Triumphrat

TriplePete · 07-10-2008, 04:23 AM

Just starting to plan a 10 day trip from Vancouver BC to CO and SD and whatever in between. I am familiar with WA, ID, and MT, but I'd like to know the "must ride" roads along the way.

Here is a tentative route but of course can change anywhere along the way.
GOOGLE TENTATIVE MAP

Please, any suggestions would be helpful. I hope to encounter entertaining curves and majestic scenery. I did Yellowstone a few years ago, but Beartooth Pass was closed - Chief Joseph was the alternate. Lolo Pass - standard will do road. Also would like to see Rushmore and or whatever else is near by. And of course, the San Juan Skyway in Southern CO.

Thanks in advance.

sailfish · 07-11-2008, 01:42 PM

Over a few rides I’ve hit most of the areas that you’ll be traveling through. Here are some variations that you might consider.

I really enjoyed looking a Mt. St. Helens. Being there gives you an idea of the magnitude of the blast. I went to Mt. St. Helens by turning south at Randle. The road south of St. Helens to Carson down on the Columbia River is one of the best motorcycle roads that I’ve been on. Lots of turns in the trees averaging maybe 40 mph.

Continuing south, 35 out of Hood River going “over” Mt. Hood is a nice ride. 26 across Oregon (Prineville to Baker City) sure beats the interstate roadway. Very scenic with several geological stops.

There’s a little road that I take out of Salt Lake City, west of Park City. It’s 40 to 32 to Francis, then 35 to Hanna going through Altonah and winding up in Vernal. Dinosaur National Monument’s visitor’s center north of Vernal is cool if you like old bones.

Just into Colorado, 64 from Dinosaur to Rangely, 139 from Rangely to Loma. If you’re camping, the Colorado National Monument is a great overnight. The last time I was there I rolled up a wet tent on the plateau, dropped a couple hundred feet in elevation and the weather cleared. A cloud was parked on the plateau.

South of Grand Junction, 141 is a nice deserted ride. Lots of turns and terrain similar to SW Utah, red sandstone and scrub brush. Scenery wise you can’t beat the loop from Ridgway to Cortez to Durango back up to Ridgeway. Mesa Verde near Cortez can take most of a day to look at. Your route of Durango/Pagosa Springs/Gunnison/Leadville is a good one too. In north east Wyoming you might swing by Devil’s Tower, your route goes right by it.

Enjoy your trip. You’re hitting a great part of the country.