Help! Planning a 5 day trip from KS ending...???

[kstateskier]

Hey all I've been a regular reader on here for the last few years - 2nd year owner of my first bike. Vstar Classic Silver! Last year I put around 3K on her...
This year I've been presented with an interesting opportunity of 9 days off in a row from May 31-June 8. I have to be in Estes Park, CO for my best friends wedding no later than Thursday June 5!

KC to Estes Park, CO with 6 days in between!!! In June nonetheless! Oh the possibilities!

My jumping off point will be KC, KS! What would be a good 6 day route from KC ending in Estes Park, CO no later than Thursday? Keep in mind this would be my first large multi day trip (most I've done to this point is 700 miles in 3 days)!

I was considering a southern route through SW part of KS and into New Mexico - Cimarron Area, up through Telluride, Moab and back around to Estes Park? Or is there a Northern Route (weather permitting that time of year) that might be better?

Is this too much of a jump from 3 day trips to something with major miles and days like this? Or no big deal if I prepare right?

My other option is to haul my bike with me to Estes Park and then do a bunch of day trips all stemming from there?

Thanks for your responses! Gear List anyone?

[B-Rex]

I don't know if this will lead to anything, but I figured I'd bring it up. I've been tossing around the idea of a ride from Kansas City to Denver, and its environs, in late spring/summer with my brother. He has a Wide-Glide, I have a B-King and we were planning to meet up with his son in Denver. His son has a heavily modified Star Cruiser of some sort (which he believes is the be-all-end-all of acceleration) and we thought we might be able to "school" this young whippersnapper in the differences between it and the B-King after our initial arrival. We figure that lesson will be over in about a quarter mile and then we all might consider a more sedate ride around CO.

I don't know anything about Estes Park but do know that it is only an hour or two from Denver and it appears to be in a very nice part of CO.

From our perspective, the logistics of this ride are dependent on several factors including time-off coordination, weather and my obtaining some sort of bags that will actually stay on my B-King while it's in motion. However, if you are interested in meeting up for this, I will check with my brother and discuss the timing.

In any case, it sounds like you are planning an interesting trip. Even if we don't meet up, I hope it goes well and you enjoy it!

Regards,

B-Rex

[KD57]

Estes Park is very nice, my uncle lives there. I would think the ride over would be nice, just allow plenty of time, cruise and enjoy it. Weather should be perfect in June. I would also drop down to northern NM, it's one of the nicest rides you will ever go on. About the only thing you might incur is some maountain showers in the late afternoon, you can almost set your watch by them. 3:00 - 5:00 it is pretty much guaranteed to rain a little. And it gets a little cool in the mornings, but not bad. Very pretty ride.

[Time4me2ride]

I am biased a little, but I would recommend riding through Colorado Springs, then Hwy24 and Hwy9 to Dillon, cut over to Grandby and take Rocky Mtn Nat.Park from the west over the ridge and into Estes Park. By the first of June it is usually open, but you would have to check conditions close to the time you go. Just bring extra layers, high altitudes, chilly mornings, and afternoon showers, but the views are amazing.

[B-Rex]

KD57,

Do you have a highway recommendation for NM? It sounds like a great ride to hit both CO and NM if it's doable in a couple of days. Thanks.

time4me2ride

What sort of time does it take to make your recommended run? Thanks.

B-Rex

[kstateskier]

B-Rex here's what I'm thinking. We head Southwest through Kansas, Steering clear of I70 (its such a boring a$$ road) maybe 56SW towards NM - Cimmaron/Albuquerque via 160 swing around the southern end of Colorado and up through Telluride making a large loop near Montrose and Black Canyon and then catch I70 (The nice part of I70!) back East through the Rockies, up 40 North towards Estes Park!

Surely this can be done in 5-7 days?

[ORBrit]

I'm very jealous! I love that area - spent a lot of time rock climbing in Colorado and Utah while I was in college.

Just be sure to allow a day to deal with unexpected occurances - flat tires, weather...

We came back from Moab to Denver in the 3rd week of September in 1995, still in our shorts and sandals, only to hit snow on I70 and by the time we got to Denver, there was a bout 2 feet on the ground.

B-Rex - cool username

[kstateskier]

Ya know on second thought it would take a lot of extra days to go that far south through NM - but if we ventured only through northern NM and into Springer, NM and then turned North we could go up through Pueblo into Colorado Springs and ride through Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak and up to Denver that way!

[kstateskier]

What type of things can I do to prepare for a trip like this?

[B-Rex]

Originally Posted by ORBrit

I'm very jealous! I love that area - spent a lot of time rock climbing in Colorado and Utah while I was in college.

Just be sure to allow a day to deal with unexpected occurances - flat tires, weather...

We came back from Moab to Denver in the 3rd week of September in 1995, still in our shorts and sandals, only to hit snow on I70 and by the time we got to Denver, there was a bout 2 feet on the ground.

B-Rex - cool username

Sounds like you had a great trip.

In order to pull this one off for me, will take some doing on my end. But I have to say that I look forward to doing a CO run. Adding NM is icing on the cake. The last time I went west on a bike I did the Grand Canyon thing. Man that was indescribable. Coming over the lip of the canyon at sunrise, on whatever that road was that runs along it, was awe-inspiring. My old carburated Bonnie coughed and wheezed through the mountains but was happy as a clam as soon as we descended into the canyon. Amazing trip those many years ago!

Thanks for the feedback on the name

B-Rex

[B-Rex]

Originally Posted by kstateskier

Ya know on second thought it would take a lot of extra days to go that far south through NM - but if we ventured only through northern NM and into Springer, NM and then turned North we could go up through Pueblo into Colorado Springs and ride through Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak and up to Denver that way!


What type of things can I do to prepare for a trip like this?

I like this trip idea better. Staying closer to CO will also be more acceptable to my brother. I'm not sure what jetting changes he's going to need on his Glide to handle the mountains, but I'm sure he wont be happy with repeated large altitude changes. In any case...I will broach the idea with him in a few days. Altitude is a non-issue with the Bee.

IMHO the best things to do for this sort of trip prep include good research to know where and when we will be in a given place, lodging, fuel and road construction detours. For me the fuel is going to be the kicker as I have about 160 mile "safe" range before refueling. This is supposed to get a bit better over time but I don't want to take any chances.

Have to decide where would be good places to stay. I used to just camp by the side of the road but those days are long gone. There are supposed to be some good places that cater to motorcyclists in the general area (will have to check one of the guides). Also helps to have some idea of motorcycle dealerships/repair along the route.

As far as personal equipment, I generally try and bring the following, to wit:

1) Tightly packed rain suit (about the size of a thick wallet)
2) Space blanket
3) Tool and tire kit, roll of duct tape, mini-lube bottle
4) 2 clothing changes, extra socks
5) Thermal type undies for back-up.
6) First-Aid/Survival kit (about the size of a Big Mac)
7) Good all-purpose knife (on belt)
8 ) 2 liter flexible water pack
9) GPS (preferably mounted)
10) Cell Phone
11) Small binoculars
12) "Travel"-sized toiletries and wipes

And for me, since I'm originally a southern swamper, and if my Concealed Weapon permit covers the area I'm going to be in, my small Glock. Yes, I know some of you shudder at the thought. But the truth is, even in the mountains, it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Anyway, I'm usually able to get all of that gear in a large backpack or saddlebags with room to spare. I used to carry oil with the Bonnie and two masterlinks (necessary things) and lots of LocTite. Don't think I will need it for the Bee. Though my brother may with the Glide. I will check with my dealer on that (as you should consider as well).

Of course I will be wearing the usual protective gear (helmet, armor, boots and gloves). And I will have a small digital camera in my pocket.

That's about it for me. I don't expect to do any camping but could do a night or two in an emergency. Some folks manage room to squeeze in a wool blanket and a blow up pup tent. I doubt it would be needed.

Oh yeah, one other thing. I always have my bike fully serviced before a trip. This includes all fluids.

If anyone else has any suggestions, I'm open to them.

B-Rex

[KD57]

Originally Posted by kstateskier

Ya know on second thought it would take a lot of extra days to go that far south through NM - but if we ventured only through northern NM and into Springer, NM and then turned North we could go up through Pueblo into Colorado Springs and ride through Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak and up to Denver that way!

Absolutely NOTHING to see in Springer, although you can open it up on the 70 mile trip to Cimarron, all the while dodging antelope and tumbleweeds. a friend of mine and I made that drive in less than 40 minutes one time in a Supra.

[kstateskier]

B-Rex its funny you say that - I pack a Glock myself everywhere I go! 22 - .40cal!!! you and I might get along just fine! haha!

I was just consulting a map again and I wouldn't be all too opposed to going North either through SW part of South Dakota and down through Wyoming into Denver? Just another thought!

Of course my VStar has a gas range of about 140miles highway so we are about the same - I'll run out of fuel before you will!

I also don't have any bags for my VStar. On my previous trips I've just got a big snow ski boot bag that I pack up as well as a mountainsmith pack that goes over it. However I will need a few more things if I/we camp.

Glad me packing a Glock isn't going to offend you! LOL!

[kstateskier]

I think on a trip like this you want to pack as if you HAD to spend the night in the elements in an emergency but I would prefer a motel...

Of course having the bike serviced, tires checked, tune up, etc is a must!

Any thoughts on the effects the mountains will have on my Vstar?

[B-Rex]

Originally Posted by kstateskier

I think on a trip like this you want to pack as if you HAD to spend the night in the elements in an emergency but I would prefer a motel...

Of course having the bike serviced, tires checked, tune up, etc is a must!

Any thoughts on the effects the mountains will have on my Vstar?

Embarrassing as this is, I have to admit I don't know a hell of a lot about the kind of mechanicals on your VStar. But I can say that my experiences with carburators and mountains have not been overly happy ones. Especially with cold morning starts at altitude (thank god for fuel injection). If you are fuel injected then it's a moot point. Even bad fuel injection works better for altitude changes than good carburation (uh oh...here comes the flames )

Truth is, I hate carburators. Don't love chains either. But I have to say that about 80% of the problems I've had on trips were due to carburators (cept on the Bonnie, since it had a "Prince of Darkness" electrical system (Lucas) I had plenty of problems with electrical too). The other 20% being tires and chains.

So, I guess, a lot depends on your fueling system. If you are carburated, ask your dealer if any changes need to be made to your jetting. If it's just adjustments...and I've made this mistake before...be SURE you have the right type of screwdriver to make those adjustments along the way. Make sure you test your screwdriver first! Nothing worse than having a screwdriver that can't achieve the angle necessary to adjust the jet! Found myself going up a mountain once with that very set-up. It was not a happy trip. And while I'm not sure this will be necessary, because altitude caused my mixture to run rich (even with jet adjustments) I had extra spark plugs and got the chance to use them.

Another thing to think about is vibration (can you tell I owned a few Harleys and Triumphs in the past?). If your bike vibrates a lot (not necessarily you but its components), you may want to LocTite lotsa stuff. Or at least bring a few tubes with you. There are few things as disconcerting as to have a mirror, footpeg or other part fly off your machine while on the highway. Been there done that....shoulda had stock in Triumph replacement parts!

Another very important thing I've had to deal with is your secondary drive chain alignment. If the rear sprocket and secondary are out of alignment, it can (and will eventually) cause the chain to fail (as well as eat your rear sprocket). This a very very sneaky issue. The wear occurs on the INSIDE of the chain links and is usually not obvious except at the sprocket. This and chain/sprocket wear itself are critical "Must Checks" on long trips. Don't assume your dealer will check it as thoroughly as is needed. Make them tell you how much wear you have.

It's also a good idea to ask your dealer what it the most common reason they get your model and year bike in for emergency service. Sometimes a specific model has a particularly weak component. In the case that you identify it...you might want to bring an extra with you. For me, the Bee is too new....it is going to be a crapshoot for me.

As far as Glocks go, the one I usually have on me is my Mdl 23. It's small, light and rarely, if ever, has to make its point twice. Since you have a Mdl 22, you know what I mean. i realize it's not politically correct to mention being armed...and I'm known for being so PC but IMHO, you are nuts to go on an extended road trip without back-up. Usually, no one ever knows I have it on me...I like keeping it that way. And hope it is never has to be used defensively on a road trip. I have no desire to EVER use it for anything other than target practice. But you won't get an argument from me for bringing one along. The more, the safer (assuming you are like me and are very cautious)! IMHO, there is NO such thing as a "gun accident". If you already own a Glock then you are probably a safe and conscientious gun owner. It's the guys with the Hi-Points, old Llamas and Ravens who tend to worry me

B-Rex

[kstateskier]

I'll check into the carb issues, as far as chains no worries because my VStar is Shaft driven. And locktite? This is a vStar baby not some shaky Harley! LOL!

[B-Rex]

Originally Posted by kstateskier

I'll check into the carb issues, as far as chains no worries because my VStar is Shaft driven. And locktite? This is a vStar baby not some shaky Harley! LOL!

Well that ought to do it then. No chain is a good thing! I've been through numerous debates on chains, belts and shafts. I have to say that I've had a bit of Beemer envy in the past due to their very effective and reliable shaft drives. If the VStar's is even close then that's one headache you won't have.

I'd love to blame my Harleys for being the only vibration hogs but my Triumph was actually worse. Glad it's not an issue for you.

I'll keep you up to date on things regarding the actual timing as the info becomes available.

B-Rex

[ORBrit]

Here's a site that may be useful for you

Kansas Reciprocity

I carry a Glock 19.

[B-Rex]

Originally Posted by ORBrit

Here's a site that may be useful for you

Kansas Reciprocity

I carry a Glock 19.

Thanks ORBrit!

(Looks like we have another rider that belongs on this ride )

B-Rex

[kstateskier]

I don't the reliability of the shaft over the BMW chains but I can tell you I've got 4000+ trouble free miles on my Vstar with no shaft issues whatsoever! And I just had the fluids changed and everything checked.

Now I need to call Yamaha Monday about the Carb issues and the altitude!