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

[FJRfarrier]

Hmmmm..... I might have to loop my east coast plans to include Colorado. I mean, it's on the way..... right?

I'm gonna look into seeing if I can swing this.

 

[Linc]

Hmmmm..... I might have to loop my east coast plans to include Colorado. I mean, it's on the way..... right?
I'm gonna look into seeing if I can swing this.

Yeppers, you should totally crash the party! After all, in moto distance it is "kinda on the way"....

 

[blufjr]

Okay, Okay, Okay, SW-FOG is back on my Calendar. Need a room mate at these prices. Who wants to room with an old fart with a great story?

 

[Laverdaguy]

Well this is pretty cool...

Due to a work injury I haven't ridden much since Oct of 2015. My first ride since then was week before last, my second was a short run today. Felt pretty damn good.

So I look around the forum this evening only to see a post about a little gathering in Loveland. Pretty damn cool cause I live in Loveland. I really don't know what I'll be doing in August, but if at all possible I'll be stopping in to meet a few of you and do some rides. Lots a great places to ride around here, not just RMNP (but if you've never been, its a must see). I'll keep an eye on things here and if anyone has any route questions, or wants to know about some thing or place just let me know,

And by the way, the latest word is that Hwy 34 up through Thompson Canyon is supposed to be open by the end of May. I have no idea how much they may have messed up that road, but I'd expect it to still be a nice ride.

 

[pegscraper]

Well this is pretty cool...
Due to a work injury I haven't ridden much since Oct of 2015. My first ride since then was week before last, my second was a short run today. Felt pretty damn good.

So I look around the forum this evening only to see a post about a little gathering in Loveland. Pretty damn cool cause I live in Loveland.

I really don't know what I'll be doing in August, but if at all possible I'll be stopping in to meet a few of you and do some rides. Lots a great places to ride around here, not just RMNP (but if you've never been, its a must see). I'll keep an eye on things here and if anyone has any route questions, or wants to know about some thing or place just let me know,

And by the way, the latest word is that Hwy 34 up through Thompson Canyon is supposed to be open by the end of May. I have no idea how much they may have messed up that road, but I'd expect it to still be a nice ride.

Laverdaguy, you are the second Loveland FJR peep joining in. How many are you living locally and nearby? I've been up and over RMNP once during the 2008 NAFO and it was jaw dropping and I have vowed to return again for another dose of mountain high adrenaline rush.

Now, we might have you and Linc show and guide us to some of the finest riding playgrounds and grub eating spots in your backyard. Maybe you could recommend a great eating spot in Estes Park for lunch.

I did see that there are several eating spots all within walking distance from our lodging which helps if we are inclined to consuming a few drinks. And there is a liquor store next to the hotel. What other vices could be close by?

I am all for any and all recommended riding routes you put out there. Looking at a RMNP map, I see it crisscrossed with numerous roads with many pull out viewing spots.

 

[Abercrombie FJR]

Damn, I've been so busy getting the motorcycle school up and running that this event slid off my radar. I better get my **** together and make some plans since its only a day ride from here and I have those days off.

 

[pegscraper]

Damn, I've been so busy getting the motorcycle school up and running that this event slid off my radar. I better get my **** together and make some plans since its only a day ride from here and I have those days off.

Yes, the ride is drawing closer to KSU on this one. With time running out and when the first blocked 10 are gone, hopefully there will be another 10 rooms left to block.

I just posted this rally last night on the FJRiders.com site so maybe more will climb aboard for the Rocky Mountain NP Express.

 

[zzzzip]

Damn, I've been so busy getting the motorcycle school up and running that this event slid off my radar. I better get my **** together and make some plans since its only a day ride from here and I have those days off.

Knowing you, it will take you more than a day to get your **stuff** together.

Oh wait.... you mean riding stuff.

Nevermind.

 

[Abercrombie FJR]

Damn, I've been so busy getting the motorcycle school up and running that this event slid off my radar. I better get my **** together and make some plans since its only a day ride from here and I have those days off.

Knowing you, it will take you more than a day to get your **stuff** together.

Oh wait.... you mean riding stuff.

Nevermind.

Knowing me if I start today I might be half ready by August. But Ed did spur my to get off my *** and get my room reserved. I guess that means if I started to get my **** together today, I'll still be scrambling to get ready by August.

 

[Omnimo]

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="zzzzip" data-cid="1357670" data-time="1488850298"><p>

Presidential Suite booked.<br />

<br />

Looking for a non-fertile female room mate who owns a liquor store.</p></blockquote>

Will you settle for an overweight, balding man who snores loudly instead?

I'm in.

 

[blufjr]

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.

Ride to Mt. Evans at 14,264 ft., and 103.

255 miles

Roughly 9 hours

Start: 6:00 am

Arrive at top of Mt. Evans at approx: 10:00am. (try to beat the traffic)

Central City for lunch: 12:00pm.

Back at hotel: 3:00pm

Bring Oxygen.

Ride the flat lands thru Longmont, into the foothills to the Peak to Peak Hwy all the way to Central City. Take Parkway to US 40/I-70 for a few miles, get off at Exit 240 and then take CO103 to Echo Lake and entrance to Mt. Evans. Take Mt. Evans Senic Byway. Pay at the entrance (Golden Age is free). It is only 14 miles to the top but will take a while due to traffic. Exit Park to right on CO103 (one of my favorite roads, very twisty) to Evergreen Parkway, left and then left again on Co. Rd. 65 to CO40, other side of I-70. Stop at Central City for lunch. Very pleasant ride back to the hotel on

the Peak to Peak Hwy. CO72, which will take you to Estes Park on the way or shortcut by way of CO7 and Lyons.

 

[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.

Ride to Walden, RMNP in the morning

Ride to Mt. Evans at 14,264 ft., and 103

blufjr, they all look like great rides but only 2 could be fit into our schedule for a Friday and Saturday ride.

Which 2 would give best variety and the biggest bang for the sore butt? Every ride should be scenic.

Anyone else want to chime in?

 

[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.

Ride to Walden, RMNP in the morning

Ride to Mt. Evans at 14,264 ft., and 103

blufjr, they all look like great rides but only 2 could be fit into our schedule for a Friday and Saturday ride.

Which 2 would give best variety and the biggest bang for the sore butt? Every ride should be scenic.

Anyone else want to chime in?

I should add, does each of these 9 hour rides include the stop for lunch?

If not, we may have to do a grab and run and eat while riding.

NOT

 

[Laverdaguy]

Here's a couple of shorter rides in the area.

First, a run down the Peak to Peak Hwy. A lovely ride, one of my favorites. Most of it is between 8000 and 9000ft so the temps are cooler which can be a really nice thing around here in August. The Peak to peak Hwy runs from Estes Park south to Black Hawk. Black Hawk is a gambling town, pretty much all built up with casino's now. Nearby is Central City which has gambling too but is a bit more traditional looking. I'm not interested in gambling so I don't normally go that far south.I'll usually go as far as Nederland which has a number of places to eat, or maybe as far as the Last Shot Cafe which is also pretty good.This map shows the route one way, so double it for the return...

https://goo.gl/maps/bDPNUHd8ods

Next is a short but fun loop just outside of Loveland. This one heads north to Masonville, and then out Stove Prairie Rd. to Rist Canyon Rd. Stove Prairie is a fun, somewhat tight, very twisty road that dips and dives in the foothills. You ride it out to the Stove Prairie School (in operation for over 100 years) and turn right on to Rist Canyon. Up over the top, and a nice ride down the canyon followed by a run along Horsetooth Reservoir. Slow down along the lake as the road here is usually well patrolled on the weekends. Its a fun little ride for when you just don't want to be gone long. This one works well in either direction, just make your choice when you get to Masonville.

https://goo.gl/maps/xm4ysjvPfh42

More later...

 

[blufjr]

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.

Ride to Walden, RMNP in the morning

Ride to Mt. Evans at 14,264 ft., and 103

blufjr, they all look like great rides but only 2 could be fit into our schedule for a Friday and Saturday ride.

Which 2 would give best variety and the biggest bang for the sore butt? Every ride should be scenic.

Anyone else want to chime in?

I should add, does each of these 9 hour rides include the stop for lunch?

If not, we may have to do a grab and run and eat while riding.

NOT

I use MS streets and trips and program the ride with 60min of ride and 15min of rest. repeat. 1 hour for lunch. If you have a FJR, you can do all those rides on one tank of gas, or I can, so no gas stops. Oh ya, every ride in Colorado is scenic. I would pick a ride through the RMNP in the morning to have less traffic. and bombing down to MT. Evans for my two days of riding. The putts mentioned by Laverdaguy would be great for Thursday afternoon if you get there early enough. Now if it is 100 degrees, I might not want to do the longer rides. Nah.

 

[NMRoadRunner]

Do the drive times posted on those maps account for the hundreds of Cars and RVs squeezing in that family vacation they promised the kids a week before school starts? I have spent hours following RVs through the mountains in Colorado in late summer and it's not a really fun experience on a bike. Just sayin to be prepared for some "parade" speeds, especially in RMNP.

 

[Laverdaguy]

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.

Ride to Walden, RMNP in the morning

Ride to Mt. Evans at 14,264 ft., and 103

blufjr, they all look like great rides but only 2 could be fit into our schedule for a Friday and Saturday ride.

Which 2 would give best variety and the biggest bang for the sore butt? Every ride should be scenic.

Anyone else want to chime in?

I should add, does each of these 9 hour rides include the stop for lunch?

If not, we may have to do a grab and run and eat while riding.

NOT

I use MS streets and trips and program the ride with 60min of ride and 15min of rest. repeat. 1 hour for lunch. If you have a FJR, you can do all those rides on one tank of gas, or I can, so no gas stops. Oh ya, every ride in Colorado is scenic. I would pick a ride through the RMNP in the morning to have less traffic. and bombing down to MT. Evans for my two days of riding. The putts mentioned by Laverdaguy would be great for Thursday afternoon if you get there early enough. Now if it is 100 degrees, I might not want to do the longer rides. Nah.

The Walden loop ride blufjr posted is actually my favorite day ride, and I'll second his comments on doing it in a clockwise direction to go through the park in the morning. Less traffic, and much less chance of nasty weather up on top. Afternoon is thunderstorm time and you don't want to be up there on a bike when its happening. I do the ride in much less time too, but I live here and so don't feel a need to stop and look anywhere. I leave my house and don't get off the bike again before getting to Walden. Eat lunch and head home. Anyone planning on perhaps doing the ride needs to think about their likely time needed to look and photograph and plan accordingly. It's a lovely ride that encompasses a nice cross section of the type of riding we have in Colorado.

Oh, I also come back into town via Stove Prairie Rd instead of coming all the way in on Hwy 14. Much nicer.

 

[Abercrombie FJR]

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.

Ride to Walden, RMNP in the morning

Ride to Mt. Evans at 14,264 ft., and 103

blufjr, they all look like great rides but only 2 could be fit into our schedule for a Friday and Saturday ride.

Which 2 would give best variety and the biggest bang for the sore butt? Every ride should be scenic.

Anyone else want to chime in?

Simple, just add a third day of riding.

 

[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.

Ride to Walden, RMNP in the morning

Ride to Mt. Evans at 14,264 ft., and 103

blufjr, they all look like great rides but only 2 could be fit into our schedule for a Friday and Saturday ride.

Which 2 would give best variety and the biggest bang for the sore butt? Every ride should be scenic.

Anyone else want to chime in?

I should add, does each of these 9 hour rides include the stop for lunch?

If not, we may have to do a grab and run and eat while riding.

NOT

I use MS streets and trips and program the ride with 60min of ride and 15min of rest. repeat. 1 hour for lunch. If you have a FJR, you can do all those rides on one tank of gas, or I can, so no gas stops. Oh ya, every ride in Colorado is scenic. I would pick a ride through the RMNP in the morning to have less traffic. and bombing down to MT. Evans for my two days of riding. The putts mentioned by Laverdaguy would be great for Thursday afternoon if you get there early enough. Now if it is 100 degrees, I might not want to do the longer rides. Nah.

The Walden loop ride blufjr posted is actually my favorite day ride, and I'll second his comments on doing it in a clockwise direction to go through the park in the morning. Less traffic, and much less chance of nasty weather up on top. Afternoon is thunderstorm time and you don't want to be up there on a bike when its happening. I do the ride in much less time too, but I live here and so don't feel a need to stop and look anywhere. I leave my house and don't get off the bike again before getting to Walden. Eat lunch and head home. Anyone planning on perhaps doing the ride needs to think about their likely time needed to look and photograph and plan accordingly. It's a lovely ride that encompasses a nice cross section of the type of riding we have in Colorado.

Oh, I also come back into town via Stove Prairie Rd instead of coming all the way in on Hwy 14. Much nicer.

The ride possibilities are too numerous to take it all in the 3 days of the rally. One could pick from the many choices according to their riding preferences, so there really is no official group ride route. I leave it up to each individual.

The "Walden loop ride" blufjr (Ken) and Laverdaguy (John) mention sounds like one I will do. The Mt. Evans ride has been on my bucket list for a long time and if I can drag myself out of bed for an early start, I might fit it in.

Abercrombie FJR does hit on the idea of an extended stay to fit more ride time in if you have extra recess time to play more. The "hotel" is giving the same rate for extra days booked.

 

[Laverdaguy]

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.

Ride to Walden, RMNP in the morning

Ride to Mt. Evans at 14,264 ft., and 103

blufjr, they all look like great rides but only 2 could be fit into our schedule for a Friday and Saturday ride.

Which 2 would give best variety and the biggest bang for the sore butt? Every ride should be scenic.

Anyone else want to chime in?

Simple, just add a third day of riding.

That there is the ticket! My first bike trip to Colorado, back in the 80's, was two weeks long and I still left knowing I'd missed a bunch of great riding. I've lived here for 16 years now and still have places to explore...