George, Yeh I guess we can start discussing more detailed plans. I was thinking we'd plan a group ride for both the Saturday and Sunday. I imagine some will plan to leave on Sunday too (maybe some during the ride) so the main ride will be on Saturday. For the main ride I'd suggest the following:
SATURDAY: Frisco, Leadville (Hwy 24), Independence Pass (Hwy 82), Aspen, Carbondale, McClure Pass (Hwy 133), Hotchkiss, lunch at the Mad Dog Ranch in Crawford (Joe Cocker's biker hangout) (Hwy 92), Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Gunnison (Hwy 50), Buena Vista (Hwy 24), Frisco. This awesome ride takes in a loop of some of the best roads and scenery in Colorado. The only downside may be that it is 400 miles. This would be about 7-8 hrs (conservatively) of riding, so if we left at 7AM we'd probably be back at around 6pm allowing 3 hours or so for lunch and stops. I think it's well worth doing but I realize there will be all types of riders amongst us and some may consider it too much for one day. At Carbondale there is an alternative and much shorter way back to Frisco that can be taken by those seeking a more relaxed day. This goes onto Glenwood Springs and back via I70 and is maybe a 250-300 mile loop. I70 is a little boring IMO but for first timers it's a pleasant ride especially through Glenwood Canyon. This would mean we'd all ride together at least as far as Carbondale and we could get some great pictures of all the GTSs at Independence pass. For Sunday I was thinking of something a little more relaxed: SUNDAY: Frisco, Keystone (Swan Mt Road), Loveland Pass (Hwy 6), top of Mount Evans and back (I70 briefly), Peak to Peak Hwy (Hwy 119), to Estes Park (lunch), Rocky Mountain National Park (Hwy 34), Grand Lake, Winter Park (Hwy 40), Georgetown (I70 briefly), Frisco. This is 300 miles and the National Park is not particularly fun to ride (can't ride at speed) but is very spectacular for first timers. I don't think traffic/crowds in the Park will be too bad but still might be a little bit of a pain. OR SUNDAY (Alternate): Frisco, Keystone (Swan Mt Road), Loveland Pass (Hwy 6), top of Mount Evans and back (I70 briefly), Peak to Peak Hwy (Hwy 119), to Nederland (lunch), Coal Creek Canyon (Hwy 72), Hwy 93 to Golden Gate Canyon (Hwy 46), Hwy 119 to I70, Georgetown (I70 briefly), Loveland Pass (Hwy 6), Keystone (Swan Mt Road), Frisco. This is similar to the above ride but avoids Rocky Mountain National Park and instead takes in a couple of very nice canyon rides. It's about 200 miles. Also, Thor Metzinger mentioned something about hosting a BBQ and this could be combined into this ride as a lunch stop as it goes right by Golden. What does everyone think? Once we decide on the rides I'll make some maps to hand out to everyone and include some notes, itinerary, etc. By the way George, I'm not the organizer of this event. I just don't mind organizing a lot of the details. Maybe I'm being a little over-cautious but for legal reasons I think it might be wise to keep this gathering as purely an unofficial rally/gathering. We are all organizing (and responsible for) ourselves, arranging our own accommodation etc. Just a bunch of guys that decided to get together one weekend and go for a ride. Cheers Joe. -----Original Message----- From: George C. Paramithas [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Saturday, January 11, 2003 10:45 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: GTS gathering Guys, I need detailed input (i.e what's a must see, best roads to ride and BTW I hate the interstate on a bike) for the following states: New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado. We plan to trailer to Albuquerque and then ride the above 4 states prior to and maybe even after our gathering. If any of you would like to hook up I'll be more than glad to get together for riding, dinner and/or beers. As I get our scheduled established and carved in stone I can let you know the particulars of when we'll be coming your way. Which brings me to my second point. Have we formulated concrete ideas yet as to what we will do during our gathering (SAs keep yer silly thoughts to yer selves). Meaning, will we do group rides Saturday and Sunday and if so in what direction? For example, if we head south Sunday my group can check out of the hotel Sunday morning, ride with you guys and then continue on to New Mexico. Maybe so much detail has not yet been generated so lets start talking about it. Joe, since you're the organizer have you given it any thought? That's all for now George ====================================================================================== NOTICE - This communication may contain confidential and privileged information that is for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any viewing, copying or distribution of, or reliance on this message by unintended recipients is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. ==============================================================================
