Advice from folks around Denver
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
Advice from folks around Denver
Had some great help from forum members last year when I planned a trip to the Smokies.
I am based in the UK so having some local input makes a huge difference for me.
Had such a great time last year that I am doing something similar this year - mmmm, maybe this could become an annual event :-)
I have decided to fly in to Denver this year as this is a part of the US I have never been to and always fancied seeing. I have traveled a lot in the US so have a good working knowledge of the comings and goings, but really appreciate info geared around the following:
1. Great rides around the Denver area.
2. Best place to get a good deal on hiring a HD. I ride a 2010 Limited so ideally a Ultra classic. Last year I rented a bike from a small indy on Atlanta and we had a great experience. Although slightly more risky, I always prefer supporting the smaller indy shops.
I get in to Denver on 9th September and fly back 18th September. Hope the weather is still fine around that time.
Looking forward to your input
I am based in the UK so having some local input makes a huge difference for me.
Had such a great time last year that I am doing something similar this year - mmmm, maybe this could become an annual event :-)
I have decided to fly in to Denver this year as this is a part of the US I have never been to and always fancied seeing. I have traveled a lot in the US so have a good working knowledge of the comings and goings, but really appreciate info geared around the following:
1. Great rides around the Denver area.
2. Best place to get a good deal on hiring a HD. I ride a 2010 Limited so ideally a Ultra classic. Last year I rented a bike from a small indy on Atlanta and we had a great experience. Although slightly more risky, I always prefer supporting the smaller indy shops.
I get in to Denver on 9th September and fly back 18th September. Hope the weather is still fine around that time.
Looking forward to your input
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 8
From: Detroit, the asshole of America
Head up the mountain out of Denver.
Must ride is the million dollar highway, 550, out of Durango. Also worth checking out are the various mountain passes around Dillon/Breckenridge. Idaho Springs is a nice lunch stop, too. The Rocky Mountain National Park is in the area and worth a vist, lots of nice scenery.
If you get a chance, Pikes Peak is also worth a visit, but is south of Denver/I-70. If you have time it's worth squeezing it too.
Must ride is the million dollar highway, 550, out of Durango. Also worth checking out are the various mountain passes around Dillon/Breckenridge. Idaho Springs is a nice lunch stop, too. The Rocky Mountain National Park is in the area and worth a vist, lots of nice scenery.
If you get a chance, Pikes Peak is also worth a visit, but is south of Denver/I-70. If you have time it's worth squeezing it too.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Ride the Rockies
Colorado has some of the best riding in the U.S. Most Denver area H.D. dealers rent all models ie. High Country H.D., Mile High Harley Davidson.
Depending on how far and how long you want to ride as soon as you leave the Metro area there are numerous choices for some great rides. One ride that was actually mentioned in the H.O.G. mag was the trip up Mt. Evans the highest paved road in the U.S.{14,225 ft}. Another good ride is the Peak to Peak highway through the gambling/mining town of Blackhawk and going to Estes Park,If your not in a hurry you can continue through Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park go over trail ridge road and loop back toward Denver Through Winter Park and some amazing Moutain passes.
September in Colorado is beautiful the weather is pretty stable but it could rain/snow any time in the mountains,dress accordingly.
Interstate 70 is the lifeline East to West,many secondary roads link up to I 70 which can shorten travel time{except Sundays,when everybody is heading down the Mt. to Denver}. Colorado is motorcycle country and you won't be alone even in the wilderness,get a good map and enjoy!
Depending on how far and how long you want to ride as soon as you leave the Metro area there are numerous choices for some great rides. One ride that was actually mentioned in the H.O.G. mag was the trip up Mt. Evans the highest paved road in the U.S.{14,225 ft}. Another good ride is the Peak to Peak highway through the gambling/mining town of Blackhawk and going to Estes Park,If your not in a hurry you can continue through Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park go over trail ridge road and loop back toward Denver Through Winter Park and some amazing Moutain passes.
September in Colorado is beautiful the weather is pretty stable but it could rain/snow any time in the mountains,dress accordingly.
Interstate 70 is the lifeline East to West,many secondary roads link up to I 70 which can shorten travel time{except Sundays,when everybody is heading down the Mt. to Denver}. Colorado is motorcycle country and you won't be alone even in the wilderness,get a good map and enjoy!
Last edited by garycoho; Mar 13, 2011 at 05:02 PM.
Easy day trip
Rt 70 West to Rt 74 (Evergreen Parkway) to Route 103 (Squaw Pass Road). Up Mt Evans and back down and continue on to Idaho Springs. Beer and food, TommyKnockers (micro brewery), Buffalo, The Buffalo (down the street from Tommyknockers, Barb-b-Que, (The Smoke Yard). Turn around and take Rt 103 back (different vistas on the return) to 74. Take a right on 74, through Evergreen and stay on 74 (Canyon Road) to Morrison (big speed trap town) to C470 to 70 East back to Denver.
http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/co103.html
Rt 70 West to Rt 74 (Evergreen Parkway) to Route 103 (Squaw Pass Road). Up Mt Evans and back down and continue on to Idaho Springs. Beer and food, TommyKnockers (micro brewery), Buffalo, The Buffalo (down the street from Tommyknockers, Barb-b-Que, (The Smoke Yard). Turn around and take Rt 103 back (different vistas on the return) to 74. Take a right on 74, through Evergreen and stay on 74 (Canyon Road) to Morrison (big speed trap town) to C470 to 70 East back to Denver.
http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/co103.html
Last edited by McGillea; Mar 13, 2011 at 05:32 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 1
From: Music City, USA
Garycoho has it right.
I Worked in Denver for 2 yeats and cannot say enough good things about the folks at Mile High Harley rental counter. Extremely accomodating and have a huge (80 I believe) selection of rental bikes. They also deal with Europeans on a regular basis (i.e. drivers liscense).
They have maps and excellent advice on the local rides. I did the Estes Park/ Peak to Peak ride - spent the night at Grand Lake. DO NOT miss Mt. Evans the road is paved - Pikes Peak is not.
Rented from them on several occasions. Ask for Antionette - she is the rentals Mgr.
www.MileHighRentals.com or 303-343-3300
Have a terrific trip.
I Worked in Denver for 2 yeats and cannot say enough good things about the folks at Mile High Harley rental counter. Extremely accomodating and have a huge (80 I believe) selection of rental bikes. They also deal with Europeans on a regular basis (i.e. drivers liscense).
They have maps and excellent advice on the local rides. I did the Estes Park/ Peak to Peak ride - spent the night at Grand Lake. DO NOT miss Mt. Evans the road is paved - Pikes Peak is not.
Rented from them on several occasions. Ask for Antionette - she is the rentals Mgr.
www.MileHighRentals.com or 303-343-3300
Have a terrific trip.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 146
From:
Mt. Evans and Rocky Mountain National Park are day trips. If you are a rider you need to get to southwestern Colorado. The road from Ouray through Silverton to Durango, the Million Dollar Highway, is one of the coolest rides in the world. It's less than 400 miles from Denver but is a hard days ride because of the mountains. From there you can circle back toward Denver or go on into Arizona, through a real live Indian Reservation, and see the Grand Canyon. There are a lot of cool routes back to Denver, and you still won't have used all your vacation time. Then I'd do the day trips like Rocky Mountain National Park. It's a big loop up to Grand Lake, a town, over Trail Ridge Road, above timber line in the tundra, to Estes Park, another town, and back to Denver. It's only a 200 mile trip, but it takes all day. You an actually do Mt. Evans on the way to Rocky Mountain national Park.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Castle Rock, CO
For me, this is the best site going for rides in Colorado:
http://www.motorcyclecolorado.com/
And another:
http://verlenelson.com/
You don't say whether you will base in Denver and day trip out and back, or if you want to keep moving and explore more of the area. Though there is plenty to keep you busy near Denver, driving in and out of the metro-mess every day to get to the good stuff would be a grind - I'd recommend a moving base, myself.
Drive south out of Denver to Colorado Springs, west to Buena Vista and work your way over Wolf Creek Pass to Durango, then come back up the Million Dollar Highway (Highway 550) through Silverton to Ouray and up to Grand Junction. From there, it's a short hop to Moab (Utah) which is some of the most spectacular scenery around. Funny as it might sound, I think Interstate 70 from Denver to Grand Junction is a kick-*** ride, even if it is superslab.
We all have our favorite areas and rides but you really can't go wrong anywhere west of I-25 which splits the state north to south, and there is so much to see and do, you'll have to come back for more!
http://www.motorcyclecolorado.com/
And another:
http://verlenelson.com/
You don't say whether you will base in Denver and day trip out and back, or if you want to keep moving and explore more of the area. Though there is plenty to keep you busy near Denver, driving in and out of the metro-mess every day to get to the good stuff would be a grind - I'd recommend a moving base, myself.
Drive south out of Denver to Colorado Springs, west to Buena Vista and work your way over Wolf Creek Pass to Durango, then come back up the Million Dollar Highway (Highway 550) through Silverton to Ouray and up to Grand Junction. From there, it's a short hop to Moab (Utah) which is some of the most spectacular scenery around. Funny as it might sound, I think Interstate 70 from Denver to Grand Junction is a kick-*** ride, even if it is superslab.
We all have our favorite areas and rides but you really can't go wrong anywhere west of I-25 which splits the state north to south, and there is so much to see and do, you'll have to come back for more!
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 106
From: Colorado Front Range
Colorado has some of the best riding in the U.S. Most Denver area H.D. dealers rent all models ie. High Country H.D., Mile High Harley Davidson.
Depending on how far and how long you want to ride as soon as you leave the Metro area there are numerous choices for some great rides. One ride that was actually mentioned in the H.O.G. mag was the trip up Mt. Evans the highest paved road in the U.S.{14,225 ft}. Another good ride is the Peak to Peak highway through the gambling/mining town of Blackhawk and going to Estes Park,If your not in a hurry you can continue through Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park go over trail ridge road and loop back toward Denver Through Winter Park and some amazing Moutain passes.
September in Colorado is beautiful the weather is pretty stable but it could rain/snow any time in the mountains,dress accordingly.
Interstate 70 is the lifeline East to West,many secondary roads link up to I 70 which can shorten travel time{except Sundays,when everybody is heading down the Mt. to Denver}. Colorado is motorcycle country and you won't be alone even in the wilderness,get a good map and enjoy!
Depending on how far and how long you want to ride as soon as you leave the Metro area there are numerous choices for some great rides. One ride that was actually mentioned in the H.O.G. mag was the trip up Mt. Evans the highest paved road in the U.S.{14,225 ft}. Another good ride is the Peak to Peak highway through the gambling/mining town of Blackhawk and going to Estes Park,If your not in a hurry you can continue through Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park go over trail ridge road and loop back toward Denver Through Winter Park and some amazing Moutain passes.
September in Colorado is beautiful the weather is pretty stable but it could rain/snow any time in the mountains,dress accordingly.
Interstate 70 is the lifeline East to West,many secondary roads link up to I 70 which can shorten travel time{except Sundays,when everybody is heading down the Mt. to Denver}. Colorado is motorcycle country and you won't be alone even in the wilderness,get a good map and enjoy!
Born and raised here in CO...too many options for rides to spell-out in an email and any of the shops can certainly map-out things too. All depends on how much time and how you like to ride. But at least get over to the San Juans and go over Red Mountain pass. Up North, Rocky Mountain National Park and Trail Ridge Road is amazing (massive tourist traffic though).
Have fun!!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: mile high
Great suggestions here for rides, you really can't go wrong and will have a great time. If you have time in Denver you might want to hit the British Bulldog Pub for a touch of home. My boss is from the UK and he loves the place.
I would 2nd the notion of being prepared for the possibility of cold weather as you will be at altitude, passes 10 to 13,000' and Mt. Evans tops out at over 14. Usually pretty good weather though at that time of year.
Have fun and report back on your adventure!
I would 2nd the notion of being prepared for the possibility of cold weather as you will be at altitude, passes 10 to 13,000' and Mt. Evans tops out at over 14. Usually pretty good weather though at that time of year.
Have fun and report back on your adventure!
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
My advice would be to spend as little time as possible in Denver. Get up into the mountains to the north, west or southwest. Plot out a loop starting/finishing in Denver, but with most of the riding in the high country. Sept is usually good weather, you may be a week early for the prime fall colors, each year is slightly different. My summer home is in South Fork, Co at the eastern base of Wolf Creek Pass. Here were the colors last Sept 24, Creede to Lake City:
