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2010 July Ride Listing
To select your 2009 ride
choice
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DIRECTED RIDES |
Bishop's Castle
Ride
Miles:
Approximately 358
Day:
Duration of
Ride: Total Time - Picture,
Fuel & Food 10.0 hrs. Driving Time -
7.5
hrs.
Description
of Ride:
This ride will take a
southern route to show you a different
side of Colorado riding.
With less aggressive
roads you will have a fun filled day
heading south visiting
a place called Bishop's Castle. A very
interesting little place that everyone
should see at least once. A castle, still
under construction and being hand built by
one man, Jim Bishop. Over the last 30
years he has carried in over 1000 tons of
rock and used them to build his castle.
You may have
visited this castle in years past but Jim
is constantly building and adding to his
master piece. From year to year many
changes take place.
Some say Jim
Bishop is eccentric. Maybe, but most say
he's just crazy. Join us for this ride and
make up your own mind.
Be sure to
check the link below for the history on
this amazing example of what one man can
do.
SPECIAL NOTES:
It is highly recommended
that you grab several bottles of water at
the hotel before you leave on this ride. The
southern routes can see temps above
100 and
there is no place to find water. If you
can't carry the water, make sure to ask the
ride leader or a friend to throw in a couple
extra bottles for you.
And, bring plenty of sun
screen! This is the second most important
item on your southern packing list. We will
be at elevations between 5000 and
10,000 ft. and it is very easy to burn.
(light long sleeve shirt is helpful)
Pictures of
this ride from previous years can be found
in the photo gallery. "2004"
Additional
information here for
"Bishop's Castle"
If you have
any questions on this route or ride email
them to
vtx2up@aol.com
Return to Ride Index
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Unfortunately due
to a
scheduling conflict this ride is
cancelled for 2010
Link to PDF Map
File |
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Breckenridge Loop Ride
Miles:
Approximately.
179
Day: Saturday
Duration of Ride: Total Time - Pictures,
Fuel and Food 7.0 hrs. Driving
Time - 4.0 hrs.
Description of Ride:
This ride will start by
taking you out US 285. Mostly 4 lanes, US
285 is known for its sweeping corners and
the ability to get a good head of steam and
really cook. On 285 you
will find great curves
and elevation
changes with Crow Hill, Kenosha Pass and South Park.
This ride
offers a wide selection of views and riding,
from old mining towns to ski resorts,
mountain passes, sweeping valleys and South
Park, the town recently made famous by the
cable TV show of the same name. It's definitely a fun ride.
We take 285 to Fairplay where we top off our
fuel tanks. Heading up Hwy. 9 over Hoosier
Pass and into Breckenridge,
for an intimate lunch.
After lunch and a walk around town, we leave
Breckenridge continuing on Hwy 9 toward
I-70. Next we look for Swan Lake Road
through Dillon with a trip over Loveland
Pass where we stop for pictures.
Back on I-70 we look for the C470 junction
and back to the hotel.
Pictures of
this ride from previous years can be found
in our photo gallery.
"2003"
"2005" &
"End of Summer"
Additional
information here for
"Breckenridge"
If you have any questions on this ride or
route email them to
vtx2up@aol.com
Return to Ride Index
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Link to PDF Map File |
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Curves &
Canyons Ride
Miles:
158
Day:
Sunday
Duration of Ride:
Total
Time - Pictures, Fuel and Food 6.0 hrs. Driving
Time - 3.7 hrs.
Description of Ride:
The name of this ride says it all. It
showcases a series of canyons just northwest
of Denver. We will run up and down the
canyons in a fabulous combination of curve
after curve. You will see lots of twisties,
elevation changes, hair pin corners and
panoramic views. What a great way to
experience the canyons of Colorado.
We will follow C470 around to the foothills
and Golden. From Golden, we will be heading
up Clear Creek Canyon to 119 where we go
through Black Hawk a
popular mountain gambling area. We pick up
the Peak to Peak Highway for a few miles and
come down Coal Creek Canyon to Hwy 93 and then
right to Golden Gate Canyon. Up Golden
Gate where we will
take a short break by the lake in Golden
Gate Park. Continuing up the Canyon to 119
taking a right for your next stop in
Nederland CO to grab a bite to eat at a
nice little restaurant, The Black Forest Inn
and grab some fuel. Taking a right out of
Nederland and back to the canyons once
again, you'll take Boulder Canyon
back to to 93,
6 and C470 heading back to the hotel.
No worries about
the pace. It will be a fine group pace while
enjoying the scenery and taking plenty of
time for pictures. We ask that you don't
exceed your comfort level. Please take your
time and ride safe. And remember the Ride
name, if you don't like the twisties, this
is not the ride for you.
Pictures of this ride can be found
here
"2005"
and other galleries in
our photo gallery.
If you have any questions on this ride or
route email them to
vtx2up@aol.com
Return to Ride Index
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Link to PDF Map File
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Devil's Gulch
Ride
Miles:
191
Day:
Friday
Duration of Ride:
Total
Time - Pictures, Fuel and Food 8.0 hrs. Driving
Time - 4.2 hrs.
Description of Ride:
Many of
you have ridden the Trail Ridge Road and
enjoyed the scenery and wildlife in the
area. You have also gone through Estes Park,
either passing through or stopping to eat.
This ride takes
you to the area but with a very different
idea in mind. The focus is to slow down a
bit, spend more time in Estes Park to enjoy
the town and sites, and enjoy the back roads
and canyons around Estes Park.
Devil's Gulch is
one such road. Not generally traveled being
north of Estes and a bit out of the way for
our normal rides. Today, we leave the normal
behind and ride the roads less traveled.
We will leave
the La Quinta taking C470 skirting Denver to
the southwest through Golden. From the
foothills of Golden we take Coal Creek
Canyon to Hwy 119. Turning right onto one of
the best roads we have to ride, the
Peak-to-Peak Highway with many photo
opportunities along the way.
With a brief
stop at The Chapel on the Rocks we travel
north to Estes Park for lunch and walk
around the town. After lunch, we head onto
Devils Gulch road. Then east thru Big
Thompson Canyon, then traveling south down
along the Front Range thru Golden, C470 and
back to the hotel.
If you have any questions on this ride or
route email them to
vtx2up@aol.com
Chapel on the Rock information here
Peak to Peak Highway information here
Estes Park information here
Big Thompson Canyon information here
Return to Ride Index |
Link
to PDF Map File
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Five
Pass Ride
Miles: 309.
Day:
Saturday
Duration of
Ride: Total Time - Picture,
Fuel & Food 8.5 Hrs. Driving Time
- 6.2 Hrs.
Description
of Ride:
This ride is designed to go from pass to
pass, showing you the Rocky Mountains and
The Continental Divide from the top of one
mountain pass to another, giving you
panoramic views like you have
never experienced before.
Redesigned this year, you will see breathtaking
views passing through some of the finest
mountain scenery, mountain towns, and ski resorts in
Colorado. This year the 5 Pass Ride will travel over Kenosha,
Red Hill,
Trout Creek, Cottonwood, Tennessee,
Vail and Loveland Pass.
The other rides offer you
some of the same passes, but this ride is
designed to give you pass overload ranging
in elevations from 10K to over 12K feet. The 5 Pass ride will show you
some of the best mountain riding that Colorado has to offer.
Pictures of
this ride from previous years can be found
in the photo gallery.
"2004"
and
"2005"
If you have any
questions on this route or ride email them
to
vtx2up@aol.com
Link to Tennessee Pass
Link to Kenosha Pass
Pass
Elevations & Distance
Tennessee Pass: 10,425' - 8 miles
Kenosha Pass: 10,001' - 15 miles
Return to Ride Index
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Link to PDF Map File |
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Mt.
Evans / Black Hawk Ride
Miles:
139
Day: Saturday, Monday
Duration of Ride:
Total time - Pictures, Fuel and Food
7.5 hrs. Driving Time - 5.3 hrs
Description of
Ride:
Kiss the Sky on
this ride.
You can't get any higher than this, with an
enjoyment factor in the fourteens. 14K that
is!
We will start at the
La Quinta Hotel taking US 285 to the
Morrison Road exit to head up Bear Creek Canyon to
Evergreen. At Squaw Pass Road,
we will make a left and enjoy a
beautiful ride packed with twisties up to
Echo Lake Lodge for refreshments and a brief rest
stop.
At the Echo Lake Lodge, we will
continue on to over 14,000 ft. to the top
of Mt. Evans! (Toll $3.00 p/p) What's at
the top you may ask? Just a parking lot, a
rest stop, some mountain goats and a
breathtaking view of the world that you just
don't find in many places! Be
advised, this road to the top of Mt Evans is
narrow and steep, carrying a lot of traffic,
both vehicle and bicycles.
After all the pictures are taken we will head back down the mountain
to Idaho Springs for fuel and head to Black
Hawk for lunch and a brief walk around town.
After lunch we take a quick scoot out 119 to Golden Gate
Canyon before heading back to La Quinta.
Pictures of
this ride from previous years can be found
in the photo gallery.
"2003"
"2004" and
"2005"
If you have any questions on this ride or
route email them to
vtx2up@aol.com
Link to Mt. Evans
Return to Ride Index
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Link to PDF Map File |
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Old Fart's Ride
Miles:
95
Day: Sunday
Duration of Ride:
Total time
- Pictures and Stops 6.5 hrs. Driving Time - 3.0 hrs.
Description of
Ride:
Leave your AARP card at home! On this particular day, being an "Old Fart" has
nothing to do with age, it's a state of
mind.
When you ride a cruiser, sometimes you just
need to cruise, look around and enjoy the
scenery. If that's what you're looking for,
this is the ride for you.
This will be a slow paced ride with plenty
of stops for those who want a leisurely
Sunday ride no matter what day it is.
We leave
the hotel taking back roads and canyon
cruising heading for our first stop the
"Historical
Western Museum and Buffalo Bill Cody's" last
resting place.
.
After
leaving Lookout Mountain, we will take the
back roads to into Red Rocks Park, the
northern version of Garden of the God's. and
then down Bear Creek into Evergreen for
lunch.
Completely
redesigned for the 2010 Ride it will be an
all new riding experience.
Pictures of
this ride from previous years can be found
in the photo gallery.
"2005" & "Motorcycle
Maniac"
If you have any questions on
this ride or route email them to
vtx2up@aol.com
Return to Ride Index
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Link to PDF Map File |
Royal
Gorge with an attitude
Miles:
Approx. 313
Day: Friday
Duration of
Ride: Total Time - Picture,
Fuel, & Food 9.5 Hrs. Driving Time - 6.5
Hrs.
Description
of Ride:
Proclaimed as the highest suspension
bridge in the world, Royal Gorge Bridge
looms more than 1,000 feet above the
Arkansas River, and is suspended from
towers 150 feet high above it in the Grand
Canyon.
The more than 1,200 foot long wood-planked
walkway provides a uniquely gorgeous view
of the canyon, but chills come with the
package.
These striking bridges serve more than
just practical purposes and are actually
tourist attractions in their own right.
But beware to those with a fear of
heights, as these staggering man-made
monoliths can literally leave travelers
breathless.
The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is a
one-of-a-kind place for your family and
friends to make memories that will last a
lifetime!
Just wait 'til you experience the
awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Gorge
from the world's highest Suspension Bridge
that hangs 1,053 feet high and spans a
quarter mile across the canyon! And there
are more eye-popping thrills with the
world's longest single-span Aerial Tram
and more head-spinning chills with the
steepest Incline Railway on the planet.
After
being on hiatus for a few years we have
brought this popular ride back for 2010.
In addition to the Royal Gorge we have
added a bit of attitude by including
Horsepower Hill on the return route. I
think you'll find this ride a blast.
If you have
any questions on this route or ride email
them to
vtx2up@oal.com
Link to Royal Gorge
Pictures of Ride
Return to Ride Index |
Link to PDF Map File |
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South Park Ride
Miles: 225
Day: Friday
Duration of Ride:
Total time
- Pictures and Stops 9.0 hrs. Driving Time -
4.5 hrs.
Description of
Ride:
On your ride
today don't expect to see the familiar faces
of Cartman, Stan, Chef and Mr. Hanky. This
ride is something else altogether. You are,
as your luck would have it, riding the real
South Park, a huge hunk of wild and untamed
real estate right in the center of Colorado.
As you look at
South Park, riding through it or from any of
the passes, it seems as though the world has
opened up and flattened out with wide
expanses of ranchland pasture, ribboned by
the South Platte River and creeks. To some
it may look open and barren, without a past
worth mentioning, but in fact this region is
steeped in the history of Indians and Gold
Rushes.
Stopping briefly
at the Wilkerson's Pass summit you will see
where Trappers, miners and settlers first
crossed over the Pass into South Park. Today
you will have the opportunity to walk where
they did, along with 10,000 years of
history, seeing the panoramic views of three
mountain ranges and the area's natural
history as you take the short nature trail.
Are you ready to
ride and get close to nature? We hope so. You'll leave the hotel
taking Hwy. 285 over Kenosha Pass dropping
down into South Park. Past Fairplay, taking
Hwy. 9 over Wilkerson Pass picking up 24
past Lake George, Divide and Woodland Park
for lunch. Guess what my friends? Out of
Woodland Park you'll take 67 to 126 going
through Deckers, Buffalo, Pine and back to
285. If that doesn't ring your bell, let me
explain. That is heading back to the hotel
over Horsepower Hill. How cool is that? A
great ride through national forest with the
South Platte River showing you the way.
If you have any
questions on this route or ride email them
to
vtx2up@oal.com
Return to Ride Index
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Link to
PDF Map File |
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Steamboat
Scream Ride
Miles: 407
Day: Saturday
Duration of Ride:
Total time - Pictures, Fuel and Food
11.0 hrs. Driving Time - 8.5 hrs
Description of
Ride: In a effort to offer you something
special each year we mix our rides up a bit.
Sometimes we offer different destinations,
or we reroute the ride to keep it fresh and
interesting.
This years
ride to Steamboat Springs gets a little of
both, a new and interesting route with added
areas of interest along the way.
Admittedly the
Steamboat Scream is a long ride with 8.5
hrs. of saddle time. It's not designed
to stop every hour and take a break, but if
you want to ride, keeping a brisk pace to
see some great scenery, this is the ride for
you, You will not be disappointed.
Head out C-470
to I-70 and catch Hwy 40 through Empire
which sets at the base of Berthoud Pass.
Over Berthoud full of switch backs and
twisties with views above timberline beyond
your expectations. Through spectacular
mountain scenery and towns like Winter Park,
Granby and Hot Sulphur Springs head towards
Steamboat for lunch.
Steamboat is
primarily known as a ski town but is
actually a sportsman paradise. Hot air
ballooning, fishing, Pro Rodeo, you name it
and Steamboat has it. After lunch you will
head back over Rabbit Ears Pass a non
aggressive pass with sweeping corners. Muddy
Pass is next on the agenda where you will
see some panoramic views of meadows and the
Continental Divide as you ride toward Walden
for fuel. After fuel and a break head out
over Cameron Pass and through Poudre Canyon.
With the river beside you, canyons and
twisties a plenty, this ride will keep you
smiling.
If you have any
questions on this route or ride email them
to
vtx2up@oal.com
Link to Steamboat
Springs
Link to Berthoud
Pass
Link to Rabbit Ears Pass
Link to Poudre
Canyon
Link to Cameron Pass
Return to Ride Index |
Link to PDF Map
File
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Three
Passes and a Hill Ride
Miles:
Approx. 246
Day:
Sunday
Duration of Ride:
Total
Time - Pictures, Fuel and Food 8.0 hrs.
Driving Time - 5.0 hrs.
Description of Ride:
This route is designed to
give you the best of all options. A few of
those great mountain passes you've come to
enjoy with a twisty thrown in here and
there, topping it off with a southern route
and a pass up Horse Power Hill. How can you
not enjoy this ride?
First we
take you out I-70 over Loveland Pass,
dropping off Swan Mountain Road into
Breckenridge and immediately taking Hoosier
Pass.
Fuel in Fairplay and continue
heading south for Wilkerson Pass where you
can take a short nature trail to stretch the
legs.
Next you go
into Woodland Park for lunch. A great
mountain town with much character and great
food.
Now you
head toward Deckers. Riding next to the
north fork of the South Platte River, riding
through forest land and the infamous Horse
Power Hill.
Horse Power
Hill is best experienced at a brisk pace but
please remember to ride at your own comfort
level. Ride safe and have fun.
Hitting the
twisties on 285, back on the super slab and
the Hotel.
If you have any questions on
this ride or route email them to
vtx2up@aol.com
Return to Ride Index |
Link to PDF Map File |
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Walk
About
RMNP
Miles:
205
Day:
Friday
Duration of Ride:
Total
Time - Pictures, Fuel and Food 7.4 hrs.
Driving Time - 4.7 hrs.
Description of Ride:
This year to mix
it up a bit, instead of riding through
the Rocky Mountain National Park and over Trail Ridge we are taking
you into the Park
for a nature walk around Bear Lake. You'll be able to enjoy
the park and its wildlife up close and
personal.
After communing
with nature and enjoying the great outdoors
we'll head into Estes Park for lunch.
You leave the hotel
taking US 6 to the Peak to Peak enjoying
some of the best back country we have. Stopping in
Estes Park for fuel and a brief break, you
head into Rocky Mountain National Park for
your nature walk.
Returning to
Nederland, taking the Peak to Peak to Golden
Gate Canyon, back to Hwy. 93 and then
to the hotel.
This is a great
ride with a new route, plus taking the time
for a nature walk, you'll be talking
about it for months to come.
If you have any questions on this ride or
route email them to
vtx2up@aol.com
Peak to Peak Highway information here
Link to Trail Ridge
Road
Estes Park information here
Stanley Hotel Information here
Return to Ride Index |
Link to PDF Map File |
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SELF-DIRECTED RIDES |
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Carter Lake
(A Self
Directed Ride)
Miles:
Approx. 167
Day and Time:
All Days
Duration of Ride:
3.5 hours
Description of Ride:
This route is designed to
give you a break from those narrow mountain
roads and aggressive twisties.
It will direct you toward
Loveland, Boulder and Carter Lake via some
great less aggressive back country mountain
roads and then to I-25 for the highway ride
back to the hotel. If you prefer the back
roads over the highway, just turn around and
reverse your direction. I promise you will
be pleasantly surprised how different the
same road looks from the reverse direction.
You will have no problems
finding fuel in the Lyons or Loveland areas.
Carter Lake is the second
largest reservoir in northeastern Colorado
and is the principal storage site for the
Colorado-Big Thompson River. If you chose to
drive into the reservoir a parks fee is
required. Information on Carter Lake can be
found here...
Link to Carter Lake
If you have any questions on
this ride or route email them to
vtx2up@aol.com
Return to Ride Index |
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Deer Creek Canyon
(A Self
Directed Ride)
Miles:
Approx. 125
Day and Time:
All Days
Duration of Ride:
3.0 hours
Description of Ride:
This route is designed to
give you a break from those narrow mountain
roads and aggressive twisties. Geared to
less aggressive canyon riding with no steep
drop offs to concern you.
This ride will direct you a
bit west via C470 through Deer Creek Canyon
for some serene canyon riding and head you
south for quiet back country roads, bringing
you back to the hotel via Hwy83.
You say there is nothing
special about this ride and route? Guess
again…quiet canyons, back country roads,
this is a ride you can enjoy without having
to work at it. Wonderful serene little
scoot.
If you have any questions on
this ride or route email them to
vtx2up@aol.com
Return to Ride Index |
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Evergreen /
Conifer
(A Self
Directed Ride)
Miles:
Approx. 82
Day and Time:
All Days
Duration of Ride:
2.0 hours
Description of Ride:
This is one of our favorite
evening rides either to clear the mind after
a long day or just a quick little scoot to
dinner.
In this ride you are directed
out C470 to Morrison Colorado. This is a fun
little mountain town to walk around or eat
Mexican food and great Margaritas at the
Morrison Inn. These 32 oz. Margaritas are
not to be enjoyed on two wheels! Just down
the road is Red Rocks Park where you can
ride through the park looking at fantastic
natural red rock formations.
Head out Hwy74 through
Kittredge to Evergreen where you will find
the infamous Little Bear Restaurant and bar.
Little Bear is known for its wild nights and
great music.
From Evergreen to Conifer and
on to US 285 a great canyon carving experience
that you see on many of our featured rides.
US 285 is a great road known for its seeping
corners and the ability to get a good head
of steam and really cook.
If you have any questions on
this ride or route email them to
vtx2up@aol.com
Return to Ride Index |
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Two Canyons
(A Self
Directed Ride)
Miles:
Approx. 121
Day and Time:
All Days
Duration of Ride:
3.0 hours
Description of Ride:
This is one of our favorite evening rides
either to clear the mind after a long day or
just a quick little scoot to dinner.
In this ride you are directed out C470 to
Hwy 58 and up a wonderful little Canyon
called Golden Gate. You will find great
twisties to be enjoyed at your own pace and
comfort level. Now on 119 and a few miles,
you hang a right and head back in Coal Creek
Canyon. Coal Creek must be experienced with
both hands on the bar! You will find tight
hair pins and fantastic curves to 93 and
then head on back to the hotel.
These two
canyons are part of the ole favorite Curves
and Canyons Ride we offer each year.
You will find many places to pull of, take
in the mountain air and look around.
If you have any
questions on this route or ride email them
to
vtx2up@oal.com
Return to Ride Index |
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