Info on Fort Collins area for riding, please

[sagerat]

OK, this is the cart waaaaaaaaaaaaay before the horse, but have a phone interview with City of Fort Collins next month.  Do well on that, and the second interview is in person.

Salary, benefits, work environment, who cares?!  I want to know a) how long the riding season is in Fort Collins and b) whether there are good roads to ride in the area or if not, how far must one travel?  Looking at a map, it looks pretty bleak to the east and north/south at first glance doesn't seem all that great.  Westward looks heavenly.

Riding can include dual sporting, too.

Thanks in advance.  

[JimWilliamson]

Bikerfish1100 (Joe) is south in Loveland. DM_GSXR (Carl) is down in Longmont. Both of'm have been around longer than me and have loads of info. What Fort Collins info you might wish - holler.

a) You could ride the plains almost all year around (`specially with your Ural). No snow in town for the past few weeks until this morning. Last Thurs we hit 64F in FC - people out in T-shirts and shorts - perhaps spotted 5 bikes out. Mountain roads likely not. Gravel and putting up with lower temps. Joe & Carl could pipe in on this.

b) I've been here since summer 2007 with a street bike, but willing to ride any reasonable surface. Open space to the east (good for stretching the eyeballs). Congestion to the south. Sparse for roads north / open space. West - mountains with valley routes. Not a plethora of paved roads in the mountains - but what's there is nice. Gravel opens up decent views. Single track - I've not traveled - can't help.

There are a couple "loops" west of town if you wish a nice "out for just a bit" ride...

Stove Prairie - Rist Canyon loop (you can easily visualize extending the loop to take in CO-14 the Poudre Canyon)
www.JimWilliamson.net/motorcycle/2007-05-21-1hr-loop/

There are a few documented rides in the motorcycle section of my site to get an idea on the greater area...
www.JimWilliamson.net/motorcycle/

[Justin]

On a Ural, you can ride year round - heck, I ride year round with two wheels, unless there is snow and ice on the ground. From Fort Collins, your closest "mountain" rides are Poudre Canyon, Stove Prairie/Rist Canyon as Jim mentioned and Big Thompson Canyon up to Estes Park.  And in season, there is always Rocky Mountain National Park. From the first snows to @ late March/April, the roads tend to be very sandy until they are cleaned.

The thing about CO is there are lots of great roads, but they are spread far apart, so you can spend an entire day just getting to and from them.

[Gun Slinger]

The riding season in Colorado is what you want it to be. The wife and I went up to our local ski resort on 01-29-2011 and was totally comfortable in standard cool weather gear (no heated electric gear) at 8200'. We put on 102 miles that day with a lunch stop for sliders and cokes. It was in the mid 50's up there and we were loving it! There are lots of breaks in the weather systems that you can take advantage of if you really want to. And warm fronts open up opportunities to get out and about for a while.

[sagerat]

Thanks for the info!

It sounds as if in many ways it's not that much different than around here climatewise.

[SalsaShark]

Thanks for the info!

It sounds as if in many ways it's not that much different than around here climatewise.

A lot like SE Oregon... Gotta love high desert. 300+ days of sun a year. I rode this past weekend and it's currently -4F.

[JimWilliamson]

For forest service roads, this web page may be of interest:

Maps

The "Canyon Lakes Ranger District" is perhaps the closest to Fort Collins.

[bikerfish1100]

road choices can be a bit "limited", but outstanding.
a "trip around the block" heading north- FtC, Poudre to Walden , Snowy Range , Laramie, FtC is about 260 miles. a similar loop south is about the same distance, but takes you thru RMNP.


plenty of dirty stuff too. sometimes you have to go for a longer ride, but the riding is spectacular (as long as you don't go East, but even that has some interesting stuff going on, like Prairie National Grasslands).

[bikerfish1100]

every once in a while, i take a ride, and catch myslef thinking that its pretty damn amazing that the riding & scenery is just so damn good, and that I LIVE HERE!

[sagerat]

Thanks for the pics and info.  Does look like nice riding area; may have to pic up another KLR if I get the job.  

[Justin]

Thanks for the pics and info.  Does look like nice riding area; may have to pic up another KLR if I get the job.  

Or upgrade from the tourist to a patrol many great 4wd roads in the area as well.

[sagerat]

I lust for a Gear Up.  Although, we've been able to get up all the roads and goat trails with our 1WD Tourists and Bavarian Classics that our buddy did on his GU.

[sagerat]

Phone interview on Thurs went well; Fri they called and want me to come down for an in-person interview on March 8 or 9.  I'll likely stay an extra day or two on either side of the interview just to check out the area.

Too bad the interview isn't in May or June as Bend--->Fort Collins would be a great ride.

[Justin]

Phone interview on Thurs went well; Fri they called and want me to come down for an in-person interview on March 8 or 9.  I'll likely stay an extra day or two on either side of the interview just to check out the area.

Too bad the interview isn't in May or June as Bend--->Fort Collins would be a great ride.

Hope the interview goes well and you get the job   And yeah, that would be a really nice ride - but in March it's way too iffy, and tons of passes are still closed.

[bikerfish1100]

I did that run last summer, going out to the BMWMOA National. From Ft. Collins:
14W (Poudre Canyon) to Walden. 125/230 NNW to Encampment then Saratoga. I-80 to 287 in Rawlins. ran that N to Moran, just outside of YNP/GTNP. Stayed with friends in Jackson.  (good days ride, maybe +/-500) 22 outta town  to 33N to Rexburg, narrowly avoiding Idaho Falls.head west, 3 road chioces, to get to Stanley. I was not real impressed with 93, but it does allow the longer run down the Salmon & South Fork of the Payette Rivers. we dropped down on 56/then W52, eventually 26 outta town, all the way to Bend. Some real nice roads, great views, nice mntn passes- orpn or tree covered, high altitude deserts, small towns, & pretty open running for most of it.

try it sometime. you'll like it.

[JimWilliamson]

Phone interview on Thurs went well; Fri they called and want me to come down for an in-person interview on March 8 or 9.  I'll likely stay an extra day or two on either side of the interview just to check out the area.

If you wish, I could take a day off work if you'd like a host to show some things. Perhaps a dinner with STN locals?

[sagerat]

"Motorcycle people are good people" as they say in "On Any Sunday."

Let me get my travel dates set and I'd love to hang out with STNers for an evening.  I'm seeing if any Foilheads (Ural riders) are interested in getting together as well.

Even thought about driving the Jeep down, but early March still seems iffy as I could just imagine getting stranded in a blizzard in Nowhere, Wyoming.  

[sagerat]

Flying in on Sun; interview is Tues; flying out on Thurs.

Open Tues night, all day Wed., and Wed. night if anyone wants to get together, PM me or post here.  Thanks.

[JimWilliamson]

Flying in on Sun; interview is Tues; flying out on Thurs.

Open Tues night, all day Wed., and Wed. night if anyone wants to get together, PM me or post here.  Thanks.

What dates for this? This Sunday the 27th or Sunday March 6th? Above you mention an on-site interview the 8th or 9th.

Anyone wish to get together (when we figure dates) for pizza? Justine's in FC perhaps?

[Justin]

What dates for this? This Sunday the 27th or Sunday March 6th? Above you mention an on-site interview the 8th or 9th.

Anyone wish to get together (when we figure dates) for pizza? Justine's in FC perhaps?

Yeah, I might be able to make it. Will just need to finagle my schedule a bit, unless it's in the evening.

[Reddog]

I could likely make it as well depending on the day.  Where is Justines?

[JimWilliamson]

I could likely make it as well depending on the day.  Where is Justines?

http://www.justinespizza.com/

On boardwalk just east of College. I could see changing locations to something in Old Town - better atmosphere - but I wouldn't suggest that-pizza-place-I-can't-think-the-name-of-right-now that is the common place to go to. Both time's I've been there the wait was long and the pizza is lacking (says this deep disk Chicago pizza preference person). Justine's, IMO, is the best pizza I've found out here. Their Boardwalk location is in a strip mall. Newish and nice but not much for character.

Anyone have a suggestion for an Old Town location?

[bikerfish1100]

you're probably thinking of Beaujo's, right on College on the corner, no?
i like Pulcinella's, but it lacks the Old Towne ambiance. for that, i'd suggest one of the brew pub's. perhaps Coopersmith's?

[Justin]

 i'd suggest one of the brew pub's. perhaps Coopersmith's?

I like your thinking

[sagerat]

Dates would be Tuesday, March 8, and Wednesday, March 9.

[JimWilliamson]

you're probably thinking of Beaujo's, right on College on the corner, no?
i like Pulcinella's, but it lacks the Old Towne ambiance. for that, i'd suggest one of the brew pub's. perhaps Coopersmith's?

Yep - Beaujo's is the name I couldn't think of.

Coopersmiths sound's good to me!

Dates would be Tuesday, March 8, and Wednesday, March 9.

As for which day, Reddog and Justin might have schedule constraints - you two wish to pipe up for a day? I'm flexible either day or time. Sagerat - any pref for day?

I'll let someone post a meeting "vote" thread...

[JimWilliamson]

Coopersmiths...

http://www.coopersmithspub.com/

5 Old Town Square
Ft. Collins, CO 80524
Phone: 970.498.0483

[Reddog]

I live in Warren Shores, walking distance from Boardwalk, and never heard of the place but you can bet I'll be trying it.  Coopersmith's would be fine with me but I think the best pub food in old town can be found at the Crown Pub.  Either day is good for me as well.        

[sagerat]

Tues is first choice, but either will work.

[bikerfish1100]

Tues is first choice, but either will work.

that's my berfday. ya'll can buy me a beer or 7.  

[Justin]

that's my berfday. ya'll can buy me a beer or 7.  

At least we don't have to buy you one for every year.. I just don't have that much money  

[bikerfish1100]

nor do i have that drinking capacity. you're talking rounds for the bar. and the pub. and the pool hall across the sidewalk. and probably even a few guys walking past. and their girlfriends.

[Justin]

nor do i have that drinking capacity. you're talking rounds for the bar. and the pub. and the pool hall across the sidewalk. and probably even a few guys walking past. and their girlfriends.

Well, I'll buy ya at least one round for your birthday. So do we have a plan yet for a day/time/place? I'm the farthest away with the tightest schedule, so I need to plan ahead

[bikerfish1100]

6:30 would be about the very earliest i could get there, 7 would be smoother.

[Justin]

6:30 would be about the very earliest i could get there, 7 would be smoother.

Yeah, 7 would be good for me too

[JimWilliamson]

So it looks like Tuesday, March 8th @ 7p @ Coopersmiths Pub.

If no objectors, I'll put it into my book.

Look to see y`all then.

[Reddog]

In my book as well.  Hopefully it'll be bike weather.

[Justin]

Hopefully it'll be bike weather.

+1 - I hate "driving" up there. Would much rather take the bike. Should be good if the weather stays like this.

[sagerat]

Thanks, guys, looking forward to post-interview relaxing and motorcycle talk.  

[SVryan]

Hey all just saw this......

Ya'll mind if I arrive also? I like beer.

Ryan

[bikerfish1100]

more the merrier Ryan.
btw- forecast for Tuesday is "4 wheels only".  

[SVryan]

more the merrier Ryan.
btw- forecast for Tuesday is "4 wheels only".  

Yeah I checked the weather. I've already got the OK from the missus to get my balls from the safety deposit box for this occasion. I'll be in the little moto parking triangle at 7pm.    

[sagerat]

And Wed. I hope to check out Unique Motors in FtC (Ural dealer) and BMW shop in Loveland.

[Reddog]

And Wed. I hope to check out Unique Motors in FtC (Ural dealer) and BMW shop in Loveland.

We've also got a great independent BMW shop that is the local Moto Guzzi and Aprilla dealer-  BeemersandMore.com   Lots of folks use them for all but warranty work.  
See you Tuesday.  

[sagerat]

I'll be the mustachioed guy wearing glasses and STN balllcap, the world's most stylish reflective chapeau.  Wil PM cell # shortly.

[Justin]

Well folks, does not look like I'll be making this one - figures the weather went to crap again. Can't justify spending the gas money in the Grand Cherokee to run all the way up to Ft. Collins for dinner and it's looks like the weather would make a long ride up and back at night a bit unpleasant.

[bikerfish1100]

we got a trace dusting of snow early last night, that's about it. not sure about FtC, but i doubt that they saw anymore than we did in Loveland.

[JimWilliamson]

edit: about 9am snow started to get to a dusting over pavement. Only flurries now.

Nutt'n showing as of now in FC.

Though we're having a midwestern style cloudy day (horizon to horizon solid clouds).

Yesterday AM there was a dusting on pavement - that melted off fast enough. Sister in Aurora had 3/4" Bro in Highlands Ranch said only a slight dusting.

[SVryan]

Well folks, does not look like I'll be making this one - figures the weather went to crap again. Can't justify spending the gas money in the Grand Cherokee to run all the way up to Ft. Collins for dinner and it's looks like the weather would make a long ride up and back at night a bit unpleasant.

Dinner on me if you put some Neosporin and a bandaid on your vajayjay.    

[JimWilliamson]

Well folks, does not look like I'll be making this one - figures the weather went to crap again. Can't justify spending the gas money in the Grand Cherokee to run all the way up to Ft. Collins for dinner

Swaying influence to bike up...
If you'd like a current conditions FC report - give me a call 970 219-0004

As now (1:40p) light overcast clouds - clear dry pavement

[sagerat]

Woohoo interview went well from my perspective.  Is it beer thirty, yet?  See you guys @ 7p.  I'll wear my Arizona State hoodie as there can't be too many Sun Devils in FtC.  

[Justin]

Swaying influence to bike up...
If you'd like a current conditions FC report - give me a call 970 219-0004

As now (1:40p) light overcast clouds - clear dry pavement

Nah, got stuck fixing broken servers anyway - have a good dinner fellas. Will catch up next time.

[sagerat]

Great time; thanks for all the local info.  SV was the only two-wheeler the rest of us were on four wheels.  

[sagerat]

FtC contacted me late last week for my references.  That's normally a promising sign.    

[bikerfish1100]

allright! here's hoping.

[Justin]

allright! here's hoping.

+1 - good luck!

[sagerat]

Well, got the bad news yesterday that I did not get the job.

Maybe the person they hired won't clear the probationary period.  

Enjoyed meeting all the Region 3ers who came out to the brewpub and a special shoutout to Jim for the guided tour of the area on Wed.

[Justin]

Well sorry to hear about that, better luck next time.

[JimWilliamson]

Sorry to hear the news. `twas nice getting together around the table anyway.