Upcoming Colorado & Black Canyon of the Gunnison H.O.G. RALLY (Sept.) Part 2

It is official, I am going to the H.O.G. Rally to Colorado & Black Canyon!

I have my pre-trip booked and planned out, as it currently stands going to be about 14 hours and 932 miles, of a car ride with a trailer. I have chosen to trailer for a couple of reasons, saves on vacation, leaves me rested and ready for the actual ride, and that was the condition of being able to go :). A deal that I was more than willing to make to get to see CO and the Black Canyon again, on a bike. The bike is going to make for a great trip, taking advantages of all the twists and turns, I visited almost 2 years ago, Oct 2016.

With everything booked and ready, it is only March and I'm losing sleep planning for this wonderful adventure! I have ordered the Butler Map of Colorado to add to my collection of Regional Maps for the Ozarks, that I have been extremely happy with. Looking through the map we are hitting a lot of the suggested roads, making my anticipation grow.

Pre-rally, I'm hoping to hit up Pikes Peak Highway!

Per Butler Maps: 

Pikes Peak Highway (#24) the first automobile reached the top in 1901. Fifteen years later the first running of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb marked what would become the second oldest auto race in the US. There are over 150 curves in just 19 miles and elevation starting at just under 7500' and climbing to over 14000'.

Day 1


The guys at Eagle Rider have done a wonderful job of breaking down the trip. And day 1 looks like we will be going through Clear Creek Canyon, Loveland Pass, & Battle Mountain Pass.

Per Butler Maps: 

Clear Creek Canyon (#10), originally named Canonball Creek, saw some of the most intensive mining of the mid 1800 Gold Rush.

Loveland Pass (#6), before 1973, US HWY 6 was the only option for crossing the rugged Continental Divide. This 11 mile stretch has about 2000' of elevation change, starting out about 10000' and peaking a little over 12000'.

Battle Mountain Pass (#13) has ghost, mining, ski and railroad towns stretching the section of HWY 24, and guiding you past Camp Hale, where the 10th Mountain Division trained for WWII. Elevation changes in this 33 mile stretch starts out just under 8500' and peaks just under 10500'.

With just one day going to be down and hitting Butler Maps #6, 10, & 13 I can only imagine the sites to see along this spectacular route.

Day 2

Day 2 has the group headed South from Glenwood Springs towards Black Canyon and then East to Gunnison. Today's trip will be headed through East Portal Road, in Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Blue Mesa.

Per Butler Maps: 

East Portal Road (#12) comes with a "Riders, be warned: this road is not for the faint of heart." No other canyon in North America combines the narrow openings, sheer walls and startling depths offered by the canyon. Starting at 8500' elevation and descending a 20% grade with countless switchbacks as it sinks into darkness to 7000'.

Blue Mesa (#16) is a section of the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway that twists and flows through 25 miles. Giving multiple overlooks offering memorable overlooks, viewing Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water.

Day 3

Day 3 is just continuing on to Denver from Gunnison, not hitting any major sites on Butler Maps. Eagle Rider states a great day of back-road riding, to take your time, stop, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Rocky Mountain passes and valleys. Their route is coming in at about 4 hours, so factoring in the stops and sights, there might not be much time for a detour. However given the chance adding a 2 hour ride can bring in Mt. Evans.

Per Butler Maps: 

Mt. Evans Scenic Byway (#15) is and ultra scenic byway climbing more than 7000' in a 28 mile span, reaching a peak of close to 14300'. Part of #15 has Guanella Pass and Squaw Pass Road, both in my little detour. Guanella Pass, once a dusty dirt road, began paving in 2010 and become a spectacular ride for bikes. Elevation starting and ending around 8500' and going up to about 11750'. Squaw Pass Road having very similar elevational changes appears to have much more dips and climbs.

I have mentioned Butler Maps and actually quoted some of their material, to share some of their information. Hopefully this is not only intriguing, but enticing you to go out and get your own. These are great maps that are both waterproof and tear resistant, making it the perfect riding companion. 

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