Official 2017 SW-FOG meet-up, Aug 3-6, Loveland, CO

[pegscraper]

blufjr, how did you get bumped from the attendees list?

 

[Tango Sierra]

The wife and I are planning on being there but we are coming in a cage. We plan on being the chase car for which ever group Linc and Mrs Linc ride with.

Wish I was riding the FJR but the body is no longer willing.

 

[blufjr]

blufjr, how did you get bumped from the attendees list?

I think it had to do with not knowing how I would be after surgery. (which didn't happen) I'm feeling pretty great, just did a 600 mile day on Sat. and a 470 mile day on Sun. Felt great after both. Really looking forward to the ride out (all planned).

 

[pegscraper]

The wife and I are planning on being there but we are coming in a cage. We plan on being the chase car for which ever group Linc and Mrs Linc ride with.
Wish I was riding the FJR but the body is no longer willing.

Welcome aboard Tango Sierra and wife.

The Rocky Mtn NP will be spectacular viewed from any angle or mode of transportation.

I too dread the day I have to call it quits riding 2 wheels. But in the mean time, I plan to make every riding moment count.

 

[Tango Sierra]

I went through RMNP on the FJR last year on my way to NAFO. Mr. & Mrs. Linc tagged along with me part way but they were unable to attend the meet last year. It is a spectacular view.

 

[Laverdaguy]

BTW: A lot of NP allow a golden age pass holder to be accompanied by a companion. When going thru the check booth, we should line up in two, one with and one without. Just an idea. It makes it much faster.

You are correct about some NP allowing MC riders with Golden Age passes or Yearly passes to have others without these passes in, sometimes up to 4 other MC bikes are allowed a free pass and some NP will not allow other MC riders this free pass. It is a quirky system.

I have a Golden Age pass but we will figure it all out when it happens. Good point blufjr. I will make a copy of my pass to place on the bike with a note that the original is on my person to avoid being stolen if on the bike. But what about the other bikes that get a free pass. I see a can of worms being opened here.

You shouldn't have to worry about a copy of your pass, or being asked for your pass once in the park Ed. I have a park pass and all they want is to see it at the gate. They don't give any receipts, and no one has ever asked for my pass once I'm in the park. I'm unsure if that's due to an official policy, or if its just they way they roll (most likely) but no one seems to care.

It could also be due to Trail Ridge Rd. being a public highway providing access to towns on the other side of the mountains. I've heard that if you can show residence over there they wont charge you to drive through. I don't know...

Further to the above, I rode up to the park the other day and asked about multiple bikes coming in on a single pass. The ranger told me no, that they only allow one motor vehicle per pass at RMNP whether that's a bike, or a van full of people.

Couple of quick teasers for you guys. Crappy cell phone shots at about 10,800ft while stopped at the Rainbow Curve pull off...

 

[blufjr]

Further to the above, I rode up to the park the other day and asked about multiple bikes coming in on a single pass. The ranger told me no, that they only allow one motor vehicle per pass at RMNP whether that's a bike, or a van full of people.
Couple of quick teasers for you guys. Crappy cell phone shots at about 10,800ft while stopped at the Rainbow Curve pull off...

Good to know, thanks for checking that out.

 

[pegscraper]

Yep, the senior pass is good for only 1 motorcycle.

I was lucky years ago when I was allowed to have 3 other MC (without passes) to join me without them paying the entrance fee.

If you are 62+ you can buy the $10 life-time senior pass. If not, it would be worth the $80 one year pass fee. Just entering a NP 2 days would set you back $40. Before turning 62, I've been buying the annual pass that that has saved plenty over the years. It gets me into the local Nat'l forest here when I want to hike around the lakes and trails.

 

[pegscraper]

Are we there yet?

I am ready for a cool off in the Rockies because Phx is forecast for record-breaking temps around 120 and here in Prescott around 100.

Bring on the monsoons to cool things off, please.

 

[Abercrombie FJR]

Perfect,

my sister and her two kids are flying home from California, and my mother is flying home from Texas to spend this week with us. Looks like I'm out for right now.

I only had two motorcycle trips planned for this summer and my family plans a family reunion for one (I blew it off last week end for a Black HIlls dirt bike trip) and SW FOG.

 

[pegscraper]

Perfect,

my sister and her two kids are flying home from California, and my mother is flying home from Texas to spend this week with us. Looks like I'm out for right now.

I only had two motorcycle trips planned for this summer and my family plans a family reunion for one (I blew it off last week end for a Black HIlls dirt bike trip) and SW FOG.

No problem AbercrombieFJR, we can post up some awesome pics from the meetup, but the priceless experience can only be imagined.

 

[pegscraper]

I have some suggested rides for SWFOG 2017 out of Loveland. Have done most of these roads and enjoyed then all. Esp. 103. Can send you a PDF too.
Ride to Fraser and RMNP in afternoon.

269 miles

Roughly 9 hours

Start: 7:00-8:00am

Arrive Fraser: 12:50pm

Lunch: McDonalds in Winter Park or Sharky's in Fraser. Do what feels good.

Back at hotel: 4:00-5:00pm

Ride west to Estes Park, SE on US36 towards Lyons. At Lyons take CO7 SW towards Raymond. South on CO72, Peak to Peak Hwy all the way to Central City. Have a look around the old town, gamble, get a snack or even an early lunch. Take the Central City Parkway over to I-70. Get off at Empire and climb to Winter Park and Fraser. Continue on to Granby, then right on US34 to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Look around and then continue on down the east side of the Rocky Mtns. To the hotel.

Ride to Walden, RMNP in the morning.

258 miles

Roughly 8.5 hours

Start: 7:00-8:00am

Arrive at Walden: 12:45pm

There are a few places to eat. The Taverns are interesting.

Back at hotel: 3:30-5:00 pm

Ride west to the Rocky Mountain National Park on US34. Look around, continue on to Granby, then turn north on CO125 to Walden. High country valleys with mountain views. You might try the Moosecreek Cafe or a tavern, and the merc. has ice cream. At Walden turn south on CO14 and enjoy the east slope of the Rockies. Turn SE onto N County Rd 27E, then E on US34 back to the hotel.

For the Friday ride, it looks like the Ride to Fraser and RMNP, would be the most logical because many working stiffs are still strapped to their jobs and waiting for the "weekend party bell" to sound. We would be riding past the casinos before quitting time and on our way to Fraser for lunch.

For the Saturday ride, the Ride to Walden, RMNP in the morning, keeps us in the RMNP, away from the casinos. An early morning start should get us back before any possible afternoon storm activity too.

We could volunteer blufjr (been there) and Laverdaguy (the local dude) lead the groups, depending on the number of riders in a group. We can decide on a favorite lunch stop and time to meet (any suggestions?) and get back to the hotel for dinner and parking lot BS time.

 

[Laverdaguy]

No Mt. Evans ride Pegscraper?

You guys really need to be here longer, the decisions are gonna be tough.

On the first ride you mentioned above, the Fraser and RMNP in the afternoon ride, I suggest it should be run in the opposite direction. RMNP is best in the morning. The high country can be iffy in the afternoon any time of the year (thunderstorms), plus traffic coming down Hwy 34 from Estes Park to Loveland can be a lousy way to end the day. Peak to Peak Hwy isn't bad any time of the day so is better for the return leg.

 

[Laverdaguy]

Little bit of local knowledge to pass along here.

Lot of rides being considered involve running west up Hwy 34 out of Loveland to Estes Park, and RMNP. Hwy 34 is OK, but a nicer, emptier, and prettier ride is to leave 34 at Drake and run through Glen Haven and on in the Estes Park. The road between Drake and Estes is much nicer ride with less traffic. Plus, the finest cinnamon rolls around are sold in the country store in Glen Haven. Few tourists go this way, GPS systems wont route it and you have to zoom in quite a bit to even see the road in Google Maps.

The map below shows the route from the hotel, through Glen haven, and on to an entrance to RMNP.

 

[pegscraper]

No Mt. Evans ride Pegscraper?
You guys really need to be here longer, the decisions are gonna be tough.

On the first ride you mentioned above, the Fraser and RMNP in the afternoon ride, I suggest it should be run in the opposite direction. RMNP is best in the morning. The high country can be iffy in the afternoon any time of the year (thunderstorms), plus traffic coming down Hwy 34 from Estes Park to Loveland can be a lousy way to end the day. Peak to Peak Hwy isn't bad any time of the day so is better for the return leg.

So you suggest doing a counter-clockwise spin-around? You know best, you can lead.

 

[pegscraper]

Little bit of local knowledge to pass along here.
Lot of rides being considered involve running west up Hwy 34 out of Loveland to Estes Park, and RMNP. Hwy 34 is OK, but a nicer, emptier, and prettier ride is to leave 34 at Drake and run through Glen Haven and on in the Estes Park. The road between Drake and Estes is much nicer ride with less traffic. Plus, the finest cinnamon rolls around are sold in the country store in Glen Haven. Few tourists go this way, GPS systems wont route it and you have to zoom in quite a bit to even see the road in Google Maps.

The map below shows the route from the hotel, through Glen haven, and on to an entrance to RMNP.

Tell me they make a great apple fritter too. My sweet tooth is begging for a fix.

 

[Laverdaguy]

Tell me they make a great apple fritter too. My sweet tooth is begging for a fix.

No apple fritters, but the cherry cobbler and fudge are wonderful.

 

[pegscraper]

Tell me they make a great apple fritter too. My sweet tooth is begging for a fix.

No apple fritters, but the cherry cobbler and fudge are wonderful.

On that note, I may have to book another night (Wednesday). The Mt. Evans ride might be in my sights.

 

[blufjr]

I vote for the Friday ride the RMNP-Walden on Friday and the Mt. Evans on Saturday with the RMNP-Fraser ride on Thursday or Sunday for those that want to do all three.

 

[pegscraper]

I vote for the Friday ride the RMNP-Walden on Friday and the Mt. Evans on Saturday with the RMNP-Fraser ride on Thursday or Sunday for those that want to do all three.

Ken, please read the email I sent you and reply in kind. I am proposing adding a Wednesday stay to the 3 already set.