View Full Version : From park county to the coast on 2 wheels, how do I get out of here?
I Will be setting off Thursday for a motorcycle trip to approximately reno/sierra nevadas to meet up with a friend and continue traveling. My destination is fluid and all that really matters now is how am I getting out of Colorado. Initially I had planned on I-70 but it looks like some bad weather moving through just before I leave. I will be coming from Bailey and probably taking 285 SW rather than NW. Was thinking about taking 285 to 50 to GJ then on to 70. Im asking for some help from a few members who live along the 50 corridor especially between Monarch and Montrose, to please post up today and tomorrow (Tues and wed) what the weather and road conditions are, how they look, slick, icy, so on. I have been checking forecasts every 6 hours for the paat 4 days just trying to get the best picture i can, I'm just trying to get some heads up on ground consitions. I am also considering another route further south, but conditions might just be the same. Thanks.
If you are still reading, some background: I've been riding bikes for over a decade and travel cross country for the stoic delight of it. I realize late March is not optimal and it will be cold etc but im pretty set on leaving as t's not just a trip it's actually a reunion between myself and an old friend and riding partner. There's much more to it but this is a public forum and I won't bore ya all with details.
Great-Kazoo
03-22-2016, 08:09
You going north on 15 or south once in UT?
here's the place i check before setting out
http://cotrip.org/map.htm#/roadConditions
Have not decided between traveling onto 80 once in SLC or heading down 15 to 50. Leaning towards the southerly route, less traffic. Slightly warmer weather. Thank you for the link.
Great-Kazoo
03-22-2016, 09:20
15 - 40 - 99 - 41 - to where ever then final destination
You have to stop in tehachapi for eats.
Martinjmpr
03-22-2016, 09:45
I can't speak to road conditions but personally I would avoid Monarch Pass and Gunnison. Gunnison is almost always one of the coldest places in the state. I would consider instead heading SW on 285 all the way to Saguache and then taking Wolf Creek Pass to Durango. If Wolf Creek is too icy or snowpacked then take 285 all the way to Tres Piedras, NM and take US 64 to Chama and Farmington, then pick up 160. From there you could either go through Page and on to I-15 at St. George, UT, or you could head South towards Flagstaff and take I-40 West.
US 64 from Tres Piedras to Tierra Amarilla NM does go over 11,000' in places but it should be far enough South that it ought to be snow-free by this time of year. It's also an amazing road for motorcycle riding and there's never any traffic on it (unlike Wolf Creek to Durango which can get very crowded.)
NFATrustGuy
03-22-2016, 10:06
If you're going that far on a KLR650, I'd suggest going point-to-point-to-point from one chiropractor to the next!
:-)
68Charger
03-22-2016, 10:24
It's much more out of the way, but worst case you could take I-25 to I-40- virtually any continental divide crossing in CO can get pretty bad at times...
Once you're on I-40, it will be more clear to get to NV/CA than any path in CO.
If weather cooperates more, then some of the other suggestions would work.
theGinsue
03-22-2016, 10:43
It's much more out of the way, but worst case you could take I-25 to I-40- virtually any continental divide crossing in CO can get pretty bad at times...
Once you're on I-40, it will be more clear to get to NV/CA than any path in CO.
If weather cooperates more, then some of the other suggestions would work.
From what I was hearing of incoming weather, this is the route I'd take if it were me. Still a beautiful ride and you avoid the risks of potentially dangerous CO passes.
Aloha_Shooter
03-22-2016, 10:53
Looks like snow this weekend so I'd definitely look at the options going south before west. If it were me, I'd probably use the I-40 options mentioned.
Go South! Just talked to a friend in SLC, raining today and snow tonight. I know that may not be in your direct route but I'd definitely head south into perhaps AZ then go west young man. It's been years since I rode long distances (today Steamboat is about the farthest my body will let me go lol) but in early spring I always took southern routes, but that's just me. Have a great trip, very envious!
I will be doing it on a bmw k75, but i've done 900+ mile days on the klr and it can be brutal though i will say, more comfortable than any other dual sport I have ridden.
martinjmpr thanks for the routes, i had heard wolf creek might be icy right now, seems like your saying if wold creek isn't passable then monarch certainly wouldn't be.
And a big thank you to all the rest. I will contact my friend who lives in norcal, he said hes fine meeting me about wherever even into Nevada. I'll take a closer look at my southern routes, and likely eventually link up to 40.
Is 25 south the least snowy option you think to link up to 40? i can deal with the hundreds of miles it will pour on, but time is at a premium to me.
Great-Kazoo
03-22-2016, 14:59
I will be doing it on a bmw k75, but i've done 900+ mile days on the klr and it can be brutal though i will say, more comfortable than any other dual sport I have ridden.
martinjmpr thanks for the routes, i had heard wolf creek might be icy right now, seems like your saying if wold creek isn't passable then monarch certainly wouldn't be.
And a big thank you to all the rest. I will contact my friend who lives in norcal, he said hes fine meeting me about wherever even into Nevada. I'll take a closer look at my southern routes, and likely eventually link up to 40.
Is 25 south the least snowy option you think to link up to 40? i can deal with the hundreds of miles it will pour on, but time is at a premium to me.
Once you're over raton pass, it's all down hill. IMO the biggest issue outside of weather is the Santa Fe - Alb corridor. Between 2 thru 6ish in th ep.m it's a horror show, same for the 6:30 - 9 morning commute. I suggest Charlies Spic n Span in Las Vegas NM for breakfast or lunch.
Charlie's Spic & Span Bakery and Cafe
715 Douglas Ave. Las Vegas, New Mexico (505) 426-1921
If you're friends going to meet you . Or you want a place to eat . Their turkey sandwich is amazing. EVERYTHING as it is @ Charlies is homemade. At eithe rplace treat yourself to a whipped cream filled eclair. Safe journey
http://www.kohnenscountrybakery.com/
Martinjmpr
03-22-2016, 15:16
I will be doing it on a bmw k75, but i've done 900+ mile days on the klr and it can be brutal though i will say, more comfortable than any other dual sport I have ridden.
martinjmpr thanks for the routes, i had heard wolf creek might be icy right now, seems like your saying if wold creek isn't passable then monarch certainly wouldn't be.
And a big thank you to all the rest. I will contact my friend who lives in norcal, he said hes fine meeting me about wherever even into Nevada. I'll take a closer look at my southern routes, and likely eventually link up to 40.
Is 25 south the least snowy option you think to link up to 40? i can deal with the hundreds of miles it will pour on, but time is at a premium to me.
Personally I would still prefer 285. Once you get over Kenosha pass that's the highest pass you'll go over all the way down to Santa Fe. Trout Creek is about 9400, Poncha Pass is roughly 9500 and if there are any passes further South I can't remember. Take CO-17 straight South where 285 cuts off to the West towards Saguache. CO-17 is the shortcut to Alamosa, then from there it's a nice ride straight South to Espanola and Santa Fe.
25 is probably less snowy but holy crap, is it BOOOORRRRINGGGG!!!!! Maybe I've just driven/ridden that section of I-25 between Albuquerque and Denver too many times but honestly, if I never have to do it again it will be too soon. By contrast, even if you bypass Wolf Creek pass and US 64 to Chama, 285 is a much more fun, scenic route.
The route West from Albuquerque is pretty much a snoozer as well until you get well into AZ. Unless you're into fake "Indian" souveniers or cheap "Route 66" kitsch, there's not much to stop for, except maybe "Standing on the Corner Park" in - where else? - Winslow, AZ. (Take a picture of your bike next to the flat bed Ford.)
Be warned that Route 40 is a very heavy truck route. It can also be crazy windy, especially West of Flagstaff.
If you get time, it's worth it to take the detour on OLD Route 66 through Oatman, AZ. There's a very nice twisty road that goes from Kingman to Oatman, definitely worth a ride. And Oatman is fun. The town is full of wild burros that were left there by the miners. They're so used to being fed by tourists that they'll come right up to you for food (you can buy food in most of the shops.)
kidicarus13
03-22-2016, 15:26
Check the live cams on the CDOT's website before you leave to make the best route decisions. Keep your 2 wheels down.
milwaukeeshaker
03-22-2016, 15:35
In answer to your last question, yes, take it from me, I did a Cali trip in May 2 yrs ago, I- 25 to 40 then west. Left at 5 in the morning, wind blowing, temps in the high 30's and 40's, like to froze here in Colorado until we were in New Mexico. Had to wear all of our foul weather gear and even our rain gear to stay warm. Was snowing on most of the Colorado passes. Made it to Gallup first day. This time of year southern route is probably your only option. Stay away from any of the passes. JMHO[Luck]
I will be doing it on a bmw k75, but i've done 900+ mile days on the klr and it can be brutal though i will say, more comfortable than any other dual sport I have ridden.
martinjmpr thanks for the routes, i had heard wolf creek might be icy right now, seems like your saying if wold creek isn't passable then monarch certainly wouldn't be.
And a big thank you to all the rest. I will contact my friend who lives in norcal, he said hes fine meeting me about wherever even into Nevada. I'll take a closer look at my southern routes, and likely eventually link up to 40.
Is 25 south the least snowy option you think to link up to 40? i can deal with the hundreds of miles it will pour on, but time is at a premium to me.
Having just checked the weather 50 is looking better than it was before, however Cimarron might get over 5" of snow Tues, Wed. Rt50 will be route A. Route B will be further south through pagosa springs on 160, if i dont like the roads there, ill just keep going south to 40, which i prefer to avoid. My friend is an educator and his spring break ends after the weekend, i can take my time coming back and pick a nicer route, but for the outward trip i just want to make good time, which is already hard enough with the weather. Thanks again and i really appreciate all the feedback, keep it coming!
milwaukeeshaker
03-22-2016, 18:09
Tire chains on a bike? You have to be kidding. Right????
thanks foxtrot for the 411 on 114.the cameras on Cdot will be helpful too. if i was taking the klr i would definately stop by sand dunes. ill post a pic or two and let ya'll know how it goes.
Great-Kazoo
03-22-2016, 19:26
Tire chains on a bike? You have to be kidding. Right????
There's studded ones too.
milwaukeeshaker
03-22-2016, 21:57
Yes but not for road use.
Update. Given the amount of snow I am seeing and how bad the roads are plus lack of sunshine, I'm moving my timetable back 6-8 hours. Rather than leave in the dark morning hours of Thursday, I will standby ready to go until noon or 2 and see what the roads have done, see if the mid 40's temps and sunshine clean up the roads or not.
Roads probably won't clear up until tomorrow.
BushMasterBoy
03-23-2016, 12:32
Winds in Pueblo gusting to 50 mph right now.
cotrip.org website won't load...
colorider
03-23-2016, 13:01
I wouldn't leave in a 4wd vehicle. A motorcycle is just absurd. Of course this is only my opinion. I ride too, and in no way shape or form would I head out on your trip with this weather. If you do, keep it rubber side down ! My lame opinion is to stay safe and live to try again next year. Not worth it.
In case anyone still tunes in, I decided on 285 to 160 down to flaggstaff where I'll stay the night. Thanks for all the suggestions, I even appreciate the logical advice I will be ignoring just by venturing forth.
milwaukeeshaker
03-24-2016, 08:42
Over Kenosha pass, Red Hill pass, Trout Creek pass, Ponca pass, and WOLF CREEK PASS!!! And 643 miles to Flagstaff, through the mountains, in one day! You must have an iron butt. I hope you have a heatsuit to wear and a sidecar on that bike. Good Luck!
Made it to Durango decided to call it good, i got a later start than I wanted but the roads were good all the way through. Rising with the sun, hope to be in flaggstaff by late morning. Cheers.
Glad to hear it. Have fun.
68Charger
03-24-2016, 22:02
Over Kenosha pass, Red Hill pass, Trout Creek pass, Ponca pass, and WOLF CREEK PASS!!! And 643 miles to Flagstaff, through the mountains, in one day! You must have an iron butt. I hope you have a heatsuit to wear and a sidecar on that bike. Good Luck!
I rode from Penrose to Phoenix thru four corners in one day... But it wasn't March- he must not be married... My wife would do whatever she could to stop me, probably would have a slashed tire or a bullet hole in my tank before I finished packing. [panic]
Glad to hear roads were clear, ride safe and enjoy!
TheSparkens
03-24-2016, 23:45
All the gear all the time baby. Be safe.
Wife is amazing that's why I wifed her.
All the gear, I ride with the mentality of when, not if.
Thanks for the support this thread is as much fun for me as an adv ride thread.
This thread makes me thankful that I'm a candy-ass, fair weather rider.
NFATrustGuy
03-25-2016, 16:50
This thread makes me thankful that I'm a candy-ass, fair weather rider.
+1
That's kinda what I was thinking. I usually try to ride when the roads are dry and the temps are between about 50 and 90 degrees.
This thread makes me thankful that I'm a candy-ass, fair weather rider.
We won't hold that against you....much [ROFL1]
Actually, I'm not quite as hard core as I used to be. I drive the damn truck when there's snow actually sticking to the roads.
milwaukeeshaker
03-25-2016, 19:29
I didn't even know there actually were tire chains for bikes!!! I thought this was a joke. Why the heck would you want to be in a position to use these in the first place? On a bike!!! I wouldn't ride my bicycle. Ice and snow, NO GO.
Nope. They aren't for road use per se, they are for "oh shit" use and they work wonders when you absolutely need them. On very rare occasions, you can end up trapped around a bunch of packed snow. Or stuck in some bog, etc. Or in this circumstance, driving up a formerly-clear pass to find it snowpacked near the top. What do you do? Camp on the side of the highway and wait for it to melt? Or pull over, chain up, and cross that couple miles slowly. They are kind of like an aid kit, you'll probably never really need it, but if you need it and don't have it you're really going to have a shitty day.
I run TKC-80 on the front and a Dunlop 606 on the rear. Even with those gnarly tires, packed snow and ice is freaking scary without studs or chains. [Fresh snow or powder is nothing to worry about]. Getting stuck somewhere that is crazy cold is not my idea of fun. I thought I could make it home once in a suprise-snow instance (while indoors, and you come out to six inches... wth?). It was fresh, so it was no problem. Until I eventually got to a bridge that sloped uphill and the cars had packed down every square inch of the snow. To make things worse, the sidewalks on the bridge were built up about 14". I learned some mad involuntary drifting skills from that, and eventually broke a side-case when I inevitably dropped it.
[blah-blah]
I use to ride all season, but I need to do some work on mine and re-insure before that's a possibility. Farkled to hell, but I got the miles up quite a bit and wanted to save on insurance.
There's a group that crosses the unplowed pass near Granby, CO every year, they are the ones that perfecting the chaining technique. KLR's generally make it just fine right up until close to a couple feet of snow where they are floating the front and dragging the skid plate. Rokons are the only motorcycle that can truely hack any level of winter, but are they really a motorcycle?
milwaukeeshaker
03-25-2016, 19:30
Me three
+1
That's kinda what I was thinking. I usually try to ride when the roads are dry and the temps are between about 50 and 90 degrees.
Just an update, I got back Monday, beat the snow. The trip was just under 2400 miles and I managed to stop by my hometown in SoCal. I recommend these extended types of trips to anyone owning a working motorcycle, so much time to think and enjoy the machine for its simple purity. It leaves the individual both cleansed and prepared for the day to day one left behind.
I have pics, but really, who cares. Cheers and thanks for the suggestions!
P.S. anyone want to buy a well sorted BMW K75 for a song? ( I have 2 other bikes!)
Great-Kazoo
04-08-2016, 02:41
P.S. anyone want to buy a well sorted BMW K75 for a song? ( I have 2 other bikes!)
Details?
. Unless there was ice on ground or snowing, I tried to be on 2 wheels as much as possible.
Nothing like blasting down the road, passing people in their cars. With the heat on high pointing to the idiot on the motorcycle. Heated grips and vest on enjoying being on the bike, Sun pushing through the last bit of low clouds, heading who knows where.
The serious riders are those hondapottamous folk. What looks like a car with 1 eye, turns out to b a herd of goldwings coming out of a patch of snowy clouds. Wearing matching helmets and gear, the same color of their bikes. Temps in the mid 20's out for a morning ride, like it was a mid summer day.
Good to hear your ride was a pleasant one.
Thanks Kazoo. I agree that mostly it doesn't matter where you end up and heated grips sound nice, I wish my K had them.
Bike is a '92 S model, just put new lazzertechs on in CA and they stick good. when we were swapping tires we noticed the rear was mounted backwards and was a radial not a bias-ply. needless to say it handles much better now.
TheSparkens
04-08-2016, 21:58
KLR , I love what you said about the long rides. I am one of those Gold Wing guys and we all call that. Cycle therapy, nothing like it.
TheSparkens
04-08-2016, 22:04
I love it when the wife says " you used to be a paramedic you no what can happen on one of those things " I just look at her and say " you just don't understand "
Great-Kazoo
04-08-2016, 23:12
I love it when the wife says " you used to be a paramedic you no what can happen on one of those things " I just look at her and say " you just don't understand "
Amen to that. Had a friends mother ask the spouse after her son was in a nice mc accident. So after this are you going to make your husband stop riding motorcycles? To which she replied. Are you fucking serious, you try living with him and no motorcycle. Not happening.
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