Open invitation to ride Webster Pass in CO, 7/30 or 8/7

detours · 07-21-2016, 04:47 PM

Webster Pass is finally open at the top, and I've been itching to ride it. Anyone want to come? Any dual sport bike or rider is welcome, not just RX3s and TT250s.

Meeting Time and Ride Schedule

Let's ride Sunday 8/7. Here's my timetable for the day. It's probably 4+ hours of ride time ... plus 2 hours for stops, pics and 'mechanical adjustments', plus a dinner at the end. If we make good time, there are some optional routes and side trails we could explore along the way.

9:30 am - Meet at the Morrison Conoco.
10:00 am - Gearstands up.
10:45 am - Arrive in Bailey for last chance fill up.
11:15 am - Turnoff to Hall Valley Road ... finally hitting dirt

--- Lunch/snack/break somewhere along the way ---
1:30 pm - Top of Webster Pass ... rest and photo ops
* Option 1: Radical Hill (if we want to soil our shorts)
2:30 pm - Montezuma ... back to pavement :(
3:00 pm - Keystone Grocery and Gas (fill up, snacks, rest stop)
3:30 pm - A-Basin via US 6
* Dinner options: Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Morrison
* Option 2: Return via Guanella pass and US 285 ... if time permits or if the traffic pisses us off.
* Option 3: Return via Echo Lake/Mt Evans and Morrison Canyon
6:00 pm - Arrive at Morrison Conoco via I-70 and/or US40 frontage roads.

Trail Description

The trail is a fairly well maintained double-track that's popular in the 4x4 community. It climbs to 12,140 feet and has incredible scenery, with shallow creek crossings, a bit of stabilized marsh, some old mines, and a bridge. The road travels through canyon and ravine, following a creek and rising through lush forest and past treeline. There aren't any really difficult spots, but the final switchbacks traverse a mountainside with a very steep drop to one side.

I've never done it on a motorcycle, but I've done it several times in an SUV, and it should be no problem for us. It's only rated 3-4 out of 10 for difficulty on traildamage.com. Click here for their trail description.

Ride Time

Depending on time constraints, we can turn around at the pass for an out and back ... or continue down the other side to Montezuma and then Keystone ... then down I-70 toward Denver. Google Maps estimates ~5 hours, but I estimate at least 6 hours for this trip, depending on rest and food stops.

Route Maps

Morrison Conoco Location

I mapped most of the route starting at the Morrison Conoco, but Google Maps is missing part of the trail, so there's a small gap between the two maps.

Outbound Leg from Morrison ~ 2 hrs minimum
https://goo.gl/maps/gpqfHM48Doq

Return Leg to Morrison ~ 3 hrs minimum
https://goo.gl/maps/BuYN9TQqTjB2

Recommended Gear

13T front sprocket for the RX3. Preferably 45T or 46T in the back.
Waterproof jacket or over-jacket
Full armored gear - helmet, jacket, pants, boots
Water, lunch and snacks
Tools, spare parts and puncture kit.
First Aid kit

Backup Plan

I'm open to suggestions. But if Webster's Pass trail is closed or too demanding (which I doubt), we can backtrack down US285 and take Guanella Pass road to Georgetown, then back down to Denver.

detours · 07-21-2016, 04:55 PM

Elevation Map

Route Pics

oddthought · 07-21-2016, 05:55 PM

AUGH! If I only lived closer! That looks like a seriously great time. If I had the 17t front sprocket and a week or two of free time, I'd ride my TT250 out and join you!

DanKearney · 07-22-2016, 08:30 AM

If I've got my TT250 broken in by then, I might join you.

Cheers,

Dan K.

rtking · 07-22-2016, 09:08 AM

Looks like an incredibly fun ride! Wish I too lived closer to join in that fun!

detours · 07-22-2016, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanKearney

If I've got my TT250 broken in by then, I might join you.

Cheers,

Dan K.

Yeah, I hope you can make it! Taras (from our last ride) can go on 7/30 and maybe 8/7.

Azhule · 07-22-2016, 11:48 PM

Got several things done on the Bashan 200 today... only one thing left to do...

Testing the current fuel economy on the Bashan to see if that kind of ride is possible without several dozen gas stops on the way... I know a few people might get grumpy having to stop every time I run out of the massive 2 gallon fuel tank

BlackBike · 07-23-2016, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azhule

Got several things done on the Bashan 200 today... only one thing left to do...

Testing the current fuel economy on the Bashan to see if that kind of ride is possible without several dozen gas stops on the way... I know a few people might get grumpy having to stop every time I run out of the massive 2 gallon fuel tank

Time for the 20 dollar ebay trunk and 8 dollar gal can. Even a 2.5 gal might fit in the small size trunk. 4.5 gal x 50mpg or better is pretty far. I think it's doable.

rojo_grande · 07-23-2016, 11:25 PM

Joel,
I'm in for 8/7 can't make the 7/30 date. Will have to flip a coin on the TT250 or RX-3. Marlissa said I could "borrow" the RX-3.

Rojo

detours · 07-24-2016, 02:19 AM

Excellent, Rojo! But Marlissa should come too. It's not a hardcore trail and I think she would do fine.

About the dates, let's plan on 8/7. This will give Dan Kearney more time to break in his TT250.

I may run up Webster with Taras on 7/30 and check out the route. That will give me a better idea what to expect on our run on 8/7.

Azhule · 07-24-2016, 02:40 AM

What are those I see on the map??? Just how deep of water crossing(s) are we talking?

Bashan 200 'Check List' for a 'day ride' with our without 'water crossings'...

2 gallon gas tank with no 'Reserve setting on petcock'... Check...

Cheap Chinese Street biased tires on a cheap Chinese Dual Sport... Check...

Open High Flow UNI Pod Air Filter with no 'plastic housing'... Check...

AAA Card in my pocket... Check...

Brown colored pants with pockets... Check

detours · 07-24-2016, 11:17 AM

Hey Azhule, you got all the boxes ticked ... sounds like you're ready.

BlackBike · 07-24-2016, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azhule

What are those I see on the map??? Just how deep of water crossing(s) are we talking?

Bashan 200 'Check List' for a 'day ride' with our without 'water crossings'...

2 gallon gas tank with no 'Reserve setting on petcock'... Check...

Cheap Chinese Street biased tires on a cheap Chinese Dual Sport... Check...

Open High Flow UNI Pod Air Filter with no 'plastic housing'... Check...

AAA Card in my pocket... Check...

Brown colored pants with pockets... Check

Azhule · 07-24-2016, 06:08 PM

Filled up today... rode exactly 50.6 miles (I love having an accurate digital speedo) on 0.618 gallons of fuel... that's just over 81 mpg

Going to try another carb setting or two, but this one is probably the right one

Should have little problems doing the trip getting 70 to 80+ mpg... other than 'maintaining high speeds on hilly roads' everything else should be fine

BlackBike · 07-24-2016, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azhule

Filled up today... rode exactly 50.6 miles (I love having an accurate digital speedo) on 0.618 gallons of fuel... that's just over 81 mpg

Going to try another carb setting or two, but this one is probably the right one

Should have little problems doing the trip getting 70 to 80+ mpg... other than 'maintaining high speeds on hilly roads' everything else should be fine

If the other guys/gals bring their 250s I don't see any reason for you to bring the big gun (klr).

07-21-2016, 04:47 PM	#1
detours Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Arvada, CO Posts: 1,004	Webster Pass in CO ... Date is set! - 8/7 Webster Pass is finally open at the top, and I've been itching to ride it. Anyone want to come? Any dual sport bike or rider is welcome, not just RX3s and TT250s. Meeting Time and Ride Schedule Let's ride Sunday 8/7. Here's my timetable for the day. It's probably 4+ hours of ride time ... plus 2 hours for stops, pics and 'mechanical adjustments', plus a dinner at the end. If we make good time, there are some optional routes and side trails we could explore along the way. 9:30 am - Meet at the Morrison Conoco. 10:00 am - Gearstands up. 10:45 am - Arrive in Bailey for last chance fill up. 11:15 am - Turnoff to Hall Valley Road ... finally hitting dirt --- Lunch/snack/break somewhere along the way --- 1:30 pm - Top of Webster Pass ... rest and photo ops * Option 1: Radical Hill (if we want to soil our shorts) 2:30 pm - Montezuma ... back to pavement :( 3:00 pm - Keystone Grocery and Gas (fill up, snacks, rest stop) 3:30 pm - A-Basin via US 6 * Dinner options: Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Morrison * Option 2: Return via Guanella pass and US 285 ... if time permits or if the traffic pisses us off. * Option 3: Return via Echo Lake/Mt Evans and Morrison Canyon 6:00 pm - Arrive at Morrison Conoco via I-70 and/or US40 frontage roads. Trail Description The trail is a fairly well maintained double-track that's popular in the 4x4 community. It climbs to 12,140 feet and has incredible scenery, with shallow creek crossings, a bit of stabilized marsh, some old mines, and a bridge. The road travels through canyon and ravine, following a creek and rising through lush forest and past treeline. There aren't any really difficult spots, but the final switchbacks traverse a mountainside with a very steep drop to one side. I've never done it on a motorcycle, but I've done it several times in an SUV, and it should be no problem for us. It's only rated 3-4 out of 10 for difficulty on traildamage.com. Click here for their trail description. Ride Time Depending on time constraints, we can turn around at the pass for an out and back ... or continue down the other side to Montezuma and then Keystone ... then down I-70 toward Denver. Google Maps estimates ~5 hours, but I estimate at least 6 hours for this trip, depending on rest and food stops. Route Maps Morrison Conoco Location I mapped most of the route starting at the Morrison Conoco, but Google Maps is missing part of the trail, so there's a small gap between the two maps. Outbound Leg from Morrison ~ 2 hrs minimum https://goo.gl/maps/gpqfHM48Doq Return Leg to Morrison ~ 3 hrs minimum https://goo.gl/maps/BuYN9TQqTjB2 Recommended Gear 13T front sprocket for the RX3. Preferably 45T or 46T in the back. Waterproof jacket or over-jacket Full armored gear - helmet, jacket, pants, boots Water, lunch and snacks Tools, spare parts and puncture kit. First Aid kit Backup Plan I'm open to suggestions. But if Webster's Pass trail is closed or too demanding (which I doubt), we can backtrack down US285 and take Guanella Pass road to Georgetown, then back down to Denver. __________________ Red 5 standing by! 2015 CSC red RX3 with 19" front wheel, Shinko 804/805, skid plate, tall seat, 13T/45T sprockets, progressive shock, Winyoochanok windshield, GENSSI LED headlight, SW-Motech tankbag, Shorai Lithium battery 2014 Ural Patrol Last edited by detours; 07-26-2016 at 01:41 PM. Reason: Added ride schedule
	2

07-21-2016, 04:55 PM	#2
detours Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Arvada, CO Posts: 1,004	Elevation Map Route Pics __________________ Red 5 standing by! 2015 CSC red RX3 with 19" front wheel, Shinko 804/805, skid plate, tall seat, 13T/45T sprockets, progressive shock, Winyoochanok windshield, GENSSI LED headlight, SW-Motech tankbag, Shorai Lithium battery 2014 Ural Patrol
	0

07-21-2016, 05:55 PM	#3
oddthought Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 164	AUGH! If I only lived closer! That looks like a seriously great time. If I had the 17t front sprocket and a week or two of free time, I'd ride my TT250 out and join you! __________________ Previous: '80 KZ550, '04 Shadow 750, '12 NC700X Current: CSC TT250
	1

07-22-2016, 08:30 AM	#4
DanKearney Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 216	If I've got my TT250 broken in by then, I might join you. Cheers, Dan K. __________________ Dan Kearney - Black Hawk, Colorado, USA Dan's Motorcycle Blog - "Lost? I'm not lost. I'm just exploring. . ."
	1

07-22-2016, 11:48 PM	#7
Azhule Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: CO Posts: 1,525	Got several things done on the Bashan 200 today... only one thing left to do... Testing the current fuel economy on the Bashan to see if that kind of ride is possible without several dozen gas stops on the way... I know a few people might get grumpy having to stop every time I run out of the massive 2 gallon fuel tank __________________ "Think as you like... but this self proclaimed Professor is always right" - Buckshot "You never know what someone is hiding beneath their smile..." - NinjaTom - R.I.P.
	1

07-22-2016, 09:08 AM	#5
rtking Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 410	Looks like an incredibly fun ride! Wish I too lived closer to join in that fun!
	1

07-23-2016, 11:25 PM	#9
rojo_grande Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Weston, CO & Sangre de Cristos Posts: 240	Joel, I'm in for 8/7 can't make the 7/30 date. Will have to flip a coin on the TT250 or RX-3. Marlissa said I could "borrow" the RX-3. Rojo __________________ '15 RX3 (Rojo's) '15 RX3 (marzhere's) '16 TT250
	0

07-24-2016, 02:19 AM	#10
detours Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Arvada, CO Posts: 1,004	Excellent, Rojo! But Marlissa should come too. It's not a hardcore trail and I think she would do fine. About the dates, let's plan on 8/7. This will give Dan Kearney more time to break in his TT250. I may run up Webster with Taras on 7/30 and check out the route. That will give me a better idea what to expect on our run on 8/7. __________________ Red 5 standing by! 2015 CSC red RX3 with 19" front wheel, Shinko 804/805, skid plate, tall seat, 13T/45T sprockets, progressive shock, Winyoochanok windshield, GENSSI LED headlight, SW-Motech tankbag, Shorai Lithium battery 2014 Ural Patrol
	0

07-24-2016, 02:40 AM	#11
Azhule Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: CO Posts: 1,525	What are those I see on the map??? Just how deep of water crossing(s) are we talking? Bashan 200 'Check List' for a 'day ride' with our without 'water crossings'... 2 gallon gas tank with no 'Reserve setting on petcock'... Check... Cheap Chinese Street biased tires on a cheap Chinese Dual Sport... Check... Open High Flow UNI Pod Air Filter with no 'plastic housing'... Check... AAA Card in my pocket... Check... Brown colored pants with pockets... Check __________________ "Think as you like... but this self proclaimed Professor is always right" - Buckshot "You never know what someone is hiding beneath their smile..." - NinjaTom - R.I.P.
	0

07-24-2016, 11:17 AM	#12
detours Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Arvada, CO Posts: 1,004	Hey Azhule, you got all the boxes ticked ... sounds like you're ready. __________________ Red 5 standing by! 2015 CSC red RX3 with 19" front wheel, Shinko 804/805, skid plate, tall seat, 13T/45T sprockets, progressive shock, Winyoochanok windshield, GENSSI LED headlight, SW-Motech tankbag, Shorai Lithium battery 2014 Ural Patrol Last edited by detours; 07-24-2016 at 12:42 PM.
	1

07-24-2016, 06:08 PM	#14
Azhule Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: CO Posts: 1,525	Filled up today... rode exactly 50.6 miles (I love having an accurate digital speedo) on 0.618 gallons of fuel... that's just over 81 mpg Going to try another carb setting or two, but this one is probably the right one Should have little problems doing the trip getting 70 to 80+ mpg... other than 'maintaining high speeds on hilly roads' everything else should be fine __________________ "Think as you like... but this self proclaimed Professor is always right" - Buckshot "You never know what someone is hiding beneath their smile..." - NinjaTom - R.I.P.
	0