So I wasn't sure if there was a thread somewhere in here for this, but I think it might come in handy for early season riding.

Boulder Canyon is clear almost entirely up to Boulder Falls, with the exception of the center line being patchy and a couple potholes.  Immediately before Boulder Falls there's a good patch of gravel, and after it, there are some patchy sections.  Rides up to Ned are a go tho IMHO.

Anyone have any recent experience up Left Hand or Coal Creek?  Or other favorite roads not too far from Denver/Boulder.

Stella and I were 8 miles up St. Vrain Canyon on our roadies on April 26th, and it was clean (although wet and cold at that time).

Quote from: Keshtak on May 03, 2009, 01:47:59 PM
So I wasn't sure if there was a thread somewhere in here for this, but I think it might come in handy for early season riding.

Boulder Canyon is clear almost entirely up to Boulder Falls, with the exception of the center line being patchy and a couple potholes.  Immediately before Boulder Falls there's a good patch of gravel, and after it, there are some patchy sections.  Rides up to Ned are a go tho IMHO.

Anyone have any recent experience up Left Hand or Coal Creek?  Or other favorite roads not too far from Denver/Boulder.

I decided to go have a look in my Boxster to see what the conditions are just for you.
Didn't want to risk the 848 in case they turn bad.

Anyway:

72 aka Coal Creek Canyon Drive
From Arvada area and 93, up to The first batch of major hairpins leading to Pinecliffe is terrific.
All the hairpins and s-curves between Wondervu and Pinecliffe have sand on the edges, and on the double yellow, but are in good shape, so long as you don't overcook it.

Be warned, the very last hairpin/decreasing radius curve heading into Pinecliffe had someone's driveway washed out, and covering the road in a crappy mess. That's the only bad part.

Once you cross the train tracks in Pinecliffe, its clear sailing until you get to the intersection of the Peak to Peak.
Its always a sandy mess, but just seems worse today, for some reason.

Peak to Peak from 72 (Coal Creek Canyon) to Ward.
Perfect.
So sand anywhere.
Only noticed one pothole, but not the norm for the Pothole to Pothole Highway.

Indiana Gulch Road / Lefthand Canyon Drive from Ward to 36
Caution. Sandy mess at the beginning in Ward.
Not safe at all until you make the sharp left where it changes from Indiana Gulch into Lefthand Canyon.
After that, its completely sandless all the way down to 36.
None anywhere.
In fact, I passed a street sweeper that was doing its thing on the road at the stop sign.

So there you go.

BC.

Thanks..that's awesome info.  So, based on that, anyone want to do a Coal Creek/Ned/Boulder Canyon ride this sunday?

That didn't happen to be you I passed on Table Mesa on a my 998 a few days back was it Bladecutter?

Saturday's ride up Lookout Mtn had some sand on turns half way up and to the top.  No change from 10 days prior.   

Quote from: Keshtak on May 04, 2009, 02:26:47 PM
That didn't happen to be you I passed on Table Mesa on a my 998 a few days back was it Bladecutter?

I don't believe I've been on Table Mesa with my Red 848 yet since my hip surgery on March 12th.
The Porsche a bunch of times, but not the 848.

BC.

I would so love to be posting a road report and not sitting in my dark office with a hangover wearing the same clothes as the day before.

Coal Creek - Clean, except for a little sand right before Wondervu.  Sand in inside 1/2 of uphill lane of top hairpins.  Clean from Pinecliffe to Stop Sign.

P2P (119) - Clean all the way to Golden Gate.

P2P (72) - To Ned - Sand on Center Line, Scattered in hairpins.
                Ned to 7 - Some patches of sand south of Ward.  Otherwise clean.

St Vrain - A little sand in turning lane from 72 to 7, otherwise completely clean all the way to Lyons.

Golden Gate - Clean, but  (two representives from each Jefferson and Gilpin.)

How quickly things can change!!!

Coal Creek, just past Mile Marker 23:

Oh, the roads are in beautiful shape today...


I'm feeling great...

I love this corner coming up...

I just came through here half an hour ago, so I know the road is clean...


Settin up for the corner...


OH SHIT!!!



Fortunately I was eastbound when I saw this...

I talked to the State Patrol.  They are sending a crew out to clean it up "right away".

Quote from: Bick on May 08, 2009, 12:50:55 PM
I talked to the State Patrol.  They are sending a crew out to clean it up "right away".

does dear ole Johnny O have anything do with this?!?!

Quote from: DucMouse on May 08, 2009, 12:55:05 PM
does dear ole Johnny O have anything do with this?!?!

Maybe he can take a couple illegals up there with brooms and take care of this.

Quote from: Bick on May 08, 2009, 12:59:12 PM
Maybe he can take a couple illegals up there with brooms and take care of this.

just what i was thinking

he should just get a case of them and put them at several points....

Today (5/12)
Golden Gate canyon was VERY clean
Boulder canyon was also sand FREE.

FYI

Good pics... things can be awesome then bam! Shit hits the fan. Be careful out there kids!!

Take it easy in Golden Gate and the couple miles either direction from there on 119.