Berthoud Pass and surrounding areas

[Silverbird]

I heard from a sportbike website that's I'll crash if I go over this pass. They say it's a total disaster. Has anyone been over it and be able to provide details?

This late snow was a killer for delaying the riding season...I want to get out to Dinosaur from Denver and I like to take 40. What's it like getting over the Rockies and are there any flooding issues to worry about?

Thanks!

[Justin]

I've ridden over Berthoud pass two or three times since January, and, I did not crash. But, the road on the west side isn't in great condition. The surface is a bit chopped up, and just generally in need of repair. It is also still quite sandy/dirty as of a few weeks ago. Most of the east side was redone in the last few years, so that is much better, although still prone to sand.

So to answer your question, you can ride over the pass without crashing. I'd just suggest a more sedate pace to be safe. In it's current condition it is not an ideal road for scraping pegs.

[DenverC-14]

I rode over the pass yesterday, and both sides are in dire need of some work, esp in the corners. Take it easy and you'll be fine. Just keep an eye out for the potholes and your trip should be uneventful.

[DavidLong]

Haven't ridden it since September, but that ride was done in the wet and very scary.  There was a very strong odor of oil and a visible sheen on the pavement, which was extremely slick. Even gentle braking or steering inputs would result in a slide.  Winter conditions may have resloved that problem, but I would be very careful in the wet.

[bikerfish1100]

i'd suggest "laying it down" in your driveway to avoid the certainty of a crash on Berthoud. just think of all the $ you'll save by not having to get the bike towed!!

[DenverC-14]

i'd suggest "laying it down" in your driveway to avoid the certainty of a crash on Berthoud. just think of all the $ you'll save by not having to get the bike towed!!

[Silverbird]

Cool, how much snow is up there and speaking of snow, I saw in the paper the elk river is going to flood like a mofo which will mess up the ride all the way out to Craig. Any news on that?

[bikerfish1100]

Trail Ridge Road yesterday, first open day of the season.



I'm 5'10".

[Silverbird]

Not a fan of Trail Ridge, has anyone take 40 out to Craig and beyond?

[Justin]

has anyone take 40 out to Craig and beyond?

Sure, many times. Mostly flat and straight after Berthoud and Rabbit Ears passes all the way to UT, then it gets flatter. Nice scenery, but not the best riding road.

[bikerfish1100]

Sure, many times. Mostly flat and straight after Berthoud and Rabbit Ears passes all the way to UT, then it gets flatter. Nice scenery, but not the best riding road.

i'm thinking (hoping?) that the question was about road condition, rather than route quality.

[Silverbird]

Actually it was about road conditions

I keep reading about flooding along the Elk river which is right along route 40. But I'm not sure if it would actually effect the riding...

[bikerfish1100]

Actually it was about road conditions

I'm not sure if it would actually effect the riding...

probably would depend upon your cornering skills.........