"Ticket to Telluride" Tour on September 12-14 Weekend - Western Colorado Loop

[richm]

The New Mexico Roadsters Saturn SKY and Pontiac Solstice Club is hosting a regional ride through Southwestern Colorado which they are calling the "Ticket to Telluride" Tour.

THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO EVERYONE

The Route: The total Durango-Telluride loop is 231 miles, about 5.5 hours of driving time at slower mountain speed limits. The ride will begin in Durango , where we are in the process of arrange group hotel rates. From there, we will drive up the Million Dollar Highway to the historic mining towns of Silverton and Ouray (70 miles total) and stop for walking and shopping and an early lunch. After that, we will drive another 50 miles to Telluride where we will spend the afternoon touring the city and breathing in the mountain air. From Telluride, it is 111 miles back down the hill to Durango, and we may stop along the way for dinner.



Million Dollar Highway: MSN Today lists the drive to Silverton and Ouray as one the best drives in the nation: "Despite varying explanations as to the origin of its name (one claims it cost $1 million a mile to build in 1924; another says it contains $1 million in gold ore), there's no disputing the fact that the 75-mile stretch of scenic highway known as Million Dollar Highway is a breathtaking journey through the majestic mountain passes of western Colorado. Crossing part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, and following route US 550 between the old mining towns of Silverton and Ouray, the route's twists and turns wend high above the Red Mountain Pass at an 11,018-foot-high collapsed volcano whose lava flow was found to contain gold in 1860 and past the deep Uncompahgre Gorge, into which flow several waterfalls. As you continue to slice through the mountainside, winding along hairpin switchbacks (which tend to lack guardrails) and following old stagecoach paths, this route bears witness to the area's now-defunct mining operations; you can even stop in Silverton to admire the town's historic Victorian style buildings, some of which date back to 1874. That said, the real beauty of this trip is its elevated "million dollar" sights: Stunning views of the never-ending country-side, landscapes of springtime wildflowers, and vast terrain where elk, mountain goats, black bears, and deer roam freely and truly the picture-postcard image of the great American outdoors."

Cost: This is event is free to participate in, except for the cost of food and lodging. The more the merrier -- EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Accommodations: We are working on group lodging rates in Durango. We will post the info after this is done.

Preview / Photos: James Walker, who will be leading this ride, went on an exploratory trip and took some photos along the way. Click below to view the photos:
New Mexico Roadsters - Saturn Sky Pontiac Solstice Club - Durango to Telluride Photos

How to RSVP: To RSVP for this ride, simply fill out the RSVP Form on the New Mexico Roadsters site at:
New Mexico Roadsters - Saturn Sky Pontiac Solstice Club

[Rail Jockey]

We are signed up and ready for some beautiful alpine scenery, twisties and good company. Coming down from Salt Lake City on Friday the 12th.
Funny thing is we had planned on making this trip this month (July) and include a few days in New Mexico. We decided to postpone the trip after finding a last minute Alaskan cruise that was to good to pass up.
We can't wait!

[richm]

Great, that means that we now have RSVPs from THREE of the FOUR-CORNER states. All we need is folks from Colorado and we can have a 4CCCC meeting (Four Corners Car Club Council).

I did a google map and Durango seems fairly equidistant from several major cities in the region, including:

- Salt Lake 6.5 hours
- Denver 6.5 hours
- Phoenix 7.5 hours
- Albuquerque 4.0 hours
- El Paso 7.5 hours

[Rail Jockey]

Hey Colorado Kappas I know your out there, this cruise is right in your back yard. Come join us

[RonsSkyRedline]

Just signed up and can't wait til Sept.

[whitefang]

Already have a commitment for that weekend otherwise would have loved to join everyone. Have driven those roads, but not in my Solstice. Sounds like a really fun weekend.

Make it an annual event and set the date for next year, Just make sure it isn't the Telluride Film Festival weekend

[dcparks]

Originally Posted by whitefang

Already have a commitment for that weekend otherwise would have loved to join everyone. Have driven those roads, but not in my Solstice. Sounds like a really fun weekend.

Make it an annual event and set the date for next year, Just make sure it isn't the Telluride Film Festival weekend

This IS the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival weekend though... I have tickets and will be arriving in Telluride on Wednesday - the festival is all weekend, Friday, Sat and Sunday, going home on Monday... When are you all planning to be there (in Telluride)?? I will be there in the pickup as I will be camping. Last year I took my Sky to the festival and had LOTS of comments from people.. I have been all over Colorado in my Sky and the ride you are planning is an awesome ride... See my myspace page and check out some of my photos...

[richm]

We have reserved a room block at the Travelodge for this event. Please call 970-247-1741 and tell them that you are with the GM Roadster group to receive our group rates of $69 per night for a 2-Queen room and $79 per night for a KING. We have only reserved a dozen rooms, so you must call early to get these rates (our room block expires the end of August). The Travelodge is at 2970 Main Avenue (30th & Main Avenue) in Durango, CO 81301. Here is a google link:

2970 Main Avenue, durango co (Travelodge 970-247-1741 - Google Maps)

[richm]

Originally Posted by dcparks

This IS the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival weekend though... I have tickets and will be arriving in Telluride on Wednesday - the festival is all weekend, Friday, Sat and Sunday, going home on Monday... When are you all planning to be there (in Telluride)?? I will be there in the pickup as I will be camping. Last year I took my Sky to the festival and had LOTS of comments from people.. I have been all over Colorado in my Sky and the ride you are planning is an awesome ride... See my myspace page and check out some of my photos...

Very cool! Telluride Blues & Brews Festival | Telluride, Colorado

I am guessing that we will be in Telluride early in the afternoon. Do you think the town will be empty as most people will be at the Festival listening to music at that time? We were considering doing a late lunch in Telluride, but this event may alter our plans. Should we plan on lunch earlier along the trip before we get to Telluride?

[dcparks]

Originally Posted by richm

Very cool! Telluride Blues & Brews Festival | Telluride, Colorado

I am guessing that we will be in Telluride early in the afternoon. Do you think the town will be empty as most people will be at the Festival listening to music at that time? We were considering doing a late lunch in Telluride, but this event may alter our plans. Should we plan on lunch earlier along the trip before we get to Telluride?

People will be coming and going.. Last year there were over 8,000 people in town for the festival.. Most people will be inside the festival area, but we have wrist bands to come and go. I recall a lot of people leaving for meals and returning for different bands. The music starts at 11:00 am on Sunday and will be continuing off and on until probably 9:30-10:00 when the festival moves into town and the bands that played at the festival move into the various night clubs. If I knew when you all were there, I would love to join you while you are in town. I will be staying in the campground next to the festival site.

The ride sounds like a blast.. Too bad, I already have these great plans..

[RonsSkyRedline]

I would like to see a count on those coming to this event posted, also start time of the run from Durango, I assume on Sat. AM, and return time/day as well. Is there anything planed for Sun. or is that check out day? Anyone planing on ride back to Teluride on Sun. or are some of you planing on staying in Teluride Saturday PM to attend the Blues & Brews Festival there and then head back on Sunday? I just need a little more information. Thanks, Ron

Update: Booked our room and are set to arrive Fri. afternoon around 3-5PM. We look forward to meeting some new friends and share some good times with you all!

[richm]

The count so far is 17 people in 11 cars.

The list of attendees is here:
New Mexico Roadsters - Saturn Sky Pontiac Solstice Club

James is working on times. I am not aware of anyone who is staying in Telluride yet, but that might not be a bad idea, especially for the Salt Lake folks for whom it would be a closer return trip on Sunday.

I think someone offered to host a breakfast at their house near Durango on Sunday.

As far as times, nothing yet. I will ask James to give his thoughts.

[williamgeorge]

again, thank you for such great "animal" pictures, you must visit the Desert Museum an aweful lot. Thank you for sharing the experience with those of us who don't live in AZ.
---------------------
williamgeorge
Colorado Drug Addiction

[Rail Jockey]

We booked our room and hope to be there by about 5-6 pm Friday. We are traveling with Sean and Angie Marshall.
Note: When we booked the rooms we talked to Andy. He didn't have any info on a block of rooms but gave us the rates anyway.

[whitefang]

Originally Posted by Rail Jockey

We booked our room and hope to be there by about 5-6 pm Friday. We are traveling with Sean and Angie Marshall.
Note: When we booked the rooms we talked to Andy. He didn't have any info on a block of rooms but gave us the rates anyway.

Same here. I booked through 800 number because I couldn't get an answer at the hotel.
Finally got through,business hours 7am-11pm, but no one answered 9pm-11pm. Forgot who I spoke with but took 5 minutes to recall the name GMR. He did note on my reservation confirmation number to issue the discounted price at check in. Said had no rooms reserved for GMR that was a week ago

Can't wait for the ride if any of you haven't been there before you will really enjoy the ride. Come prepared for the unpredictable weather.

Maybe better throw a snow shovel in your trunk just in case

See Ya soon

[smjp]

I also had a bit of a problem with the reservation, but finally did get through, and they had no info on the the roadsters club. I did get the discounted room rates after informing them of it.

Looking forward to the ride.

[LeloSKYLANM]

This looks like it's going to be a pretty big group!
Can't wait to meet all of you folks!
LeloSKY

[Rail Jockey]

I went over the Million Dollar highway when I was kid but my wife hasn't. We took the long way home from Denver a few years ago and spent the night in Durango. We went to Mesa Verde and then headed home. We actually planned to make this trip back in June along with Northern New Mexico but a last minute deal on an Alaskan cruise got in the way.
We will throw in the tire chains just in case. I'll put them next to the snow shovel in the spacious trunk.

[richm]

Originally Posted by smjp

I also had a bit of a problem with the reservation, but finally did get through, and they had no info on the the roadsters club. I did get the discounted room rates after informing them of it. Looking forward to the ride.

Sorry about the room block problem. I faxed the forms two weeks ago, and the manager still has NOT gotten back to me. However, I am told that the manager is brand new and that he doesn't know how to do the block on the computer, and of course, he has no email address, etc. Last week, when I heard that there was a problem I did blocked 12 rooms in MY NAME till the contract is blocked on their computer. Therefore, if they say they are sold out, tell them that you want to take one of my rooms under Rich, last name spelled M-C-C-O-M-A-S.

Andy and Heather, who work the front desk most of the time are aware of the problem. The manager splits his time between this hotel and another hotel they own.