Story and Photos by Nick Cedar
The deal couldn't be any sweeter. In exchange for thousands of dollars of my hard earned cash, my temporarily insane neighbor would sell me his already dual sported, low mileage DRZ. Yes, attached to this already coveted electric foot dirt model, would be that precious item, a license plate! Not having to deal with the grim faced beauro-gnats at DMV was worth twice the price. I was now equipped with the right tool to take my friend Bill up on his invitation to ride the Colorado 500 with him.
Invitation indeed. The 500 is an invitation only event which has gone on for 27 years, started by former Indy Car guy, Wallly Dallenbach, and east coast MC dealer Sherm Cooper. The central idea of the ride is to take a large but organized group of avid dirt riders, and set them loose in the heart of the best dirt riding in the world. Riders are fully supported during their week of ecstacy, and need only bring a sound bike and body, and ample common sense. While trail closures, sound tests and bike haters pinch the ride a little harder every year, it has survived and even thrived. Often noted for its celebrity attendees, such as Malcolm Smith, the 500 is officially a "Charity Dirt Bike Ride", which raises funds for communities and volunteer organizations surrounding the event. Many include local search and rescue outfits, schools and clubs, as well as off-road groups which strive to keep trails open in the Rockies.
Thanks to Bill's east coast roots, my tourguides would be the "Jersey Boys", some of the die-hards which make this a one of kind event in motorcyding. These guys have this event dialed, and even supplied their own fully equipped boxvan! As J.B. would say, "it just keeps getting better". It did. Every days ride was better than the last, offering new terrain and challenges. Every evening, great stories and cold beers awaited us.
The route this year had us starting from Snowmass village, and making our way to Crested Butte, then on to Ouray, and back again. We ended up making up our own route back, and having the whole place to ourselves all afternoon. Every days ride offers easy splits, but the high roads and/or trails are the most tempting, difficult and worthwhile to spend your week on.
My DRZ was to be in good company. The electric start, four-stroke revolution is here, and the Colorado 500 is ground zero.Most bikes in attendanc were well prepped four strokes, showing off lots of off road mods. With mileage and all day fun being my goals, a "race bike" just didn't seem fitting. What this ride calls for, is a bike that can really ride trails all day, and do it 5-6 days in a row without any sniveling.
Speaking of trails..... The word does little justice to the sweet and sublime terrain which the 500 samples.Instead of trying, I'll let the following photos do most of the heavy lifting. Speaking of heavy lifting, only lifting your bike up from too many dumb flubs at 12,000 feet of elevation will ever make you doubt the worthiness of electric start. Sure it adds weight, but after wrestling my bike up at these elevations, I couldn't kick over leaf blower!
Pick up bike, push button, hit rock, fall over, pick up bike, push button.......It's just that easy!
Shorty after the rough climb up to Taylor Pass, you can slip into something more comfortable, like this awesome route past Crystal Peak. From here, the best singletrack Crested Butte has to offer is in your lap for you to lap up. You'll be a gratefull pup.
Aspen forests, loamy red dirt, sharp knobbies and singletrack. God is good.
The 500 spends two nights in Crested Butte, politeley taking over the resort area up the road.
Downtown is serviced by free shuttle buses to herd the party-heads to one of Colorado's greatest two wheeled towns.
Once you have your bearings, you can scout out gems like this one.
This was near the end of a 180 mile day, which had little pavement,and all the singletrack we could eat.
Ouray Colorado
"The Switzerland of the Rockies". It may sound like chamber of commerce hype, but it's not. Ouray is hands down one of the most spectacular spots on earth. This small town opens its arms to a swarm of dirt bikers every year, and it's scenery like this that keeps them coming back amd loving every minute of it.
Our layover day ride had us taking in three seperate 12,000'+ passes.
Descending down Black Bear pass, into Telluride, you'll pass by the powerworks which helped build Telluride.
Climbing out of Telluride.
Immogen Pass.By the time I made it up here, me and my bike were gasping.
With views that go on forever, starting down from these passes is always a letdown.
The Jersey Boys invade Hurricane Pass
If you know anyone who can sponsor you for the Colorado 500, you better start being real nice to them ASAP. If you're lucky, you'll get to do the "Ride of Champions"
Story and Photos by Nick Cedar