THE BEST MOTORCYCLE ROADS TRAVELLED BY THE NOCO IMRG IN NORTHERN COLORADO
Trail Ridge Road: As the highest continuous paved road in the United States, Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is a truly unforgettable experience with its many twists and turns. This road climbs to an elevation of over 12,000 feet, offering stunning alpine scenery at every turn. As you wind through the park, you’ll encounter panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks, an expansive tundra, and lush forest trees. You will often see wildlife, including elk, and bighorn sheep.
Peak-to-Peak Highway: This is the first scenic byway in Colorado (1918), and is designated as Colorado State Highway 7, 72, and 119. It provides a more leisurely ride through the heart of Colorado’s Front Range. Stretching 55 miles, the Peak-to-Peak Highway provides scenic views the entire route. Peak to Peak starts in Estes Park and goes to Black Hawk, passing through Allenspark and Nederland. This byway is particularly beautiful in the fall, when the aspen trees turn golden.
Independence Pass: This challenging route reaches an elevation of 12,095 feet. Independence Pass, also known as Colorado State Highway 82, is famous for its narrow, winding sections, steep drop-offs, and hairpin turns. The road winds its way through the rugged Sawatch Range, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, including the towering peaks of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. The ride between the scenic Twin Lakes and the historic mining town of Aspen is a thrilling and unforgettable journey, but does require focus and skill.
Lariat Loop Road (Lookout Mountain Road): The Lariat Loop makes for a very enjoyable day trip. This 40-mile loop takes riders through the foothills just west of Golden, and showcases a variety of landscapes, from red rock formations to lush forests. The route includes sections of the historic Lookout Mountain Road, which winds its way up to the summit of Lookout Mountain. From the summit you can visit Buffalo Bill’s grave site and see a panoramic view of the Denver skyline and the surrounding plains. This road has so many fun twists and turns that you will want to ride it again and again!
Poudre Canyon to Walden (Highway 14): This route spans the Cache La Poudre Scenic Byway, a 101-mile ride that follows the path of the Cache La Poudre River through the northern Colorado Rockies and Roosevelt National Forest. The road winds its way through a spectacular canyon carved by the river, offering views of towering rock formations, lush forest, and whitewater rapids. As you climb in elevation, the landscape transitions from rugged canyon to alpine meadows and subalpine forests. The byway crosses Cameron Pass and eventually leads to the town of Walden, located in North Park.
Stove Prairie Road: Stove Prairie Road connects Highway 14 to Masonville, offering a scenic and less-traveled alternative to the main highway. This route meanders through rolling hills and picturesque valleys, with views that lead to the historic Stove Prairie School, a reminder of the area’s pioneer past. The road is characterized by its many back and forth curves. Along the way, you’ll encounter a mix of open meadows, ponderosa pine forests, and rural landscapes, providing a glimpse into the quieter side of Colorado.
Lefthand Canyon: This route, south of the town of Lyons, provides a direct connection to the scenic beauty of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Lefthand Canyon Road winds its way up the canyon, following the course of Lefthand Creek and offers views of the surrounding rock formations and forests. The road travels between Altona on CO 36 (north of Boulder) and Ward located on the Peak-to-Peak Highway. Instead of the busier trek through Boulder Canyon and into Boulder, the spirited and less-traveled road of Lefthand Canyon provides for a more peaceful ride.
Rist Canyon Road: Located west of Fort Collins, Rist Canyon Road offers a shorter, scenic loop that takes you through a diverse landscape of foothills and canyons. The road winds its way through ponderosa pine and juniper, with occasional glimpses of the rugged rock formations that characterize the area. Rist Canyon has some tight curves and rolling terrain, providing for a fun and engaging ride. This road can be combined with other nearby roads, such as Stove Prairie Road or Buckhorn Road, to create a longer loop and more varied ride.
Big Thompson Canyon: This route, stretching from Loveland up to Estes Park on CO 34, takes you through the heart of Big Thompson Canyon, an awe-inspiring gorge carved by the Big Thompson River. The road winds its way along the riverbank, offering breathtaking views of towering granite cliffs, whitewater rapids, and lush vegetation. The contrast between the rugged canyon walls and the serene river creates a truly dramatic and unforgettable riding experience.
Guanella Pass: For a thrilling ride, Guanella Pass is an excellent choice. This 22-mile stretch of road climbs to an elevation of 11,699 feet, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Bierstadt and Mount Evans. The road winds its way through alpine meadows and forests, with numerous switchbacks and elevation changes that provide a fun and engaging ride. Guanella Pass connects the historic towns of Grant and Georgetown.
Of course, we have explored a wealth of fantastic motorcycle routes beyond this list. Considering our location here in Northern Colorado and our surrounding region, we get to experience sweeping mountain curves, scenic byways with stunning vistas, small towns and interesting stops, and twisty river roads. What is a favorite motorcycle route of yours that we missed in this list?
MOTORCYCLE BRANDS WITH SURPRISING ORIGINS
BMW: From Flight to Freedom
BMW began as an aircraft engine manufacturer in 1916. After World War I, the company shifted to industrial engines, farm equipment, and eventually motorcycles, introducing its first motorcycle, the R32, in 1923.
Kawasaki: From Ships to Speed
Kawasaki Heavy Industries started as a shipyard in 1878 and diversified into railway cars, aircraft, and industrial equipment. In the 1960s, Kawasaki entered motorcycle manufacturing by acquiring Meguro Motorcycle Company.
Yamaha: From Organs to Performance Racing
Yamaha, founded in 1887, initially produced musical instruments like organs and pianos. Their expertise in metallurgy and precision engineering aided their entry into motorcycle production in 1955, contributing to their reputation for reliable, high-performing bikes.
Suzuki: From Looms to Spokes
Before motorcycles, Suzuki Loom Works, established in 1909, produced weaving machines. After World War II, the company used its engineering skills to produce affordable transportation, starting with a motorized bicycle in 1952, which led to their success in the motorcycle market.
Triumph: From Pedals to Petrol
Triumph, an iconic British motorcycle brand, began manufacturing bicycles in 1889. The company progressed to motorized bicycles and produced its first motorcycle in 1902.
Husqvarna: From Muskets to Motocross
Husqvarna’s history began in 1689 in Sweden, manufacturing muskets for the Swedish military. The company diversified into various products, including sewing machines and kitchen appliances. Motorcycle production began in 1903, building on their precision engineering history.
BSA: From Guns to Gold Stars
The Birmingham Small Arms Company, or BSA, founded in 1861 in Birmingham, England, initially produced firearms for the British military. In 1910, BSA produced their first motorcycle, leading to iconic models like the Gold Star.
Excelsior: From Sewing Machines to Speed
Excelsior began in 1876 as Excelsior Supply Company, distributing sewing machine parts. They expanded into bicycle and automobile parts, and in 1907, started manufacturing motorcycles. In 1912, they set a speed record as the first motorcycle to be officially timed at 100 mph.
Winchester: From Guns to Motorcycles
The Winchester Repeating Arms Company also produced motorcycles. From 1909 to 1911, they commissioned the Edwin F. Merry Company to build about 200 Winchester motorcycles, powered by single-cylinder engines.
Royal Enfield: From Needles to Motors
Royal Enfield’s origins trace back to 1851, when George Townsend began manufacturing sewing machine needles in Redditch, England. The company expanded into bicycle components and complete bicycles. In 1892, they won a contract to supply rifle parts, adopting the “Enfield” name. The first Royal Enfield motorcycle was produced in 1901. Today, Royal Enfield is a subsidiary of Eicher Motors.
Ducati: From Radio Components to Engines
Ducati started in 1926 in Bologna, Italy, producing radio components. Società Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati gained a reputation for innovation. After World War II, Ducati ventured into motorcycle production, introducing the Cucciolo engine for bicycles in 1946. This led to producing complete motorcycles and Ducati’s association with racing.
Indian: From Bicycles to Motorcycles
Indian Motorcycle initially started as the Hendee Manufacturing Company to produce bicycles in 1897. In 1901, Hendee collaborated with Oscar Hedstrom, an engineer, to build gasoline-powered bicycles. The first Indian prototype was completed in May 1901. The company officially changed its name to “The Indian Motorcycle Company” in 1923.
Many motorcycle companies leveraged expertise from other industries. The diverse backgrounds of these companies, from musical instruments to shipbuilding and firearms, have shaped the motorcycle industry.
MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS
We’ve all experienced fleeting thoughts about death and what our absence would feel like to our loved ones. “What if I die?” “What if my loved one dies?” Or for those who have lost loved ones, “I wish they were here.”
While most of us can cast these thoughts aside, for motorcyclists, these thoughts loom as a constant fear each time they ride. Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be killed in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants. And right now, in Colorado, motorcyclist fatalities are the highest in the state’s history.
In 2024, there were 165 motorcycle fatalities on Colorado roads, a 22% increase from 2023. Of these deaths, 73 (44%) were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Motorcycle fatalities accounted for nearly one-quarter (24%) of all traffic deaths in the state last year.
The good news? We’re in the drivers (and riders!) seat when it comes to reversing these concerning trends by prioritizing caution and safety on the road.
CDOT offers the following safety tips and reminders for drivers of vehicles:
- Look twice, save a life. Crashes between cars and motorcycles often happen when a car pulls onto a roadway and misses seeing a motorcycle. So if you are preparing to cross traffic or turn left, take a second look for motorcycles – they can be hard to see.
- Scan the road for motorcycles before changing lanes or turning. Be aware of motorcycles in your surroundings.
- Don’t tailgate motorcycles. Give them plenty of space to brake in case of an emergency.
- Check blind spots before changing lanes or merging, especially in heavy traffic.
- Avoid distractions, such as phones or anything else that takes your eyes off the road.
- And for motorcyclists, CDOT is sharing the following tips and reminders:
- Always wear a helmet.
- Do not ride if you’ve been drinking or taking any drugs.
- Be predictable – signal your intentions and be aware of your surroundings.
- Ride defensively – be prepared for other drivers to make mistakes.
- Invest in your safety by taking a motorcycle safety course. Visit comost.com to find courses offered through the Colorado State Patrol.
- No lane splitting – it is illegal in Colorado. Late filtering becomes legal on August 7, which allows motorcyclists to ride between stopped vehicles.
- Wear high-visibility personal protective gear such as boots and gloves.
- Observe all traffic laws and obey the speed limit.
Let’s reflect on the 165 motorcycle riders who left behind shattered hearts last year. They left their loved ones with a sentiment no one ever wishes to express: “Wish you were here.” By riding and driving responsibly, we not only safeguard ourselves but also spare our loved ones from heart-wrenching consequences. Ride and drive safely — for your own sake, and for the cherished souls who long for your return.
VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE FENDER MINI BIKE: A REMARKABLE AUTOMOTIVE (MOTORCYCLE?) INNOVATION
Within the realm of custom vehicle fabrication, where inventive concepts converge with nostalgic elements, certain creations distinguish themselves as truly exceptional. Among these notable examples is the Motorized Volkswagen Beetle Fender Minibike, conceptualized and built by Fusconeta – a distinctive, and undeniably ingenious synthesis of engineering that brings both auto and motorcycle together.
Overview of the Concept
Consider a classic Volkswagen Beetle fender, immediately identifiable by its distinctive curvature and enduring aesthetic. Envision this component subsequently re-envisioned as the primary structural element of a compact, operational minibike, complete with steering mechanisms, wheels, lighting, and engine. This precise transformation has been meticulously achieved by Fusconeta. This creation is more than a simple minibike. It represents a mobile sculptural piece that pays homage to one of history’s most iconic automobiles.
The Visionary Craftsmanship of Fusconeta
Fusconeta, an entity widely recognized for its imaginative and often unconventional automotive endeavors, possesses a notable aptitude for revitalizing repurposed or discarded components. Their body of work frequently blurs the distinction between functional vehicle and artistic installation. The Beetle Fender Minibike serves as a prime illustration of their characteristic approach. They are acknowledged for their precise execution and their capacity to discern inherent potential in unconventional materials.
Design and Engineering: Beyond Novelty
While the foundational concept may appear straightforward, its implementation demands a considerable amount of design, and engineering proficiency. The fender functions as the central chassis of the bike, providing both a distinctive aesthetic and integral structural support. The engine, a compact air-cooled unit that is characteristic of minibikes, is cleverly integrated to ensure a minimal overall footprint. Each element, from the ergonomic placement of the seating to the precise routing of the controls, reflects a deliberate design process focused on achieving both operational efficiency and visual appeal.
The selection of a Volkswagen Beetle fender holds particular significance. The Beetle itself embodies principles of simplicity, durability, and a certain inherent appeal. By incorporating its fender, Fusconeta effectively leverages a sense of automotive nostalgia, transforming a basic part of a classic into a novel and equally engaging new entity.
Factors Contributing to Its Broad Appeal
The Motorized Volkswagen Beetle Fender Minibike resonates with observers on multiple levels. For individuals who have an affinity for the Volkswagen Beetle, this mini bike provokes a sense of nostalgia and admiration. Its distinctiveness in the automotive landscape renders it an immediate point of interest and a notable attraction in various settings. The inventive repurposing of the fender demonstrates creativity and problem-solving capabilities. It also stands as a testament to the skill and dedication of its fabricator, translating a conceptual idea into a tangible, rideable machine. Fundamentally, it functions as a minibike, designed to provide straightforward recreational enjoyment.
Concluding Remarks
The Motorized Volkswagen Beetle Fender Minibike by Fusconeta represents more than merely a custom vehicle; it is a celebration of automotive heritage, innovative repurposing, and the intrinsic appeal of distinctive design. It serves as compelling evidence of Fusconeta’s artistic vision and engineering insight, demonstrating that even a seemingly modest automotive component can form the basis for an extraordinary creation. This endeavor underscores the notion that groundbreaking innovations often emerge from re-evaluating familiar objects from an entirely novel perspective.
LITTLE EXPLORERS HIT THE ROAD: EASTVITA RIDE-ON INDIAN MOTORCYCLE FOR KIDS
Ever noticed how kids just light up at the site of a cool motorcycle? For small adventurers, a fun ride-on Indian Chieftain toy motorcycle can be purchased at Walmart for about $70 bucks. This EastVita electric ride-on toy makes playtime seriously exciting for toddlers!
This little gem is a 6V electric ride-on toy that perfectly captures the classic Indian Chieftain look. While it may be a hit for grown-ups, it’s made for toddlers in the 1 to 4-year age range. It’s just their size! It has a cool style that nails the Indian Chieftain vibe, and lets little riders feel like they’re cruising on a truly classic bike. This ride-on runs on 6V power and goes at a nice, slow 2 mph – perfect for a toddler. Plus, it comes with two training wheels, helping kids feel confident and happy as they roll along.
Lights, Music, Fun! This bike even has some cool extras. Your little one can ride around with the headlights on and their favorite tunes playing! The controls are designed to be super simple for tiny hands and feet. Just a quick tap of the foot pedal to go forward.
If you’re looking for a fun, safe, and stylish ride-on toy for a toddler in your life, this may be the ticket. Introduce them to a legendary American styled motorcycle, and the joy of riding and adventure!
RIDE TO REMEMBER, RIDE TO FUND: IMRG’S MISSION FOR FOLDS OF HONOR
The IMRG National Charity Ride is IMRG’s community flagship fundraising event benefiting Folds of Honor, which provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. Last year, a goal of $50K was set, and altogether IMRG chapters across the nation raised over $114K. This year, the National IMRG is aiming even higher – $250K to fund 90 scholarships. That’s real impact, and we’re the ones who can make it happen.
This campaign launched April 14th, and it runs all riding season long. The final ride celebration takes place Saturday, September 20th. However, this is not about a one-day event. It’s a season-long effort. The September ride is the finish line, not the starting point. Every chapter across the nation has a role to play from spring through summer.
Scholarships are awarded to applicants in all 50 states. These scholarships turn our fundraising into a real, lasting positive impact for deserving families. This mission aligns with IMRG values: community, respect, and service. We don’t just ride to remember- we ride to change lives across the country.
If you believe in the cause, we need you to get involved. Visit the National Charity Ride website today to register and donate for this worthy cause. To-date, the Northern Colorado IMRG has raised $240 of our $500 pledge.
To make a donation to Folds of Honor and sign-up for the National Charity Ride on September 20th, or to simply make a donation, visit the Northern Colorado IMRG National Charity Ride Team page:
- To donate and sign-up for the Charity Ride, click the “Join Our Ride” button. The ride donation is $35 and comes with a T-Shirt. Make sure you select South Region as your region.
- For a donation only contribution, select the “Donate Now” button.
Your support, in any form, can make a real difference in the lives of these deserving families.