Colorad Springs anyone?

smarkum · Post by **smarkum** » Sun Jun 17, 2012 1:41 pm

Hello all, So we're traveling to Colorado Springs for a 7 day vaca. We will be there at the end of June and emcompassing July 4th. I cannot remember the exact dates right now. I will confirm them though and post them here.
I'm wondering if there are any scooterists in the Colorado Springs area that would want to spend a few hours or a day riding? I willl have to rent a scoot - so suggestions on that would be appreciated. But, I'd love to ride there and I know locals always know the best most beautiful routes! Anyone?
I will be able to ride anytime July first through July 6th. . . so if anybody is free, let me know!

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Sun Jun 17, 2012 3:25 pm

Does that mean you won't be in Kansas anymore?

velobuff · Post by **velobuff** » Sun Jun 17, 2012 9:11 pm

I can't think of that many things to do in CO Springs for a whole week but if you're up in Boulder then hit me up!

smarkum · Post by **smarkum** » Mon Jun 18, 2012 11:29 am

We will be visiting 7 Falls, the Royal Gorge, a Llama rescue center, and the condo we are staying in is right across the street from the Garden of the Gods. We could spend 7 days there just playing in the dirt and climbing around. Last time we were there, my three girls played for many hours in that area...hide and seek is a blast as there are so many different places to sneak in and hide! We will also be going to the Zoo, twice. Once one the front end of the trip and then again before we leave.
I wondered how far Denver is from that area? I know there are a lot of members on this board who live in Denver. If it is not too far, maybe that would be an option too if I cannot find anyone closer. The only consideration I have about that is if the altitude is a ton higher than Colorado. . . and since it is the mile high city . . . sounds like it might be. I don't do real well in altitude . . . so maybe staying in CO Springs is a better idea if altitude were to bite me. What do you foks think?

un_designer · Post by **un_designer** » Mon Jun 18, 2012 1:16 pm

Co. Springs is actually higher up in elevation than Denver actually. It's around 6000 feet above sea level. Boulder is also higher up than Denver, but just by a little bit.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Mon Jun 18, 2012 1:48 pm

I'll check with a couple friends I have down there. they aren't MB members, since Ben rides a pine green Honda Elite 250, but he'd probably welcome some company!

smarkum · Post by **smarkum** » Mon Jun 18, 2012 7:55 pm

Great and Great!!!
So, any ideas on where I should call for a Buddy rental?

velobuff · Post by **velobuff** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 1:48 am

Sportique has locations in Colorado Springs and a few in the Denver area - I would guess they could rent you one.

Or hit up someone selling their scoot on CraigsList.

I doubt you'll be riding a buddy up to Denver unless it was a Blur 220 or you took all day on the back roads getting up to there.

smarkum · Post by **smarkum** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 10:13 am

I will give Sportique a call! Thanks. . . I was thinking I could drive the cage to Denver and rent something there if need be . . . but if Sportique is there, then I'm probably set. I bet they can hook me up with a riding buddy too!
Thanks!

Dracolibris · Post by **Dracolibris** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 9:07 pm

I've never heard that Sportique rents scooters, but I did rent one once from Erico Motorsports in Denver. Perhaps if you call them they could refer you to someone in CO Springs, or offer you a deal if you wanted to drive to Denver...

smarkum · Post by **smarkum** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 10:13 pm

Hey Draco . . . wanna go riding if I drive to Denver?? Or any of you Denver folks? I might just have to do it!

Dracolibris · Post by **Dracolibris** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 10:38 pm

If my schedule allows, I am always up for a ride!

illnoise · Post by **illnoise** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 2:07 am

Well, you know that the national Lambretta Jamboree is in Colorado Springs that weekend

http://lambretta.org/index.php?pid=16

I'm not sure how open they are to non-Lambrettisti, it's not nearly as large or all-encompassing as Amerivespa, but if there's a concours or something, and I happened to be in town, I know I wouldn't miss it!

smarkum · Post by **smarkum** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 10:49 am

OH MY GOSH! That is SO GREAT!

Thanks Illnoise. . . I'm researching that deal today! We may have to leave a day early (oh darn) so I can get rested and somewhat acclimated to the elevation . . . and I WILL NOT Be taking the Pikes Peak ride on a scooter, in a car, in a box, OR on a fox.
Thanks for the heads up! I'm SO on it. . . !

smarkum · Post by **smarkum** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 12:23 am

Ok, so the aforementioned Rally seems to not want to allow me to ride with them. . . . something about "VINTAGE LAMBRETTA" only. . . so there.
So, I've been told that in the Van it will be about an hour to Denver from the Springs. . .
Does that sound right? and, if so, when are any of you available for a ride? I'm pretty flexible . . . Still have to locate a rental place. Sportique in the Springs is a no go . . . I didn't think to ask them about Denver when I was on that call . .. . D'OH!

And, should I bring my Summer Jacket or my Fall/early spring jacket?

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 2:50 pm

I'm sure I could meet up with ya at some point! I'm a m-f 9-5 type.

We have local 'Iron Butt' run next weekend, where we'll ride @ 150 miles.

Currently it's going to be 100 degrees. Also, the northern part of the state burned down, so it's HOT. I would bring a summer jacket, sunscreen, and WATER. We're in high desert, water sucks right out of you.

PM me when you get details, We'll see if we can figure something out.

Markfaz · Post by **Markfaz** » Sun Jun 24, 2012 1:21 am

Don't forget the US Olympic Center is there. I get there 3-4 times a year because of what I do and I never get tired of it. They give tours and it is a very cool experience if you have never been there before.

Have a great trip!!

Markfaz · Post by **Markfaz** » Sun Jun 24, 2012 4:13 am

Just got off the phone with a buddy (no pun intended) in COS. They are having BIG problems with a forest fire there, especially in the Garden of the Gods area. Please be careful on your trip!!

smarkum · Post by **smarkum** » Sun Jun 24, 2012 10:17 am

HI Markfaz. THanks. We just got a report that Grandpa may be evacuated. . . NNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. He is across the way from Garden of the Gods. Those poor people of Colorado. All of you in Denver area be careful. We are not brave, nor are we heros. Will stay here if it is dangerous. Hopefully the winds will shift and all of the fires will turn back on themselved and burn themselves out. . .

velobuff · Post by **velobuff** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 3:37 am

@skully93 - I just realized my avatar is of your scooter

smarkum · Post by **smarkum** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 10:25 am

Not even sure if we'll be going now . . . the fires are spreading and it is NOT looking good. At this point every point of interest we wanted to see is closed. Now, I realize Saturday is still a good five full days away . . . but that fire is intense.
Please stay safe friends is Colorado . . .and everywhere. Stay safe on your scoots, but in life too.

Jackie F · Post by **Jackie F** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:53 pm

illnoise wrote:Well, you know that the national Lambretta Jamboree is in Colorado Springs that weekend

http://lambretta.org/index.php?pid=16

I'm not sure how open they are to non-Lambrettisti, it's not nearly as large or all-encompassing as Amerivespa, but if there's a concours or something, and I happened to be in town, I know I wouldn't miss it!

Lammy Jammy is only for Lambrettas. They will snub you. They did last year to someone with a vintage Vespa.

smarkum · Post by **smarkum** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 10:24 am

I've already been snubbed by the lammy group. . .
but, their event may not be happening because of the fires.
Our in-laws called last night and had been ordered to leave. They live across the way from Garden of the Gods. At this point they are just across town, but they may be going to Canyon City where the great grandma lives. So, Denver folks. . . is everything on fire there? We are so bummed. We've not told the three little girls who are going to cry their little eyes out. . . we had to cancel spring break to see Grandpa at his home in TX because the flu was in town and in our house. Two people in our town, and one mother in the girls elementary school died from this flu we all had. But our sweet little girls didn't care. We were the worst parents ever. I can only imagine what they will call us now! Does anybody have a cottage in an area of CO that is NOT on fire that we can stay in for a week? What a crappy way to start hump day.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 1:54 pm

Balls!

I hope our Springs peeps and your family are alright! The fires are really significant, and one just started near my Boulder office!

Hrm, contingency plans... There are a million little towns that thankfully aren't on fire. What is it you were going to do in GotG? It's hot and dry but there are lots of places. Even close to Denver, we have Red Rocks (sure, it's not as big, but it is nice...), and we have a decent museum and zoo that are right next to each other in City Park.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 1:56 pm

velobuff wrote:@skully93 - I just realized my avatar is of your scooter

Heh, well she still looks better than I do on it. I think your blog you managed to capture the most horrid picture of me in a while. I won't fault the camera so much as the huge amounts of crappy food/booze I had that week.

I'm going to have to update some pictures anyway.

smarkum · Post by **smarkum** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 2:17 pm

Are the fires threatening Denver?

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 2:22 pm

no, they're nowhere near Denver at the moment. The concrete jungle tends to keep that at bay. Most of what is on fire is forested areas that have not burned in over a century, combined with record heat and dry wind.

I'm very sensitive to smoke and I've been fine so far.

I'm a bit worried about our 'iron butt' ride this Sat, as it is something I've been looking forward to for months. Our route will take us the direction of one of the smaller fires.

smarkum · Post by **smarkum** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 2:37 pm

do you know of any nice places we could stay up in Denver? Now remember, we were staying for FREE with the in-laws for 7 nights, so by nice I don't mean $$$$. But I know locals often know of little out of the way places that are a nice environment with lesser cost than a hotel. . . we may be heading to Denver. We'd better figure it out fast because with all of the displaced people, I bet hotel rooms are going to be difficult to find! YIKES.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 2:43 pm

I'll have to check around. I would see if there are some extended stay spots, though I'm no help. If our house were bigger I'd offer!

I'll tell you what, let me PM you my email/phone, that way if you find some things that you're thinking about you can run the area of town by me if needed.

velobuff · Post by **velobuff** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 3:03 pm

skully93 wrote:
velobuff wrote:@skully93 - I just realized my avatar is of your scooter
Heh, well she still looks better than I do on it. I think your blog you managed to capture the most horrid picture of me in a while. I won't fault the camera so much as the huge amounts of crappy food/booze I had that week.

I'm going to have to update some pictures anyway.

I can photoshop your photo if you'd like

Sorry I plastered it in the FB group

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 3:35 pm

nah, that's fine.

I'm 5'7" and 180lbs, most of it very good muscle. but if I go on a week long bender, I expect a bit of chub.

Besides, I'm married to a hottie 11 years younger than me. I win!

.

smarkum · Post by **smarkum** » Fri Jun 29, 2012 12:11 am

Well, since the in-laws are still displaced , we are going to Denver instead! We are leaving KC on Sat morn . . . and will probably stop in the Springs and see the in-laws, but then on to Denver for 6 or 7 nights unless the in-.laws get allowed back to their home (and if it is standing). So, tell me the MUST SEE"S for Denver. . . . I don't know that any scootering will be happening

as our plans have so drastically changed, but still hope to have a lot of fun. . . So, suggestions for 3 darling girls, 10yo, 9yo and 8yo. . . (it SEEMED like a good idea at the time!).

And, is there a scooter rental place in Denver. . . or anybody who has an extra scoot hanging out that would like to ride Sunday?

velobuff · Post by **velobuff** » Fri Jun 29, 2012 1:14 am

Denver zoo
botanic gardens
First Friday & Santa fe ave is awesome
Denver cruiser ride Wednesday pm (adults or liberal kids might have fun)

Boulder
- pearl st mall
- hike around chautaqua
- celestial seasonings tea tour

Golden
- drive up lookout mtn & see buffalo bils grave
- downtown
- woodsy pizza

Estes park

Rocky mtn national park

Ft Collins

Like beer? Tons of local breweries

I could go on and on - too much to see/do here.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Fri Jun 29, 2012 3:09 am

Maybe Velo can come down too:

So, of course we have the 4th off. There is a gathering of my current and former kung-fu students there. unfortunately the fireworks are cancelled, but maybe we can go anyway. I'm sure if we pick up some extra food, you guys would be welcome.

I am not the fan of 1st Friday that Velo is, but you're welcome to park in front of the house. I can even personally recommend a few galleries to hit.

The zoo and Museum are awesome.

You have my info, we'll try to coordinate something or other.