Quick question, leaving out to Co. from Chicago on Sept.3 heading home on the 10th. Trailing the bike out there because I can be there in 1 day instead of 2 (2 extra days of riding). I want to make base camp in one spot so I have more time to ride than keep packing and unpacking. Question is where should I stay to make the most out of my short trip. I was thinking Colorado Springs. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

I’m stating in Fort Collins, visiting my dad at the moment. Been taking my TMCC Sterling out for short jaunts up in the foothills. It’s nice here because there are all the amenities like breweries and restaurants but it’s a 5 minute ride to some nice short or long trips. Estes Park and RMNP aren’t far, and there are some nice secondary highways that’ll take you up to Wyoming if desired. There is one Indian dealer in town, several LBS’s and four Harley dealers within about 45-60 minutes ride. I-25 is a cluster thought due to ongoing construction from about Loveland to the northern end of Ft. Collins. The traffic on I-25 is a nightmare any more regardless.
But I’m partial to Fort Collins!
Also, there are some really nice desolate straightaways in the form of many county roads east of town.

 

I'd suggest staying in Gunnison if you can swing the extra few hours to get there. There's lots of great rides within a reasonable distance from there and you'll be well away from the front range traffic.

 

What do you mean by short trip. How many days. How many miles per day?

1. Fort Collins is a great base camp for 2-3 days.Arapahoe/Roosevelt Natl Park. Poudre Canyon. Big Thompson Canyon to Estes Park Rocky Mountain Natl. over Continental Divide to headwaters of Colorado River.
2. Ouray if you want scenery, Vail Pass. Glenwood Springs. Hotchkiss Orchards, Million Dollar Hwy. Colorado Plateau. Dolores River Canyon.
3. Salida if you want side trips to Independence Pass, Aspen. Gunnison Blue Mesa. Royal Gorge. Pikes Peak. Colorado Springs.

I can suggest scenic routes if you are interested.

 

Gunnison area was great riding. Highly recommend. Just don't try to do to much in one trip. Enjoy.

 

Anywhere west of I 25 is your best bet. I'd second staying in Fort Collins. Lots of great riding around there and it's not too big of a city so getting around is pretty easy.

 

I'd park the truck and trailer and leave it until you are heading back for home.Do you have any friends or family where you could leave it?
Denver or the Springs would be a good place but someplace further west along I-70 might be more centrally located.
lot of great riding west of I-25 but day trips off some Front Range town won't let you see some of the best.

 

I just wanted to say thank you everybody for their comments. They will all be duly noted and used during my trip thanks again !!

 

Colorado Springs is also a good choice if you want to explore the Pikes Peak region. Can’t go wrong anywhere in the rockies!