Thanks Steve.
I ordered your book, by the way, and look forward to reading it.

 

July,august and up til mid sept is usually safe. There is no snow left and warmer in the higher elevations. My girl and I are heading to the coast in July. Going to take in sturgis north and the Merritt rally.
If possible take your time,see every sight. Have no real destination,only the journey

 

I used to live in Denver. My wife and I are planning a trip back there and up into the mountains this August. I love that whole area.

 

July & August are great. At high elevation its cool until around noon, but its usually clear weather. The storms tend to stove in early afternoon. The colors are spectacular later in the year. Be prepared for different weather and you'll have a blast. You can alway stop for a snack if it gets wet cold or windy. The storms are short, but can be fierce.

 

I grew up in Oklahoma and my pop still lives near the fair grounds. Been in southern Utah for about 9 years now. You will love the mountains, especially the routes you have listed.

As for best week, late July to early August is probably the warmest, but when you're at 12k feet and above that is not always saying much. The trick is to take lots of extra clothes and be ready to layer for each stage of the trip.

I'd strongly recommend 2 pair of gloves (in case you catch a rain storm) and at least 2 jackets even for summer. Temperature can drop really quick. In a valley you'll be at a balmy 75 degrees, but half-hour up the road (and 3000 foot higher) the temps can drop to mid-40s; especially during the night. First time I went to Estes Park on a bike was in early August and I nearly froze to death in the campground.

As a rule, I pack a couple long sleeve t-shirt, a pair of long handles, a vest, and then my leather jacket. When riding a touring bike there's usually not a problem with that much gear. Two-up on a Softie or Dyna might present more problem with packing, but you definitely don't want to get caught without enough to wear. If a storm comes in or you don't realize how quick the temps can drop then having only a jacket is not enough. Shoot, I've been so cold in July in the Rockies that I rode with my hands on the back cylinder head just to keep my fingers warm.

A couple other things to watch for, especially since you're used to living at 1100 feet elevation. Mountain or Elevation Sickness is a real hazard for flat-landers. Normally happens for most around 7000 feet or higher, but some will experience it as low as 3500 feet. It can grow much worse as you go higher. If you've never experienced it (and hopefully you never will) then you won't know why you are feeling bad. It's one of those things that many people just ignore, and that where the problems start. The National Institute of Health has a decent page about it:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001190/

Also watch your water intake. The humidity in Colorado for that time of year will be pretty low. The area around Durango and into eastern Utah will be down around 10% for most of the summer. With the higher elevation and lower humidity you can dehydrate really fast.

Now that I've given the worst of it, the best is that you will see some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. If you get the chance, take the million dollar highway from Durango to Silverton. Better yet, if you have enough time do the train. It is a blast!

 

If you only can do half of the circle, which part is the best?

 

I'll chime in quickly with my two cents... if you want the town of Red River, sweeping riding, more distant views, and a modest Bobcat Pass along the way, the top half, from Questa to Eagle Nest. If tighter curves, a more snaking road, with Taos along the way, the bottom half.

Zoom out on the Bing map here, and it will reveal the different riding/road nature of both sides...

http://www.bing.com/maps/default.asp...31&FORM=ATRCCN

 

As I understand it, you are coming to New Mexico from OKC(from a previous post). If so, you should hit 87 north to Clayton, NM. From Clayton over to Springer, then I-25 north for a few miles and then over to Cimarron, NM. This will put you going through Cimarron Canyon which is a beautiful drive. There is a beautiful cliff formation in this canyon, don't miss it. Things you need to know. Clayton is a speed trap and the MPH drops significantly outside of the city limits. From Clayton to Springer, if you don't run 80 mph, you might get run over from behind. Don't stop for fuel in Springer. At the Cimarron exit on I-25 their is a really nice clean truck stop. Fill up here and use the facilities. At Eagles Nest you can either go to Red River or Taos. One other comment. Once you leave I-25 headed west, be on the alert for suicidal elk and deer. They are thick as thieves, especially around Ute Park.

 

If you come into the area from Cimarron, you are going to hit the circle at Eagle Nest, which is about the middle. If you turn right you go to Red River, Questa and into Taos. If you veer to the left, you go to Angel Fire (VietNam Memorial) then to Taos. Either way is a georgous ride with nice curves, just depends if you want to see Red River or the VietNam Memorial, which by the way, is amazing.

The entire circle is only about 90 miles, so do it all if you possibly can.

Bill

 

Went to the rocky mountain atmarch - may that time a good wheathers.