Routes & Suggestions 1 day rides out of Ouray CO

[dogmoon]

I have five days to ride mountain passes in Southwestern CO in August of next year on my 09 KLR. I will be based out of Ouray CO. Im looking to do five single day mountain pass rides, any suggestions on mountain passes that I could ride and what to bring on them would be appreciated.

[eakins]

alot of the passes are more technical than klr. think 450 thumper.

-550 south
ophir pass west to 145? and telluride
either lost dollar rd > dallas divide > ridgeway or imogene > ouray

-alpine loop - all paved

-550 s > silverton > engineer pass > lake city > north > blue mesa res. cutoff rd. > 50 west > owl creek pass > ridgeway

[Macadam Drifter]

Since you have sometime get yourself some maps.

Lots of good options out of Silverton, just south of Ouray.

Of course their is Engineer Pass.

MkD

[dogmoon]

Originally Posted by Macadam Drifter

Since you have sometime get yourself some maps.

Lots of good options out of Silverton, just south of Ouray.

Of course their is Engineer Pass.

MkD

Yes I have invested in some reading material, the Colorado Trails Southeast Region Backroads & 4 wheel drive trails and BenchMarks Road and Recreation Magazine. Now the planning begins. Im also waiting for Gaspipe to give me some insight also, Thanks.

[dogmoon]

Originally Posted by eakins

alot of the passes are more technical than klr. think 450 thumper.

-550 south
ophir pass west to 145? and telluride
either lost dollar rd > dallas divide > ridgeway or imogene > ouray

-alpine loop - all paved

-550 s > silverton > engineer pass > lake city > north > blue mesa res. cutoff rd. > 50 west > owl creek pass > ridgeway

Thanks for the route.

[eakins]

Originally Posted by dogmoon

Yes I have invested in some reading material, the Colorado Trails Southeast Region Backroads & 4 wheel drive trails and BenchMarks Road and Recreation Magazine. Now the planning begins. Im also waiting for Gaspipe to give me some insight also, Thanks.

i use these
http://www.latitude40maps.com/sw-co.html

[TwoShots]

Originally Posted by dogmoon

... and what to bring...

On the chance you haven't already considered it: An adjusted carb/air box so she can breathe up there. I've seen KLR650s and DRZs with stock settings choke, gasp, and ultimately surrender (turn around) on a couple of those passes.

[eakins]

Originally Posted by TwoShots

On the chance you haven't already considered it: An adjusted carb/air box so she can breathe up there. I've seen KLR650s and DRZs with stock settings choke, gasp, and ultimately surrender (turn around) on a couple of those passes.

yes you will want to close down the pilot jet on the carb to reduce fuel and open up the airbox (ie remove the airbox access cover) for more air.

[dogmoon]

Originally Posted by eakins

yes you will want to close down the pilot jet on the carb to reduce fuel and open up the airbox (ie remove the airbox access cover) for more air.

I will look into those suggestions also , at that elevation I would think there would be some problems. Thanks.

[chilango]

Originally Posted by dogmoon

I have five days to ride mountain passes in Southwestern CO in August of next year on my 09 KLR. I will be based out of Ouray CO. Im looking to do five single day mountain pass rides, any suggestions on mountain passes that I could ride and what to bring on them would be appreciated.

Originally Posted by eakins

-550 south
ophir pass west to 145? and telluride

I did Ophir pass on my R12GS, side cases and all from Ouray. Going up on that side is easy, as you go down the other side torwards Ophir, it gets shale-y... Nevertheless, it's a fun pass.

I rode up there with a Deputy Sheriff I believe, and he is a good hiker (as well as search & rescue). He is from Silverton. He mentioned that there is a lake on the pass - you can only get there by hiking, but mentioned it was well worth it.

[dogmoon]

Originally Posted by chilango

I did Ophir pass on my R12GS, side cases and all from Ouray. Going up on that side is easy, as you go down the other side torwards Ophir, it gets shale-y... Nevertheless, it's a fun pass.

I rode up there with a Deputy Sheriff I believe, and he is a good hiker (as well as search & rescue). He is from Silverton. He mentioned that there is a lake on the pass - you can only get there by hiking, but mentioned it was well worth it.

I have heard about Ophir Pass, I will put that on my list thank you.