ride for the labor day?

[FALCONSEYE]

I was thinking about a 2-3 day road trip for the labor day. Anybody wants to join for a relaxed ride? I don't have anything in mind so I am open to suggestions.

[Kneescrubber]

I'll be sorta in your area Labor Day weekend. Riding to Las Vegas NM after work Friday. Riding to Gunnison Saturday, big loop west then south ending in Ouray Sunday. Back to Amarillo Monday.

[retro]

What part of region 3 are you in or planning on riding to?

Thanks,
Retro

[SaharaJp99]

I'm heading on a 3 day trip that anyone is welcome to join. Leaving Ft Collins area early sat morning and getting back mon evening. Staying in Montrose both nights. Here is the tentative route:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=213819400154367286915.0004aa051a55310a44b4c&msa=0

Will be 350-500 mile days so depending on what you are use to it may or may not be "relaxed".

[Justin]

I'm heading on a 3 day trip that anyone is welcome to join. Leaving Ft Collins area early sat morning and getting back mon evening. Staying in Montrose both nights. Here is the tentative route:

Sorry I couldn't join you on this one. Greenbacks are few and far between this month

[SaharaJp99]

No worries Justin. A co-worker is tagging along and possibly another buddy. We'll have a good time without you!    

[Justin]

No worries Justin. A co-worker is tagging along and possibly another buddy. We'll have a good time without you!    

Go ahead .. rub it in *grumble grumble*

[FALCONSEYE]

Looks like a very fun route, but I am too slow in the turns.

[SaharaJp99]

Looks like a very fun route, but I am too slow in the turns.

It's not a race!  Some of it will be pretty slow going anyways cause of holiday weekend traffic. More than welcome to tag along or meet us along the route if you want to choose shorter legs.

[Motornoggin]

Becky and I will be spending three days in the Glenwood/Carbondale/Paonia etc... area over Labor day weekend. We'll be on the Connie. We'll wave if we see you guys.

[SaharaJp99]

Sounds good Motornoggin!

Falcon, why don't you pick a nice ride for yourself for Sat to get to Montrose, meet up with us for dinner and drinks, then ride the Sunday route with us, which will be just under 400 miles, and the twistiest part of that will be so logged with tourists I'd be surprised if we are doing more than 25mph on 550, then ride back with us on Monday and branch off towards home when we head to Peak to Peak.  The Sunday ride has a lot of 55mph/65mph sections, so the 400 miles won't seem like such a long day and the scenery is SPECTACULAR!  Monday, it'll be a twisty ride in the morning, but open up a bit after that, and if you ditch us at 70, you'd probably only have a 350 mile day.  

[SaharaJp99]

Oh yeah, Retro, you in?  Looks like my buddy backed out, so if you want to share a hotel room and don't mind sleeping on the floor one night(we can rotate nights in the beds, or share beds , same goes to you Falcon ) you can bunk up with us for cheap!  I'll even bring a spare sweater for you again!

[retro]

Oh yeah, Retro, you in?  Looks like my buddy backed out, so if you want to share a hotel room and don't mind sleeping on the floor one night(we can rotate nights in the beds, or share beds , same goes to you Falcon ) you can bunk up with us for cheap!  I'll even bring a spare sweater for you again!

Well that's different, if you're bringing the sweater I'm in!  I want to go. What do you figure the total mileage will be? Is there a spot I could meet you at by Estes Park? Let me figure out my finances this weekend but if I can swing it I'm down. Any camping or all motel?

And Falcon, I'm old, fat, and slow, riding a 23 year old bike so don't let the speed demons worry you. I'm going along to dig on the scenery. The more I see of this state the more I love it. Keep me posted on developments.

Thanks,
Retro

[SaharaJp99]

Retro,

Cool!  Total mileage will be around 1,350. We aren't going to ride by Estes until the return trip on Monday. We are taking the Poudre out. We could meet in FC if you'd like.

I am hoteling it both nights. Days Inn in Montrose. If you want to share the room I have reserved to save some money that is fine. With 3 of us in there we would be looking at $50 a piece for both nights. I can bring a roll up matress and sleep on the floor.  I'm figuring $120 in fuel, and $80 in meals(hotel has free hot breakfast) and incidentals.

Hope you can make it!  It'll be fun!  

[FALCONSEYE]

Well that's different, if you're bringing the sweater I'm in!  I want to go. What do you figure the total mileage will be? Is there a spot I could meet you at by Estes Park? Let me figure out my finances this weekend but if I can swing it I'm down. Any camping or all motel?

And Falcon, I'm old, fat, and slow, riding a 23 year old bike so don't let the speed demons worry you. I'm going along to dig on the scenery. The more I see of this state the more I love it. Keep me posted on developments.

Thanks,
Retro

I am old and fat as well. I am trying to convince a buddy from work to tag along so that I don't ride by myself to Montrose. What do you guys ride? I have never done a 2-3 day trip before. How do you prepare? What do you bring? So many noob questions...

[SaharaJp99]

I ride a FJR, Retro rides a Suzuki Katanna 1000, my buddy from work rides a BMW R1150RT(I think, it's an old cop bike).  

As far as what to bring, I bring my riding gear, which is water proof, if yours isn't you may want some rain gear(I have a spare set of pants that you could use if you don't have any) as afternoon rain storms in the mountains are almost inevitable, but we may get lucky.  We will be at some altitudes so we may see temps as low as 40 or 50 and possibly as high as 90+ near Gateway/Delta, if you have decent riding gear this shouldn't be too much of an issue.  Other than that I wear synthetics under my gear, so I'll bring 2 pairs of those, then just bring what ever clothes you normally wear when not on the bike.  I usually only bring 1 set as I don't care if people see me wearing the same thing 2 nights in a row, and we'll be spending the majority of the time in riding gear, so evening clothes will be just that, worn in the evening.  Then I bring a camel bak, some advil, and some trail mix or granola bars to munch on during the day.  Can't forget your camera!  Since we are hoteling it and not camping you really don't need to bring much.  I carry tire plugs and a 12v compressor just in case, which of course anyone can use if they get a flat.  Then just make sure your maintenance is up to date before you leave.  Oh yeah, bring a swim suit, the hotel has a pool/hot tub if you want to soak the bones/muscles after a day in the saddle.

You'll have fun, life doesn't get much better than multi day bike trips.  

[Motornoggin]

Yeah, pretty much what he said as far as what to pack. Pack light and don't worry about being fashionable, functional is the key. If you have padded bicycle shorts you might wear those under your gear as it'll make your butt feel better if you haven't spent long days in the saddle before. Also, bring a small bottle of Gold Bond or Monkey Butt powder and don't be afraid to use it. It's great stuff! Bring rain gear or make sure your current gear is water resistant and re-treat if needed. Pack a bottle or two of water, snack, first aide kit, sun screen, hand sanitizer, sun glasses, hat, cell phone, flash light, windex wipes... All these can be purchased in small travel size containers that will fit in a tank bag with room left over. In addition to wearable gear, I also pack an elastic cargo net and tire kit. Sounds like a lot, but it really takes up very little room and my wife and I can pack for 3-4 days easlity in two bags and top case.

[retro]

My weekend just went down in flames. I have to be in Ft. Collins Saturday and Sunday so I have to cancel.

Any one up for a 2-3 hour ride Monday morning before the tourists wake up?

PM me and I'll start a separate thread to avoid any further hijacking...

Retro

[FALCONSEYE]

Do you have any recommendations for any rain gear? I think my jacket will hold up unless it's a downpour but I definitely need some pants. My bike has only 1100 miles on it and I got my first oil change around 800 so it should be fine.

[Justin]

Do you have any recommendations for any rain gear? I think my jacket will hold up unless it's a downpour but I definitely need some pants. My bike has only 1100 miles on it and I got my first oil change around 800 so it should be fine.

Frogg Toggs are my favorite rain gear - Performance Cycle in Denver carries them, and I believe Motogear outlet in Arvada has them - as well as most dealers.