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They don't have their facts right, I have ridden between Aspen and Leadville a dozen times. It's not 187 miles ! And it's no where near Royal Gorge.
I admit, there are places between the two without guard rails, and several spots where the road narrows to 1 lane. But it's not that scary.
The only time I felt unsafe was last year.
It was raining, almost dark, and I had to cross Independence Pass to with the temp around 32 degrees. Lucky for us we got down the pass just before it was completely dark.
I'll second that. I have a project going on in Leadville and drive in from Denver all the time. I go to Vail to have dinner with an old friend occasionally, and the trip is about 40 miles. They just repaved a lot of Hwy 24 between Leadville and Minturn and it's in good shape not. Along the way there is a little town called Red Cliff that is a very cool stop. As you drive over a bridge that sits several 100's of feet above the river, there is a little one lane road that goes along the cliff and appears to go nowhere. Follow it down to the bottom of the canyon and you reach a cool little historic town of Red Cliff. Well worth the stop.
Hwy 550 from Durango CO to Ouray CO over Red Mountain Pass should have made this list, its a WAY more dangerous / scary road than Tail of the Dragon. You take a spill on Hwy. 550 you fall 500 ft (at least) to your death. Its a beautiful ride though, just no room for mistakes.
Did take this pic on the descent from Red Mountain to Ouray.
The Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful and the Dragon is tons of fun. If you want scary, try going through Dallas at almost any time of day, the West Virginia Turnpike (when under construction or in winter) or I-65 from Chicago to Indianapolis. The last one has pot holes that 18-wheelers dodge. Now that's scary.
I-90/94 coming from Indianapolis into Chicago. The stretch from the Skyway into the city, now that's a ride. I've lived here over half my life and drive this route at least twice a year and I still pucker up until all the highways are done merging. Used to be considered on of the 5 busiest roads in America, not sure if it still is or not.
As far a tough to ride I would vote for the Apache Trail (Highway) in Arizona. I make it a point to drive or ride that each time I get out there.
Last edited by DoomBuggy; Apr 17, 2009 at 12:25 PM.
The folks that put this together must have been driving a Winnebago. I didn't think they'd be too dangerous on a bike since I've read a lot of you had ridden places like that. Especially the Dragon.
Anyone ride decker cyn in so cal that can be a scary road very narrow lots of tight turns
I used to road race (cars) on that road as a kid in the late 70's. Decker Cyn is only "dangerous" after dark when the racers come out. You can loose your ride or your life. Them boys are serious!!!!!
Hwy 550 from Durango CO to Ouray CO over Red Mountain Pass should have made this list, its a WAY more dangerous / scary road than Tail of the Dragon. You take a spill on Hwy. 550 you fall 500 ft (at least) to your death. Its a beautiful ride though, just no room for mistakes.
+1 here. Durango to Ouray over Red Mountain pas is scary. If you turn around and go to Durango to Ouray on the same road it puts you on the lane that is next to the edge of the cliff most of the way (don't look down, I'm warnin' ya). That ride made my ***** tingle. White knuckled it most of the way.
P.S. Awesome pics sfarson
Last edited by wood butcher; Apr 17, 2009 at 07:32 PM.
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