Torrey Gathering # 10 - May 19-21, 2006

[rdfrantz]

Hi, my name is **** Frantz and I host a Gathering of riders twice a year in Torrey, Utah. Our upcoming event will be held Friday, May 19th through Sunday, May 21st.

This event, Torrey XI, is our eleventh and kicks off our sixth year of meeting in central Utah, amid its breath-taking Scenery, and its awesome and un-crowded Roads. Each event now welcomes over a hundred Riders and Passengers (25% or more Attendees are Women, including may Women Riders). We share Riding, Dining and Socializing, in a very loosely, highly optional, fashion that differs greatly from most other motorcycle rallies and events. It’s been termed “Un-Organized”, since its Flow seems unrestricted and boundless. And, part of that is we don’t care what kind of bike you ride, or what other group affiliations you might have. All Riders are Welcome in Torrey!!

The largely Sport Touring crowd comes to Torrey from the four corners of the US, and several Canadian Provinces. Most Riders roll in during the day Friday, though last September about a third of the Riders showed up a day early and used the extra day to cover more of the astounding roads nearby. Center of activities is The Chuckwagon Lodge in the center of Torrey, where we hold a Welcome Buffet around the beautiful pool there at 5:30 Friday night.

Torrey lays at about 7,000 feet in a verdant high valley, just west of Capital Reef National Park at the junctions of Utah 12 and Utah 24. It’s a gorgeous place, gentle and quiet, and the folks go out of their way to make us welcome. And, it simply cannot be reached without passing scenery that takes your breath away.

Friday night we host a Welcome Buffet where riders get to greet old friends and new, make plans for riding together, hear about proceedings and special events, and field questions.

Saturday is our Ride Day. Many loose groups plan their routes and make up Friday night. You’ll find rides to share scenery, and all gradients of Pace to cover these special roads. Great Ride Leaders abound – real pro class folks.

There’s much more to learn about Torrey, Utah, and the wonderful people who participate in this special Gathering of Riders. Please check out the Web site listed below. If you’d like to attend, please Register so we can get a name tag for you, and ensure we have enough food and fixin’s to go around.

I hope you and a friend will join us. That would make me very happy and meet my need to share this incredible Riding experience.

Best wishes,

**** Frantz

Torrey Web site & Registration: https://www.motost.com/torrey/

 

[GOPHER]

Just registered for the May gathering ****. Looks like it'll be a fun ride from here in Cedar City.

I put my wife and myself in for the Saturday BBQ/ housewarming.

What would you recommend for lodging? I was thinking about the Days Inn or Capitol Reef Inn. Any opinions of either?

 

[rdfrantz]

Just registered for the May gathering ****. Looks like it'll be a fun ride from here in Cedar City.
I put my wife and myself in for the Saturday BBQ/ housewarming.

What would you recommend for lodging? I was thinking about the Days Inn or Capitol Reef Inn. Any opinions of either?

There's never been a bad report about any place to stay in Torrey, Nathan, and all places are only about a mile from the Chuckwagaon where we hang out the most.. At the moment, more folks have reservations at Capital Reef Inn than Days Inn.

Having local knowledge, I was wondering if you knew what the road surfaces are like on Little Creek Road, and Beaver Creek Road, leading from Paragonah to UT-20. And, would they be free of snow and ice around May 15th? How about the last weekend in September? I know Cedar Breaks at 10,000 feet is iffy at both time as it's prone to snow, but I don't know the elevation of that crossing further to the North.

Will you cross on UT-14 and reach Torrey via the incredible UT-12?

I feel happy you'll attend for the increase and extension of community that will bring. I look forward to meeting you and sharing this special experience that's Torrey.

 

[GOPHER]

Little Creek road (also known as Bear Valley road) is dirt but I haven't personally been through it so I don't know it's condition. I have a friend at work that travels these roads quite regularly so I can give you better info after I talk with him Monday.

I'm not familiar with Beaver Creek rd.

Hwy 148 through Cedar Breaks is closed during winter and is often not opened up untill June. There are large snow drifts that occur every winter that must be cleared before the gates are opened. This is also true of Hwy 143 between Panguitch and Parowan. 143 is opened up sooner though and the gates are not usually closed.........sort of a (drive it if you dare) proposition.

There is a little know road that travels between 14 and 143 called Mammoth road on the East side of the mountain. Some maps show it as dirt but it is indeed paved and passable even in winter.

Hwy 14 from Cedar City to highway 89 is always open and fun. Unless it has snowed the night before, 14 will be dry.

Hwy 20 from highway 89 to I-15 is always clear and dry. This is actually a really fun road especially if ridden East to West. There are some nice curves going up the mountain with a dedicated passing lane.

I will have a better idea of road conditions on my way over 14 and 12. I can also do a scouting ride the weekend before the May gathering to see what roads are clear.

All roads, dirt or paved will be dry and dusty in September.

Please tell me if I can help in any way.

 

[rdfrantz]

Thanks for the info on the roads, Gopher. GREAT TO SEE YOU'VE REGISTERED!!

So far (April 7th) 61 folks have Registered for the event. I know of 10 more riders who are coming and not yet registered. I'm pretty sure we'll pass 80 before month's end.

I really hope you riders out there can find a way to attend. It's going to be a great Riding party.

Best wishes.