Ouray Anyone?

[Chris]

Just wondering if anyone's interested in doing an weekend of trails in Ouray? I went last year with RS and it was a lot of fun but think I'd rather go with Front Range people if anyone's interested.

Black Bear is calling! ;)

[Patrolman]

I love spending time down there. Went to school in Durango so have done a number of the trails in the area. Usually we bounce from Silverton to Telluride, Ouray, and Lake City. All spectacular sites to see! Most aren't open until late July, but good to plan in advance. Black Bear is probably one of the trails that I enjoy most out of anywhere, even though it is able to be driven in a stock 4x4 with a competent driver.

[Chris]

Yeah, Black Bear doesn't live up to the hype but it's fun. We ran in to tons of snow the July 4th weekend last year and this year it'll probably be even later before everything's open. Late August, early September probably would be the best time.

[Patrolman]

Typically even after the snow melts, there are large boulders on the Telluride side to clear. Takes a few weeks for a dozer to get through and clear the trail. I really enjoy the scenery there and some of the mining history. Not a technical trail, but a great sight to see!

[Pathrat]

I will be there July 18th with the FJ Summit people for one day of trails and hopefully one evening of winning cool stuff.

I have the GPS coordinates for a great camp site ten miles east of Lake City for when you decide to go, if anyone will want to camp in that area.

Not sure yet about going in Aug/Sept, kind of far ahead for me to figure on yet.

[Funrover]

I love it down there. I really want to do tha Alpine loop someday!

[Chris]

Dates for me are pretty much wide open. I'm booked the school year M-W but that's about it. Mid-September sounds great.

I won't do the RS run, you have to take your time and explore when in the San Juans.

That's so true, last year we passed through a mining town with barely a glimpse so we called ahead and told everyone we were having mechanical difficulties and dropped out. Then we spent time exploring.

[Patrolman]

Personally, I wouldn't plan a trip after Labor Day weekend. Wife and I got over Black Bear just of a week after Labor Day one time. There was already a fair amount of snow on the top and I dug for about 20 feet to get through. We were not able to get over Imogene because of the HUGE drifts at the top. We tried another Labor Day and it was snowing like crazy and there was 6-8 inches part way up Black Bear. It is a late July through August activity for sure.

[Scott T]

I havnt been to Ouray in years but I'd love to give Black Bear a try then soak in the Hot Springs when its all over. Late August early Sept would be perfect.

[Dirt Claude]

I would love to tag along as well. Ouray is one of our favorite places to get away and visit. I've never done any wheeling down there, but I'm definitely looking forward to it. Let's go!!

[Chris]

Any dates work better than another for anyone? I think early August would be good and think Barb and I'll go regardless of anyone else's plan. I can't imagine a wheeling season w/o Ouray.

I nominate August 2nd or 9th. Anyone think that would work for them? I'm thinking Black Bear and Imogene as a start.

:cheers:

[Dirt Claude]

I'll second the vote for August 2nd or 9th. No preference on a starting point as I've never been there before.

- Brad

[Chris]

August 2nd sounds good, I'll go! :cool:

[BLOODBANE]

2nd might be good for me also. I am supposed to go and run some of the passes over there with some guys from TRS. I haven't heard much lately, but I still have it marked on the calender. If they do come, maybe a joint venture? and if they don't I could run with you all.....

[Chris]

Looks like enough people will be interested so I'm making this a run and adding it to the calendar.

[Brody]

A weekend is just too short a time giving the driving time to and from, and not nearly enough time to do any exploring, so it is hardly worth the dollars for gas. Neither of us can take more than a weekend off at any rate, so we aren't going to go.

Hope that whoever goes has fun...

[Tye]

Any dates work better than another for anyone? I think early August would be good and think Barb and I'll go regardless of anyone else's plan. I can't imagine a wheeling season w/o Ouray.

I nominate August 2nd or 9th. Anyone think that would work for them? I'm thinking Black Bear and Imogene as a start.

:cheers:
That is just so close to the National Rover Rally...

[Patrolman]

Those are about the best dates to go. Trails should all be open, no new snow. Will see what my schedule looks like as we get closer, but I am definately interested. Will likely swing into Durango and visit with college buddies too.

[Chris]

Yeah, it's not an easy and quick in and out but needs to be done at least once a year for me. I'm hoping to go on Friday and come back Monday to have enough time there.

[Dirt Claude]

Guess I spoke too soon, I may have a vacationing schedule conflict. I'll know for sure when we get a little closer.

[Chris]

Barb and I will be there late on the Thursday the 31st through Sunday. Friday & Saturday we'll be running some trails and poking around the mines, etc. We do not rush anything while there.

:jiggy" :jiggy"

[Chris]

Well, the run of one is on, we'll see y'all when we return :D