Motorcycle Adventure To California

[RetiredJake]

Pru, looks like you are doing pretty good. My father used to have a friend that lived in Plains, TX, was a cotton farmer/rancher. Spent a few vacations there, and have fond memories of the area. Hope the weather continues to be favorable. From Albuquerque, you just have to head north to Taos. From there, I highly recommend Cumbres Pass from Antonito, CO to Chama, NM. Hwy 17 is a beautiful road, goes to just a little over 10,000 feet. I rode this last year, but had some cool weather and could not appreciate it as much as I should have. Had breakfast in Chama on the far end and really enjoyed it.

Good luck.

Jake

 

[ekw13Fatboy]

great pics, PRU. got out of the flat and into some hill. did ya see any aliens or UFO's after a few frosties.

 

[pru7536]

Jake, please don't give me any more places to go. I'll have to take another month off. I ain't even got to CA yet! LOL

 

[jaceddie]

I know what you mean Pru, when talking about a decent place to stay. Sometimes you have no choice, but after a long days ride, the last thing you want is a dirty shower or bed bugs. :newsmile030: Great thread and the pictures really make it. On my thread, I had planned to upload pictures when I got home, but Larry had some problems with his camera and I don't know if we will have any. At least I have the memories. Have fun!

 

[ultrat]

we will have u crusin all over..

 

[bikemikewcr]

From Albuquerque, you just have to head north to Taos. From there, I highly recommend Cumbres Pass from Antonito, CO to Chama, NM. Hwy 17 is a beautiful road, goes to just a little over 10,000 feet. I rode this last year, but had some cool weather and could not appreciate it as much as I should have. Had breakfast in Chama on the far end and really enjoyed it.

Good luck.

Jake

I have to agree with Jake on this, this area is fantastic. Stay in Santa Fe and Taos is not that far from there and have breakfast at a place called Michaels, fantastic food. In fact I am leaving in 7 days from NJ on a trip that should be between 5 and 6 thousand miles and will be back riding in the area that Jake mentioned in his post above.

 

[jaceddie]

I have to agree with Jake on this, this area is fantastic. Stay in Santa Fe and Taos is not that far from there and have breakfast at a place called Michaels, fantastic food. In fact I am leaving in 7 days from NJ on a trip that should be between 5 and 6 thousand miles and will be back riding in the area that Jake mentioned in his post above.

Mike, make sure to take us along too.

 

[bikemikewcr]

Mike, make sure to take us along too.

Will do.

 

[pru7536]

Motorcycle Adventure, Day 9

2140, 6/3/10. I slept in this morning and it was already light when I woke up at 0545. After a map recon, I decided to make a run up the million dollar highway. The traffic was like back home getting through Albuquerque. Hwy 550 to Durango was a pleasant easy cruise. Once past Durango the mountains appeared on both sides of the road. The speed limit was 60 and the curves were slow sweepers. The view was spectacular. The further north I went, the tighter the turns became along with lower speed limits. The scenery got even better. I knew I was getting close to Silverton, but not exactly sure how far. Shortly thereafter I rounded a curve and the entire town was below me. You could see every building and road. It didn’t appear real. I stopped in town at the Black Bear Café for chow, then proceeded on to Ouray. I can’t describe it right now, I will have to put more time and effort into it. I went up to Ridgeway, CO and took the San Juan Skyway back to Doleres, where I got a room for the night. 397.4 miles today. Pictures will follow, but a better write up will have to be done later as I am ready for the rack. One quick comment; this is the most spectacular scenery I have ever seen anywhere.

 

[pru7536]

I will comment on this place at another time.

Some scenes from today's ride.