WIVO: Who's going to Coloradical? (so far no Wis?)

[stagecombat]

So far here are the Illinois registrants:

Redbird
ANV1L & Ziggy
Bluto & Lace
Acrotech
Chicago X & Kathy
JDCHGO
VTX Vixen & Pistol
slim shady
stagecombat & Joyce

Who else is planning or thinking about it?

What! No cheeseheads?

I WISH BUT NOT THIS YEAR / JUST STARTED NEW JOB NOT ENOUGH VAC TIME :cry:

[Skinny]

Nope I would have to take 2 weeks and that is all my vacation time, Next year will be a better time.

[Git 'R Done]

I am very excited about this trip....I have taken many a vacation to CO by car.....and love it. Can't be anything but better by bike!

[DAWG]

I'd like to go but can't afford to do it and the Homecoming.

The Homecoming I could at least "Write off" :D :D :D :D

DAWG

http://dawgscyclegrafix.com/images/dcg1.jpg (http://dawgscyclegrafix.com)

[jdchgo]

WELL,,,I figger I'd best do it while I still can...always wanted to do a long ride on a steel horse headed west into the sunset 8)

Im gonna take 5-6 working days off (plus the 3 days over that weekend) totals 9 days :D I wanna do CO, Devils Tower, Grand Canyon...maybe more?? I have a buddy that is from South Africa (JBerg) that lives in GA an we may be meeting up to do the "tour".

JD

[T-BoneX]

When's the trip and what's the route you're taking to get there?

[David]

http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=52405

There is some discussion on the plans, including a southern swing to Amarillo, TX for a popular VTX get-together and BBQ hosted by a VTX'r there.

Then, even more discussion on a after-ride into Northern California, Nevada (Lost Wages), and the Grand Canyon / Flagstaff / Sedona.

We need to get together (people who are planning on attending) soon so we can start planning this out. I'm getting closer to being able to commit to this (divorce is pending). :P

[stagecombat]

I suppose we can wait a bit, but I'm chompin' at the bit to get started on the planning.

Talked the wife into flying to Denver for that weekend (BTW airfares are pretty cheap - particularly going from United hub to United hub).

I am ready for riding there. Bluto mentioned leaving on the 29th. Let's make it as scenic a ride as we can.

Snakebite said he wasn't sure if he was doing the BBQ on the 30th or July 1.

I have to head back to Chi after the Coloradical - but I don't have to get there THAT fast, so we can maybe do a DIFFERENT scenic ride back. Or not. whatever...

[bluto]

Well, there isn't a whole lotta scenery betwenn here and Colorado. Last year I took 80 out through Iowa, Nebraska and into Colorado. We took 90 home through Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Looking at maps, you may find some alternative roads but once you get on them, they are just as flat and straight as the highway except there are stop signs and a lower speed limit. I've learned if you want to get somewhere, you need to take the interstates. Once you get to an area that has something that interests you, get off the highway, explore, then get back on. :D

I would like to get together and plan out some sort of "official route" that would incluse what hotels we are gonna stop at. This way, if you see something you want to explore, feel free. If you want t oget on the Interstate and tear up as many miles as you can, as fast as you can, feel free. We can all meet up at the hotel at night. The larger group will undoubtedly break into small groups based on riding styles. I will be pulling a trailer behind the bike so I'll have to keep the triple digit sprints to a minimum :shock: Redbird, Anv1L, Ziggy, Woot, Big Nate, Lace and myself have been to the Coloradicals in the past and love talking about it. Maybe a little get together to get the juices flowing would be in order. We have a couple hundred pics we could share :D

Personally, I plan on heading to Snakebite's first then head west after the get together.

[DAWG]

Actually taking the "Pony Express" Route (route 36 I beleive) aint bad. Still kinda Flat but at least you get to see some Great Midwestern "Americana" in the small towns that are along that route. You gotta stop at "Smith Center" Kansas. Nice Little Town. Very Hospitable People Last Time I rode through there. You also pass through the "Geographical Center" of the ubited States.

I would love to go but Can't afford it.

DAWG

http://dawgscyclegrafix.com/images/dcg1.jpg (http://dawgscyclegrafix.com)

[T-BoneX]

I know you've done this before Bluto...I have a solo trip planned for May 21st through June 5, taking 80 all the way west to San Francisco...any tip, tricks and pointers would be appreciated!

Too bad I wasn't leaving later, or you guys sooner...I'd love to join in...maybe next year, right?!?! Just like the Cubs...

[bluto]

Well, 80, for the most part, is really flat, straight and boring. Iowa and Nebraska are the "worst". There are a few "bends" in Omaha, just follow the signs. Things start to change as you get into Cheyenne, WY and you really get a taste for the "west". Into Utah is great! You might want to add a couple of days in Utah to explore some of the mountains and canyons there. Nevada is interesting because it is a desert and California is quite nice as well. Make sure you have a bunch of water with you and maybe figure out a way to carry some spare fuel with you as well. I ran out in Wyoming last year and sure was happy to have that 2 gallons with me! :D Once you are through Nebraska, there are many more "roadside" attractions you can stop and check out. Until then, you are stuck with the largest truck stop in the US (in Iowa) and the big arch over 80 in Kearney, NB. Good news is you can pretty much get the the WY border in one good long day in the saddle. Even if you have to ride at night, you aren't going to miss anything :lol:

[DAWG]

If you are too worried about carrying fuel with you or dont have the room, Pick up a few feet of Siphon hose. That way a stopped motorist or fellow Biker can transfer fuel to you.

Don't ask how I knwo this

DAWG

http://dawgscyclegrafix.com/images/dcg1.jpg (http://dawgscyclegrafix.com)

[cshep]

If you use that siphon hose you wll learn real quick on how good Gasoline tastes but it does works really well and is very easy.

[T-BoneX]

I've done the trip in a cage (roundtrip) about four times now, but being solo on th ebike is a whole different story....and yes, extra gas would be a good idea. i had seen a while back, someone came up with a sort of reserve 1-2 gallon tank that looks like a tool kit....anyone seen this too, and/or knows how well these work? and of course, can it be adapted to the X?

Then again, I suppose A.) it's easier to just carry a small gas can if possible, and b.) this is really more of a topic for the tech board...sorry to get you guys off track of the Colaradical ride!

Have a great time and be safe...hope to ride with you guys more often this coming season!

And Bluto, Dawg, and the rest of you...thanks again for the info, and most importantly, thanks for being consistant with this entire board.

People like almost oll of the X'ers I've "met" give bikers a good name.

[David]

I carried a small 1 gallon gas can (Wally World) during part of my '10 state in 10 days' ride last year, but the thing kept venting and leaking - spilling onto my saddlebags and smelling gas while riding. Finding a tank that is meant for secondary on a bike is what I'm hoping for. Might need a pump to move the fuel from the secondary to the primary, just not sure how to do it...

Let's consider a first round discussion during our meeting at the Bike Show on Feb. 12 in Rosemont.