RIDING LOCATIONS CLOSE TO COLORADO SPRINGS

[Chaos]

From Colorado Springs I usually head to either Cottonwood Pass or Vail Pass via Camp Hale. Late last year someone told me about a closer location southwest of the Springs that was known for good riding, and, a much shorter drive. I did a search of old material but could not locate information describing where that was. Anyone have an idea?

Thank you.

Chaos

 

[ARMYSLEDER]

LOL Chaos are you military stationed in the Springs? I am and been here for two years and Finally found a place somewhat close to go ride and going to try it out as soon as we get snow. IF you need someone to ride with call me my number is 208-313-8247

 

[Chaos]

Howdy Army,

Retired from the Marines back in 2000... For future reference I am a member of the Leadville club and also joined the Woodland park group last year. Let me know if you are looking for new riding areas later this year. Good folks who know their area well. Anyway, the area I am seeking information on is roughly 1.5 hours southwest from the Springs. Beats 2-3 hours heading west if your looking for a quick place to ride. I'm sure someone will answer up soon with an answer, just slow here this time of year.

Thanks for your service. Stay in touch.

Chaos

 

[ARMYSLEDER]

I know what your talking about Chaos, I had a hippie dude once mention it to me but I forgot where it is exactly. I want to say its 45 min south west of Pueblo area. I do remember him saying you gotta hit it up right after a snow storm or its not worth going. We should find out and try it out sometime. Where in the springs are you at exactly? I live in the Stratmoore hills area behind B street.

 

[tudizzle]

The spot you guys may be referring to is Ophir Creek?

Its out there past Rye....actually the turn is just past Bishops Castle.

its referred to as west cliffe on the CSA site

http://coloradosledcity.com/content.aspx?page_id=1980&club_id=45117#search_results


pretty mellow riding.... but anything can be fun with enough fresh snow.

 

[ARMYSLEDER]

Tuddizle your right that what the crazy hippie said. Is it easy got lost there? Is there an trail system there? If so is maintained?

 

[tudizzle]

Its a pretty small area with a somewhat maintained trail system. They do put out markers and do a little grooming. I rode there a little my first year but its been a few seasons since I have been back.


You'll never have the 1-70 traffic thats for sure!

 

[Chaos]

Tud,

Thank you Sir, I do believe that location rings a bell. Sounds like a good area to take the grandkids for a day of fun. Google is saying 2 hours from northern COS... Based on your comments it sounds better to hit Cottonwood, etc, if your driving that distance/time???

Army, lets hope for an early winter and take a look. I know there are many "locals" who have mentioned the place and I would expect we can tag along once or twice to get the lay of the land for future consideration.... Stay safe.

Chaos

 

[tudizzle]

give us a report if you make it out...

 

[silvester]

tudizzle, off topic but what camera gear were you using on your vids last season? They were all great quality. I'd also like to see more of the arm you had mounted on your helmet in the 509 google vids.

 

[itsallgood]

Ophir is not much for himarking but can be fun w/ enough powder. Although enough powder days are few & far between. Trashed atleast two TA's there last season.

 

[tudizzle]

tudizzle, off topic but what camera gear were you using on your vids last season? They were all great quality. I'd also like to see more of the arm you had mounted on your helmet in the 509 google vids.

I use the Canon HF200 for the hand held.

and the Contour 1080HD helmet cam (Zachcreek on here has them for a good price)

The super dooper camera mount is a little less impressive. Its basically a pole taped to my helmet with duct tape. I then turn the camera on....and use duct tape to attach it to the end of the pole...hoping its pointed in the right basic direction. The helmet cam has no playback screen so you never know what you are going to get...and sometimes its pretty lackluster.

 

[silvester]

tudizzle, the contour seems to put out some of the best footage i've seen. Any dislikes about it?

 

[tudizzle]

can't complain...great customer service...quality
cam
.


here is the rig as used on the 509 goggle promo

 

[silvester]

That's some high tech stuff right there! The footage was sweet, I'll have to give it a try.

 

[stingray719]

Like tudizzle said Ophir creek is pretty mellow near the roads. We take beginners there and they have a blast. If you feel froggy though try the trail out of Lake Isabel that goes up the mountain connecting to F trail up top. Or go down it, but not near the challenge.

Lol, dont take any beginners or short tracks on that trail though.

 

[tudizzle]

Like tudizzle said Ophir creek is pretty mellow near the roads. We take beginners there and they have a blast. If you feel froggy though try the trail out of Lake Isabel that goes up the mountain connecting to F trail up top. Or go down it, but not near the challenge.

Lol, dont take any beginners or short tracks on that trail though.

That trail, I believe it's like H trail?, was where I went with my first sled when I first got into sledding. I just bought two brand new 05 800 rev's and My wife (5 months pregnant) and I headed out to got "snowmobiling" lol

Parked in that little lot by the lake and headed up on marginal snow, early in the year. Logs crossing the road..it was ugly. We get a few miles in and off the little "trail" she goes, into the trees. No experience in these situations, we were ****ed. I went back to my rig for a come along and a few hours later the sled was out..... she was done.

We never even thought of calling Search and Rescue

It was really a win win...

Now she would rather stay home, and I had a backup/buddy sled!

 

[tudizzle]

pic from Ophir...slides can happen anywhere...

 

[ARMYSLEDER]

So if I am stationed at FT Carson and get off work early around 330 and had my sled loaded would Ophir creek be a great place to go for a quick afternoon ride with a intermediate rider?

 

[Chaos]

Ophir Creek Run

Army,

Looks like a 2 hour run both ways, unless someone knows a shorter route. Actually looks like a quicker run to the Lake Isabel area, but I have no clue how well the roads are maintained, so...

Would be great if the run was a tad closer, your idea would be great if it only took an hour. What a connivence that would have been. Heck, with a long weekend coming up, might make for a good bike run to do some scouting.

Safe riding.

Chaos