This month (September) I'm going to ride thru' Rocky Mtn park and then down to Durango to ride the train to Silverton and back.
Is there anyone in those areas that might come out for a ride or a cup of coffee.
I'll be in Georgetown the nights of the 24th and 25th. And Durango the nights of the 26th and 27th. Then over to Torrey for 2 nights.
dc
Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway, CO. The road north from Durango is dead straight and really, really ugly scenery, but you can just ignore that. . .
Seriously, one of the best hot springs around. All you need is your birthday suit and sunscreen.
Torrey, UT and Highway 12 are both treasures for riders. Torrey is very small, but is also perfectly attuned to riders -- excellent campground, and several fine motels and restaurants. VERY few Smokies in this part of Utah.
Hey, TRY to have some fun, eh?
Walking Eagle
Thanks Eag
Last September I was over there, on the road north of Durango. Coming south from Ouray, I got behind a huge slow truck, with a bunch of cars and fast trucks behind me.
And the truck in front just going slower and slower, as he went up the hill. I almost ended up stalling, and his trailer was taking up 1 1/2 lanes as he wound his way up the hill. Finally, I just passed, and luck of the Irish or whatever, no one was coming.
I didn't see a car or truck behind me at all, all the rest of the way to Durango.
I hope to see a few other riders in Torrey.
dc
When in Durango,go to Carvers for coffee,bakery or beer. What a great place. I hope it's still open,with this economy.
Oscar's in Durango is a great breakfast place.
The DSRR is a neat ride, and hopefully in September it won't be as hot as it was for us in late June. I would choose to sit on the right side of the train heading to Silverton and the left side coming back to Durango, for the best views.
Dan
Thanks Dan & rd.
I'm looking over both places.
dc
when are you going to be in the RMNP area? what route are you planning on taking in getting there, and in going from the Park to Durango?
Ride Safe, Ride Lots
Brother and I were in Durango 2 weeks ago for Railfest. We took the bus up to Silverton and rode Galloping Goose #5 back to Durango. A great ride, with many photo stops. 6.5 hr ride.
Have riden the train numberous times and would suggest riding it one way and take the bus the other. All can be arraged in one phone call.
Parking is always difficult in town, so they now have a parking lot just west of the Durango station for $7.00 a day. The nice attendent let our 2 bikes in for the price of one. Or, you can stay in Silverton, ride the train to Durango, and return via bus. I think next time that is what we will do. It provides you with more time to walk around town, and you can do some exploring up in mountians also.
If you are camping, United Campground is about 4 miles north and is very nice. Trolly pickup is right in front and will take you into town and return. Free.
bob
I'm staying in Durango so I should be able to walk to the train station.
I saw the part bus idea, and I am riding the train both ways.
I done rode enough buses previous like, so I want steam train. So this should be an all steam train ride for me. That was the idea.
Why do you say ride the bus? I have rode the motorcycle on that road before, and I can't understand why I would ride the bus.
I suppose also it is like a tour bus, and I just have never felt good on tour buses.
dc
For our most recent trip, the Goose started in Silverton at 9 am, so we elected to ride the bus up from Durango that morning. Having gone both up and back via train a number of times, while I still enjoy the trip, going one way and taking the bus back has become more enjoyable. Get back early to miss the crowds, and only view the ride one way. Going from Durango to Silverton to me is the best route. Sitting on the right side of the train or on the closest bench to the right in the open cars is the way to see the route.
Riding the Goose down from Silverton, we made a number of photo stops that you do not get with the regular train ride. I would do it again in a heartbeat. If you attend railfest next year, they usually have a wood burning steam engine (the Eureka) available for rides that is a pretty neat ride also.
Have fun.
bob
Nice Tex-Mex rest near the RR station. Take the train and backpack into the wilderness -the train will let you off there & pick you up too. It's a WOW! area! Also a neat backcountry route for off roading from the $7 mil hwy outside Ouray, a way to Silverton through some nice country on dirt. Is dirt bike, jeep or walk route.Originally Posted by David13
umm, because if you ride your bike up, and take the train back, you don't have to find a way to retrieve your bike? (unless of course the train is a loop ride, in which case- i have no clue either. in general, buses are utilitarian vehicles. and they suck.)
Ride Safe, Ride Lots
Fish
I did just confirm what I thought, i.e., the ticket I have is round trip. Hopefully, that means I go up on the train, and come back on the train.
Otherwise I would have a wacky bike location problem. Which I like to avoid like the plague.
If I can.
I thought I could by getting round trip.
Ergo, I hope to ride back on the train.
Now, it is not unusual that these short lines have no round table. And thus back up all the way there or back.
From Los Angeles to San Diego they do that.
I hope not in Durango.
dc
RT on the train is fine. All in one day. Provides you enough time in Sliverton to grab a lunch. Many places to choose from. The return gets you back in Durango around 5-5:30 or so. A short walk to the Slater hotel and grab a beer. Sit at a table by the window and enjoy people watching.
We would grab dinner at the Ore house, but they are going too upscale for our tastes. Food is good, but... Will have to sleuth out anonther dinner place next time.
Have fun. Be prepared for some cool and/or wet weather.
bob
Yes Bob
I think I may go with the Ore house, to get a steak. The prices are upscale, whether the quality is or not.
Maybe I'll find out.
I'm always prepared for rain, or snow.
Tho' last year, going all thru' the same area, not one drop of rain for 4 days. Nothing but pure blue skies.
I got lucky.
dc
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