Plan on doing the Peak to Peak in Colorado on my trip to Sturgis the first week in August. I will be coming up on 285 from New Mexico and then ride the 119/72 around to Ft. Collins where I will catch I-25 to head towards Cheyenne and Hwy 85/18 into the Black Hills. First time for this trip direction suggestions as to what I don't want to miss seeing on the Peak to Peak route. Any great places to eat (I ride to eat) along that route? I will be going through during the middle of the week. I have plenty of time so would like to see as much as I can. Anything I should look out for on this run, like lots of critters, lots of traffic, poor road conditions, rock slides etc. etc. Thanks for any replies.

 

We rode the peak to peak over the fourth of July weekend. From Golden to Blackhawk you have fantastic sights. Blackhawk and Central City is a cool casino if you like to gamble. Heading north we like to stop in Nederlands. Cool little town with a couple nice bars and shops. Estes Park has lots of places to eat and little shops. If you have extra time and want to ride the trailridge road in the rocky mountain national park, that is an awesome ride also. Leaving Estes Park take hwy 34 East through Big Thompson Canyon. We always stop at the Harley Dealership in Loveland and eat at Hooters. They are beside each other and right off I - 25. You can't go wrong. The peak to peak is a great ride. Enjoy and be safe.

 

if you are coming up past Taos, do the Taos loop and stop at the Vietnam Memorial in Angelfire. Awesome experience (especially if you lived through it yourself). We are leaving PHX on the 5th and heading that way. we will be going east out of Durango and then up through Salida to Dillon. From there we are going up the west side of Rocky Mtn Park. Then up to Cheyene and on to Sturgis. Many great sights in Colorado and NM. We did the trip in '07 and hit Nederland which someone else mentioned. That is a great road also. Can't wait. Just over 2 weeks and we leave<G>

 

I have heard its beautiful ride. Plan on going through it when I am down there and than going to Sturgis afterwards also

 

When in Estes Park, if you go through town toward Rocky Mountain National Park (turn left at the third stop light) and follow the highway past the donut shop, (bends right here) you can get some great BBQ and beer at Smokin' Daves. Also, just on the other side of I-25 from Thunder Mountain H-D in Loveland is Nordy's BBQ. The ribs here cannot be beat.

 

Don't have suggestions on where to eat but wanted to tell you to make sure and wave as you all pass me, we are trailering up and I'm jealous of you that get to ride. My wife and I are heading up on the 3rd from Phoenix and will spend a day and a half in Denver. Plan on riding over to Evergreen, CO on the 4th and then head up to Sturgis on the 5th. Be Safe, Ride Safe.....

 

Was just on that last week. Stopped and ate at a bar/resteraunt in Nedeland (Pioneer?). Darn good grub. Don't miss the stone church. And, don't hit that black bear that we had cross right in front us! It's a beautiful road to just enjoy the scenery.
Trail Ridge is kind of a mess, btw. Lots of road rebuilding on top, long stops, etc.

 

Looks like a great road to ride. Critters crossing the road always make me a little nervous. Looks like some of these storms coming in from the Gulf may generate a lot of rain throughout the central section of the country. I have added Norby's BBQ to my gps. Ten days and a wake-up and the adventure will begin. I will pass up on the trail ridge ride if their is a lot of construction.

Thanks for all the replies.

 

Trail Ridge is still worth the time if you have it. It's darn beautiful up there!

 

Watch for the deer. They'll stand by the sides of the road and wait for ya!! Happened three times in one day...drove me nuts. Afternoon showers will pop up quickly as well. Also check the temperatures in the area before you go...you WILL like them!