| Author | Message | ||
     Dick_stilton |
I am planning a trip to deepest, darkest Colorado and want to know the road conditions Nr Cripple Creek. There will be a couple of novice riders in our crew and I don't want them trashing the rental bikes. For example Phantom Canyon Road and Shelf Road. From Google Earth they look like dirt roads which isn't a problem as long as they are good dirt loads. Anyone traveled these and know for sure? Thanks. DS | ||
| Rainman |
Phantom Canyon used to be all dirt, sort of gravely and easy to ride by car, but a bit of challenge on a street bike. Unless it's changed, I'd take the Blast with little worries, but I'd think twice about the Gold Wing I used to have. On the other hand, it's a beautiful drive. | ||
| F_skinner |
I have ridden Phantom Canyon road on a Uly and Electra Glide. It is not a bad road but I have been on better (some deep sand). Shelf road can get a little narrow but I would say it is in about the same condition. There are two ways to get into Cripple Creek via Paved Roads and both of those are good fun roads. A lot of wildlife is about so be careful. A couple of us rode up Pikes Peak a few days ago. Half of that is dirt but not technical. My GF rode her Sportster up with no problems. There will be snow up there in a few weeks. | ||
| F_skinner |
BTW: The last time I did Phantom Canyon road (in May maybe) there were about four "Road Closed" signs I had to go around. | ||
| Jammin_joules |
Consider Boreas Pass, found by turning north-easterly off Hwy-285 at Como, near Fairplay, and take an old train track (pulled up in 1937) Almost entirely graveled, good surface, a few sections with gargantuan holes you have to ride around. Did it on a Uly last week, but Road King would have made it too. Starting to see good color from Aspen, it comes down in Breckenridge through an arborial tunnel. | ||
| Liquorwhere |
I like the ride from my Dad's place in Penrose up to Hartsel, starts out by the Royal Gorge and twists through into Hartsel then I think Fairplay and then it will wind around up to Breckenridge over to I70 in into Denver. Last time I ride Phantom Canyon road it was is good shape but it has been a few years now. (Message edited by liquorwhere on September 17, 2009) | ||
| J2blue |
Novice riders... rental bikes? Hmmm, I wouldn't take Phantom Canyon or Shelf Road, or any dirt and gravel road for that matter. Here is a the conservative route: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=d ivide,+co&daddr=cripple+creek,+co+to:florissant,+c o&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=38.843986,-105.219498& sspn=0.296812,0.574722&ie=UTF8&ll=38.846125,-105.2 03705&spn=0.296803,0.574722&z=11 | ||
| Jstfrfun |
Novice riders should avoid any dirt/gravel roads, and buy the max insurance policy on the rentals because stuff happens. Enjoy the trip its the perfect time of year, cool nights and warm days. |
