(Okay, maybe that's getting carried away)
...that I have found so far. Now I know you dual-sport guys can go off-road so you see some great rides. But we're concerned with pure Colorado blacktop here.
I'm talking about a road that's part roller coaster and part Olympic slalom, with more twists and turns than a John Grisham novel.
Golden Gate Canyon Road.
There are many great roads to be ridden in Colorado, but Golden Gate Canyon made an impression on me today. I expected it to be generally downhill going eastbound, as are most of the canyon roads along the Front Range, but it was not. The elevation profile of this road must look like saw's teeth.
I want to run this road a few more times in both directions to get the hang of it. Then when all the aspens are in green and the wildflowers are blooming, the Cool Money Grip film crew will create the definitive YouTube video for your viewing pleasure.
UPDATE: What makes a great motorcycle road? Is it outstanding scenery? The riding experience? The skill level required? A combination of these things?
Please comment.
...that I have found so far. Now I know you dual-sport guys can go off-road so you see some great rides. But we're concerned with pure Colorado blacktop here.
I'm talking about a road that's part roller coaster and part Olympic slalom, with more twists and turns than a John Grisham novel.
Golden Gate Canyon Road.
From the intersection with CO 119 just south of Gilpin, at an elevation of 9365 feet, the road goes generally southeast and then east to Co 93 north of Golden, falling 3394 feet along the way.No video (this time) because I was too busy holding on for dear life. And downshifting. A lot. This road has steep grades, and some hairpins that require 1st gear. I'm just glad I was going eastbound because the wind was really gusty up in the mountains today.
There are many great roads to be ridden in Colorado, but Golden Gate Canyon made an impression on me today. I expected it to be generally downhill going eastbound, as are most of the canyon roads along the Front Range, but it was not. The elevation profile of this road must look like saw's teeth.
I want to run this road a few more times in both directions to get the hang of it. Then when all the aspens are in green and the wildflowers are blooming, the Cool Money Grip film crew will create the definitive YouTube video for your viewing pleasure.
UPDATE: What makes a great motorcycle road? Is it outstanding scenery? The riding experience? The skill level required? A combination of these things?
Please comment.
Riding safe is Job One, but am anxiously awaiting the video.
ReplyDeleteI want to see the video as well. Does it beat Skyline Drive near Canon City?
ReplyDeleteI couldn't say, having not ridden Skyline Drive yet. That's why I hedged my bets with '...that I have found so far.'
ReplyDeleteSounds like some fun twisties. We have a few roads to the south like that. Wolf Creek comes to mind. One lane with sheer drops off one side. I darn near hold my breathe going through it.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the video.
FYI - got this months issue of Rider Magazine in the mail and they have a great write up of some Colorado roads under favorite rides. Made me think of your videos.
I think the scenery and experience make a great motorcycle road.
What makes a great motorcycle road? Dunno. What makes a ride memorable?
ReplyDeleteTavern with great potato salad located mid-route, overloaded logging trucks squaring sharp corners, thunderstorms, hot coffee and trash bag rain ponchos or happening upon a roadside swimming hole.
The ride is just the thing, its the memories we're left with that make them great.
Dual sporter.
http://93-610.smugmug.com/photos/534239815_M3JfU-L.jpg
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