Colorado BDR? Anyone Interested

ebbs15 · Mar 31, 2014

mreimann said: ↑

Good point. It's funny that I just read about this trail on expedition portal....

Looks like a great time. Ideally I would make it a longer trip to take advantage of the fishing, hiking and mountain biking the trail passes through.

Do you know what the average driving times are? If we do a little over 100 miles a day on dirt roads it doesn't seem like that leaves much time for anything else
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Not sure... I have the DVD of the guys that did it in 6 days... they F'd around a lot it looked like, stopped and took pics, as well as had a videographer that had to take photos and video of them from long distances yet still finished with them... they did an average of 110 some odd miles a day...

really depends on how long we want our day to be...

personally I was looking at 150 miles, which would be 15mph for 10hrs... which is very doable looking at the terrain and road conditions... the other part is sections of this are tarmac so obviously we'd make up quite a bit of time on it... so it's hard to get an idea without having done it before myself.

My goal is days from closing camp to setting up camp of 10-12hrs... this means if we leave by 7 we're for sure stopped by 7pm this may be too early for some but I hate setting up camp in the dark so I'd rather be early to be early to rise...

but again, depends on the group

I've never done a trip like this in a truck... just on motorcycle, so I know how long it takes me to eat, recover, fuel up, etc on a motorcycle, just not for a truck, so if I'm being over zealous let me know

ebbs15 · Mar 31, 2014

rileySB said: ↑

Sounds like a fun time! Subb'ed. Will have to see if I can get the time off of work to drive out from CA.
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That would be AWESOME!

Hoyal · Apr 1, 2014

ebbs15[OP] said: ↑

why not bring her a long? no pressure just thought since it doesn't have any real technical area's it'd just be a nice long camping vacation with dad
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I would if my wife came. But I don't know that she can get off work.

How's gas station stops along this trial because my runner only goes about 200miles to a tank lol.

Ice Horse · Apr 1, 2014

ebbs15[OP] said: ↑

Just so you know... that's afgani for I'm in 100% and gonna pay for everyone's gas
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Oh snap!

mreimann said: ↑

I'm subscribing to this thread in the hopes I can join. I'll be looking for a job starting this summer and can't say what days I can take off. If I can go I'll be happy to do some primitive camping.
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^same

ebbs15 · Apr 1, 2014

Hoyal said: ↑

I would if my wife came. But I don't know that she can get off work.

How's gas station stops along this trial because my runner only goes about 200miles to a tank lol.
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200mile range is GOOD for a motorcycle... most stops are 100-125 range, some are as little 65... I'll be packing an extra 5-10gallons just in case.

Ice Horse said: ↑

Oh snap!

^same
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Sweet... hope it works out! especially since I love free gas

ebbs15 · Apr 1, 2014

Posted a poll... just for quick reference as this thread grows

mr optimist · Apr 1, 2014

ebbs15[OP] said: ↑

Posted a poll... just for quick reference as this thread grows
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I am in, can't change my vote though, guess I am potato. I will likely break off around leadville or gypsum. Hopefully I will have a better setup by then.

Jiveydude · Apr 1, 2014

ebbs15 · Apr 1, 2014

mr optimist said: ↑

I am in, can't change my vote though, guess I am potato. I will likely break off around leadville or gypsum. Hopefully I will have a better setup by then.
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it's ok... everyone loves a potato

ffemt2987 · Apr 1, 2014

How do I vote for maybe and potato?

Hoyal · Apr 1, 2014

ffemt2987 said: ↑

How do I vote for maybe and potato?
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I went straight for potato.

mr optimist · Apr 1, 2014

ebbs15[OP] said: ↑

it's ok... everyone loves a potato
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You really shouldn't have made that an option. lol

Hoyal said: ↑

I went straight for potato.
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Think of all the craft beer exchange that will take place. I can bring some New Mexico beer, and some SLV beer.

Hoyal · Apr 1, 2014

mr optimist said: ↑

You really shouldn't have made that an option. lol

Think of all the craft beer exchange that will take place. I can bring some New Mexico beer, and some SLV beer.
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I might hire a DD and just drink the whole trip.

ebbs15 · Apr 1, 2014

mr optimist said: ↑

I am in, can't change my vote though, guess I am potato. I will likely break off around leadville or gypsum. Hopefully I will have a better setup by then.
Click to expand...

ffemt2987 said: ↑

How do I vote for maybe and potato?
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Hoyal said: ↑

I went straight for potato.
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mr optimist said: ↑

You really shouldn't have made that an option. lol

.
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I'm noticing LOL

ebbs15 · Apr 1, 2014

added some FAQ to the main post but here they are may help solve some questions

COBDR FAQ
Below are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about the Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route.

How far between gas stops?
The longest gap between gas stations is approximately 121 miles from Gypsum to Steamboat Springs. There is gas at Rancho Del Rio, but it’s not guaranteed and they only carry low octane gas.

What is the COBDR?
The Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route (COBDR) is a mostly off-road motorcycle route across Colorado from New Mexico to Wyoming. The South to North route winds through the high elevations such as the San Juan mountains and relaxing segments such as the Colorado River Rd. The route includes dirt, gravel, and pavement surfaces and may include rocks, ruts, sand, mud and snow depending on time of year and conditions. The route can be completed in 4-6 days depending on pace, and is also accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles, as the entire route is at least double-track.

Do I have to camp?
No, you can complete the COBDR using motels and restaurants fairly easily.

Can I build a camp fire?
In most cases camp fires are allowed, but check with local Ranger Stations to determine if campfires are allowed before you build one. Forest fires are a threat during parts of the year and the rules that manage this risk must be followed. Be sure to fully extinguish fires so they are DEAD-OUT. Use water to ensure a fire is fully extinguished and the ground is left cool and wet.

Where do I camp?
There are many campgrounds and suitable dry camping locations along the route. The Butler Motorcycle Map for the COBDR has a tent icon showing campgrounds on the route and many near the route. The COBDR Butler Map is available at www.touratech-usa.com or www.butlermaps.com.

Is there water on the route?
There are a few natural water sources along this route however, depending on the snow pack, some may not running. You can find potable water in the towns along the way. It is suggested that plenty of water is carried for personal and cooking use. Here is a video on water filtration filmed in the Oregon Backcountry: http://youtu.be/vqOFZAoZdTU

Where can I find the GPS tracks for the COBDR?
The tracks for the route can be downloaded free of charge online at http://www.backcountrydiscoveryroutes.com/COBDR

Why do I need paper maps when I have GPS tracks?
Always bring a complete set of maps for the area you plan to ride. They have good information about roads, water sources, and are an indispensable resource when the GPS doesn't work, or is giving questionable advice. Unplanned events can occur and having paper/synthetic maps of the area can be a life saver. National Forest maps are available at http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/map/state_list.shtml#U and local Ranger Stations. COBDR Butler Motorcycle Maps are available at www.touratech-usa.com or www.butlermaps.com.

What is the ideal bike to use?
Any bike that has a license plate, can run knobby tires, is set-up to carry the gear you plan to bring, and has the fuel range to make the distance between gas stops. Most adventure or dual-sport motorcycles will be suitable for the trip. Choose the bike that you are the most comfortable riding in desert and mountain terrain.

What GPS should I use?
Any GPS unit capable of displaying 10 track logs with a minimum of 500 points each is suitable for use on the COBDR. Garmin models that work best for this application are: Zumo 665/660, Montana, GPSMap 60, 62, 76, 78 and 276. Other GPS manufacturers may have units that will work. Check the technical specs to determine suitability.

How difficult is the route?
The COBDR route is designed to be ridden on adventure and dual-sport motorcycles, as well as driven in 4x4 vehicles. There are no single-track style trails on this route. Many of the roads are in remote areas and reach high elevation areas where road maintenance is minimal or non-existent. You can expect to cover sections of road with deep ruts, loose rocks, sand and other challenges. There are also sections that have deep sand. Road conditions change from week to week based on the recent weather. When you see signs that read, “Roads maybe impassable when wet”, use caution, roads become very slick and can be impassable. You may also encounter sections that have trees or branches over the road. There are alternate "easier" routes around a few of the most challenging sections. Depending on time of year and weather, there may be a few small deep water crossings. Flash floods are frequent during summer storms. Don’t cross flooded washes. Wait until water subsides.

What time of year can I do the COBDR?
The COBDR is best from July-September and sometimes October if no early snow storms have occurred. The route can be done in June, but snowpack in the high mtns may keep you from doing the entire route as mapped. There have been some years where the snow has not cleared from the high country until the last week of July.

Are there any gates on the route?
Yes, there are several gates on the route. Most remain open unless BLM or NFS has closed them due to snow closure.

What tires should I use for the COBDR?
DOT approved knobby tires (such as Continental TKC 80 or Dunlop 606) are strongly recommended.

What weather concerns should I have?
Colorado has fast moving thunder storms during the summer months. These storms usually build in the mountains in the early afternoon and usually contain lightning, hail stones and heavy downpours. It’s recommended you go over the high passes early in the day.

What is the highest elevation on the COBDR?
The highest elevations are reached in section where California Pass reaches nearly 13,000 feet. The route travels at high elevations for long distances and is above 8,000 feet the majority of the time.

How long does it take to run the COBDR?
Most people average 150 miles a day on a backcountry motorcycle trip. Plan on doing this route in 4-6 days depending on how fast you want to travel and how early you want to roll out of camp.

Is there cell phone coverage on the route?
Much of this route is remote and out of reach for cell phone towers. There will be long sections with no coverage. Your best bet is to talk or text in the towns or on top of mountains. You will be surprised where you get coverage and where you don't. A satellite communication device is a good idea in the backcountry.

How do I get information on current road conditions?
We are working to include information on current road conditions on our website based on other riders’ reports. In the meantime, you can find the most up to date roads information on www.bushducks.com

Can the Route be done North to South?
Yes the route can be done North to South.

How Bad is the Sand Really?
This is a tough question to answer because conditions are constantly changing. If the weather has been moist or temps have been cool, the sand will be firmer and significantly easier to ride. If it hasn’t been hot for some time, the sand becomes very soft and deep. So the bottom line is, learn to ride in deep sand before your trip which will make your ride more enjoyable.

What about the Clay?
There are several sections where the road is a clay surface north of Haggerman Pass. When wet, these sections become very slick and virtually impassable. When you encounter wet clay roads, a higher gear selection is recommended to keep your rear wheel from sliding. Slow and steady will get you through, but in some cases travel will come to a halt due to slick conditions.

Do I need to worry about Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness is certainly possible on this ride. The COBDR reaches elevations of over 10,000 feet many times so plan your ride responsibly. The higher and faster you go up, the greater risk you are for symptoms. Consider spending a night or two at moderate elevation if you are prone to altitude sickness. It’s always best to ride up high, sleep down low. Altitude sickness, also referred to as Acute Mountain Sickness, is the illness causing effect of high altitude on the human body. The exact mechanism by which it occurs is unknown, but the severity of symptoms can vary from mild to life threatening.

Common symptoms of High Altitude Sickness / Acute Mountain Sickness include: fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, muscle cramping, insomnia, elevated blood pressure, shortness of breath, water retention and dehydration. Recognizing the symptoms of High Altitude Sickness, getting to a lower elevation, using supplemental oxygen, staying hydrated with water and Acli-Mate® Mountain Sport Drink may help to prevent or reduce the severity of altitude sickness. (Immediate medical attention is advised for moderate to severe AMS!)
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ebbs15 · Apr 2, 2014

So here's a more indepth set of videos by Touratech for each day
Day 1 4 corners to Telluride
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bT4o0gHh84
Day 2 Telluride to Lake City
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7QmXDsB9dM
Day 3 Lake City to Buena Vista
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIFapwhz1m8
Day 4 Buena Vista to Gypsum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfAVJOJ5pOc
Day 5 Gypsum to Steamboat Springs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsw01p2rQ6g
Day 6 Steamboat Springs to Wyoming border
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXCuNAMr9aY

Enders Taco · Apr 2, 2014

My girlfriend and I are planning a run in the beginning of June. From the videos I just watched, I didn't see anything concerning. I'm on 33 inch BFG at/ko's with icons, full armor and winch. Anyone with experience running this early in the season?

ebbs15 · Apr 2, 2014

Enders Taco said: ↑

My girlfriend and I are planning a run in the beginning of June. From the videos I just watched, I didn't see anything concerning. I'm on 33 inch BFG at/ko's with icons, full armor and winch. Anyone with experience running this early in the season?
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the only thing you will run into is Snow and the passes may be impassable. the other thing is if you read the FAQ's I just posted it said they have gates they close if there is excessive snow in areas...

have fun though!

Enders Taco · Apr 2, 2014

I saw that. Thank you!

Ariyan · Apr 2, 2014

mreimann said: ↑

Good point. It's funny that I just read about this trail on expedition portal....

Looks like a great time. Ideally I would make it a longer trip to take advantage of the fishing, hiking and mountain biking the trail passes through.

Do you know what the average driving times are? If we do a little over 100 miles a day on dirt roads it doesn't seem like that leaves much time for anything else
Click to expand...

Looks like a fun trip. but I agree Id like to fish and hike a little along the way.

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Colorado BDR? Anyone Interested

Interested in doing the Colorado BDR

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Colorado BDR? Anyone Interested

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