Discovering So. Colorado on A Motorcycle - San Juan Mountain Skyway

Ranked by motorcyclists as a near perfect 10, this popular destination is a favorite among many! The San Juan Mountain Skyway is a circular path that goes through historic mining towns, through world-class ski resorts and National Forest lands as well. From the plains to the peaks, you will climb to over 10,000 feet three different times. You will experience pristine canyons bordered by 1000-foot rock walls. The fall foliage of Uncompahgre Gourge makes for beautiful photographs, as do the scenic overlooks and pull-outs in the canyons and on top of the peaks.

Be sure to tour the mining towns of Silverton and Ouray, and if you like to hike, we recommend Bridal Veil Falls. Superb! After lunch, ride the Narrow Gauge Railway from Durango to Silverton. This is a marvelous area of Colorado, rich in history and tradition, known for its terrific outdooor recreational activities year-round. For late fall and early spring, you'll want to outfit yourself and your family with heated riding gear from www.MotorcycleAccessoriesUnlimited.com so you stay warm in the quickly-changing Colorado weather. Don't be caught unprepared - the climate is unforgiving.

From Durango, you'll take Highway 160 west to Cortez. And just before you get to Cortez, turn north on Highway 145 and follow it to Telluride. At Placerville, take Highway 62 to Ridgway, and then turn south on Highway 550. Highway 550 takes you back down to Durango, a loop of about 250 miles.

There are wonderful restaurants all along the way, great lodging and shopping to beat the band! This adventure boasts well-maintained roads, weather permitting. Dress in layers, bring your camera, and bring your shopping money - you'll find treasures in these quaint little towns unlike any other. The feel of the cool mountain air, the warm Colorado sun and the beauty of God's creation all around - it's a motorcyclist's dream! Ride safe, ride protected.

Motorcycle Adventures in So. Colorado - Independence Pass

Between Aspen, CO, and Twin Lakes, CO, you'll find breathtaking views of Colorado's majestic Maroon Bells as you travel across Independence Pass. From dense forests at lower elevations to the rocky peaks at 13,000 feet, the scenery is simply fantastic! A favorite time of year on this route is the early fall - but ride prepared for weather changes. You can get chaps, jackets, gloves, heated riding gear and more at www.MotorcycleAccessoriesUnlimited.com to keep yourself warm and protected from the rapidly-changing Colorado weather. And this road consists of switchbacks, steep drop-offs and sharp curves, so be sure to pay attention to the warning signs so you're not caught offguard.

A camera is a must - the views are incomparable. And while there are amenities in both Aspen and Twin Lakes, there is virtually nothing in between. This is approximately a 40-mile ride, but don't let its shortness in length deter you. From Denver, take I-70 west to Vail, exiting at Highway24. Follow Highway 24 through Leadville to Highway 82 going toward Twin Lakes. From Aspen, head east out of town on Highway 82.

Stop for lunch in Aspen, enjoying the shopping and recreational activities, and you're back in Denver by nightfall. Outdoor enthusiasts love the high-mountain scenery of Colorado - not just to see it, but to experience it!

Motorcycle Adventures in So. Colorado - Mesa Verde National Park

Fall is the perfect time of year to explore the valleys, plains and mountains of Southern Colorado on a bike. Experience dictates, however, the appropriate gear, as the weather can be rather unpredictable. Before you leave for Mesa Verde, check out www.MotorcycleAccessoriesUnlimited.com for the riding gear and accessories you need for yourself and the whole family. Riding prepared with the appropriate safety gear is the smart way to ride.

Mesa Verde National Park, near Cortez, CO, offers great hiking and adventure through the ancient cliff dwellings of the ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for nearly 700 years shortly after the death of Jesus. From Cortez, the park is only 8 miles. From Denver, it's roughly 380 miles south on Highway 285 through Salida, Pagosa Springs and Durango.

Come and explore these marvelously preserved living quarters. Some of the hikes require physical strength and ability - be sure to check with the rangers if you have any medical issues that might cause you a problem. The park offers many different food options, as does Cortez, and there is lodging and gas in Cortez as well.

You definitely need your camera to visit this National Park - it's something like you've never seen before.

Southern Colorado on a Motorcycle - South Park Loop

As fall approaches, the colors of the trees along the South Park Loop are fabulous! This is an easy day trip out of Denver, about 200 miles full circle. But take your time, enjoy the scenic pull-outs and overlooks, as there are accommodations all along the way. From Denver, take Highway 85 south through Sedalia to Highway 105, and then follow 105 south to Monument. From Monument, take I-25 south to Colorado Springs, and then go southwest on Highway 115 toward Canon City. About three miles west of Canon City, you find Highway 9, which will take you to the north through the magnificent, expansive South Park Basin to Fairplay. At Fairplay, go northeast on Highway 285, over Kenosha Pass, back into Denver through Bailey and Conifer.

This route begins in the rolling foothills before crossing the Palmer Divide and descending into beautiful South Park. And the valley stretches as far as the eye can see in every direction, surrounded on all sides by majestic Colorado mountains. The aspen trees and oak brush will begin turning color when the weather begins to change - usually around Labor Day - and they provide a very picturesque journey.

Amenities are plentiful all along the route, gas, restaurants, shopping and overnight accommodations. Be sure to take your camera - this is a favorite route for pictures. If you ride this loop in the early spring or later in the fall, be sure to check us out at www.MotorcycleAccessoriesUnlimited.com for the jackets, boots, gloves and chaps you'll need to stay warm. Come and explore the beauty of South Park the way God intended it to be enjoyed - on a motorcycle!

So. Colorado Motorcycle Destinations - Black Canyon of the Gunnison

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is Southern Colorado's premier motorcycle destination. From Gunnison, CO, go west on Highway 92 to the Blue Mesa Reservoir, and then northwest along the shelf of the mesa and along the mountains to Crawford, CO. You will go in and out of canyons along the way with 1000-foot rock walls, carved by the beautiful Gunnison River. Picnic along the river, hike into the canyons, and don't forget your camera! This is a 32-mile run with twists and turns all through the length of the canyon, and there are scenic overlooks at both ends of the canyon.

Wildlife is plentiful - watch for them on the road, and watch for an occasional rock that comes down from the canyon walls above. The road is well maintained, and this is an outdoor enthusiast's dream! There are amenities in both Gunnison and Crawford, gas, restaurants, shopping and overnight accommodations. Once you arrive in Crawford, you can take Highway 50 to the South Rim of the Canyon and pay to see this spectacular view from another vantage point. It's well worth the minimal charge.

The weather in the canyon and around Gunnison in the fall is typically a bit cooler. Dress in layers, wear protective gear, and for those last-minute accessories or gear you need, check out www.motorcycleaccessoriesunlimited.com We have everything you need at very competitive prices! Ride smart, ride safe!

Motorcycle Destinations in Colorado - Mount Evans

Mount Evans is just west of Denver, and rises to a height of 14,250 feet at its peak. It also boasts the highest paved road anywhere in the United States. This is an easy day trip from Denver. To find Mount Evans, take I-70 west to either Idaho Springs or the El Rancho exit, #252. From Exit 252 you take Highway 74 south for about three miles to Highway 103. Highway 103 to the west leads you to the summit of Mount Evans.

If you stay on I-70 to Idaho Springs, or you come from the west, exit at #240 and then follow Highway 103 west for about 15 miles. You will pass through dense trees in the lower mountains as you pass through the Arapaho National Forest, and eventually you will climb above timberline to the rocky peaks of Mount Evans. The views of the Front Range to the east, and the metropolitan area of Denver are nice, but to the west, as far as you can see, is purple mountain's majesty - one mountain range after another! Don't forget to bring your camera - this is a very special destination!

At the top of the mountain the only amenities are restrooms, but there is a nice visitor's center and restaurant at the bottom. Come and enjoy God's spectacular creation on Mount Evans, just went of Denver!

Find the protective gear you need, from helmets to jackets and chaps to gloves and boots at discounted prices at www.motorcycleaccessoriesunlimited.com - your online resource for top quality motorcycle accessories.

Colorado Motorcycle Destinations - Walden Loop

The Walden Loop takes you across the Continental Divide at least twice and gives spectacular views of Colorado's majestic mountains. From Ft. Collins (home of the CSU Rams) go west through Poudre Canyon on Highway 14 (but don't miss the beauty of this stretch of the trip) to Walden. From Walden - primarily a farming and ranching community - go south on Highway 125 toward Granby. Once you reach Granby, turn north on Highway 34, going past Grand Lake, up through Rocky Mountain National Park to Estes Park. Grand Lake is a pristine high-mountain lake reflecting the clear blue Colorado sky, great for fishing and boating. Of course, Rocky Mountain National Park is home to moose, deer, elk, big horn sheep, bald eagles and many other wild animals. The photo opps never cease along this route.

Once you have finished exploring the beauty of the Park and the quaint shops and restaurants of Estes Park, you will continue on Highway 34 to Loveland, through the Big Thompson Canyon and back to Ft. Collins. This trip is about 220 miles, an easy day trip, but if you take your time and enjoy the sites along the way, plan to spend the night in either Granby or Estes. Again, dress in layers, take plenty of warm gear - I have actually encountered fresh snow on the 4th of July in the National Park.

Gear and Accessories available online at www.motorcycleaccessoriesunlimited.com - shop online, shop secure, shop for less!

Beginning up Poudre Canyon

Colorado Motorcycle Destinations - Steamboat Springs, CO

From majestic Rocky Mountain National Park and fabulous Estes Park, a wonderful day trip takes you through the Park to Grand Lake. Take Highway 40 west from Granby through a beautiful canyon where several movies have been filmed, where the river runs parallel to an historic railroad track, through Kremmling, past the Wolford Mountain Recreational Area, over Rabbit Ears Pass and into Steamboat Springs. This 80-mile trip gives the rider a wide variety of scenery, from mountain peaks to canyons to the sagebrush flats west of Kremmling. But every town along the route welcomes visitors with great restaurants and unique shopping experiences.



You will definitely want to stop in the pull-outs on top of Rabbit Ears Pass and as you descend into the Yampa Valley in order to capture the view on film. And a beautiful waterfall provides great photography as well at Fish Creek Falls. Steamboat Springs is known for its world-class ski resort and its vast array of summer and winter sports. This is a favorite destination in the spring, summer and early fall among Colorado's motorcycle enthusiasts. If you go after the fall colors are starting to change, be sure to travel south of Steamboat on Highway 131 to Oak Creek - the oak brush unique to these canyons and on these hills turn the most beautiful colors - from dark red to bright yellow! The deep snow pictured on top of Rabbit Ears will make you want to return in your car with your skis during the wintertime! It's truly a winter wonderland.

Visit our site - www.motorcycleaccessories unlimited.com - to outfit yourself for touring in Colorado's high country.

Colorado Motorcycle Destinations - Peak To Peak Highway

Colorado boasts the majority of the 14,000-foot peaks located in the U.S., which give great scenery, marvelous climbs and beautiful, deep canyons to explore on a motorcycle! From Rocky Mountain National Park atop the Continental Divide to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado provides the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the United States. (But, of course, I'm partial!) And Colorado depends on tourism, therefore, they roll out the red carpet to visitors, providing great restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfasts, shopping and recreational activities all over the state. St. Catherine's Church (pictured above) sits in the shadows of the Continental Divide.

Let's begin with the magnificient Peak to Peak Highway - a 55-mile ride through both the Roosevelt and Arapaho National Forests and the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Begin in Golden and go west through Golden Gate Canyon, or start in Boulder and go west in Left Hand Canyon. Or from Lyons, go west on Highway 7, and you will intersect with the Peak to Peak Highway. Detour into Rocky Mountain National Park and Golden Gate Canyon State Park, hike to ghost towns and historic mining towns from this oldest scenic byway in Colorado's high country. Don't forget your camera, and your wallet, as there is wonderful shopping and restaurants in Golden, Boulder and Estes Park. The Riders' Rating for this destination is an 8 out of 10 - don't miss these views!

Be sure to visit www.motorcycleaccessoriesunlimited.com to get the gear and accessories you need to explore Colorado!

Mount Meeker Pullout

One More Word About Safety

I'm going to "harp" just a little more about motorcycle safety, and then I'm going to begin to give you some marvelous motorcycle adventure destinations in this blog! I'll give you directions to the most beautiful scenery in the country suitable for motorcycle trips. But first, some more safety tips. Proper motorcycle safety gear covers the rider from head to toe. You can see my earlier posting for helmet information. The only additional information I have here is to choose a helmet that fits your personality AND your head. Not every head is round - some are oblong. So are some helmets, so be sure to measure and fit your helmet carefully.

When riding offroad, whether racing Motocross or just playing in the back country, your body needs protection all over. Protect your hands with leather gloves, your feet with specific offroad boots. Leather pants or chaps and jackets protect your torso, legs and arms better than textile jackets, but textile is somewhat cooler because it is often vented. And don't forget eyewear. If your helmet does not have a visor, be sure to invest in a good pair of goggles or glasses to limit the wind and bugs that get into your eyes.

At www.motorcycleaccessoriesunlimited.com we carry a complete line of protective gear, including ankle, knee and elbow braces. We also carry body armor and shoulder braces. Make no mistake about it, it's a rough sport when you leave the road!

Motorcycle Safety

All of us at www.motorcycleaccessoriesunlimited.com are adamant about riding with helmets, whether you are going across town or across country, whether you are a novice or an experienced rider, and whether you think you need to or not! Motorcycle helmets save lives by preventing serious head and brain injuries. The outer shell of a motorcycle helmet compresses upon impact, lessening the force coming into contact with your body. The inner liner absorbs the impact of your head hitting the inside of the helmet, and all of this is lined with comfort padding, providing comfort and fit. Don't ever ride with the chin strap undone - it must be securely strapped to give you optimal protection.

As head injuries account for most motorcycle fatalities, you can avoid being one of the statistics by riding with a helmet. We carry a complete line of cruising and touring helmets, of racing and offroad helmets and scooter helmets. And best of all, our prices are competitive with any online retailer, saving you money whether you ride for a living or ride as a hobby.

Welcome!

Allow me to introduce myself! My name is Laura Woods, and I am the proud owner of MotorcycleAccessoriesUnlimited.com - your one-stop shopping online for motorcycle, ATV, Motocross, dirt bike and scooter gear and accessories. As the American economy continues to decline, many people are turning to drastic measures to save a few dollars. For many, they have started riding cheaper modes of transportation, and it is for this crowd that my site was created. To save money riding motorcycles and scooters, we need a less expensive source for buying protective gear and accessories. It is a niche which has taken off with more and more riders hitting the streets every day. This grandbaby already LOVES her daddy's "cyck - o"- although now she's nearly 2!

Of course, I also carry a complete line of Motocross and dirt bike gear and accessories for those who ride and race offroad. My site is continually growing, I'm adding new products daily, and I look forward to outfitting you for your next ride! Shop online and shop secure at www.motorcycleaccessoriesunlimited.com