Riding in Colorado Springs...?

[ProX440]

I am currently stationed at Altus AFB in Oklahoma. Colorado Springs is an 8hr drive from here and I would like to come ride out there. Looking for some help on where to ride. I have a 06 Cat 600mod. Would like to know possible elevations I would be riding at so I can clutch and jet accordingly. Looking for someone to ride with, to show me around. Thanks for the help

Casey

 

[coloradoman25]

Nothing to ride in the springs area. Unless you can ride a neighborhood street after a storm.

 

[ridingthestorm]

One other possibility is, if and it's a big if, there's been a recent snowstorm along the front range (like the one we just got on Thur.) you can ride Rampart Range road. You can pick it up in Woodland Park or Sedalia, which are about an hour from the Springs depending on what part of town you're driving from or 40 to 50 miles. This has been a very snow-free winter for the front range so it's not something you can count on.

I live in the Springs so let me know if you want to get together for a ride sometime.

 

[Rprecision]

Thank you for your service.

During the peak of winter I could get you on snow within 2-4 hours of the springs.

This time of year it can be a little hard

 

[ProX440]

Yeah I have just recently arrived back from 9months of service in Iraq running Convoys. I bought a pretty much new 2006 Cat Factory 600mod and I haven't even gotten a chance to ride it yet. Im not looking to ride this time of season but for sure next season. Rprecision I would really appreciate that if you could take me out and ride! What kind of elevation are we looking at? Here is a picture of my sled.

 

[Chaos]

Welcome home.

I also live in COS and find we have to commute 2-3 hours to get into the good riding areas. Still exploring because we have only lived in CO. for a little over a year. We end up at either Cottonwood Pass (2+00) which is in Buena Vista, or Camp Hale/Vail Pass (3+00). We prefer Camp Hale/Vail Pass which is about 20 minutes north of Leadville, a good mix of groomed trails and powder fields. Also a few good places to test your climbing skills, or lack there of. Leadville also has a few good areas to ride and also has a few nice hotels, as does Buena Vista. I have not ridden Winter Park or Grand Lake but they are roughly 3+00 from COS or roughly 2+00 from Denver. Heard a lot about Grand lake but can speak about it yet.

We road Vail Pass on Saturday and it was darn near perfect. Fresh snow, bright sun, good company. Anyway, I think we will plan on one more ride and then put the sleds up for the spring/summer. If you find your way out this way next season don't hesitate to drop a line. Be happy to show you where we go.

Chaos

 

[Chaos]

By the way, Cotton Wood Pass is around 12,000 feet and Vail Pass is around 10,500 feet, give or take...

Chaos

 

[ProX440]

yeah sounds good, my number is 210-326-8177. what are you riding for a sled?

Thanks

Casey

 

[skibreeze]

What track do you have on your 600? I personally have a 155" and wouldn't recommend anything much shorter unless you are a trail rider.

 

[ProX440]

just the stock 128 with a 1.75

 

[skibreeze]

If you really want to explore and enjoy Co. riding areas, you need to stretch that sucker.

 

[ProX440]

yeah only thing though is that costs $$$ and being in the service for only 2yrs now and having an rank of E-3 or Airman 1st Class I don't make all that much.

 

[skibreeze]

yeah only thing though is that costs $$$ and being in the service for only 2yrs now and having an rank of E-3 or Airman 1st Class I don't make all that much.

Been there myself. Snowmobiling is not a cheap sport, get used to that.

 

[ProX440]

Yeah Im from northern WI so I've been riding since I could walk. Yeah I save my pennies to ride so, I just have to work with what I have! Can I cut my fuel 50/50 riding in that elevation or should I just stick with 114?

 

[Chaos]

Setup

Breeze is right about your equipment, if you really intend on getting off of the groomed trails, the track lenght is big deal. Another item I found makes a "major" difference is the ski. I just switched both our sleds to a simmons GEN II; now I try to keep up with the bride. Can not believe the difference in the level of fun and the massive decrease in "digging-out"...

Anyway, understand the money issue; if there is a priority, track is first but I will bow to Breezes wisdom for his recommendations.

Chaos

 

[skibreeze]

Yeah Im from northern WI so I've been riding since I could walk. Yeah I save my pennies to ride so, I just have to work with what I have! Can I cut my fuel 50/50 riding in that elevation or should I just stick with 114?

The elevation will allow you to decrease your octane requirement, how much I don't know. 111 octane here in C/S runs $6 a gallon.

 

[ProX440]

Yeah I can get it here in Oklahoma city I always buy my racefuel by the drum and if I can decrease the octane I will just cut it with 93 to get the desired octane I need. I'll need to give speedwerx a call. Yeah I hear you about streching my track but I just don't have the funds! I have a set of SlyDog Skis on there now but I also have a set of Outlaw C&A's.

 

[1BIGCAT]

You can pretty much ride anywhere with that track length right now with the way the snow is setting up so fast.

 

[ProX440]

yeah I should be alright, just going to have to keep on it when I get into the real deep.

 

[Zachcreek]

Still some snow out there. But getting thin on the road up Cottonwood Pass. Unless we get some more snow (Not just a few inches) Sunday may have been the last of it. Spring Creek was good, but you will also need something more than the track you presently have, unless you dont mind sticking to the trails. In any case you better get out here quick. The views are awesome!