Million Dollar Highway
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 146
From:
I live in Colorado and that is my favorite ride of all. It's not a "dangerous" drive at all if you know how to ride a motorcycle. I wouldn't worry about a carbed bike having trouble. I used to ride that road with a Bendix carb back in the seventies, we passed everything on the road. Any vehicle will lose power at high altitude because the air isn't as dense. Yeah a carb will run rich at altitude, but it's no big deal because every other vehicle is losing power too. The C.V. carb has a vacuum slide that won't rise as high and pretty much compensates for the altitude too. It's a great ride, beautiful scenery, and temperatures can be pretty cool around Silverton so have clothes to layer up with.
Exactly. I've ridden it years ago on a vintage Bonneville bobber that I had when I lived in Boulder. Fun trip and beautiful countryside. The real south park area is absolutely stunning.
I'd love to spend a week or so there now. My current ride is so much nicer to travel on then that Bonnie was.
I'd love to spend a week or so there now. My current ride is so much nicer to travel on then that Bonnie was.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 834
Likes: 3
From: San Diego
Here are a few pics, including one of me on a friend's 75k Ducati Desmosedici.
Notice the new tarmac too. Me n my beanie were willing to risk it all. But alas, he took the bike back before I could make off with it!
Super fun ride.
Go!
The Desmo and fresh tarmac!
Summit
Dropping in
On the way to Moab. West of Durango in UT . 72 hours of polygamy!!!
Notice the new tarmac too. Me n my beanie were willing to risk it all. But alas, he took the bike back before I could make off with it!
Super fun ride.
Go!
The Desmo and fresh tarmac!
Summit
Dropping in
On the way to Moab. West of Durango in UT . 72 hours of polygamy!!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 4
From: Oklahoma
I've done this road over half a dozen times. It's right at the top of my list. Now I just finished watching this show. WHAT CRAP! Designed strictly to scare the $hit out of you, nothing more. Two 18-wheel gasoline hauling tankers, an ambulance crew on an emergency run, adrenaline crazed crotch rocketeers in the rain, all against a backdrop of breathless narrative and dramatic music. If you are considering doing the Million Dollar Highway, please do not let this show scare you away!!
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,802
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, UT. Dushore, Pa.
I've seen that show and it's amazing how these guys, father and son, handle the big rig tankers. It's scary on a bike but breathtaking, just watch the road and traffic and do sightseeing at pulloffs. I'm scared of heights but still have done this hwy. many times because it's so great. In CO. they can take you to Jail if your 20 mph over and fr. Silverton dn. to Durango it's like 35, maybe 45. Another great hwy is fr. Durango, Doloris, Teluride, Ridgeway and then back the Milllion $. Many great rides in CO. and another favorite is hwy 149, Lake City, Creed, and 160.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
When I was there 2 years ago it was mostly a blur, but I do remember having to sit at the top, freezing,and snowing while the local dot replaced a drain pipe across the road, and pulled bark off a tree on the logging truck that passed by us, then bought some nice jewelery for the spoose in Silverton.
This year we're going back for 10 days, this time basing out of Durango and taking rides all over Co an Ut. Heard they have a train from Durango to Silverton we may try. Any good recommendations while we're in the 'hood?
This year we're going back for 10 days, this time basing out of Durango and taking rides all over Co an Ut. Heard they have a train from Durango to Silverton we may try. Any good recommendations while we're in the 'hood?
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 47
From: N. Texas
I was there last year towing a jeep up there to use on the trails. I didn't have a bike then but it would be a blast. The scenery on the trails is awesome. We hit it during wildflower season. You can rent jeeps in Silverton and Ouray for day and they will help you pick trails. It should be a must do for anyone.