Need Road Information (CO, NM)

[motospeed9058]

Hello to all from Region 6.  I grew up in the Colo Spgs area, but never had the ability till now to ride the roads on two wheels.  I'm familiar with the areas, but not the surrounding roads.  I currently live in the MD/VA area, but am planning a ride to CO and NM over labor day weekend next year.  I am creating a catalog/maps of must ride roads.  My only criteria is that they move in the general north to south or vice versa, and that they run along/through the mountains.  And no, I don't want I-25.  I'm a moderate to heavy, twisty kind of guy, but I would like to see as much as possible, so I know there will be some more major roads.  

Any suggestions on "must ride" roads would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.  

[blakebird]

To connect CO to NM:
You're avoiding I-25, but if you end up needing to make time and use it - take 64 from Raton (CO/NM border) thru Cimarron Canyon to Eagle Nest.

I like 160 west out of Walsenburg to Ft. Garland. South on CO159/NM522 to Questa. From there either south thru Taos and down 68 thru the Rio Grande Gorge to Espanola/Santa Fe - or at Questa turn east and go thru Red River to Eagle Nest.
From Eagle Nest, south thru Angel Fire, 434 to Mora. West thru Sipapu and the "high road" thru Truchas and Chimayo.
Or - at Eagle Nest, over the hill to Taos Canyon into Taos.

160 west out of Walsenburg - continue to Alamosa, south on 285 to Antonito. Take 17 over Cumbres and La Manga passes to Chama.

In CO:
Tough to find a bad road. The San Luis Valley (north of Alamosa to Poncha Spgs) is flat and wide, scenic in it's own way w/ views of the westside of the Sangre de Cristos. Up to Poncha Spgs, Salida, take US50 along the river. Great all the way to Canon City, or head south on 69 thru Westcliffe for a view of the Sangres from the east. The Wet Mtns are great. Google Bishop's Castle and find it on 165 near Greenhorn Mtn. Worth the side trip, definitely.

Tons more, I'll let others chime in though.

[bikerfish1100]

if you head father west than Blake suggested, the riding is superb. 92 & 133, running by Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Paonia and McClure Pass to Carbondale are must-do's (the reservoir north of Paonia is extremely intoxicating- but only if you like your tight twisties mixed in with high speed sweepers, on perfect apvement, with gorgeous views all around  )
Also, 550 from Ouray south to Durango is damn wicked- that's the Million Dollar Hiway, and worth every penny.

whereabouts do you want to be, east/west speaking?

[JimWilliamson]

I always enjoy CO 141 from Gateway to Uravan / Naturita CO

Some photos reside on these two pages:
www.jimwilliamson.net/motorcycle/2003-08-co-trip/d4-tue
www.jimwilliamson.net/motorcycle/2003-08-co-trip/d5-wed

[blakebird]

I always enjoy CO 141 from Gateway to Uravan / Naturita CO

And the resort at Gateway is shaping up nicely. I remember my first time down that road in '98, there wasn't ANYthing but two decrepit gas stations. We were along 141 a few weeks ago and had the road almost to ourselves. Beautiful area.  

[motospeed9058]

Great information guys.  Thanks.  Keep it comin if you got it.  I've got 8 days of riding to do.  

[motospeed9058]

if you head father west than Blake suggested, the riding is superb. 92 & 133, running by Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Paonia and McClure Pass to Carbondale are must-do's (the reservoir north of Paonia is extremely intoxicating- but only if you like your tight twisties mixed in with high speed sweepers, on perfect apvement, with gorgeous views all around  )
Also, 550 from Ouray south to Durango is damn wicked- that's the Million Dollar Hiway, and worth every penny.

whereabouts do you want to be, east/west speaking?

I really don't want to be in the plains land, so I prefer to stay tucked up against and into the mountains.  And yes I do like my tight twisties with a splash of high speed sweepers.  Thanks for the tip.

[MDHCO]

How many miles a day are you looking to average?

Are you camping or planning to stay in hotels?

How far north are you planning to come?