Please see original thread here.
Thread from the 2007 Durango ride - Pictures from the trip start on page 9
I created this thread for the purpose of planning and cordinating. It's a big trip and some help in the logistics would be greatly appreciated
So far, the following have expressed interest in going:
N1KSS1KS1x
Mountainairlover?
Joecycle
Sortarican
Warren
DavidofDenver
KillaKawi?
Bash?
Destination:
South Rim versus North Rim.
Destination: Flagstaff, AZ
Both are about the same total distance - the south rim is more developed as far as accomidations and lodging and because of this is a more popular destination for visitors (ie, more crowded).
Destination: Jacob Lake, AZ
The North Rim is a bit more remote but does appear have to adequate lodging - doesn't appear to be nearly as deveoloped and would probably not be as crowded.
Thoughts?
Time:
The options seem to be April, May, June or July.
April to me seems like it may still be cold, all though going to Arizona that may not be the case. So maybe May?
Length: 5-6 days is the number I'm plugging around. Both destinations are roughly 800 miles from Colorado Springs assuming we take the route to Durango we followed last year.
I'm thinking
Day 1: Ride to Durango
Day 2: Ride to Flagstaff/Jacob Lake
Day 3: Grand Canyon
Day 4: More Grand Canyon?
Day 5: Return to Durango
Day 6: Final leg home
Basically the debate comes from spending 1 or 2 days at the Grand Canyon.
Routes:
For getting to Durango I would like to use roughly the same route as we did last time. Good roads, lots of scenery and twisty. I *think* it was something like this (from Cathy)
http://www.randmcnally.com/rmc/mapro...52878284949567
And going home from Durango:
http://www.randmcnally.com/rmc/mapro...57034465235794
From Durango still needs to be planned. Anyone can do a simply mapquest directions but I'm unsure if the routes would be scenic enough or simply boring interstates.
Estimated cost:
Figuring in a total of 1800 miles.
35 miles per gallon @ $3/gallon - figure $150-170 depending on actual fuel cost
Lodging - If we have 10 people go to split cost, probably around $35 per night - x5 = $175
Food - Breakfast, Lunch Dinner - Depending on if it's fast food or a resturant, figure $10 for breakfast, $15 for lunch, $15 for dinner - $40/day x 5 = $200
Approximent cost for a 5 day trip around $550.
I would budget about $700 just to ensure there is enough.
Another idea I've been kicking around recently is the idea of having some sports cars go with us - a mixed group of cars and bikes. The cars could help with luggage if needed but I'm concerned that having a variety group like that could prove problematic given that motorcycles generally travel significantly faster (I saw maintened speeds of and excess of 135/mph on the durango trip for some of the stretches inbetween towns.
Thoughts?