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 .
And for one more bit of Coor’s trivia, the mountain that is
used on the Coor’s label now was said to be inspired by Mt. Wilson in Telluride.
Click
Here to see if you see the resemblance.
Click Here for Photos.
Includes pictures of Telluride, Jeep ride and aerial photos of Telluride and
some from Canyon De Chelley.
This Week
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.
Enjoy:
* VIP Motorcycle Parking
* Arrowhead Harley Girls
* Raffles
* Food and Drink Specials
Saturday, August 17th
Activities:
**Enjoy Live Music with the excellent Southern Rock sounds of
Sour Diesel Train Wreck.
**Bikini Contest starting at 6PM. $300 for the winner.
**Huge Outdoor Sidewalk Sale
**Food
**Raffles
Show info: Free to enter. Free T-shirts for first 100
entries. See Flyer for details on how to enter.
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.
Next Week
Saturday, August 24th
Here's how:
1. Download our mobile app here
2. Tap on the "Cardinals" tab
3. Enter for your chance to win tickets!
4. Visit the dealership for additional daily
entries
Plus, ride with us to the game! Click
here to register to ride with us to the game.
Enjoy Hawaiian BBQ and ice cold beverages before the ride plus get a ride
package!
Saturday, August 24th
4:30-5:00 pm Check-in at Harley-Davidson of
Scottsdale
5:30 pm Kickstands up
7:00 pm Game starts
Sunday, August 25th
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!
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead
Ftn. Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, AZ. Just South of 83rd Ave. and Bell Rd. 623-247-5542.
www.arrowheadharley.com .
Extras
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!
This video is called Gas Leak at the Mall.
You might guess what is about. A funny candid camera type prank. Click Here to
View.
Are you ever frustrated trying to figure out if a Double
A battery is good? Try this little trick to see if it is the battery or the
gadget that is bad. Not sure if it works, but it is interesting. Click Here to
View.
Video of the Week. Criss Angel is at it again. Take a look at these
illusions. Click Here to View. Click on the
Video of the Week graphic on the
page.
If you would like to sign up for the Cyclerides.com Weekly
Update
Click Here.
Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To
All,
Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com
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