TENTH ANNUAL JOHN J. LYON MEMORIAL
OURAY, COLORADO RIDE
August 9 – 12, 2007
CONTACT
Jason Hadley, 801-824-9590 (cell) or jhadley11@gmail.com or Paul Edmunds
LOCATION
Ouray, Colorado. We will also be riding into and visiting the towns of Silverton and Telluride, Colorado.
INTRO
The John J. Lyon Ouray Colorado Ride is based out of Ouray, Colorado and is sponsored by the Utah Trail Machine Association. Riders are encouraged to bring their spouse and/or family members as in addition to riding there is plenty of sight seeing and shopping at Silverton, Telluride, and Ouray.
This ride is in memory of John Lyon who was a friend to all who ever rode down a trail with him. He lost his life at Engineer Pass on the annual Ouray Colorado Ride through a rare medical condition and unfortunate accident. We honor his memory with a stop on our ride at a small marker fabricated by Victor Venturo. His wife, Fran, lives in Colorado Springs and appreciates the kindness of those who remember her late husband and friend.
Coming through Montrose on your way to Ouray, riders should plan on stopping at the Russell Stover Outlet Store for chocolate bargains and delicious samples.
Plan on rainwear. You will encounter rain and mud. A waterproof riding jacket is sufficient, waterproof pants are nice. The temperature is in the 60's to 70's during the daytime. Jet your bike for high altitude riding. We begin at 7,000 feet and ascend to over 13,000 feet altitude.
Each evening riders, spouses, and guests meet in a natural hot springs pool for relaxation and conversation. There will be NO Friday evening pot luck dinner. Please contact the ride host for details. We will most likley enjoy the local resturants for dinner.
LODGING / RV PARKS
River’s Edge Motel $49-100 – 18 Units
Best Western Twin Peaks $58-120 – 53 Units
Comfort Inn $45-120 – 33 Units
Ouray Chalet Inn $55-104 – 32 Units
Riverside Inn & Cabins $45-160 – 18 Units
Timber Ridge Motel $39-99 – 18 Units
4J+1+1 RV Park $18-24 – 55 Units – 970-325-4418
The Motels listed above have been the most popular in years past. There are numerous other possibilities for lodging. Check Ouray’s official website listed above.
The prices listed above are from Ouray’s website. Obviously I don’t guarantee those prices.
Many riders who have traveled to Ouray to join us have enjoyed the RV Park.
Make reservations very early. Ouray is extremely popular in August.
SCHEDULE
Thursday, August 9
Although Thursday is officially left to unorganized riding and exploring, anyone interested can meet in the parking lot of River’s Edge Motel in Ouray at approximately 2:30 pm to go on an afternoon ride together.
Ride up to Yankee Boy Basin and Governor’s Basin
Return to Ouray – approximately 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Dinner
Ouray Hot Springs (Optional)
Friday, August 10
Meet in the parking lot of River’s Edge Motel at 9:00 am – Leave at 9:30 am sharp
Corkscrew Road
Hippee Cabins
California Pass
Hurricane Pass
The Old Mill
Arrive Silverton - approximately 12:00 pm
Leave Silverton – approximately 1:00 – 1:30 pm
Animas Forks
Cinnamon Pass
Engineer Pass
Engineer Road
Arrive back in Ouray – approximately 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Dinner
Hot Springs (optional)
Saturday, August 11
Meet in the parking lot of River’s Edge Motel at 9:00 am
Intermediate/Advanced Ride – Leave at 9:30 am sharp
Up Engineer Road
Up Poughkeepsie Gulch
Over California Pass
Down Corkscrew Road
Up Highway to Black Bear Pass
Meet Intermediate group at top of Black Bear Pass
Intermediate Ride – Leave between 10:00 and 10:30 am
Up highway to Black Bear Pass
Black Bear Pass
Meet Intermediate/Advanced group at top of Black Bear Pass
Down Black Bear Road to Telluride
Arrive Telluride – approximately 12:00 pm
Leave Telluride – approximately 1:00 pm
Imogene Pass
Arrive in Ouray – approximately 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Sunday, August 12, 2005
Socializing, non-organized riding, departure for home.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND COMMENTS
We will be on Colorado State Highways and roads to get in and out of the towns. Street legal bikes are strongly recommended. The local police are often very accommodating. The state highway patrol is not so accommodating. If you choose to ride a bike that is not street legal, the risk of a ticket is all on you.
Both Silverton and Telluride have fuel. To my knowledge, fuel has never been a problem for 4 stroke bikes because you can fill up at lunch in Silverton and Telluride. If you plan to ride a 2 stroke bike, you may possibly need to carry fuel.
Most of our riding will be on jeep trails that are highly used by jeeps, hikers, dirt bikes, and mountain bikers. Most jeeps will usually move over to let you pass. Many of the people in jeeps are tourists that are renting the jeeps and may not have much experience driving on narrow, rough roads – so be careful. Please be patient and courteous. Waive to jeepers as you pass. When you come up on bike riders and hikers, slow down. Nobody likes to be sprayed by dust and rocks.
Please prepare and check your bike before the morning of the ride. Jetting is always an issue for some. Elevation in Ouray is 7,700 ft. We will be at altitudes of 13,000 ft. Carry tools and spare parts for your own bike.
Make this a trip for you wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, or significant other. Many wives come on this trip and drive in their cars to meet the riders in Silverton and Telluride for lunch and shopping. Then they drive back to Ouray and meet us for dinner.
Don’t forget your camera!!!
Many UTMA members have turned this trip into a week long trip with their families. Spending a couple of days in a jeep with your family before or after our scheduled rides will create unforgettable memories.
Be prepared for rain. The weather can change very fast and you don’t want to be on the top of the mountain without rain gear. The last two or three years have been dry but it is safer to expect rain and possibly a lot of rain.