hwy 128 going south west off I70 just over the CO / UT border

[randy]

there is a road on the map looks very nice. After you cross into UT from CO, about 30 miles west of the border on I-70. It seems to follow the colorado river. looks like a nice detour off the highway for a short time.

 

It comes off I-70 and heads down to Hwy 191. then you can take 191 back up to I 70. Just a short road, but it looks nice. anyone have knowledge of this road?

[Bob Palin]

Great road, well worth taking.

[Paul Mihalka]

It is a great road! If it is time to stop for something you can do it in Moab. It's nicer than anything on I70. 191 back to I70 is not interesting. If you have the time, you can go south on 191 to 95 north. 95 is a beauty.

[randy]

ok I will chec 95 out, thanks

[Twisties]

Last time we rode 128 was very, very crowded. Still a very pretty road, but the "riding" experience was not what we had hoped for. If it were me, for a quick out and back off of I-70 I would consider CO-65 from exit 49, through Mesa, and over the Grand Mesa to Cedaredge. You could do a round trip in under 2 hours. Or, Sweeper Madness, UT-72 from exit 91 to Fremont and back, probably less than 1 1/2 hours round trip.

 

Neither is quite so scenic as 128, but you will be able to "ride."

 

128 indeed runs you along the CO river. The first time I ever drove that road it was in flood. What an experience. As you approach Moab, on your right will be Arches NP, and in front of you is the Islands in the Sky Unit of Canyonlands NP. On your left you will see the the La Sal Mtns, the Fisher Towers, and as you approach Moab you will be driving beneath the famous "Slick Rock Trail." Eat in Moab, I'd say.

 

I'm going to disagree with Paul somewhat, depending on your time. While undoubtedly the ride from Moab to I-70 is not of intrinsic interest, I would suggest that you go into either Arches or Islands in the Sky (IitS). IitS has a great road in ("riding"), about 20 miles or so, and is chock full of iconic views. Arches is arches. They are both truly great. Two - three hours would get you a good taste of either one.

 

This thread has a bunch of pics from IitS.

 

 

 

[MikeRC]

Photos from June 2005 - Ride tale long ago expired.

 

 

 

 

The river was pretty high and there were hundreds of people on rafts. All those tar snakes made corners "interesting". Stayed the night in Moab. Didn't get to Island in the Sky, but spent many hours in Arches and Dead Horse Point. Arches at sunset was well worth the detour.

 

 

Mike Cassidy

[randy]

thanks, Yes 65 is already on my route. I am basically taking US 34 out of Loveland, CO into Rockie Mtn Park down to US 40. US 40 down to I-70 then I-70 over to Hwy 65.

 

Not sure but somehow back to I-70 and over to hwy 128 and down to Moab. Spend Saturday night in Moab.

 

I am open to any suggestions on route adjustments for traffic or better roads.

 

I was considering hwy 34 to Hwy 7 to Hwy 72 then I-70. But I am hoping for an early start sat, and think if I can get into the park early it might be a nice ride and not to slow.

[Bob Palin]

hwy 34 to Hwy 7 to Hwy 72 then I-70

Randy - where is this? Don't recognize that route.

[Twisties]

Saturday is Ft. Collins to Moab? Short enough by I-70, but getting to be a looooong but rewarding day as you envision it.

 

I think you've ridden CO-14 before IIRC? Love it myself. You might be right about the traffic in RMNP. Certainly worth a try, and CO-34 is fantastic up to Estes Park, if you can avoid the traffic.

 

I'd consider this:

 

Via Gateway

 

This gets you CO-65 and CO-141. CO-141 is red rock canyon, scenic, superb riding, deserted. You won't have time for the Gateway Auto Museum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Twisties]

hwy 34 to Hwy 7 to Hwy 72 then I-70

Randy - where is this? Don't recognize that route.

 

Front range, 34 is Big Thompson Canyon from Loveland to Estes Park. 7/72 goes south from Estes Park to Central City and I-70. Good riding.

[Bob Palin]

hwy 34 to Hwy 7 to Hwy 72 then I-70

Randy - where is this? Don't recognize that route.

 

Front range, 34 is Big Thompson Canyon from Loveland to Estes Park. 7/72 goes south from Estes Park to Central City and I-70. Good riding.

I was thinking UT72 to I70! Just drove the Colorado version last month, doh!

[randy]

thanks, I have been to Arches National Park. loved it, and have many pictures. I have not been to IitS. I will check that out. As of right now, my Sunday route is

Moab to 191 to 95 to 24 to Salina and pick up 50 there to Ely.

[Bob Palin]

thanks, I have been to Arches National Park. loved it, and have many pictures. I have not been to IitS. I will check that out. As of right now, my Sunday route is

Moab to 191 to 95 to 24 to Salina and pick up 50 there to Ely.

Hope you have time to stop in and say hello since you'll be going right through Torrey.

[Twisties]

thanks, I have been to Arches National Park. loved it, and have many pictures. I have not been to IitS. I will check that out. As of right now, my Sunday route is

Moab to 191 to 95 to 24 to Salina and pick up 50 there to Ely.

 

Get off 24 at Loa and go up Sweeper Madness to I-70. I don't think it will cost you any time.

[Twisties]

thanks, I have been to Arches National Park. loved it, and have many pictures. I have not been to IitS. I will check that out. As of right now, my Sunday route is

Moab to 191 to 95 to 24 to Salina and pick up 50 there to Ely.

Hope you have time to stop in and say hello since you'll be going right through Torrey.

 

Aren't you going to the UN Robert?

[randy]

not sure I would know sweeper madness. I rode it with chris K at UN V, but to be honest, Chris K was leading and Joel G was second and I was riding sweep (that is my story and I am sticking to it, the fact that both of them are twice as fast had nothing to do with the order) and I have be honest, I do not remember the road/location. can you give me some land marks so I can find it on mapsource.

[randy]

I guess if we stop in, you would show us sweeper madness?

[Twisties]

UT-72 from Loa/Fremont to I-70.

 

Sweeper Madness and Mt. Gleno

 

Fish Lake Loop

[randy]

ok I see 72 now thanks

[Twisties]

You riding with Matt? I don't know as I should mention the heat to a couple of southern boys, but perhaps it is necessary. It will be July. In the Colorado Plateau Desert (CO-141, Area around Moab, Torrey, Glen Canyon, etc) daytime highs from 90 - 105 F should be expected. It can definitely be limiting.

[Bob Palin]

I guess if we stop in, you would show us sweeper madness?

As long as it isn't Sunday (World Cup Final)

 

An no, I'm not going to the UN, it's the same week as the Capitol Reef Classic.

[randy]

Capital Reef is July 16 & 17. Come join us and leave early Thursday July 15, and be home that night :-)

[randy]

And Yep we will be running that route on Sunday July 11. Guess I loose out on all accounts. But thanks for the offer.

[SageRider]

Capital Reef is July 16 & 17. Come join us and leave early Thursday July 15, and be home that night :-)

[Bob Palin]

Capital Reef is July 16 & 17. Come join us and leave early Thursday July 15, and be home that night :-)

There's roads to be swept, lines to be painted, I have to find motorcycle escorts somewhere and I'm in charge of registration which only closes a few days before the race. (Once registration closes I have to coordinate with the race organizers, the Utah Cycling Association and the timing chip company). It would take a miracle for me to find time to ride to the UN in the middle of all that.

[SageRider]

It would take a miracle...

Granted!

 

 

 

 

 

Whoops.. wrong thread...

[Bullett]

Randy,

 

There is really no place to get food in the Island in the Sky unit. Either eat first or take a picnic.

 

[randy]

just so you know I was kidding. enjoy the race and make sure all the participants ride safely.

[tallman]

So does this mean that if one was planning on being in that area after the UN there'll be bicycliacs, road closures and delays?

[Bob Palin]

So does this mean that if one was planning on being in that area after the UN there'll be bicycliacs, road closures and delays?

The races are on Friday and Saturday, no road closures but of course the bicyclists may slow things down from time to time. Friday they will be on the Airport Road from Loa to Bicknell in the morning and the Teasdale loop which includes a few miles of 12 and 24 in the afternoon. Saturday they will be along 24 from Teasdale to Loa and the elite riders wil lride the lower part of 72 to 25 and up to Fish Lake to 24 and back to Teasdale. They get pretty spread out riding up the hill (mountain) to Fish Lake so there shouldn't be much impact.

 

Total entry is expected to be in the 100-150 range.

[tallman]

Thanks.

UN organizers please remind us of this.

[lawnchairboy]

Lou and I enjoyed it returning east from our 50cc last year. A great road.