Motorcycle road trip suggestions or advice

[redneck122]

So this June i'm taking some time off work to go visit family out in southern California. I've made the trip multiple times by car, and have always just taken I-70 to I-15. This time i'm gunna take the Harley and want to take a different route. I was thinkin of exploring southwest CO by taking US-50 to US-160 down through the Durango area an into northeast AZ. Spend a night in Flaggstaff, then head west into CA.

Has anyone drove through this way? Thoughts? Or routes that would be more fun/ senic? I have two or three days for the ride out there.

[ray1970]

When I go down to Durango I take 285 out of Denver through Bailey. Through Gunnison, Montrose, etc. the route takes me through Silverton and Ouray. You'll get to ride the "million dollar highway". Very nice ride but it will probably take eight hours or more to reach the Durango/Cortez area.

[ray1970]

Blue Mesa reservoir (I think that's what it is) is cool. Black Forest canyon is a short side trip and is pretty cool as well.

[Zundfolge]

Order a map from Butler.

http://www.butlermaps.com/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJKvX5ttT68

If you were in The Springs I'd just recommend you stop by where I work (http://macvanmaps.com/) and buy one, but Greeley would be a bit of a drive.

[kidicarus13]

When I go down to Durango I take 285 out of Denver through Bailey. Through Gunnison, Montrose, etc. the route takes me through Silverton and Ouray. You'll get to ride the "million dollar highway".


+1 Good advice for riding out of Colorado.

[wctriumph]

Take a look at a map or two, plan a route that you can cover in the time allowed and remember, on this trip, the ride is the destination, no reason to be in a hurry. So take some time, stop every 125 miles or every two hours and get off the bike for 15 minutes. It will do wonders for your body and state of mind at the end of the day. Leave earlier than you think you need to as well. Take plenty of water with you, drinking water will keep you more alert on a long day's ride than coffee will. If you are taking along a female, remember that they will need to pee at different times than you will.

Have a safe ride, have fun.

[Jmetz]

There is the devils spine in AZ depending on how far south you want to go (and how much you like the twisties), and some decent riding in Utah plus Moab, Arches, etc.

[colorider]

Post up your plans here and ask for advice.
These guys will give you the best route to take.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=28

[Great-Kazoo]

head towards the four corners then jump over to 191 - 163 through UT(Monument Valley) down to 89 to flagstaff. Only advice is STAY OFF THE REZ ROADS at night. The rez is a horror show, especially after the eagle shits.

[Musashi]

Yeah take the state highways whenever possible and leave yourself plenty of time. Takes more time to get somewhere on a motorcycle - if you want to enjoy it.
Sedona is nice too, check out Oak Creek Canyon if you get the chance.

[Mtn.man]

When I go down to Durango I take 285 out of Denver through Bailey. Through Gunnison, Montrose, etc. the route takes me through Silverton and Ouray. You'll get to ride the "million dollar highway". Very nice ride but it will probably take eight hours or more to reach the Durango/Cortez area.

Another + for this. Can't beat the scenery, and not much in the way of cagers. A little slower but the + factor is the reason.

[centrarchidae]

When I go down to Durango I take 285 out of Denver through Bailey. Through Gunnison, Montrose, etc. the route takes me through Silverton and Ouray. You'll get to ride the "million dollar highway". Very nice ride but it will probably take eight hours or more to reach the Durango/Cortez area.

If you do that, the Brown Burro in Foulplay is possibly the best restaurant along your route. I'm not saying that I'd necessarily kill for a rare bison burger with cheddar, but kneecapping is within the realm of possibility.

That is, if the Burro is still in business. He's been threatening to sell forever. If it's closed, the bowling alley in Fairplay also has decent Mexican.

The wind from Kenosha Pass to Fairplay sucks, though.

Don't take 70 to Silverthorne and 9 south to 285. Hoosier Pass attracts some of the gawdawful stupidest cagers I think I've ever seen.

[3beansalad]

head towards the four corners then jump over to 191 - 163 through UT(Monument Valley) down to 89 to flagstaff. Only advice is STAY OFF THE REZ ROADS at night. The rez is a horror show, especially after the eagle shits.

This! Stay out of the rez if you can...

[redneck122]

Thanks for the great advise so far guys. I'm going to study some maps and plan this soon. I'll update with my exact route to see if i should make any changes. Gotta get the bike back together too!