Questions for sfarson:
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Oklahoma
Questions for sfarson:
Hi Steve:
Figured this would be less invasive than trying to PM or email you/etc. Plus, any info learned/exchanged can be here for others to read and gain from, too.
So... here we go:
Wife and I are looking at two options for our upcoming vacation which begins Sept 8:
1. Ride our Ultra to the Black Hills and let her experience all the good stuff in the Black Hills area. (I've been there, she hasn't.) This ride is definitely "weather dependent". That is, if the 10 day forecast for the areas look good, we may decide to go this route.
2. Take our 4WD and trailer our dual sport bikes out to Colorado and do some exploring. If there's some rain in the forecast, we have our cage for exploring that day. Should this be our option, we are going to avoid the areas we are very familiar with (San Juan's and up around Pitkin) and head for new territory.
I have been going through your Colorado book I purchased and have seen several good options around the Salida/Colorado Springs/Cripple Creek areas. BUT, I have a few questions I hope you can help us with.
First question is elevation vs jetting for a carburetor bike. My wife's bike is a new Honda CRF230L. From the factory these bikes are ridiculously lean which SHOULD help soften the power/mixture issue once in upper elevations. My question is how do you think it will do at upper elevations, such as Marshall Pass? (Or even Hagerman Pass.) FWIW, my dual sport bike has EFI so elevation has less effect.
As for our routes...
Below are the routes we're considering, and I think most of them have lower elevations than what we have been over before in the San Juan's/etc which I hope will be good medicine for her carburetor-equipped bike. The rides are:
Ride 58: The Gold Camp Ride.
Ride 59: The Phantom Canyon Ride.
Ride 60: The Shelf-Red Canyon Ride.
Ride 75: The Marshall Pass Ride.
My wife rides at a good Novice level. She's ridden off road (off and on) since about 1976 or so. Engineer Mountain (if you're familiar with that pass) would intimidate her on a bike because of the combination of large rocks she would have to negotiate in conjunction with the narrow path w/steep elevations at some points. Do any of the above routes have that sort of terrain to contend with? (i.e. significant rocks on a climb to negotiate while on a narrow shelf with a drop off to one side.)
Think the above route ideas will be manageable for her Novice level abilities?
Any input and return route options would be most appreciated.
Could be we'll shelve the Black Hills idea and chose to go to Colorado again regardless of the weather forecasts!
Thanks.
Figured this would be less invasive than trying to PM or email you/etc. Plus, any info learned/exchanged can be here for others to read and gain from, too.
So... here we go:
Wife and I are looking at two options for our upcoming vacation which begins Sept 8:
1. Ride our Ultra to the Black Hills and let her experience all the good stuff in the Black Hills area. (I've been there, she hasn't.) This ride is definitely "weather dependent". That is, if the 10 day forecast for the areas look good, we may decide to go this route.
2. Take our 4WD and trailer our dual sport bikes out to Colorado and do some exploring. If there's some rain in the forecast, we have our cage for exploring that day. Should this be our option, we are going to avoid the areas we are very familiar with (San Juan's and up around Pitkin) and head for new territory.
I have been going through your Colorado book I purchased and have seen several good options around the Salida/Colorado Springs/Cripple Creek areas. BUT, I have a few questions I hope you can help us with.
First question is elevation vs jetting for a carburetor bike. My wife's bike is a new Honda CRF230L. From the factory these bikes are ridiculously lean which SHOULD help soften the power/mixture issue once in upper elevations. My question is how do you think it will do at upper elevations, such as Marshall Pass? (Or even Hagerman Pass.) FWIW, my dual sport bike has EFI so elevation has less effect.
As for our routes...
Below are the routes we're considering, and I think most of them have lower elevations than what we have been over before in the San Juan's/etc which I hope will be good medicine for her carburetor-equipped bike. The rides are:
Ride 58: The Gold Camp Ride.
Ride 59: The Phantom Canyon Ride.
Ride 60: The Shelf-Red Canyon Ride.
Ride 75: The Marshall Pass Ride.
My wife rides at a good Novice level. She's ridden off road (off and on) since about 1976 or so. Engineer Mountain (if you're familiar with that pass) would intimidate her on a bike because of the combination of large rocks she would have to negotiate in conjunction with the narrow path w/steep elevations at some points. Do any of the above routes have that sort of terrain to contend with? (i.e. significant rocks on a climb to negotiate while on a narrow shelf with a drop off to one side.)
Think the above route ideas will be manageable for her Novice level abilities?
Any input and return route options would be most appreciated.
Could be we'll shelve the Black Hills idea and chose to go to Colorado again regardless of the weather forecasts!
Thanks.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 1
From: Rockies
LAMing...
Good to hear from you! If you aim for CO, the rides you are considering will be fine for your wife... skill level, carburetion, and lack of rocks, including Marshall Pass. It will help if your wife's bike has CV carbs, for they handle elevation change well, but even if not, she should be OK. There might be some hesitation and "bogging" up high on Marshall, but it won't last long as the descent is made.
Yes, I know about Engineer as part of the Alpine Loop chapter in the book. Would mention Hagerman has some rocks up high as well, but Engineer is rockier and steeper as you note.
So, the four rides you are considering will be fine. Three of the four are on old train beds. The Shelf Road is built on an old wagon road and loaded with scenery. All are journeys through the past. Also consider the following...
At the western end of Marshall Pass, at Sargents, is the southern/eastern launch of the easy off road Pitkin Passes.. Black Sage, Waunita, and Cumberland. There are some minor small rocks embedded in the dirt on Waunita's western side, but should be no big deal for your wife. If you go this direction you will arrive at Taylor Park and you will have the fine dirt road choices of Cottonwood Pass (dirt on the west side, paved on the east), or you can head east to Crested Butte and connect with the magnificent Kebler Pass. All the preceding is in the book.
Last, take a look at the nearby Los Pinos Pass (30-40 minutes from Marshall), and in far southern Colorado, Stunner Pass, which could be something you ride coming or going. Both in the book. For video previews of all the above, to know what you might be getting into, there's the public video hosting site at http://rmridervideo.com
Hope this is what you were looking for.
Steve
Good to hear from you! If you aim for CO, the rides you are considering will be fine for your wife... skill level, carburetion, and lack of rocks, including Marshall Pass. It will help if your wife's bike has CV carbs, for they handle elevation change well, but even if not, she should be OK. There might be some hesitation and "bogging" up high on Marshall, but it won't last long as the descent is made.
Yes, I know about Engineer as part of the Alpine Loop chapter in the book. Would mention Hagerman has some rocks up high as well, but Engineer is rockier and steeper as you note.
So, the four rides you are considering will be fine. Three of the four are on old train beds. The Shelf Road is built on an old wagon road and loaded with scenery. All are journeys through the past. Also consider the following...
At the western end of Marshall Pass, at Sargents, is the southern/eastern launch of the easy off road Pitkin Passes.. Black Sage, Waunita, and Cumberland. There are some minor small rocks embedded in the dirt on Waunita's western side, but should be no big deal for your wife. If you go this direction you will arrive at Taylor Park and you will have the fine dirt road choices of Cottonwood Pass (dirt on the west side, paved on the east), or you can head east to Crested Butte and connect with the magnificent Kebler Pass. All the preceding is in the book.
Last, take a look at the nearby Los Pinos Pass (30-40 minutes from Marshall), and in far southern Colorado, Stunner Pass, which could be something you ride coming or going. Both in the book. For video previews of all the above, to know what you might be getting into, there's the public video hosting site at http://rmridervideo.com
Hope this is what you were looking for.
Steve
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Oklahoma
Thank you very much for additional input Steve!
We're going to do our best to limit our miles per day to allow for stopping often and taking in the sites. (This is our preferred way to enjoy the backwoods of Colorado.) Around here, we will put on about 130+ miles per day dual sporting. We're thinking aim at less than 100 per day.
Our tentative plans are to head for Canyon City our first day on the road and room for the night. Next morning it's unload the bikes, pack a backpack with our "essentials", ride Phantom Canyon up to Gold Camp, then over to Colorado Springs and spend the night at a convenient motel.
Next morning it's back over Gold Camp down Shelf-Red Canyon back to Canyon City.
With anytime time left, take in the Royal Gorge. We then planned to load up the bikes and head for Salida to room for the night, and do Marshall Pass out and back the next day. This is as far as we had gotten with our tentative plans.
However, armed with your suggestions you've offered, now we're thinking after finishing at Canyon City/Royal Gorge, to possibly load up and head over to Pitkin and stay in a cabin we like in that area.
Next day leave Pitkin and ride Marshall Pass from the Sargents side to Salida and back to Pitkin. We're then located to do Tincup and the rides you mention above! Sounds like I will be doing some more readin' (in your book) and plannin' at this point!
This is beginning to sound like an EPIC vacation.
Much thanks for the huge amount of effort it took to get your book put together and into print. What we're contemplating doing would pretty much be impossible without your excellent resource you've compiled. We're already seeing that we're going to be using your book to help us enjoy Colorado for several years to come, whether on the Ultra, in our 4WD or on our dual sport bikes.
Andre
We're going to do our best to limit our miles per day to allow for stopping often and taking in the sites. (This is our preferred way to enjoy the backwoods of Colorado.) Around here, we will put on about 130+ miles per day dual sporting. We're thinking aim at less than 100 per day.
Our tentative plans are to head for Canyon City our first day on the road and room for the night. Next morning it's unload the bikes, pack a backpack with our "essentials", ride Phantom Canyon up to Gold Camp, then over to Colorado Springs and spend the night at a convenient motel.
Next morning it's back over Gold Camp down Shelf-Red Canyon back to Canyon City.
With anytime time left, take in the Royal Gorge. We then planned to load up the bikes and head for Salida to room for the night, and do Marshall Pass out and back the next day. This is as far as we had gotten with our tentative plans.
However, armed with your suggestions you've offered, now we're thinking after finishing at Canyon City/Royal Gorge, to possibly load up and head over to Pitkin and stay in a cabin we like in that area.
Next day leave Pitkin and ride Marshall Pass from the Sargents side to Salida and back to Pitkin. We're then located to do Tincup and the rides you mention above! Sounds like I will be doing some more readin' (in your book) and plannin' at this point!
This is beginning to sound like an EPIC vacation.
Much thanks for the huge amount of effort it took to get your book put together and into print. What we're contemplating doing would pretty much be impossible without your excellent resource you've compiled. We're already seeing that we're going to be using your book to help us enjoy Colorado for several years to come, whether on the Ultra, in our 4WD or on our dual sport bikes.
Andre
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Oklahoma
Update:
The above stands as is until we are at Pitkin.
Once there we are now thinking:
Day Four: Reverse ride Ride 122 from Pitkin over 763, 887, 888 to near Sargents, then Marshall Pass over toward Salida stopping for fuel n' eats on the Salida side at the first opportunity and then return to Pitkin.
Day Five: Pitkin to Tincup over Tincup Pass to St. Elmo and return. (Nearest food/fuel once on the St. Elmo side? Nathrop?)
Day Six: Short day as we explore/revisit Alpine Tunnel. Once back at Pitkin, load up and relocate over toward Crested Butte.
Day Seven: Kebler Pass over to Panonia for fuel/eats... then either back over Ohio Pass or reverse ride Kebler Pass.
* Once back at Crested Butte, it's load up and start the trip for home!
Steve: Do you see an issue with any of the above for my wife's CRF230L and her riding skill level?
Andre
The above stands as is until we are at Pitkin.
Once there we are now thinking:
Day Four: Reverse ride Ride 122 from Pitkin over 763, 887, 888 to near Sargents, then Marshall Pass over toward Salida stopping for fuel n' eats on the Salida side at the first opportunity and then return to Pitkin.
Day Five: Pitkin to Tincup over Tincup Pass to St. Elmo and return. (Nearest food/fuel once on the St. Elmo side? Nathrop?)
Day Six: Short day as we explore/revisit Alpine Tunnel. Once back at Pitkin, load up and relocate over toward Crested Butte.
Day Seven: Kebler Pass over to Panonia for fuel/eats... then either back over Ohio Pass or reverse ride Kebler Pass.
* Once back at Crested Butte, it's load up and start the trip for home!
Steve: Do you see an issue with any of the above for my wife's CRF230L and her riding skill level?
Andre
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 1
From: Rockies
Andre... Yes, there will be issues. 
Tincup Pass is a challenging one. It is a rocky, boulderish thing. There are reasons it did not make the criteria for the book. Take a look at the video here, at around :36 sec (not my recording)...
Now, from Pitkin north (County 765) to the semi-ghost town of Tincup, you do ride a fine and scenic Cumberland Pass, through Tincup, and on to Taylor Park. The Taylor Park Trading Post is there with fuel, groceries, etc. This place, along with fuel at Sargents, are the only options for fuel anywhere near Pitkin. There is none in Nathrop. The Taylor Park area is excellent for dual-sport exploration.
Kebler and Ohio Pass deliver some of the greatest vistas anywhere. You must ride.
If you now find yourself with an extra day, an option is to wander SW towards Los Pinos Pass, but would note it is finer the further west you go as you skirt the northern sides of the massive, scenic La Garita Wilderness. Here is a fine route, paved/dirt, towards it... https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=P...via=3&t=m&z=11
Tincup Pass is a challenging one. It is a rocky, boulderish thing. There are reasons it did not make the criteria for the book. Take a look at the video here, at around :36 sec (not my recording)...
Now, from Pitkin north (County 765) to the semi-ghost town of Tincup, you do ride a fine and scenic Cumberland Pass, through Tincup, and on to Taylor Park. The Taylor Park Trading Post is there with fuel, groceries, etc. This place, along with fuel at Sargents, are the only options for fuel anywhere near Pitkin. There is none in Nathrop. The Taylor Park area is excellent for dual-sport exploration.
Kebler and Ohio Pass deliver some of the greatest vistas anywhere. You must ride.
If you now find yourself with an extra day, an option is to wander SW towards Los Pinos Pass, but would note it is finer the further west you go as you skirt the northern sides of the massive, scenic La Garita Wilderness. Here is a fine route, paved/dirt, towards it... https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=P...via=3&t=m&z=11
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Oklahoma
THANK YOU!!!
Appears that would have been a challenge for me... she would have no business being on that.
Wow... seems that Tincup Pass has deteriorated a bunch since we went over it in our 4WD Blazer back in '01 or so.
We will head for Taylor Park instead.
We will also do Kebler on the way to Paonia and back over Ohio Pass... unless you think it's better to flip flop and ride Ohio over to Paonia and Kebler back. There IS food n' fuel in Paonia, isn't there? Nevermind: Googled Panoia and it is a nice small town with fuel and food. 14.7 miles of pavement to get there. No biggie.
Gold Camp Road: Just found out from a Colorado Midland railroad history forum I'm a member of that Gold Camp Road has a tunnel cave-in, and you are rerouted over Old Stage Road near Colorado Springs. I don't know what kind of terrain that will involve... do you?
Andre
Appears that would have been a challenge for me... she would have no business being on that.
Wow... seems that Tincup Pass has deteriorated a bunch since we went over it in our 4WD Blazer back in '01 or so.
We will head for Taylor Park instead.
We will also do Kebler on the way to Paonia and back over Ohio Pass... unless you think it's better to flip flop and ride Ohio over to Paonia and Kebler back. There IS food n' fuel in Paonia, isn't there? Nevermind: Googled Panoia and it is a nice small town with fuel and food. 14.7 miles of pavement to get there. No biggie.
Gold Camp Road: Just found out from a Colorado Midland railroad history forum I'm a member of that Gold Camp Road has a tunnel cave-in, and you are rerouted over Old Stage Road near Colorado Springs. I don't know what kind of terrain that will involve... do you?
Andre
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 1
From: Rockies
Yes, it is better to ride Ohio Pass road to the Kebler Pass Road, then return via Kebler Pass its entire length. Riding Ohio Pass towards the NW delivers penthouse views of the Anthracite Range and some of the most amazing stands of Aspen you will ever see, with the jagged spires of the West Elk Wilderness off to the SW.
The tunnel cave-in on the Gold Camp Road happened long ago. It's no big deal. A seamless connection to Old Stage, which is noted in the book. Easy dirt surface.
The tunnel cave-in on the Gold Camp Road happened long ago. It's no big deal. A seamless connection to Old Stage, which is noted in the book. Easy dirt surface.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Oklahoma
Excellent: Ohio to Kebler it will be.
One last question (I hope!)...
Do you think Pitkin-Sargents via 763, 887, 888 will be a concern for a good Novice level rider?
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your helpful input in this thread. You are helping us to put together what will likely be one of our most memorable vacations to date!
Thanks.
Andre
One last question (I hope!)...
Do you think Pitkin-Sargents via 763, 887, 888 will be a concern for a good Novice level rider?
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your helpful input in this thread. You are helping us to put together what will likely be one of our most memorable vacations to date!
Thanks.
Andre
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 1
From: Rockies
Andre, No concern. The Waunita Pass road, right there on the eastern side of Pitkin has small embedded rocks in the dirt surface on the western side, which can be tedious for awhile, but they then vanish and it is a fine dirt journey the rest of the way... all the way to Sargents. To be sure, conditions can change from the weather, but there is nothing hair raising about the Pitkin area passes.
For a preview... not far from the Waunita summit, looking south at the Parlin-Pitkin Road down below. This is the paved road (sweet) leading from Pitkin to Parlin on U.S. 50...
From the forested Waunita summit, looking west at the road coming up from Pitkin...
Here's a photo of the fine dirt road between Waunita and Black Sage Pass...
Last, an image from the east side of Marshall Pass...
For a preview... not far from the Waunita summit, looking south at the Parlin-Pitkin Road down below. This is the paved road (sweet) leading from Pitkin to Parlin on U.S. 50...
From the forested Waunita summit, looking west at the road coming up from Pitkin...
Here's a photo of the fine dirt road between Waunita and Black Sage Pass...
Last, an image from the east side of Marshall Pass...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post