Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
8/14/13

 

Greetings Riders,

 

To all of those just riding in from Sturgis, Welcome back to the heat. I heard that for the most part, Sturgis had good weather for the rally this year. Always good when the golf ball sized hail stays away for the rally. It was nice to see the pictures that were posted on Facebook, especially all of the buffalo pics. If you missed the newsletter last week with my Custer buffalo experience, Click Here to see.

 

As you know, I am always looking for good travel ideas and things to do so that I can share them with you. As a result of riding the Million Dollar Hwy. from Silverton to Ouray, Colorado so many times, I’ve always had this desire to take off and ride over the mountain from Ouray to Telluride. But time has never allowed when I was up there, and quite frankly, it is really no place for a Harley anyway. So that idea has been resting firmly on the bottom of the bucket for the last several years. That is, until 2 weeks ago, when I was able to check it off the list.

 

My problem with riding a motorcycle is that I really don’t have an off switch when on a ride. When I’m out on the road for a week or 10 day ride, I pretty much want to be riding the motorcycle at least 10 hours a day covering as much asphalt as possible. Ok, that is my problem, but it is how we are able to see so much in so few days. But I love every minute of it! This time, I knew to slow me down long enough to do a Jeep adventure like this, we would have to fly to Telluride so that the motorcycle was not available to distract me from the task that we came for.

 

So we flew into Telluride airport, which also happens to be the highest Commercial aviation airport in the U.S. at 9070 feet. You might have seen it featured on a recent segment of Airplane Repo. It is pretty well known for being a challenging airport due to having a cliff at both ends of the runway, swirling winds and very difficult density altitude issues, especially in the Summer. But on this particular Friday, there were some clouds to go around, but the winds were calm and we sat down right on the runway with no problems. If you would like to see the approach from the last time where it was very windy and kind of hairy, Click Here to View. (Go Full Screen for best viewing)

 

Our specific goal on this trip was to rent a jeep and drive it over Imogene Pass from Telluride to Ouray and back through Ophir Pass to Telluride. So I arranged a Jeep rental for Saturday from Farabee’s Jeep Rentals which is right on the main street. We left Telluride at about 8:30 AM, put it in 4 wheel drive and headed up the mountain to crest Imogene Pass at 13,114 feet in elevation. If you are one that is afraid of heights, one lane roads on the side of a mountain with sheer cliff drop offs, you probably wouldn’t be interested in this ride. But if you are looking for an exhilarating, totally fun and exciting jeep ride through an absolutely beautiful part of the San Juan mountains of Colorado, then this is the adventure for you!

 

As you ascend the side of the mountain to Imogene Pass, the second highest pass in Colorado, you will find this trail to be very rough, with large rocks and uneven roadway that will get narrower as you progress. Keep in mind, this is a trail that the miners used to travel from the mines to Telluride. Not a “road”, by any means. It is literally carved on the side of the mountain and is very slow going and bumpy to say the least, but an absolute blast at the same time. After just a couple of miles, the views of the town of Telluride on your right are outstanding. The fact that it is built in a box canyon becomes very apparent as you see it from this vantage point.

 

At 4.5 miles you reach the former site of the town of Tomboy and a very large area to stop to get a good view of where you have been. Keep going past the town site and the road becomes very rocky and a little steep. There are different lines you can take and some of them are quite challenging. At this point I was wondering how these Jeep’s stay together. Keep climbing until you get to Imogene Pass at 13,114 feet where you can stop for some photo ops and a good view back toward Telluride. There is a trail to your right marked as an overlook and an obvious way down the other side to your left. Be sure to take the overlook to get some amazing views of the surrounding area, and Red Mountain, but drive carefully. Going off the side of this road would be a fatal mistake.

 

Once you start working your way down the other side of the pass it gets much easier. Still rough, but the road is wider and easier to pass other vehicles. You cross Imogene Creek a few times, and if the water is running it is pretty fun. There are lots of spurs and side roads to explore on the way. One we took is a large area of mine tailings at the Hidden Treasure Mine to the left. There is also a spur to a big waterfall hidden in the trees that you can see from the road that is really worth checking out. The guy who rented us the Jeep said that this is the waterfall that was used on the Coor’s beer logo years ago. It does kind of look like it. You be the judge. Click Here. This is a recommended stop. When you get to the bottom at road 361 and another creek crossing you can go right to connect with Ouray and highway 550.

 

You pop out just above Ouray on 550. After the bumpy 13.2 mile, 3 hour ride in the Jeep, we were ready to take a break and eat some lunch in Ouray. From there we drove South on Hwy. 550, which we had done many times on the motorcycles just past Red Mountain to Ophir to start our trek back across Ophir Pass to Hwy. 145 and back to Telluride. Ophir Pass trail seems like a freeway compared to Imogene Pass, but still is very rough in spots and very beautiful and enjoyable. This trail connects Highway 550 to Highway 145 just south of Telluride. It offers an additional way to get back and forth between the two areas without having to travel the lengthy, paved route.

 

The East side of the pass is pretty easy going. You round corners but find very few switchbacks as you climb above timberline to Ophir Pass. The views of the mountains around the trail are magnificent. But when you hit Ophir Pass, it is all shale rock and very rough. Just after the pass is the section where you descend along a very narrow section carved out of the side of the mountain. Be sure to look far ahead before starting down, just in case there is someone coming up. If you can see someone on their way up, above timberline, you should wait for them to pass while the trail is still wide enough.

 

Once you descend back down into the Aspen trees you will find yourself in the shade, most likely. It is very lush on this side. There are also a couple of water crossings. It isn't long before you get to the tiny town of Ophir. Continue west to find Highway 145, where you turn right to go to back to Telluride.

 

Once in Telluride, we drove straight through the town to end our day going up to see Bridal Veil Falls up close. This stunning waterfall, at 365 feet in length, is the tallest free falling falls in Colorado. Seeing these falls and the old pump house that is built right on the side of the cliff is absolutely incredible up close. Your first stop on the 1.8 mile ride to the top of the falls is at the bottom. You can make it to here in a regular car, if you don’t mind getting it a bit dirty. When you get out of the car you will be immediately enveloped in the mist that is created from the 365 foot drop of millions of gallons of water. From here you need a jeep to traverse the switchbacks and the climb to the top where the pump house is. But it is well worth the trip even if you hike it. The photographs that you will get like THIS ONE are fantastic.

 

This was our last stop of the day as we took the 4 mile drive back to our hotel arriving there at around 6:30 PM, capping a fantastic 10 hour day of Jeeping through the San Juan mountains of Colorado. We ended Saturday by eating at Rustico, our favorite restaurant in Telluride. Another fantastic place to eat in Telluride is at Allred’s. This restaurant is located high above Telluride at the mid point of the Gondola over looking the town. Absolutely stunning views from here. Even if you don’t eat, it is a fun place to go to the bar and see the view while taking the free gondola to Mountain Village.

 

We flew back mid morning on Sunday to beat the build up of thunderstorms that are a staple up there this time of year. With the Turbo 182 RG this time, I was able to fly right over the town of Telluride and over the peaks on our way out to get some good pictures. Take a look at this really cool picture of the Telluride Airport on our way out.

 

This would be a great day trip activity, even if you did it combined with a motorcycle ride to the area. The scenery and the excitement of the Jeep ride is something that is well worth the time. I am already scoping out some other trails to do next time. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at info@cyclerides.com .

 

 

Click Here for Photos. Includes pictures of Telluride, Jeep ride and aerial photos of Telluride and some from Canyon De Chelley.

 

 

 

 

Thursday, August 15th

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is keeping Thursday Bike Night alive on the West side with a rotating bike night that will end this week. This week, August 15th will be at Barrel Grill, 6:00 – 9 PM, located just 15703 N. 83rd ave., on the East side of 83rd Ave. in Peoria, just 2 blocks South of the Arrowhead HD dealership.

 

Saturday, August 17th

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson’s “Hot Summer Nights” Car, Bike & Bikini Show. This is the annual HUGE Car and Bike show at Arrowhead Harley-Davidson that brings in hundreds of spectators. And this year we are throwing in a Bikini Contest to add to the eye candy of the Cars and Bikes. Lots to see and do. All takes place from 4:30 – 9:00 PM.

 

Saturday, August 17th

Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson Hogs & Dogs. Join Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson on Saturday, August 17th from 11am – 2pm, where the competition for top salsa recipe will be heating up! Mix up a batch of your best salsa and come prepared to taste the competition. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place finishers based on majority vote! Not a salsa connoisseur? Don’t fret, enjoy FREE hot dogs and sodas, as well as a bikini bike wash. For more information, or to sign up for the salsa contest, contact marketing@buddystubbs.com. Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson is located at 41715 N. 41st Drive, Anthem AZ. Check them out online at www.anthemhd.com.

 

Saturday, August 17th

Gatekeepers Points Ride. Benefiting the Arizona Burn Center Pediatric Trauma Unit. Pre-Registration Breakfast will be held from 8AM – 10AM at Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale. First 150 Pre-Registered will receive Bag & T-Shirt the day of the ride. $20 per person, or $35 pair. Pre-Register online at www.twogalsevents.com . Ride day is Saturday, September 28th. HD of Scottsdale is located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale, AZ.

 

Month of August

Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale Hydration Station. Cool off throughout the month of August at our Hydration Station on Saturdays from 11 AM – 2 PM in the service area. Enjoy Cold Water and Sodas, Get misted, HDOS Swag, Cooldannas and even a Dunk Tank to thoroughly cool you off. HD of Scottsdale is located at 15600 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale, AZ. 480-905-1903.

 

 

Saturday, August 24th

Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale Pre-Season Cardinals Ticket Giveaway and Ride. JUST ADDED! Arizona Cardinals vs San Diego Chargers. Enter for your chance to see the Arizona Cardinals vs the San Diego Chargers (Saturday, August 24th at 7:00 p.m.) using our Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale mobile app.

Here's how:

 

Sunday, August 25th

Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Summer Days. Ride in and enjoy some Summer activities with Arrowhead Harley.

Come join us for:

Swap Meet: 6AM – 1PM. It is time to do some Summer cleaning of your garage. Get rid of those used parts that you are no longer using so you can get some new chrome. Used parts only. No competitive items or bike sales pleas. Space is limited, so call 623-247-5542, or email ahdebay@ridenow.com to reserve a spot.

Blood Drive: 10AM – 2PM. All presenting donors may enter into a drawing for an in-store $200 gift card.

Ladies of Harley Bake Sale: Time to load up on some good home baked delights. Starts at 8AM.

Arrowhead Harley Girls Bike Wash: 11AM – 2PM.

All of this while enjoying Live Music!

 

 

 

 

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook. New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over 4300 FANS!Take a look at all the new photos posted on the wall. If you are not on Facebook, you can still view the page, but you will not be able to post. There will be a link there for you to sign up for Facebook if you are inclined. Click the LIKE button!