SLC to Denver
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Ultimate HDF Member
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From: back home in Michigan
SLC to Denver
Anyone rode from Salt Lk City over to Denver through the mountains using 40 then 34 over into Kansas?
I have ridden in the moutains of Tenn but nothing like the Rockies. Was wondering about riding conditions, the weather in late Aug, what to look out for. Was looking at 4 or 5 hours per day, maybe 2 days to get east of Denver.
Anyone?
thnx
I have ridden in the moutains of Tenn but nothing like the Rockies. Was wondering about riding conditions, the weather in late Aug, what to look out for. Was looking at 4 or 5 hours per day, maybe 2 days to get east of Denver.
Anyone?
thnx
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
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Anyone rode from Salt Lk City over to Denver through the mountains using 40 then 34 over into Kansas?
I have ridden in the moutains of Tenn but nothing like the Rockies. Was wondering about riding conditions, the weather in late Aug, what to look out for. Was looking at 4 or 5 hours per day, maybe 2 days to get east of Denver.
Anyone?
thnx
I have ridden in the moutains of Tenn but nothing like the Rockies. Was wondering about riding conditions, the weather in late Aug, what to look out for. Was looking at 4 or 5 hours per day, maybe 2 days to get east of Denver.
Anyone?
thnx
Weather was good, though late August will be much closer to the fall and the changing seasons might make their presence known. Heated clothing is highly recommended.
Heading east out of Denver, I took I70 (that new engine put me WAY behind schedule) so I can't help you to the east.
Oh, the cops in Kansas don't have a sense of humor, but the ones in Colorado do.
When in Salt Lake City, I *highly* recommend the Red Rock Brewery and Squatter's Brew Pub, they make some damned fine beer - particularly if you like ESB's and porters. Both are downtown and I can get you directions / addresses if you need.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,606
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From: Denver, Colorado
Roads are fine, but you better check weather and bring gear. We had a freak snow storm in the high country mid August last year and bikers were stranded as they closed a lot of the passes.
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Ultimate HDF Member
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From: back home in Michigan
And 8 hrs from Salt Lk City to Denver? Whew, sounds like an intense 8 hrs based on the satellite imagery of the route. Was going to catch 34 and go by Denver on the north side to avoid some of the traffic. Some of the elevations were around 9000 ft. Figured weather would be the key player in a ride like that. Precip to be exact, either rain or snow.
Thanks for the info. Hate to wuss out and take 80 through Wyoming...but might be the smart thing. Hoped to take 34 to 70 then to 36 on through Kansas and Missouri.....
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
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Wow. Snow was something I was worried about encountering. That and bear crossing the road. Contemplating carrying on that ride as well....
And 8 hrs from Salt Lk City to Denver? Whew, sounds like an intense 8 hrs based on the satellite imagery of the route. Was going to catch 34 and go by Denver on the north side to avoid some of the traffic. Some of the elevations were around 9000 ft. Figured weather would be the key player in a ride like that. Precip to be exact, either rain or snow.
Thanks for the info. Hate to wuss out and take 80 through Wyoming...but might be the smart thing. Hoped to take 34 to 70 then to 36 on through Kansas and Missouri.....
And 8 hrs from Salt Lk City to Denver? Whew, sounds like an intense 8 hrs based on the satellite imagery of the route. Was going to catch 34 and go by Denver on the north side to avoid some of the traffic. Some of the elevations were around 9000 ft. Figured weather would be the key player in a ride like that. Precip to be exact, either rain or snow.
Thanks for the info. Hate to wuss out and take 80 through Wyoming...but might be the smart thing. Hoped to take 34 to 70 then to 36 on through Kansas and Missouri.....
I70 is much prettier and there's some curves here and there.
About 8 hours to go from SLC to Denver, I ride a *little* differently - 300 (+/-) miles between stops and then 7-12 minutes per stop which REALLY boosts my overall average speed and my rolling average speed is usually higher than most HD riders. My bike is set up specifically for that style of riding.
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much, MUCH prettier. Of course, I get spoiled living out here, but I-80 through Wyoming isn't close to as pretty as I-70. 40 will probably be a more enjoyable ride because you're not on the interstate. You might get a snowstorm, but the key word there is "freak". It's not the norm. Don't shy away from a great ride because of the freakish thing that might happen. If it does snow in August it will most likely only last a few hours and you'll be on your way again. Don't wuss out.
much, MUCH prettier. Of course, I get spoiled living out here, but I-80 through Wyoming isn't close to as pretty as I-70. 40 will probably be a more enjoyable ride because you're not on the interstate. You might get a snowstorm, but the key word there is "freak". It's not the norm. Don't shy away from a great ride because of the freakish thing that might happen. If it does snow in August it will most likely only last a few hours and you'll be on your way again. Don't wuss out.
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From: Denver, Colorado
just to confirm, you could have snow hail or 90 degrees on the passes. Don't swaet it until the weather forcast before.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,126
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From: Rockies
Don't sweat it. I ride year round and live at almost 9000ft. in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Hwy 40 over two days would be a good route. Stop to see the sights along the way. If you take 40 all the way to I-70 (Just after you descend Berthoud Pass), take 70 through Denver out onto the plains and about 30 miles to the east of Denver US Hwy 36 connects with the town of Byers and I-70. This is a fine highway to cross the plains on. In Kansas it is the Pony Express Highway with all kinds of history along the way. US 34 is OK too.
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