Seattle to Denver - route suggestions?

[Chiefblueman]

Got a trip coming up in a few weeks to Denver area and back with a little Iron Butt action in between - Colorado 1000.

I've driven to Denver on the I90 slab, don't want to that again. Wyoming is one long, boring ride on the slab.

Was thinking of heading toward Yakima and down through Oregon. I know you guys know of some killer roads out that way. I'd like to possibly stop by and say hey to FJRay, maybe eat a Rueben.

I've got 4 days to get there, should be plenty of time to do a little 'sploring. This will not be a camping adventure. I don't mind some slab time to "rest" a little. I have a pinched nerve in my neck affecting my right shoulder, a little cruise control time helps with it.

Great roads, sights, suggestions?

 

[Ignacio]

In the PNW area here's some fun stuff assuming snow's cleared in the St. Helens area.

 

[RichDoyle]

Did that a couple of years ago. I slabbed it (I90 - I82 - I84, etc.) through Boise, Salt LakeCity, and then Park City, then took US 40 to Grand Lake, US 34 through Rocky Mountain National Park (aka Trail Ridge Road), then down to Loveland (my initial destination). That last leg was the enjoyable part.

 

[HelzBelz]

I just completed a SS1000, from Bozeman Montana to Denver, via I15 and I 70 through Salt Lake. I70 was great for a Superslab. And I 15 had plenty of 80 MPH zones.So I started at 4:30 in the afternoon on Friday, and slept in Sandy UT for 6 hours (checked in at Midnight woke at 6 am) and made it to Lakewood CO by 4:00pm Saturday.

I have done Colorado numerous times, but had never come in from the west on I70. That was pretty nice desert scenery.

The 80 MPH zones surprised me, and really gave me more time than I had planned on. But I was doing the 24 hour thing..

 

[SeattleTy]

What's going on in Denver Chief?

 

[Chiefblueman]

In the PNW area here's some fun stuff assuming snow's cleared in the St. Helens area.

Thanks Iggy! Barring snow, this looks like a great first day.

Rich, since the final destination of the Colo 1000 is in Rocky Mountain National Park your suggestion could prove useful for the return trip.

H-B, good to know about 80 mph zones on 15.

Hi Ty! I have a best pal lives in Denver area and he talked me into signing up for the Colorado 1000.

Sponsored by the BMWMCC, it's an official SS1000 sanctioned by the IBA. The route, which we will receive at 4AM the morning of departure, will cover 140,000 feet of elevation change. I'm by no means a seasoned LD rider but i'm not getting any younger so I'm going to give it a shot. I'm going in with the attitude I have nothing to prove and can pull out if I need to. Historically this has been a pretty challenging ride, weather conditions can be pretty extreme.

The event ends at Grand Lodge in RMNP where our wives will join us for a few days of relaxation and riding, then home. About 10-11 days on the bike. I'm stoked!

 

[SeattleTy]

That is fantastic Chief.

I am confident you will do great!

Looking forward to the ride report

 

[bigjohnsd]

I'd sure figure out how to include ID 21 between Boise and Stanley Idaho in my trip. It has to be one of the best Motorcycle roads in the world!

Unfortunately it runs counter to your direction of travel and there is a whole lot of Pucker Brush between you and Boise

 

[Chiefblueman]

I'd sure figure out how to include ID 21 between Boise and Stanley Idaho in my trip. It has to be one of the best Motorcycle roads in the world!
Unfortunately it runs counter to your direction of travel and there is a whole lot of Pucker Brush between you and Boise

Thanks, John. Looks like if I were doing 84 and 15, ID21 could prove to be an interesting detour. Thanks

 

[zenwhipper]

Do a day over to Hell's Canyon in NE Oregon. You won't be disappointed.