Ok....On request, I spent an hour arguing, and losing the argument with the Business Center's computers this morning. People are asking for routes. I remembered when WFO in Moscow had maps printed and available on the registration table. I tried to get maps with routes built, and the flaky connection compounded with a poor printer kicked that idea in the nuts.
Part of the problem is I've never really been good at making routes, and I have no idea how to build routes andpad them into a GPS. I like paper maps, and then probably do it the hard way, but it works for me.
What I realized during my time is how close we are to some fun routes.
1: Ride north to Delta, then to Hotchkiss. Take 92 south towards Crawford and Gunnison. A few miles into 92, and you'll realize why so many of us like that road. Don't overcook a turn, because that's not hard to do. Stop at the lookouts. Ride down into the Black Canyon. When you're done with that, set your GPS for Cimarron. It will take you to almost Gunnison and then the 25 miles back to the hotel.
That's a 2.5 hour ride, before stops.
2: Take that above route and instead of going to Cimarron, rode through Gunnison and burn over Monarch Pass over to Poncha Springs. Then ride back through Cimarron.
Don't know how long that will take, but with a lunch stop, a good part of the day. Fun ride though.
3: Rode over to Telluride. Ride south on 550, then west on 62. At the intersection with 145, turn south. Telluride is close. Hell, ride last that and over to Durango. If you do Durango, the day will be a few hours. Taking 550 straight up is the fast way back: 111 miles and a lot of slow road. Durango to Montrose is 3 hours, easy. Also, be careful at the construction zone. They are ******** and don't like motorcycles if you cut in line....Ask me how I know.
4: Ride to Aspen and Independence Pass. Ride. North from the hotel to Delta. Take 133 through Hotchkiss to Carbondale. 133 is a blast! From Carbondale, ride east on 82 over to Aspen. If you want to ride Independence Pass, set your GPS for Twin Lakes. TL is east of the top of the pass, so, it's your call. 2.5 hours to Aspen, and probably another 45 minutes, maybe less, to Independence Pass. Eat in Aspen at the Aspen Hickory House. It's on the route and good BBQ.
That's it for now. Gotta shower and head out for a bit. See you guys around 1430 +/-