Why are all (OK, most) of the CO Rallies in July???

Lots of reading and researching, including here on ADV, in State of Colorado catalogs, on-line, even Hiking forums, etc. has all lead me to believe that September is the best time to ride in Colorado --- miss the snow-pack in the upper Passes in June, the monsoons in July and August, crowds throughout the Summer, and much colder temps and possible snow in October...

I guess it's important to note that I am looking to fly out and ship my Husky TE610 and then ride solo throughout CO and down into southern UT, for 4 weeks, focussing on trails and Passes, and camping 90% of the nights.

And yet, it seems that all/most of the CO Rallies are in the "hot", "crowded", "monsoon season" of July???
July 18-20: Western Colorado Dirt Bike Ride
July 25-27: How the West was Won
July 27-30: Pre (RMAR) Rondy
July 31-Aug 3: RMAR
and the Colorado Classic 1000 on June 21-22

Did I miss something? Should I be more open to July, or August? I still am leaning towards September but would appreciate a little input from you local Inmates.

Thanks!

Monsoon season starts in August

It's hit and miss in August for rain, and someone correct me if I'm wrong but it could snow in the high country in September.

September, kids and other folks are back to school/work also hunting season starts in late august. Summers go quick here in the high country.

But yes, September is one of the best months in Colorado

It has snowed measured amounts in every month in Colorado

Takes time to get the passes clear of snow, most folks like to ride the passes.

High country:

Jan-May: snow
June: up high has snow
July: ideal!
August: afternoon lightening.
Sept: snow's coming sometime
Nov-Dec: snow

September is my favorite month, hands down. Afternoon rains have normally dried up, still warm in the day with crisp mornings, and very few bugs. Many will talk about hunting season but that is archery and muzzle loader, not many people and it has never been an issue for me. It can snow but if it does it usually doesn't stick around. If I was coming to Colorado to ride and kick around for four weeks it would probably be the last week of August and the first three of September. You would start rolling the dice after that, we can, however have some spectacular weather well into October.

Agree with Grub 100% - but when you are planning a rally that people are going to plan their vacation around; you plan it for July to eliminate the weather variable.

Dude, shut up! there is no good riding in Colorado, EVER!

(hows the new bike?)

I think for you to miss the hot, crowded monsoon season here in Colorado, go directly to Utah. There is almost nobody there, its cooler in the mountains, and you will avoid the rainy sections you will occur in Colorado.
And no, you will not be missing anything except the above mentioned calamities.
Your welcome.

I've noticed a noise that sounds like it's coming from the front of the engine at idle, kinda weird, quiet as a mouse and smoooooth on the road, that's good though, it gives me something to worry about - I need that to be happy. How's the hand?

September is my favorite month here in Colorado! Yes, in can snow but rarely will you get much of that and it melts right off when the sun pops out.

+1 for September. cool nights and short days but when the weather is nice it is fantastic. You can get snow but usually the heavier amounts come later and even October can be pretty decent

http://frontrangeriders.com/?page_id=29
http://www.bmwriders.net/rallyregister.htm

points out the sad reality of Colorado.
it only has 1/4 of a year prime riding season.

first 2 weeks in sept are my ideal.
crisp air. no haze. usually no rain. no crowds.
but rallies are planed around traditional summer vaca times & thus july.
seems aug is when most then plan their own group tours.

there is also the COBDR ride in July
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=935276

Grub, I'm the OP and I like your idea of late Aug and into September.

And thanks to all you CO "locals" for your input --- mucho appreciativo...

Brendan
aka: "CO-or-bust"

Also the last 2 weeks of July is flower season in the high country. Probably the most crowded time of summer, and the prettiest.

So nothing happens in October?

Shouldn't October be the 8th month?