2012 RMAR, August 2-5

[Wadester]

I just got the "confirmation" email - I could PM it to you to confirm my identity, if you wanted to have a "Fully In" list?

If not, you got the body count - and I'll find out who's there when I get there.

[OldtimerTC]

Hey All,

If anyone has the time and wants to review some of the routes in the area of silverton this page is a GREAT source.

They give complete descriptions, GPS files, pictures and Google earth files. Pretty cool resource.

http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php

What I have done in the past is group several of these smaller routes into a big full day, multi pass route. Scroll down to Colorado, and look up routes in and around San Juan, San Miquel, Hinsdale and Ouray counties just to name a few.
Sample route from Silverton : Animas forks to California Pass to Hurricane pass to Crokscrew Pass to Red Mountain Pass, slab 550 to Ouray to splash gas, Up Imogene Pass from Ouray with a side trip to Yankee Boy Basin and the coors waterfal, then on up to 13100 feet with the most awesome views anywhere. Down to Telluride for another splash of gas and food, down Hwy 145 to Ophir Pass, back to camp.
Heck, that sounds so good I think I will do that one on friday .

Is it August yet ?

[Tellydoug]

Originally Posted by RidingSolo

Hey All,

If anyone has the time and wants to review some of the routes in the area of silverton this page is a GREAT source.

They give complete descriptions, GPS files, pictures and Google earth files. Pretty cool resource.

http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php

What I have done in the past is group several of these smaller routes into a big full day, multi pass route. Scroll down to Colorado, and look up routes in and around San Juan, San Miquel, Hinsdale and Ouray counties just to name a few.
Sample route from Silverton : Animas forks to California Pass to Hurricane pass to Crokscrew Pass to Red Mountain Pass, slab 550 to Ouray to splash gas, Up Imogene Pass from Ouray with a side trip to Yankee Boy Basin and the coors waterfal, then on up to 13100 feet with the most awesome views anywhere. Down to Telluride for another splash of gas and food, down Hwy 145 to Ophir Pass, back to camp.
Heck, that sounds so good I think I will do that one on friday .

Is it August yet ?

Ok, sorry but the Coors Waterfall is actually Fish Creek Falls here in Steamboat.

Other than that, this sounds like a great loop, anybody want to do it on GS sized bikes? Maybe swap Imogene for Black Bear?

[OldtimerTC]

Originally Posted by Tellydoug

Ok, sorry but the Coors Waterfall is actually Fish Creek Falls here in Steamboat.

Other than that, this sounds like a great loop, anybody want to do it on GS sized bikes? Maybe swap Imogene for Black Bear?

Hey TellyDoug,

How's it going. Yeah, the description says the falls at Sneffels Creek is "supposedly" the one used by coors. Im sure you are correct , I was just reading about it. The falls at Sneffels should be a great place for a snack break and a few photos. Black Bear is a great pass and have done it quite a few times. I have only been up Imogene once and didnt do the side treak up Yankee Boy that trip as I was alone on a Borrowed 990.

There is also another option for the return trip to add some miles. I forget the trail name, but it is south of Ophir almost to Rico. The turn off is easy to miss, but it is an awesome trail ( FR 578 maybe ?) that brings you up and over ( or close) to Bolam pass and drops out at the Durango Mountain resort. Then you could take old Lime creek road that parralels 550 back north almost to Silverton. Maybe we should add that...to make the most of the trip.

[Tellydoug]

Originally Posted by RidingSolo

Hey TellyDoug,

How's it going. Yeah, the description says the falls at Sneffels Creek is "supposedly" the one used by coors. Im sure you are correct , I was just reading about it. The falls at Sneffels should be a great place for a snack break and a few photos. Black Bear is a great pass and have done it quite a few times. I have only been up Imogene once and didnt do the side treak up Yankee Boy that trip as I was alone on a Borrowed 990.

There is also another option for the return trip to add some miles. I forget the trail name, but it is south of Ophir almost to Rico. The turn off is easy to miss, but it is an awesome trail ( FR 578 maybe ?) that brings you up and over ( or close) to Bolam pass and drops out at the Durango Mountain resort. Then you could take old Lime creek road that parralels 550 back north almost to Silverton. Maybe we should add that...to make the most of the trip.

You're probably thinking of Scotch Creek, which is partly in a creek bed down on the West side. Lots of slippery babyheads to navigate there, but up top it has the coolest run through collonaded aspens in the fall when the colors are changing. That one can be tricky depending on how wet and slippery it is....

[OldtimerTC]

Originally Posted by Tellydoug

You're probably thinking of Scotch Creek, which is partly in a creek bed down on the West side. Lots of slippery babyheads to navigate there, but up top it has the coolest run through collonaded aspens in the fall when the colors are changing. That one can be tricky depending on how wet and slippery it is....

Yes, Scotch creek. Thats it, it does have some nasty stuff near the bottom but once you reach the summit its awesome stuff. ( Im not sure , but I think it was you who recomended scotch creek to me last year. It was awesome ! )

[TNC]

Originally Posted by RidingSolo

Hey TellyDoug,

How's it going. Yeah, the description says the falls at Sneffels Creek is "supposedly" the one used by coors. Im sure you are correct , I was just reading about it. The falls at Sneffels should be a great place for a snack break and a few photos. Black Bear is a great pass and have done it quite a few times. I have only been up Imogene once and didnt do the side treak up Yankee Boy that trip as I was alone on a Borrowed 990.

There is also another option for the return trip to add some miles. I forget the trail name, but it is south of Ophir almost to Rico. The turn off is easy to miss, but it is an awesome trail ( FR 578 maybe ?) that brings you up and over ( or close) to Bolam pass and drops out at the Durango Mountain resort. Then you could take old Lime creek road that parralels 550 back north almost to Silverton. Maybe we should add that...to make the most of the trip.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you are referring to 578 that turns east off of 145 north of Rico there at Cayton campground. I agree that the Scotch Creek route south of Rico is rougher. That 578 route up and over Bolam Pass to 550 north of Durango isn't that hard. It has one section of moderate roughness, but I've seen quite a few big bikes go that route. It is a beautiful ride. I also like that Lime Creek side road on the way back to Silverton...very scenic.

[OldtimerTC]

Originally Posted by TNC

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you are referring to 578 that turns east off of 145 north of Rico there at Cayton campground. I agree that the Scotch Creek route south of Rico is rougher. That 578 route up and over Bolam Pass to 550 north of Durango isn't that hard. It has one section of moderate roughness, but I've seen quite a few big bikes go that route. It is a beautiful ride. I also like that Lime Creek side road on the way back to Silverton...very scenic.

We took Scotch creek last year, and 578 up and over the previous time. 578 is definately Big bike friendly.

Lime Creek ( Old hwy 550 I think , or old stage coach route ? ) is a really scenic section. It is BUSY with lots of jeeps and such, but I would say it is a MUST do for anyone going between Silverton and Purgatory area.

[DADODIRT]

Barlow Creek is north of Rico. (medium)
Scotch creek is just south of Rico (toughest of the 3) and
Roaring Fork is about 15 miles south of Rico - easiest.
They all come out at the same place above Durango Mountain Resort. And yes, all three have the manadatory river crossing.

The big passes around Silverton are great, but the Bolam Pass area is special. Unless it's hunting season there aren't many people (ie jeeps) around.

Now we just need some rain so that water crossing will be worth it.

[Oddfellow]

Originally Posted by Tellydoug

You're probably thinking of Scotch Creek, which is partly in a creek bed down on the West side. Lots of slippery babyheads to navigate there, but up top it has the coolest run through collonaded aspens in the fall when the colors are changing. That one can be tricky depending on how wet and slippery it is....

When Tellydoug says "tricky" is when my radar goes off, "danger, Will Robinson!"

[Big_John]

Originally Posted by Oddfellow

When Tellydoug says "tricky" is when my radar goes off, "danger, Will Robinson!"

You better believe it boys.......

That TellyDoug dude, can really throw around a 500lb Beemer. You better have a full bag to join him.



......

[Tellydoug]

Originally Posted by Big_John

You better believe it boys.......

That TellyDoug dude, can really throw around a 500lb Beemer. You better have a full bag to join him.



......

Hardly, you just need to have your bike lifting skills down, and lots of skidplates....




I may not be smart, but I can lift heavy things.

[Big_John]

Originally Posted by Tellydoug

Hardly, you just need to have your bike lifting skills down, and lots of skidplates....




I may not be smart, but I can lift heavy things.

Let everyone know that I lead the.....

"Easy Big Bike Ride"

This ride is for folks that want to follow the wife and I.......2-up. .....if you dare.....







TDoug.....yeah, he leads the Big, Big, Big Bike Ride.......

Yep....you gotta pick up your bike with the T-Doug.

And....You gotta have faith is this guy!!!!!






.......

[redninja]

Originally Posted by DADODIRT

Barlow Creek is north of Rico. (medium)
Scotch creek is just south of Rico (toughest of the 3) and
Roaring Fork is about 15 miles south of Rico - easiest.

Thanks for that info!! We did the Purg/Bolam/Rico/Purg loop last year, and weren't real fond of Scotch Creek (we are definitely NOT gnarly adventures; more like putt-putting-through-the-forest-enjoying-the-views-sightseers), so I saw Roaring Fork on the map and figured we would try that; it's nice to know it's apparently not so bad.....

[skidxr]

For instance, if your bike breaks down...way up in the mountains....and someone with a pickup helps you recover it....you are a good person if you reimburse for their fuel....and beverages for their time. Nothin is free these days.....especially with gas at nearly $4 a gallon.




I couldn't agree more with this !!!! Says the guy that got rescued by John's boy's and somehow managed to weasel his way out of buying beers and gas ...