2017 Steve's Vacay kindarally - 7/5-7/12, Cortez, CO

[steve68steve]

Just about 6 weeks away, so I wanted to kick this back up - and maybe get or give a little help. So, a few things:

1. Mesa Verde Motorsports is a Yamaha dealership not far from the campsite (south of Cortez). Are there any locals that can give a "heads-up" on MVM?
If I knew there was going to be a lot of riders, I might contact MSM and look for some sponsorship, or see if they could/ would be willing to have some spares and appropriate tires on hand. If riders needed particular work, maybe it could be scheduled. Again, ideally a win-win could be struck where MSM gets some business, we avoid some hassle and get support and work done. Nightmare scenario: I travel thousands of miles to be grounded for want of a stupid part they don't have on hand.


2. I'm trailering out from central Fl with an F350 with a lot of tow capacity.
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]The enthusiast in me wants to volunteer to trailer other bikes, take passengers, etc. This would reduce the expense, hassle, and time to get out there. The pragmatist in me realizes that it's a long shot to work something out due to the constraints of timing, space, accommodations, personalities, etc. Ideal fantasy scenario: someone has a big trailer, and I make several stops along the route to pick up bikes and passengers. Costs are defrayed, travel time reduced, and epic life-long friendships are forged. ...The nightmare scenario involves wasted time, hard feelings, and liability lawsuits. If anyone has any interest in trying to set something up, let me know and we'll work it out off the thread.[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Again, I don't know WTF I'm doing AFA being a planner or host: if I wind up out there alone riding solo wherever the days take me, that's already a "win." If I meet some other riders and enjoy some camaraderie and mutual support, even better![/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]To avoid disappointing others, I just want to stress that this isn't really a "thing." I was at Romney again this year, and those guys always hit it out of the park: demo trailers, dealership support, food, showers, charity event, raffle, scouted routes, etc.[/font]

[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]This is, like... the opposite of that. Just riding!![/font]

 

[SilverBullet]

Re: 2017 Steve's Vacay notarally Rally, maybe. 7/5-7/12, Cortez, CO

I think I can be there 9th-12th.

I'm still planning to be there for the above 4 days and camping.

_

 

[limey]

This might work out as a stop on the way to Alaska.

 

[shredmeister]

Well, I was hoping to see more interest but hoping to still make it. As mentioned earlier, I've made reservations for an RV spot for my toyhauler. An unforeseen turn of events has happened with my "new" truck. Basically, it has an issue that has not been fixed. Long story short, I'm now going through the replacement process with Ford and have a 2017 Super Duty I ordered that should be in any day. Nice that Ford stands behind their product. I think it's going to work out and am really looking forward to meeting those that make it. I'll update if anything changes.

 

[steve68steve]

Me, too. I don't want to keep replying to my own thread to keep it bumped - and FTM I wonder if bumping even helps those who never venture down into the "Events" forum.


As I've said all along, I'd be fine going it alone. Anything more is a bonus. I've been busy prepping and short of WWIII I'll be there as planned.


Hope you sort out your truck troubles, Shred. My F350 eats parts and is slowly rusting away, but it's a 7.3 and I own it free and clear. I only have to look at new truck prices to convince myself it's worth keeping this old mule on the road "just one more year."


See you there, hopefully.

 

[shredmeister]

Well my previous truck was a 7.3. We'll talk trucks in Colorado. I think silverbullet (David?) is going to try and be there a few days. A good guy who loves to ride.

 

[SilverBullet]

I like Fords but for diesel nothing beats a Cummins so Ram it is for me. Plus Ram is the only choice for a manual trans (I've never been an automatic fan). That will be my soon to be retirement home coupled to a toy hauler filled with bikes.

I'm still joining. Will be rolling west once I get my monthly work tasks completed. Possibly as early as evening of the 7th but no later than the 9th.

_

 

[SilverBullet]

Since no others with tents thus far looks like the group campsite is out. I wonder if a tent is allowed on an RV site for the additional person charge? Could tell them your grandpa is not allowed in the camper because he passes too much gas while sleeping.

Also noticed the park offers a 10% discount, Good Sam, AAA, AARP, etc.

 

[SilverBullet]

Thread bump as I forgot to post back about tents. I called the office after posting above and asked about tents. They said some of their RV spaces could accomodate a small tent and if so allowed and only the extra person daily $3.50 charge would be added.

 

[DYNOBOB]

Bummer, we'll just miss you guys. I've got reservations in Silverton from 7/15 to 7/22. I'm taking both the S10 and TE630. I've done all the passes there several times on the TE, planning to do the Alpine Loop two-up on the S10 this time (we may pre-run on the Husky first). If you're in the area we'll be at the Red Mountain Campground as you enter town in the red Dodge.

.

 

[steve68steve]

Damn, I'll just miss you - I have to be back at work in Fl on 7/17.


Fantastic rig!! I have pop-up envy - my wife preferred the luxury of a hard-sided camper.


I had visions of running the southern sections of the BDR, some of the high passes, and the Alpine Loop.... but I've been watching some youtube vids and honestly, I don't think my fear will permit it. Some of those drop-offs turn my legs to jelly and palms sweaty just watching on screen. I don't think I could physically do it.

 

[shredmeister]

Got the new truck so, I'm still in! Looking forward to the commradere and riding.

 

[steve68steve]

Thread bump as I forgot to post back about tents. I called the office after posting above and asked about tents. They said some of their RV spaces could accomodate a small tent and if so allowed and only the extra person daily $3.50 charge would be added.

I meant to call them about this - sorry for dropping the ball. You are certainly welcome to pitch on my site if it's one of the ones they allow it on!


There must be families where mom and dad stay in the camper and the kids sleep in a tent outside.

 

[steve68steve]

OK, I'm getting really stoked - I've been planning this trip for about 4 years now. I've had to push it out several times because of changing jobs, moving, etc.


So the prepping is winding down:
Bike has new handlebars, pegs, and fork springs. It'll get fresh oil and lube all around and a new pair of E07's this weekend.
Rider has new mesh pants, new jacket, gloves and boots purchased for last year's aborted trip the S10 rally in Zion which have never worn. I even took the "dirt skills" class at the Romney Rally in May.
Truck has new brakes, fresh oil and filters.
Trailer is re-registered and has new plates.
Camper is cleaned, charged, and ready to go.


Tomorrow I will load the camper on the truck and complete any last maintenance. This week I will load the camper with gear and supplies and scrub the bike tires in. Thursday night I ride home from work right onto the trailer, strap down, and GO!


Plans on-site are still fluid. I have the COBDR map (and I'll load tracks). I've been pouring over maps for months have some broad plans. I'd still LOVE to camp off the bike and plan on bringing gear to do so.
I feel like it's wise to be flexible due to weather (extreme heat in the low elevations), altitude sickness, terror (I'm not riding on a 3' wide rocky path with a 1000' drop-off to one side), so I hope I don't disappoint anyone.


If anyone has any ideas I'm all ears.

 

[SilverBullet]

I find the videos of that riding more intimidating than the riding itself. Something about the fisheye view of the camera gives me that claustrophobic/ fear of heights feel that I don't get in person.

Bob I might swing by for a day or two in Silverton after the Kindarally ends.

Currently I'm riding the west coast enjoying the heat wave. Will be home end of next week, oil change, new front tire, load of laundry and two weeks of work crammed into one week to get back on the road again.

 

[DYNOBOB]

I had visions of running the southern sections of the BDR, some of the high passes, and the Alpine Loop.... but I've been watching some youtube vids and honestly, I don't think my fear will permit it. Some of those drop-offs turn my legs to jelly and palms sweaty just watching on screen. I don't think I could physically do it.

If you guys are in a group I'd think about doing the Alpine Loop. Just don't be afraid to ask for help if you get to something you're not comfortable with. It's not terribly technical and there's only a short section of "ledgy" trail (between Lake City and Cinnamon) and the road is plenty wide there. There are a couple switchbacks and a few areas that are rocky. I think most riders with some off road experience will be ok, especially if you have a buddy to help you walk it thru a section you're not comfortable with. I'm a bit hesitant to do it two-up with no buddies along but figure there will be a fair amount of traffic in July if I need help picking up the bike. Wynette is no stranger to falling off and helping pick the bike up either.

You could also consider riding up toward either Cinnamon or Engineer Pass from Silverton or Lake City, if you become convinced you shouldn't try it turn around.


I'm contemplating taking the camper up to the summit of Black Bear Pass one afternoon and camping there. Overnighting at 12k ft would be awesome, the altitude concerns me a bit, would do it toward the end of the week when we're hopefully acclimated.

 

[DYNOBOB]

Bob I might swing by for a day or two in Silverton after the Kindarally ends.

Currently I'm riding the west coast enjoying the heat wave. Will be home end of next week, oil change, new front tire, load of laundry and two weeks of work crammed into one week to get back on the road again.

Hope you can stop by David, that would be cool. You could crash in the enclosed trailer if you want one night. We'll catch you up on Southern OH stuff We hope to be set up in the campground by Sat evening the 15th.

Safe travels!

.

 

[shredmeister]

Steve, you are " the leader of the pack!" Sounds like you've done lots of prep. I feel like a tag-a-long but, am up to just about any riding. I've rode dirtbikes most of my life, pretty comfortable off-road. I'd like to bring some of your favorite beverage, let me know what it is please. And...I'm stoked too!

 

[shredmeister]

Last call for beverage...even if it's soda pop, let me know.

 

[steve68steve]

Wow, this is like work! Sorry I didn't get back to you, Shred. I'm not much for adult beverages, but I tip a few Yuengling lagers per year.


So I just have to load the bike on the trailer, take a shower, and I'll be rolling. I planned to leave last night, but the last-minute stuff is endless. ETA is late Sunday or early Monday.


Looking forward to meeting any/all who show up!