Pikes Peak

[Don Q]

I know some have you have ridden to the summit. I hope to mark it off my bucket list in June. Is this a good time to go? When did you go ,was there anything unexpected?

[Lapchik]

I went out one year at the end of June, and Rocky Mountain National Park had 15ft of snow [all roads ok, though]. Next year I went out in the beginning of June, and there was no snow in the same place. Late June seems to be a good time though. I went snowboarding in Breckenridge . . . 60 degree weather and in my normal street clothes and had no lines for the lift.

I would suggest also doing Mt. Evans while you are in the vicinity. It is less touristy, and has less guard rails. Both are awesome rides. I would also suggest just go to the top in one shot, and save all the stops for the way down so you can rest your arms after fighting gravity downhill. I was up top for about 20 minutes before my head started buzzing from the altitude.

As far as unexpected. . . .well . . .fires for one. Also, decreasing radius turns. They'll catch you by surprise. If you watch my videos you'll see I get into a few of those corners a little too hot.

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Pictures from Late June, 2011 [more pictures on my facebook page facebook.com/korysrides]





A statue of Shooter near Glen Cove, Pikes Peak



Early June, 2012 pictures [more on facebook.com/korysrides]

Pike's Summit [71 degrees at the bottom, 28 degrees at the top]




Mt. Evans Summit




This trip was also when the infamous "silo story" took place in western Nebraska. Those National Guard boys are probably still laughing about it.




One last thing, BE VERY CAUTIOUS OF HIGH, FIERCE, UNEXPECTED WIND AND GUSTS

[Shooter]

As Lapchik stated the wind will probably be your worst enemy. We went in June 2010 to RMNP and Pikes Peak like Lapchick. Snow in RMNP but roads were clear and we only got to go to the devil's playground at Pike's Peak due to high winds. Went back to Pike's Peak June of 2012 and it was a perfect day...warm and no wind. Garden of the Gods is in Colorado Springs and neat to drive thru and see. I have a hook up for a Hotel at the base of Pike's Peak. If interested send me an email and I will get you hooked up. Lots of cool places in that area to see besides the Peak if weather is bad.

[Lapchik]

(12-09-2014 11:15 AM)Shooter Wrote:  I have a hook up for a Hotel at the base of Pike's Peak.

Tony!

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Pogernelski? Pogernoski? Pogerzelski? Something like that

[Don Q]

Thanks guys. My cousin just moved to Castle Rock. If he's not going to be home ,I'll be talking to you shooter.

[MikeH]

I was up there first week of July 2013, if I remember correctly the gate opens at 7:30am, I'd recommend arriving slightly before, bikes are allowed to go to the front. Then you don't have to worry about being stuck behind slow moving vehicles, but I still don't think I got much above 30mph but then I was also tired (the rocks on the top make for a nice pillow!)
It was upper 30's on the top and about 85 when I got to the bottom.

[paper]

Weird.. I've been to Pike's Peak several times.. I lead a couple groups up there this summer from both the Iowa and Wisconsin Guzzi Rallies.. It's not that big of a deal..

Sure, it's a nice overlook of the Mississippi River and it's nice that there's no charge to enter unless you're camping, but...



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pikes_Peak_State_Park

Like I tell people.. Same Pike, Different Peak..

[Don Q]

I've been to that one.I like the "board" walks. I want to go to the other one.

[paper]

(12-14-2014 08:22 AM)Don Q Wrote:  I've been to that one.I like the "board" walks. I want to go to the other one.

Actually the boardwalks have been ripped up.. It's now concrete and they've made a really nice raised platform that extends away from the hillside..

My favorite thing there is the hummingbird feeding area.. They're close enough for some really neat photos..

I've never had an issue with altitude sickness in Iowa, too..

On the other hand I've ridden all over Colorado several times and not gone to Pike's Peak (the Other one).. I often camp at Cripple Creek and need to ride to the top of the peak..

[texnmidwest]

I saw a pike in the aquarium once......well, maybe it was a perch.

[Don Q]

Funny Mike. I called and talked to a park ranger. I mentioned the motorcycles go first thing at opening. She chuckled and said everyone waits in line. Had not heard that motorcycles go first.