"This trip has been one of the
most amazing experiences of my life.
The people, the ride, the places, the views, the contrasts and extremes, the
smells...
the entire experience, is indelibly engraved deep within my spirit.
Pictures and words cannot even begin to convey the powerful beauty and awe of
what I have experienced on this ride. But none the less, I humbly display here
some of the images I was able to capture with my camera.
Images that are just miniscule representations of scattered moments in time
that collectively comprise my attempt to portray to you the beauty and wonder
of my experience,
and also act as a visual reinforcement to myself of the internal memories of
this trip that will last forever."
Quote: Soloquest, after Rockies-Gold
2007
Rockies-Gold -- What Is That?
Honda
Gold Wings riding and sightseeing in the Rocky Mountains
of Colorado, that's Rockies-Gold!!! During the past several years a number of folks/friends
that hang-out on one of the major Gold Wing forums
(http://www.gl1800riders.com) have gathering at various locations around the
country to meet folks from the forum, hang-out and have a good time in the
evenings, and do some great riding in various parts of the country. From
Washington to Tennessee and Georgina, from Wisconsin to Texas, from New York to
Florida, and at locations in between, several forum members have stepped-up to
organize some great gatherings for their forum friends. Bulldog's
Cats-Cade gathering sorta topped them at
the time, but well, that's the way Bulldog does things. Since many folks
wanted to meet some of their friends in Colorado to do some riding in the Rocky
Mountains, WingNutZZ organized the first Rockies-Gold in 2007, and although it
was planned to be a one-time event, many folks could not make it in 2007 -- so
there will be one more Rockies-Gold in 2008. Rockies-Gold 2007 was held in
late July, so the weather was hot in the valleys and cool on the mountain passes
-- plus there was often afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains due to the
monsoonal flow from the Gulf. Note, however, that this did not deter the
riding or the good times in any way. For the 2nd event, Rockies-Gold 2008
will be held in early June, thus there will still be lots of snow on the
mountaintops, warm days in the valleys, cool riding on the mountains passes, and
less chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
Montrose?? Montrose, Colorado was
chosen as the location for the event because of its great weather and
availability to a wide variety of roads and scenery. From the awesome
views and twisties of
the Million Dollar Highway to the sweeping Canyon Country of the
Unaweep/Tabeguache Byway to the depths of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and
the views from Grand Mesa, no other location in Colorado can offer such variety
from one location. Although it would be best if you could arrive at
Rockies-Gold on Wednesday and depart on Sunday, thus allowing three full days
for riding some of these roads, you can come for a longer or shorter time if desired --
that is up to you, but I'd recommend that you plan to be there at least Wednesday-Sunday
if possible. Colorado also offers other great roads, so plan your arrival to
and departure from Colorado to allow you to include some of those great roads
(some of which will be highlights in the Rides section).
Riding safely is always of paramount importance,
but particularly at Rockies-Gold 2007. Group riding can be a challenge,
but particularly so in the mountains and canyons of Colorado. You are attending Rockies-Gold on your
own, making your own reservations, deciding your own rides, and are
responsible for your own safety. If you are riding in a group and they are
riding at a pace or style that is beyond your capabilities or comfort-level,
safely drop-out of the group (let the tail-gunner know that you are not having a
problem, but are just dropping back). Before coming to Rockies-Gold please read
the safety guidelines.
For information on Rockies-Gold 2008, click
on the link at the top of this page. And for insights on the 2007 event,
including a listing of attendees and lots of photos, go to the 2007 link above.
If you think you might be interested in joining the group, check it all out.
If you think this is for you, then join us -- see the links in the 2008 section
for information on lodging and to register. It should be another good
time!
A Little History
In 2005, 2006, and 2007, Bulldog and Meesh hosted Cats-Cade, a gathering of
members of the Gold Wing family, in the Catskill mountains near Woodbourne, NY.
No one can quite match up to the event that Bulldog pulled-off each year (most
folks don't have the tenacity and drive to pull together all of the events that
the Dawg made happen).
As a result of the success of Cats-Cade, many Gold Wing riders and members of
GL1800Riders.com
requested (actually, more like DEMANDED) that WingNutZZ organize a
Colorado-Cade, thus allowing folks to get together in the west for riding some
of the beautiful country that Colorado offers. So, in 2007 we organized
the first "Rockies-Gold" (Gold Wings riding the Rockies) planned for 25-29 July
2007. Folks came from all over the country, including Bulldog and Meesh
from New York -- about 150 bikes and 250 people, just having some great fun
riding the mountains and canyons, and hanging around in the evenings getting to
know each other.
The primary goals are to keep it fun, keep it interesting
(the rides will take care of that), keep it
inexpensive, keep it simple, and keep it safe. Rockies-Gold provides
the opportunity for new and old friends to gather and ride on some of the most
scenic roads in the USA. There are no vendors for Rockies-Gold (to keep it
simple) and the only "organized" events are a dinner on Thursday night and some
"hanging" and tire-kicking on Friday night at the Headquarters Motel (Black
Canyon in 2007; Red Arrow in 2008).
Motorcycle services will be available at Davis Honda, less than one mile from
the Headquarters, and there will undoubtedly be some additional tire-kicking around the motel
every evening. The entire event will focus on some great riding and
hanging with friends!
The weather for Rockies-Gold should provide cool nights and hot days in
Montrose, while the temperatures at the
higher elevations (i.e. on the Million Dollar Highway, San Juan Skyway, and
Grand Mesa) will be cool and comfortable. Mornings will normally see clear blue
skies, comfortable temperatures, and little chance of precipitation. Afternoon
thunderstorms often occur in the mountainous areas, with a rapid drop in
temperature and precipitation possible (rain, sleet, or even a rare snow) -- one
should always carry rain-gear (hopefully it will not be needed) and dress in
layers to allow for comfortable riding in all conditions.
So, if you are interested in hanging with great folks and riding
some great roads, you must be at Rockies-Gold. Click on the links at the
top of the page to check it out!
