Montana State

I'll CU @ UR partay L8TR

[pilot]

Enjoy the game. Go CU! See you at the party.

[pilot]

looks like decent weather fort the ride and party. bring a sweater for later that night

[pilot]

To any and all,

Well, if yer there, I'll see ya.

Pilot

[towneh]

small crowd, fine ride.... lots of pride in those small-town displays like the schoolhouse.
thanks,
Henry

[pilot]

Thanks Henry,
Yes, it was a good ride and within control. Sometimes it is good to ride in weather and conditions that aren't the most ideal. It prepares us for those days when the ride unexpectedly goes from "what a great day to ride" to "crap... fog, rain, slick roads, etc".

I'll try and toss up some photos.

Pilot