KTM Doug Posted March 17, 2017 Share Posted March 17, 2017 buy a triple black GSA, you could have one of these. I know it added at least 50 HP and weighs about 35 lbs. less than the stocker. And the sound, now the bike sounds like a Porsche. Worth every penny. It gets the Marty Hill approval. Link to comment
mbelectric Posted March 17, 2017 Share Posted March 17, 2017 Jeez Doug. Two of those and the bike would float through the water crossings... MB> Link to comment
TEWKS Posted March 17, 2017 Share Posted March 17, 2017 Oh man, the rocks on Black Bear are going to chew the finish right off of that beautiful pipe! Now, I'm thinking a Porsche would be quite the pleasure to listen to all day! Although, Bill may disagree after 24 hrs at full tilt! I Hope I get to hear it out in Colorado this summer! Pat Link to comment
Marty Hill Posted March 17, 2017 Share Posted March 17, 2017 buy a triple black GSA, you could have one of these. I know it added at least 50 HP and weighs about 35 lbs. less than the stocker. And the sound, now the bike sounds like a Porsche. Worth every penny. It gets the Marty Hill approval. Wait a minute. Dougie, you said you would pay me $1 if I approved. The money has not arrived so I'm holding back. PS, I need the money. Link to comment
KTM Doug Posted March 17, 2017 Author Share Posted March 17, 2017 Pat, I have one trip now planned with my friend in Portland. He has agreed to come one more time since last year on our Oregon ride he could tell I'm slowing way down. Leave Aug. 2nd heading to Durango first. He wants to ride the train. Then over to Canon City to ride a couple easy roads north up to Cripple Creek and Victor. Then over to Salida for a day or so as I want to see how gnarly Taylor Pass is. Not planning to ride Taylor. Schofield and Devils Punchbowl was enough for me a couple years ago. And then to Ouray one more time. We have a couple spots we have not been to yet and we will probably ride the entire Alpin Loop one last time. Taking the KTM's for this trip. I think I am good to go sometime in July on the big bike for some road cruising if I can work out the times to not interfere with the Aug trip. Hope we can hookup. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted March 17, 2017 Share Posted March 17, 2017 That sounds like a very excellent trip, Doug! Now I was just informed that June would be a better month to go because my two kids are still in school. (Less Babysitter Money) I just told my one buddy that was interested in going (no not Jim he went all Harley on me) July. So, let me sort the month and go from there, I'll let you know soon. PS....middle of June still iffy on snow blocking paved passes you think? Pat Link to comment
KTM Doug Posted March 18, 2017 Author Share Posted March 18, 2017 Late June maybe offroad but I bet paved stuff is ok? Early to mid July better. I am going to Oregon to ride the BlackDog dual sport ride June 3rd and 4th as a tune up for Aug. All this based on health as I am having a couple problems at present. Sucks getting old. Link to comment
roadscholar Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 Oh man, the rocks on Black Bear are going to chew the finish right off of that beautiful pipe! Now, I'm thinking a Porsche would be quite the pleasure to listen to all day! Although, Bill may disagree after 24 hrs at full tilt! Couldn't hear that, what? Link to comment
KTM Doug Posted March 18, 2017 Author Share Posted March 18, 2017 Pat, just talked to someone in CO. Says record snow in San Juans this year so going early Aug like my friend and I plan maybe makes sense for that area off road. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 Doug, makes perfect sense for Aug if off-road is your main focus. My buddy is a Tiger 800 pilot that has minimal off road experience so, I don't think I should coax him into anything too much over his head. Heck, we do have to keep it a little bit exciting though or what's the point. Bill, do you mind getting me info or a number on your storage yard out in Salida. I think that would be an excellent starting point for us. Thanks! Do you plan on being out there this year? Months/Dates? Doug/Bill suggestions on big DS bike routes in the area would be greatly appreciated. Pat Link to comment
roadscholar Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 (edited) Pat I PM'd info on the storage lot, last year she was full but that can change. If it's just short term there's always our buddy up on the hill, I doubt he'd mind. I don't know for sure when I'm going but will try to work around your schedule. A far as big bike routes as you know there's Marshall, Old Monarch, Black Sage, and maybe Wanita. Cottonwood will be closed all year for paving the west side so you can't go back east but from Cumberland (it's gotten somewhat rocky as well as Wanita) and from Taylor Res you can head west to Almont. Ohio Pass and Kebler (mostly paved) are nice plus from Wanita Hot Springs you can get to the Doyleville cutoff at 50 to 114 then NN14/788/FR50 (Los pinos) over to Lake City or turn north at Cathedral back up to US50. It's the one you missed by a quarter mile last year : ) From Lake City north on 149 then L on FR867/66 (nice) to 50 then south again on Cimmarron Rd and over Owl Cr Pass to Last Dollar then back across Ophir to 550 (probably easier going up than down). Plenty of other stuff too, we'll talk. Edited March 18, 2017 by roadscholar Link to comment
TEWKS Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 Thank you for the PM info. Also, quickly looking at some of your route suggestions clears the long winter's haze off my brain!! Pat Link to comment
KTM Doug Posted March 18, 2017 Author Share Posted March 18, 2017 Pat, One ride we are doing in Aug on the KTM's is a little east out Canon City head north up thru Phantom Canyon to Victor, old gold mining town. Then to Cripple Creek and back down to Canon City via the Shelf Road. I found this from a person who posted on ADV in a thread "I like this road". Saw his pic and contacted him the other day. We might try to spend the night in Cripple Creek just for the fun of it. The trip is supposed to be a combo of pavement and dirt. He said last time he rode it some folks were on GS1200's. If I bring the big dog back there in June/July, I am not looking to do much dirt on it, unless it is just smooth stuff. If I bring it, I will probably put some TKC70's on board. THe Anakee's do not look much of a dirt tire. I'm too old to throw it around in the dirt. My DR650 got too heavy, hence the KTM. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 Well I grew up listening to sing about Cripple Creek. Doug, with your suggestion, I think this is a must do! Psst...don't tell anyone, but, I had no idea where Cripple Creek actually was. Wow, this is almost as good as Winslow AZ! Pat Link to comment
roadscholar Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 (edited) I rode Phantom Canyon about 5 years ago you could do it on a goldwing, it is scenic though. Shelf is slightly worse but not much, regular cars use it. I think Pat, Keith, and Roger (on his RT) did it at the Salida UN. If you want something a little more fun take F24 west off Shelf then north on FR69 to 9, really scenic. I was disappointed in Cripple Creek, it's become a mini Reno, tour buses full of gamblers and all the associations that come with the casinos. Ya might find a cheap buffet tho : ) I thought Victor was much cooler reminded me a little of Telluride 40 years ago. Edit, I thought the same thing Pat and why the disappointment. Edited March 18, 2017 by roadscholar Link to comment
TEWKS Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 All great info to take in! Pat Link to comment
KTM Doug Posted March 19, 2017 Author Share Posted March 19, 2017 Just checked, Canon City to Cripple Creek and back down is only 70 miles. Guess that won't be an overniter. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted March 19, 2017 Share Posted March 19, 2017 That "Ready To Race" seat may make it an overnighter! Pat Link to comment
TEWKS Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 What do you guys think of Ophir, 550 to 145 on the big bikes? I did it last year in the opposite direction on the WR so I should remember but there was a lot of new sights packed into a short amount of time. (Bill) Also, it being a month earlier than last year could make for a more challenging ride. This direction would make getting to Last Dollar Road more logical in my mind. Webster's...Logical...the complete and utter opposite of riding a five hundred plus pound motorcycle over a rock strewn mountain pass. I booked the 13th at the Eureka Lodge just north of Silverton. Rustic! Pat Link to comment
KTM Doug Posted March 23, 2017 Author Share Posted March 23, 2017 I would not take my big bike over Ophir , but that's me . Too many rocks. A young guy like you should have no problem. 550 very scenic and ok pavement. With the snow I have heard they had in the area I would check to make sure Ophir is open mid June. Billy would say go for it. Oh, did I tell you the story of "Doug's wild ride" in Bill's van taking me to the hospital. BP rising. The Lodge looks neat Link to comment
roadscholar Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 I would say go for it : ) Actually I think going up is slightly easier than down the west side as it's just steep enough that you have modulate the brakes fairly precisely. A small bike isn't a problem but on a big bike you don't want to get going too fast. That said I'd still do it, just be cautious. Doug I don't remember any wild rides, besides it's not possible in the old grey mare.. Link to comment
KTM Doug Posted March 23, 2017 Author Share Posted March 23, 2017 Go back here and see the last pic in my first post. Too many rocks for me http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=904281&page=1 Link to comment
roadscholar Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 It changes, sometimes rocks roll off the side of the hill and sometimes they get crushed into small pieces by the traffic. Here it is different times of different years. June 2009 July 2010 October 2010 July 2013 Sept. 2015 Link to comment
TEWKS Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 Thanks Guys! A Wealth of Knowledge! And, some very cool Pics! Doug, I want a slice of that energy food! Pat Link to comment
Marty Hill Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 Great pics! I 'm a bit jealous, wish I'd started riding earlier and tried some of what you guys are doing. Have fun and stay safe! Link to comment
TEWKS Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 Morning Marty, well I think you may have been busy doing something just a little bit cooler. Like Flying Aircraft! A bit jealous right back at ya! Pat Link to comment
lawnchairboy Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 (edited) I did it from 550 over to Ophir on the big GS, no problems. , and I'm nowhere near your talent level. Edited March 23, 2017 by lawnchairboy Link to comment
roadscholar Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 10-4. That was Joel in the first photo on his GS too. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 Good to hear Chris. What I have so far... Colorado 2017 Sun June 11 Marshall pass to old Monarch on to Pitkin for lunch. Mon 12 135 to Crested Butte then 12 to 133 up to Marble for some Q. Tues 13 That road just west of Sargents down to 114 and then that other road down to 149 (Bill knows and he will explain it to me....again) Debating Engineer or going around to 550 then on to Silverton. If Utah gets cut Wed 14 leave Eureka Lodge and cross Ophir to 145 and up to Last Dollar Rd. Then 62 to 145 to 141 up to Gateway and hopefully make it to the car museum they have before it closes at (3:00 I think) Then on to the Grand Mesa lodge in Grand Mesa. Thurs 15 open as of now Fri 16 open as of now Sat 17 open as of now Sun 18 open as of now Mon 19 open as of now but need to be close by truck for an early departure east on Tues. How's it looking? Suggestions. Pat Link to comment
lawnchairboy Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 last dollar is spectacular Link to comment
roadscholar Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 (edited) People do Engineer on big bikes all the time but unless your buddy is even close as good as you offroad I would think twice about it. The east side is pretty nice but the west has gotten quite rocky the last several years. From Lake City go north on 149 then L on FR867/66 (nice) to 50 then south again on Cimmarron Rd and over Owl Cr Pass to 550. Pay attention.. This is really scenic although it'll add a few hours to just going around on the pavement. Only one other option, Cinnamon Pass might not be quite as rocky as Engineer, but it's no cakewalk on a big bike these days either. If you take either one to Animas Forks do the California/Hurricane Pass route over to 550, IMO one of the best rides there. Whatever you do, don't take Poughkeepsie Gulch : ) Edited March 23, 2017 by roadscholar Link to comment
roadscholar Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 Here's the whole thing from Doyleville to Ridgeway with an option at Cathedral, either way is nice. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1I6NodPjuIvNj4HtnzDV0aG6Ny_w&usp=sharing Link to comment
TEWKS Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 That looks great Bill, thanks! Now, if I end up looking like this guy and you happen find me, you can have the Hawken Rifle! Pat Link to comment
roadscholar Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 Wed 14 leave Eureka Lodge and cross Ophir to 145 and up to Last Dollar Rd. Then 62 to 145 to 141 up to Gateway and hopefully make it to the car museum they have before it closes at (3:00 I think) Then on to the Grand Mesa lodge in Grand Mesa. How's it looking? Suggestions. Pat You can take almost all dirt from the north end of Last Dollar to the lodge at Grand Mesa if you want. 141 is a great road but this is really nice too, runs across the top of the Uncompahgre Plateau next to it. Just allow for more time. I'll PM the whole thing to you later. Divide Rd. Grand Mesa's in the background. Lands End Rd. US50 up to SR65. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 Lands End Rd. US50 up to SR65. Wow, they all look great but this one is really spectacular! You are truly a roadscholar and a gentleman! Pat Link to comment
KTM Doug Posted March 25, 2017 Author Share Posted March 25, 2017 Geez, all of Bills roads look like Super Highways. We have never seen roads like that with smooth "Rocks" They all look Harleyable. I don't think my KTM would approve. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 See now, this is exactly why MBD (multiple bike disorder) is an affliction that shouldn't be feared, if contracted. Can someone please call the CDC, I think professor Bill has discovered a noble and useful purpose! Pat Link to comment
roadscholar Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 Yep when I see a big fat graded road like that I'm thinking 60 on a GS. The fact that that particular one is 100 miles long, much of it on a 10,000 ft plateau, and starts virtually across the highway from where you come out of the woods, is just icing on the cake. What type or the condition of a road isn't my main concern when riding out west, riding thru the landscape on whatever it takes to do so is. Choosing the right bike for the mission is the quest but it doesn't always work out to be optimum. That's when you deal with it or turn around. The tricky part is knowing when you should turn around : ) Link to comment
TEWKS Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 On my way to Maine at 11:30 in this vid, I ran into that "knowing when to turn around" My sudden onset of pancreatitis probably helped in the decision process! It looks like it was going to turn into WR territory in a hurry. Pat Link to comment
Bud Posted March 27, 2017 Share Posted March 27, 2017 (edited) Oh man, the rocks on Black Bear are going to chew the finish right off of that beautiful pipe! Now, I'm thinking a Porsche would be quite the pleasure to listen to all day! Although, Bill may disagree after 24 hrs at full tilt! I Hope I get to hear it out in Colorado this summer! Pat Black Bear??? Just remember, when you are looking down from the top it doesn't look as steep as looking up from the bottom of the steps. My ridding buddy and I sat at the top and watched many riders walk their bikes down that section. We named that place "PUCKER POINT" Edited March 27, 2017 by Bud Link to comment
TEWKS Posted March 27, 2017 Share Posted March 27, 2017 PUCKER POINT is very appropriate! In the rain even more so. You may have seen this, skip to 10:50 and watch me follow Bill down it. Now I'm not saying I'm proud of it but I think you can actually hear me PUCKER! Pat Link to comment
Marty Hill Posted March 27, 2017 Share Posted March 27, 2017 Don't know how you guys do it. I couldn't even watch the whole vid. Don't think I could even walk down the road. Link to comment
Bud Posted March 27, 2017 Share Posted March 27, 2017 PUCKER POINT is very appropriate! In the rain even more so. You may have seen this, skip to 10:50 and watch me follow Bill down it. Now I'm not saying I'm proud of it but I think you can actually hear me PUCKER! Pat Both of you have cojones as big as bowling balls for riding that in wet conditions. BTW at the first switchback, we pulled over and let some guys riding the Colorado 500 come by. One KTM rider power slid thru the corner and then wheelied all the next turn!!! And your verbal response was right on!!!!! Thanks, enjoyed that and brought back good memories. Link to comment
Bud Posted March 27, 2017 Share Posted March 27, 2017 People do Engineer on big bikes all the time but unless your buddy is even close as good as you offroad I would think twice about it. The east side is pretty nice but the west has gotten quite rocky the last several years. From Lake City go north on 149 then L on FR867/66 (nice) to 50 then south again on Cimmarron Rd and over Owl Cr Pass to 550. Pay attention.. This is really scenic although it'll add a few hours to just going around on the pavement. Only one other option, Cinnamon Pass might not be quite as rocky as Engineer, but it's no cakewalk on a big bike these days either. If you take either one to Animas Forks do the California/Hurricane Pass route over to 550, IMO one of the best rides there. Whatever you do, don't take Poughkeepsie Gulch : ) Here is why Link to comment
KTM Doug Posted March 28, 2017 Author Share Posted March 28, 2017 The last time I went up Poughkepsie it was not that gnarly. There are lot's of videos of guy's on bikes just playing on "The Wall" as it is called, going both up and down this short section. The creek bed area is like riding on bowling balls. There are now winch points installed for the Jeeps. When I rented a Jeep a couple years ago they said, do not take our Jeep up Poughkepsie! Oh, the first 3-4 miles up Engineer starting on the outskirts of Ouray are the most difficult with a few spots with steps going up. My DR650 I had on my last trip 1 1/2 years ago went right up it. I will be back there in August and if I feel ok we might try it again on our KTM 350's. Link to comment
Bud Posted March 28, 2017 Share Posted March 28, 2017 (edited) When I rented a Jeep a couple years ago they said, do not take our Jeep up Poughkepsie! O Our rental agreement said neither Poughkepsie or Black Bear. Spoil sports. Engineer seems to change from year to year. Winter weather? Don't know if the county does any grading. Perhaps it is just how deep the plow was set when the road was opened? Edited March 28, 2017 by Bud Link to comment
TEWKS Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 Colorado Heck, there's no need for a trip to the library. All the Reasearch is right here! Pat Link to comment
roadscholar Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 Good find Tewks, I'd forgotten about that : ) Link to comment
lawnchairboy Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 going up engineer out of Ouray was very challenging to me on a DR 650, but I definitely have dirt amateur status. The steps and uphill switchbacks had my full attention. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted May 11, 2017 Share Posted May 11, 2017 Doug, sell the pipe and buy some tires! This is what we have planned, if any or all of it moves you guys, more the merrier! I think we're going to Moab! Arches and Canyonlands National Parks look pretty awesome! Canyonlands Colorado Itinerary June 2017 Friday 6/9/17 Depart for Colorado early AM. Saturday 6/10/17 On road. Sunday 6/11/17 Gateway Inn Salida Colorado. Ride Marshall pass to old Monarch Pass and on to Pitkin for lunch. Monday 6/12/17 Gateway Inn. Ride 50 to135 up to Crested Butte then 12 to 133 on to Marble for a BBQ lunch. Tuesday 6/13/17 Eureka Lodge just north of Silverton Via GPS route. Wednesday 6/14/17 Leave Eureka Lodge and cross Ophir Pass to 145 and up to Last Dollar Rd. Then 62 to 145 to 141 up to Gateway and hopefully make it to the car museum they have before it closes (3:00 ) then on to the Grand Mesa lodge in Grand Mesa Via GPS route. Thursday 6/15/17 Moab Utah at the LaQuinta Inn. Ride into Arches National Park. Friday 6/16/17 Moab Utah at the LaQuinta Inn. Early start to ride Shafer Canyon Rd to White Rim Rd in Canyonlands National Park. Saturday 6/17/17 Ride back into Colorado Via 191s-46e-145s-184e-160e-550n Staying in Durango, Silverton or Ouray depending on time of day and room availability. Shortcut could be back over Ophir pass. Sunday 6/18/17 Camp at the Monarch Spur Campground. Weather permitting. Monday 6/19/17 Salida Colorado at the Silver Ridge Lodge. Load up truck for AM departure. Tuesday 6/20/17 On road headed east. Wednesday 6/21/17 On road and arriving home late PM. Pat Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now