Paonia Ride to check out BMW Rally

[jbs80106]

Looking at making a trip to Paonia at the end of the month to check out the Top of the Rockies rally.  Not sure of the date I plan to go though.  Got a route mapped out that goes from C. Springs to Paonia then back hwy 50 to 115.  Long day but looks like a good ride!

 Just checking if anyone is going?

[bikerfish1100]

i am booked ot beehre. not sure what you're considering tho- the rally is not a huge one (several hundred). most of the activity on-site is on Saturday, but most folks seem  to use the rally site as a jumping off spot to go for rides from there, hang with friends in evening, etc. If you're jsut planning on a day ride up & back, you might find it relatively quiet while you're there. why not make a weekend of it?

[Rodan]

Been riding to Paonia for TOR for going on 10 years.... it's my favorite rally!  

While the rally has been as big as 1000 riders, in the last couple of years the numbers have dropped.  There are usually a few vendors, but nothing like you'd see at a larger rally.  The food is pretty good, though.

Most attendees go on day rides and hang out in the afternoon/evenings.

Bikerfish is correct, though, it's not really a rally to visit.  In fact, I don't think they sell day passes... you might want to check the Colorado Beemers website.

We're heading up on Wednesday, spending a night in Grand Junction then riding into Paonia on Thursday.

[Gun Slinger]

I think I might go up and see what it has to offer. Got to get through the wifes 20th class reunion too.

[jbs80106]

Appreciate the inputs.  Time and $$$ constraints for attending the actual rally.  Maybe next year.  So with the comments provided, and my planned route below, likely will get to Paonia around lunch time and hang around for a bit before heading back to C.Springs.  Probably get caught in rain on the way home but oh well!




http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Colorado+Springs,+CO&daddr=Paonia,+CO+to:Montrose,+CO+to:Colorado+Springs,+CO&hl=en&ll=38.595407,-106.484985&spn=2.292564,3.949585&sll=38.947155,-106.446175&sspn=3.400507,5.630493&geocode=FdqOUAIdjY3A-Skr0uahLkEThzETa-j1kuuOQQ%3BFWAVUQIdvkaW-SlF092_y5RAhzFWcBMEQSB5mQ%3BFfAhSwIdsvCR-SkXCAeKiFA_hzFNl4tQZ-QXBQ%3BFdqOUAIdjY3A-Skr0uahLkEThzETa-j1kuuOQQ&mra=ls&t=h&dirflg=d&z=8

[Rodan]

Looks good, but I would leave off the Western part of 50/550 (Montrose-Delta), and take 92 through Crawford and Hotchkiss.  Not sure which direction you're taking the loop, but riding through Montrose and Delta will be hot and boring.

92 along the Gunnison and through Crawford will still be hot, but much better riding.  

[bikerfish1100]

also, North Pass (aka Cochotopa Pass) is superior to 50.
made corrections (part of 60 still shows, but you get the idea).

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Colorado+Springs,+CO&daddr=Paonia,+CO+to:Montrose,+CO+to:Colorado+Springs,+CO&hl=en&ll=38.595407,-106.484985&spn=2.292564,3.949585&sll=38.947155,-106.446175&sspn=3.400507,5.630493&geocode=FdqOUAIdjY3A-Skr0uahLkEThzETa-j1kuuOQQ%3BFWAVUQIdvkaW-SlF092_y5RAhzFWcBMEQSB5mQ%3BFfAhSwIdsvCR-SkXCAeKiFA_hzFNl4tQZ-QXBQ%3BFdqOUAIdjY3A-Skr0uahLkEThzETa-j1kuuOQQ&mra=ls&t=h&dirflg=d&z=8

[jbs80106]

here is my ride report from yesterday. All told: Left my house destined for Paonia, CO...where they hold an annual bike rally. (yes, my GS is STILL in need of a gasket repair...but I digress). I had to suffer and ride my other bike.

Total Round trip: (according to Google Maps) 528 miles.
Actual Round trip: 600 miles.

Here is the route:




Gear:
Debated this a long LONG time. It was going to be HOT with high probability of rain late in the day. SO, do I go full gear, or do I go jacket + jeans??? Bought some under jeans MX knee/shin protectors just in case I went that way. Also bought some wicking fabric for under my full gear. Decided to go with full gear as this was unknown territory. Full gear = helmet, full jacket with armor, riding pants with armor, gloves and boots...

Left home at about 0830. Mileage shown below:


I see a Hayabusa touring set up in my future!!!


Route was from CSprings, hwy 24 to 285 to CO133 (over independence pass) to Paonia...

[jbs80106]

my mug....





and..



Couldn't have planned this better!  Nearly 600 miles to the dot!


Gear was good.  From 95 degs to rain to 60 degs approaching home.  Completely comfortable....aside from wrists and knees...but that's not a gear issue, but comfort....

[Justin]

Glad you're enjoying our wonderful state  

I see a Hayabusa touring set up in my future!!!

Like so?    I Enjoy mine - best compromise between a sport bike and a touring bike.

[jbs80106]

Got into the game late.  My BMW suits my practical needs.   But when the cages are rolling along 2 lane hwy at 70 mph in a 65...my max speed is 125........would love to twist that throttle and..well, satisfy my need for speed......(shhh...don't tell the wife!).....

[jbs80106]

And the rally...



and the T-shirt...