Colorado Riding

Igrok, It looks like my post was cut off on the routes. I think that decision should be made closer to the ride due to weather. There was a warning about the longest ride and altitude until july and august and I understand that. I would also prefer not to spend money on cold riding gear unless I have to closer to the date as well, but I am all in for any and all of them. Where is Independence Pass? Is it on any of the posted routes? Also you may laugh at this but I would like to know when the sheep herders bring the them up into the upper valleys to feed? I just remember back in 1998 getting caught for 20-30 mins at a time twice waiting in the mountains for the sheep to cross over the roads into the upper meadows. ;-)

 

Just let me know your preference: dark, light, IPA. Etc.

 

Howdy I read the posts as best I could. I’m in Colorado Springs and would very much do like to join for part of the ride. I had seen that there were multiple dates for May and June. Wasn’t sure if these were separate rides or if the date got moved to June. Any way I would be a camper if anyone wanted to split a camp site I’m a hammock person so as long as I have two trees or something to hang on too I’m ok. I’m also new to vfr world and large group rides so forgive my Naïveness but I’m sure I’ll be asking a lot of questions.

 

Welcome Strange! The dates were moved from May to Memorial Day weekend, which is June 7th - 10th. I am a camper (hammock) as well and the place we are staying will reserve a site for you. I believe the info is in the thread posts above. With that being said, 2 people per tent site for $15.00. I've already got a spot reserved, so you can hang your hammock w/me if you like.

I'm in the Springs as well, so we can coordinate and ride out together as well (if that works for you)

 

Welcome Strange! Igrok, Memorial weekend is not the date but June 7th-10th or June 7th -11th for me. Just a reminder so the two dates do not confuse anyone. So now we are 4 for sure and I do not know if Mad Doc is a camper or wants to be annoyed with my snoring in the cabin. We (me) do need to bring bedding for the cabin so I guess I don't get away without a sleeping bag after all. So It begins with Igrok, bubba and two Docs in Colorado. This is great if we get a couple more. But fun with what we have. What is it with Coloradoans and Hammocks? Now all we need is someone to scope out some good Mexican Food and lunch spots along the way.;-)

 

I don't know why I have it in my head that memorial day is on that weekend - sorry for the confusion. the dates are: JUNE 7th - 10th/11th

 

No worries. But you didn't say anything about the Hammocks!;-)

 

It's been busy on the homefront for me, so I haven't been checking in so often.

Welcome to the nut house Dr Strange. I wonder what you get when you mix a Mad Doc and a Strange Dr? Bubba and Igrok have replied already so I guess thats taken care of.

I'll take the double bunks if you don't mind. It'll be a reminder from my days in boarding school. We could split costs. We'll say the snoring is just an extra benefit

 

I went back through the thread (really busy here at work as you can tell LOL) and I missed this one. So...

The routes proposed are all good as far as the altitude is concerned. Independence Pass is east of where we will be staying, but very doable and even though there will be snow on the ground, CDOT will have the roads clean for us. After this year's snow, I fully expect us to see snow through July. As for cold weather riding gear, you will be fine with a decent pair of gloves, normal riding jacket and if it hints at getting chilly, I just throw on a pair of running pants under my jeans/ riding pants. Expect upper 70's to low 80's in the valleys and anywhere from low 50's to mid 60's on the peaks (In June).

I'm not Welsh, so I don't keep up with the comings and goings of sheep (the old guys will get that one)

Hammocks: Having spent half my life in the Army, I've slept anywhere and everywhere and I can tell you that a hammock is the best thing since sliced bread! No more waking up with rigormortis from rocks and sticks poking through your mat and sleeping bag. With a good rain fly, I've slept in a deluge, bone dry.

Below is a pic of my normal hooch (camp)

 

"I'm not Welsh, so I don't keep up with the comings and goings of sheep (the old guys will get that one)"

Shit, I didn't think about what I was saying because I am part "Welsh";-) I was drinking a beer and reading your post and laughed shooting beer out of my nose. Damn that stung. A couple of the guys across the pond (being English and Scottish) have given me shit about it in the past. Great guys and loved the "Welsh Banter". I forgot all about the sheep issue.

I just hate waiting for those damn stubborn animals crossing in the upper meadows last time I was in Colorado. My Welsh great grandfather had cattle so I guess he was trying to distant themselves from the old country;-) But, they did settle a town in Utah named Wales, Ut. and had a couple of Coal mines on the old homestead. Can't get away from what they knew I guess.

As far as the hammocks, how the hell do you sleep in those things even being in the army. I would flip out them in an hour or so sleeping. Glad you can but I guess you learn how to in need. I look forward to our ride. Just keep me posted on good eats. 3 things in life keep me happy right now being single and they are 1. Riding 2. Beer 3. great greasy, tasty food.

 

They are all yours Mad Doc. But, again you may be wanting to bring a tent and book a camp site just in case. Because I don't think you know what you are going to go through for 2 nights. HAHAHAHA. Or bring some of those sound cancelling headphones. We don't need to split costs. Just buy the beer on Saturday night and we are good. I like a good Pale and hope you do as well.

We do have a small fridge that fits about a 6-pack. ;-) and we all have free wi-fi. I hope the pisser is near by or I will have to buy some Depends adult diapers because beer runs threw me like a pregnant woman with pressure on her bladder. Oh shit I shared to much! Sorry.

 

No worries Bubba! a little over a month and we'll be winking at sheep! LOL

 

Hahaha Bubba.



Anyways, I'm so excited. The countdown is on.

 

It is now 8 weeks before the ride (we really should come up with some corny, cool name for it). I listed 3 routes early on in the thread, but will come prepared with map in hand and many more roads for our pleasure.

I truly can't wait (may head out there in May to 'scout' the routes)

 

I'm sure Bubba can come up with something really corny

As many routes are available to explore, I am ready. But we must have ample beer drinking time at the end of the day.

 

HEY, I am sarcastic and have stupid humor. I have never been called corny!;-)

 

...

 

So jealous.
Decided I’ll be in CO for good for my Birthday next March.
Rock on



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While online Easter Sunday after a brutal day at the restaurant. I drank a bunch and woke up to seeing I ordered a Gopro 7 hero from Costco at a great deal. It arrived today and It will be fun to have. Also does anyone else have com systems like a Sena system? I do, so if so it would be cool to com up on the ride. I also ordered a pair of riding pants. I have always ridden with jeans so this will be different. Obviously safer with armor and weather protection given the uncertainty of Colorado spring weather. This is going to be a great ride, and now I have all the components - Visual, Comm set, and riding gear that I should have had years ago. I am into this already $800 even without the cost of the ride and I don't care. We will have a great time brothers. We only live once and I am fine paying for this ride for a year or 2. Igronk do you know what areas have True gas in our area of riding. I would love to know since that is what I have tried to run in the bike? Not a route killer, but better for me and some if we could know. Thanks

 

There are 4 or 5 stations here in the Springs. I don't think any are around Gunnison or Montrose though. The riding pants are a GREAT thing! Make sure you have good gloves and a rain suit if possible. I always carry a balaclava as well - I've seen it snow, rain, and fry you all in the same day here.

I have a cardo unit, but will still connect so comms is good! I'm looking forward to the ride as well. I have an original gopro, but need to get a new battery for it.