Author Topic: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?  (Read 5378 times)

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Offline nobody

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Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« on: July 27, 2010, 08:49:37 AM »
I may be going motorcycle camping this weekend with a couple of friends but I'm not sure where we should go. I usually go camping in Rainbow Falls near Deckers but the spots I like down there are hike in spots, there's no way our motorcycles could get to them. I'm not afraid of a little offroad/trail riding but I don't know how much adversity this bike can handle. I'm also not adverse to something a few hours' drive away

Do any of you know of any spots that are backwoodsy enough to feel like real camping (preferrably not with picnic tables, metal fire pits and gravel tent patches, I want real backwoodsy) but still accessible on a cb750?


I saw this picture, supposedly somewhere near Buena Vista, not sure how accessible something like this would be though.

« Last Edit: July 27, 2010, 10:04:38 AM by matthew gabrielse »
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Offline IHWillys

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #1 on: July 27, 2010, 03:20:10 PM »
Mathew, PM sent, I think... if not, let me know.  I am very familiar with some areas on the south side of North Park.

Ken

Offline Ichiban 4

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #2 on: July 27, 2010, 03:30:14 PM »
Hi Matt..

Well..I had a real detailed post going here to you..about camping in the Rollinsville area.  But this stupid website dropped it out..because i wasn't signed up for over 60 minutes (wonder if Glenn can just make the Log-on times indefinite..like most other websites?).

Anyway..I don't have time to repeat all the other stuff I was saying.  Check out the Rollinsville area..up around Moffet Tunnel especially (there's a camping area nearby)..and if you're more adventuristic..try the old railroad right-of-way..that goes on up over Rollins Pass.  Think maybe you can Google Maps the area..zoom in with satellite imagery..to get better idea of the area.

P.M. me..if you want further details.  I've done it several times in the past.  It's a wonderful ride..and really captures the "wilderness experience" that you were mentioning previously.

Al / Ichi
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Offline Gordon

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #3 on: July 27, 2010, 04:50:50 PM »

Well..I had a real detailed post going here to you..about camping in the Rollinsville area.  But this stupid website dropped it out..because i wasn't signed up for over 60 minutes (wonder if Glenn can just make the Log-on times indefinite..like most other websites?).


You set that option yourself when you log in.  Right next to your username and password is the drop-down window to choose how long you want to be logged in for, and one of the options is "forever". 

Online Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #4 on: July 27, 2010, 08:55:12 PM »
Matthew,

Is that the pass from Buena Vista to Crested Butte? That could be interesting and doable if it's just what we see. Could be worth a try if there aren't any major ruts you couldn't get around. I actually have never done any motorcycle camping in Colorado but I've ridden many of the roads and I could advise based on areas. One thought came to mind is Pikes Peak. 14,110' to the top and VERY rideable with camp grounds along the way. Could be fun for a 24 hour jaunt as part of your overall trip. Not what you sound like you really want. This time of the year you're going to have a hard time getting away from the masses. On another thought there is a gravel "road" at the top of Hoosier Pass, south of Breck, that can get you away from the masses. I've hiked it. May be above the tree line near the top but there are side roads you could explore and find a treed site. No reason the bikes couldn't do it.

Al,

Gordon sounds like he was just trying to help someone that may not know better or anyone else that may be listening in. I assumed that you were NOT indicating that you knew that fact from your post. Your reply actually sounds condescending to me. Don't get your shorts in a bind so easily. It isn't Heffay.  ;) Gordon has a wealth of knowledge that we all can learn from. I'm sure many of us appreciate Gordon's many inputs even if Gordon (and I can be) is blunt to the point at times. I know Gordon will acknowledge that too. You guys just have different approaches to tact just as I do. 

Al, Since you are close to RMP, are there any areas that seem to fit Matthews's criteria at or near there?

Jerry

 
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Offline Ichiban 4

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #5 on: July 27, 2010, 10:55:56 PM »
Hey Jerry..Matt..

Some good suggestions for Matt there..I thought.  

But..on to the main purpose of this thread: in answer to your question about Matt's riding RMNP; think you about nailed-it..it would be a beautiful ride (probably best done during a week day..to avoid the crowds).  But I don't think that they allow camping anywhere in the park itself.  Matt: I believe that you'd have to camp somewhere around either Estes Park..to the East of RMNP..or in the Grand Lake area..to the West. both of those areas are relatively developed to accommodate the trailer campers that frequent them..which although a pleasant experience.may not be the type of "wilderness type" experience I understood you to be preferring.

On an earlier note Matt: we were talking about possibilities of riding the Rollinsville/Moffet Tunnel area..possibly on up the old railroad route over Rollins Pass.  That would definitely be more akin to what I think you were expressing an interest in.  As I was saying earlier..you can Google Maps the area..to see what it involves (I tried that myself after mentioning to you..and it works..but seems to be from a relative high elevation).  And as Jerry was mentioning earlier..it is gravel/dirt roads..all the way from Rollinsville..onward..especially the old railroad route.  I wouldn't want to try it on a "fat Boy" or low CG bike (due to ground clearance issues)..but think most of the old Hondas we ride should make it fine.  

I was also going to say that you have to be really mindful of the others on the road..especially the off-roaders..who seem to be pretty unaware of others on the road.  I've had to pull-over and let them pass..when seeing them barrelling down in the distance..to keep from being sprayed with gravel/dust..and/or run off the road. But nowadays..it seems like you have to contend with that in most back road situations.  Especially if you decide to do the Pass/old RR  route..you have to be careful..as there are sheer drop-offs @ points..and the elevation climbs to around 12,000 feet!  Also bring rain gear..a waterproof tent (if camping overnight)..and tarp to throw over your bike..as it seems to rain almost every afternoon @ that altitude..guess from the clouds passing over the Continental Divide..yada..yada.

Okay..I'm fading fast here..gotta get up early in the a.m.  P.M me..or feel free to ask further questions about the Rollinsville ride..if you'd like.  It's a beautiful..albeit slow-going type of experience.

Ichi


« Last Edit: July 28, 2010, 05:44:00 PM by Ichiban 4 »
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Offline seaweb11

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #6 on: July 27, 2010, 11:21:37 PM »
"Don't get your shorts in a bind so easily. "   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
+1   I had no idea I could change that issue before the post was put here.

Offline Gordon

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #7 on: July 28, 2010, 12:03:02 AM »
Jeez, Ichi. 

I was just trying to give a quick tip about the website where it seemed like one would be helpful.  I didn't add to the discussion on motorcycle camping locations near Denver because I've never been motorcycle camping near Denver, but that doesn't mean that I'm not allowed to respond if I think I have something helpful to add regarding something else that's come up in another reply. 

Who's being the thread "policeman" now?

If I'm being condescending toward you, it will be obvious.  Now go untwist your panties and let's let the thread get back on topic. ;)     

Offline andy750

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #8 on: July 28, 2010, 04:47:22 AM »
Hey Matt please do the trail posted in your first photo! I would really like to know how the 750 will perform - I am destined to go roads like that myself soon enough (getting the tires sorted out now ;)). Just remember..

...an adventure is taking bikes places where they are not supposed to go ;)

good luck and take photos!

cheers
Andy
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
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Offline HondaMan

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #9 on: July 28, 2010, 06:57:10 AM »
My wife likes to go to the Buena Vista KOA (in the motohome), where you can then go SEE the trail in the top post.  :-\
See SOHC4shop.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

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Offline nobody

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #10 on: July 28, 2010, 10:05:38 AM »
My wife likes to go to the Buena Vista KOA (in the motohome), where you can then go SEE the trail in the top post.  :-\

Wait, Mark, you know where this is? How doable would that trail be on a 750?
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Offline cb650

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #11 on: July 28, 2010, 04:27:22 PM »
There is also rampart range road south of denver and comes out in garden of the gods in C/S.  All national forest so you can camp anywhere.  Crowded on weekends closer to the cities.   
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Offline wannabridin

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #12 on: July 30, 2010, 06:23:55 AM »
that picture you posted looks like red cone pass...  i've done some 4x4'ing up there with some buddies, but i wouldn't camp above tree line, WAY too high of a risk for lightning... 
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Offline moham

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #13 on: July 30, 2010, 08:18:46 PM »
I don't have anything useful to post but I wanted to say that as soon as I saw the thread title I immediately became very jealous and sad because I, at this time, cannot go motorcycle camping in Colorado. Sounds the tits.

Have a good time and post some pics when you're done...
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Offline nobody

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #14 on: August 01, 2010, 02:58:53 PM »
Though I didn't go to any of the places mentioned throughout this thread you can bet that I will sooner or later. I got a small taste of some trail riding and will most certainly be going again, your suggestions were not in vain and I thank you all.

We ended up going up the mining roads between Idaho Springs and Central City. We ventured off on some side trail that our bikes were most certainly not designed for. I got extremely nervous on several occasions but soldiered on anyways, white knuckles were plentiful. That being said, I can say without a doubt that this bike could handle much more difficult terrain than it did this weekend.

A scenic photo opportunity with my friend, Alex, striking a pose.




The fruit of our labors, the picture doesn't do it justice.


Around the fire. Alex, sitting in a throne of stone making crude gestures, me standing idly by.


Chris discovering an old mining cabin. You see all of those rocks everywhere? That was pretty much covering about a mile of unkempt, uneven trail that we had to take to get to our camp.


Creepy tunnel in the floor of the aforementioned cabin.


Some sort of abandoned mining camp.


Some serious mining machinery, not sure what it is but I find it very cool.




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Offline andy750

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #15 on: August 01, 2010, 03:10:08 PM »
Outstanding photos! Especially the one of the three bikes and the tent perched on the edge! I am super jealous!

What tires are you using? These will make a difference.

This weekend I was in Maine and had some off road riding 2-up with luggage on the VStrom....having read a lot of what to do I tired to put it into practice...I let the front wheel find its own way (even when its skipping side to side) and gassed it when ever in doubt ;)...speed was around 30 mph.

What issues did you find with the K4? How was the suspension? (front and rear)...very curious...

thanks for sharing
Andy
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline Ichiban 4

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #16 on: August 01, 2010, 11:31:06 PM »
Very nice pics Matt..

Glad you could find a ride/route that you liked.  Have to be careful around those old mine sites though (Colorado is notorious for mine cave-in's).  But totally intriguing to check those places out..I know.

Glad also to hear that you had no major problems with riding your 750 around in that stuff..and agree with you..that you could probably go for rougher terrain than that (back in the old days...before we had anything close to the off-road bikes we have nowadays..we used to ride in that stuff.  The old Matchless thumper I rode..was not much..if any better than your 750..for that sort of stuff).

Thanks again for posting the pics..they speak volumes.

Cheers,

Ichi
Al Summers

Present: '77 550K
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Offline nobody

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #17 on: August 02, 2010, 09:18:25 AM »
Thanks for the compliments, I like to think I have an eye for composition.

The tires are Durosport or something like that, they're street tires through and through. The rear one needs to be replaced, the tread is pretty shallow, not bald but shallow. My rear shocks could also be replaced, they tend to bounce a bit too much on bumps. I think if I gave it new shocks and more multipurpose tires it would probably feel a lot more solid on stuff like this.

As for issues I had, I honestly didn't have any issues that wouldn't be had on any other standard street bike. I almost lost it once or twice manuevering slowly through some deeper rock filled rutts. These rutts would just grab my front tire and turn my forks to either side, I just planted my feet and put every ounce of strength into keeping her off the ground. There were one or two heavy throttle hill climbs where my front tire was frequently off the ground, lifting up on every mid sized bump it found. I just leaned over the front a little on those.

A friend of mine keeps telling me "It's a street bike, you can't take it on stuff like that", to which I reply "If Che Guevara could go acrossed South America on a 1939 Norton, I think my bike can do it too". I have much more respect for these bikes after doing this.
74 cb750k

If life hands you lemons, make lemonade. If life hands you tomatoes, make tomato soup. If life hands you a box of hand grenades... well, now... THAT'S a message!!

Offline andy750

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #18 on: August 02, 2010, 09:41:29 AM »
A friend of mine keeps telling me "It's a street bike, you can't take it on stuff like that", to which I reply "If Che Guevara could go acrossed South America on a 1939 Norton, I think my bike can do it too". I have much more respect for these bikes after doing this.

Good reply and I agree - although Che never got out of Argentina on his bike ;) ....check out Ted Simons "Jupiter Travels" where he does it on on a Triumph in 1976. Another guy - Finnish - took his CB750 around the world in 1973. And Ive seen a photo of a stock CB750 (except the cafe bars) getting to Alaska via the Dalton highway...

Thanks for the further info - very useful.

cheers
Andy
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline nobody

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #19 on: August 03, 2010, 11:31:09 AM »
If any of you are interested in camping in this spot I found it on google maps.

The coordinates are 39.763657,-105.538375

Google maps directions from Idaho Springs:

1. Head west on Colorado Blvd toward Placer St  348 ft
2. Take the 1st right onto Placer St  266 ft
3. Take the 1st left onto Co Rd 279/Virginia Canyon Rd  0.5 mi
4. Continue onto 2 Brothers Rd/Co Rd 281  1.9 mi
5. Turn left, Destination will be on the left
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Offline HondaMan

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Re: Motorcycle camping near Denver Colorado?
« Reply #20 on: August 04, 2010, 05:35:23 PM »
That's a [semi-working] gold mine there, Matt!
Cool stuff.  8)
See SOHC4shop.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

The demons are repulsed when a man does good. Use that.
Blood is thicker than water, but motor oil is thicker yet...so, don't mess with my SOHC4, or I might have to hurt you.
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Link to My CB750 Book: https://www.lulu.com/search?adult_audience_rating=00&page=1&pageSize=10&q=my+cb750+book
Link to My CB500/CB550 Book: https://www.lulu.com/search?sortBy=RELEVANCE&page=1&q=my+cb550+book&pageSize=10&adult_audience_rating=00
Link to website: https://sohc4shop.com/  (Note: no longer at www.SOHC4shop.com, moved off WWW. in 2024).