Colorado Rider News

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There is always a Light at the End of the Tunnel

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Colorado Rider News is so pleased to be back to hard copy issue and getting back to all things Colorado!  For the past 60 days, we have watched this motorcycle community bond together and weather the storm of this pandemic.  

Laurie Montoya, Publisher

The riding community supported our biker owned restaurants like Dirty Dogs Roadhouse, The Piper and The Stagecoach and others through take-out, delivery and our #2Wheels4Meals program to generate enough revenue to keep the lights on.   

We will overcome the short term affect this pandemic had on our powersports community, our charities and events that have had to cancel and as always we will take of our own.

This month we will do our best to update everyone on how our biker owned businesses are surviving and the possibility of future events this summer such as Sturgis and our local events.

Lastly, we have updated our Biker Owned Business (B.O.B.)page with some new business that bring more diverse products and businesses to our page.  It has always been my hope that riders would look to our B.O.B. page when you need a service done, keeping those biker dollars within our community.

As always enjoy the ride, let us know what we can do better and BE SAFE OUT THERE

— Laurie Montoya, Publisher
Colorado Rider News
info@coloradoridernews.com

Freedom Fest (Mini)

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On May 27th, Colorado Freedom Festival made the announcement that their annual concert, scheduled for June 26-27 was canceled due to the state disallowing large group gatherings. 

This event, that celebrates and raises awareness for Veterans, is something founder, Dean Gary, is passionate about. He stated on Facebook that he was “absolutely devastated” about the forced cancellation. He also decided that he would try to do some sort of concert series as a way to honor our nations heroes in some fashion this summer.

Within days Gary had worked out a FREE show date in partnership with Dirty Dogs Roadhouse:

Freedom Fest Colorado MINI

  • Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
  • 17999 W Colfax Ave Golden CO 80401
  • 11am to 10pm

FREE! ALL WE ASK IS AN IN KIND DONATION FOR THE CHARITY AT THE DOOR TO GET IN.

LIMITED SPACE – First Come, First Served

#2Wheels4Meals Supports Community, Rider Businesses

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Scott O'Sullivan - The O'Sullivan Law Firm, motorcycle accident attorneys
Scott O’Sullivan

It was early March when the Rider Justice team started to understand that COVID-19 was about to turn life as we know it on its head. Talk of stay-at-home orders and non-essential business closures were running rampant. We could see the uncertainty in the road ahead and the challenge this brought to the local businesses that play an integral role in the motorcycle world we love. Our concern was primarily for the restaurants and bars that cater to riders. They serve as community meeting points for individual and group rides every single day. A home away from home for many. These are locally owned businesses at the core of our riding community and there was no way we could just sit back while owners and staff closed and braced for an unknown fate.

It was time for us to get creative and refocus our energy. Within days we hosted several video calls that brought in leaders in the Colorado riding community and who are like minded when it comes to rolling up your sleeves and helping others. We worked with the team from META, Colorado Rider News, and BikerDown Foundation. Each of us were determined to do whatever we could to make an impact within the community and industry alike.

Within a few days #2Wheels4Meals was born. The program would raise money through donations to buy meals from one of our local favorites, Dirty Dogs Roadhouse in Golden, CO. Our team and volunteers then distributed those meals to homeless kitchens, hospitals, first responders, and to staff at nursing homes. As of this writing, #2Wheels4Meals has purchased and distributed over 1800 meals.

The joy of making this happen – of helping local entrepreneurs and people hit hard by the pandemic – has allowed us to feed our souls and put smiles on many in need. However, the experience of locking arms with like-minded people and getting the work done, is deeply fulfilling as well. Existing relationships grew stronger and new bonds were cemented, laying the foundation for lasting partnerships.

Rider Justice is founded on contributing real value to our riding community. That truth allowed us to shift quickly and become something very different when the world needed us to be. We will continue to shift and move and do the work to stand up for bikers and the Colorado community every single day. 

Thank you to everyone who helped us, help others.

Just a Badass, One-Legged Biker

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By Stormy

Stormy

What piqued my interest about Lonnie Hubbard was  #1 he is a badass bad boy, #2 he is a biker, and #3 he is an amputee that rides.  This combination, I feel, is a great story.  The first time I met Lonnie in person was when he walked through my front door for this interview.  I was immediately fascinated and intrigued.  

Lonnie was born in Baltimore, Maryland and raised in Sheridan, Wyoming.  He spent time mostly in juvenile detention centers, boys’ homes, and then joined the Army when he was 17.  This clearly confirms he is a bad boy.  He moved to Colorado in 2003, so that his then wife could attend college in Fort Collins.  Lonnie worked in the oil industry for many years on drilling rigs and hopes one day he can get back into once the industry starts booming again.

Lonnie explained what happened to his leg.  He stated, “I spent two and a half months in the hospital almost 4 years ago, and I lost my leg, and it was pretty rough.”  Lonnie was not sure what was causing the pain in his leg, but he has a rare condition where his body produces thick blood and somehow a blood clot formed in his leg and destroyed his femoral artery.  This happened  while he was working as a driller.  When he noticed his leg was hurting one day, he ignored it, and it went on for a few years.  When the oil industry died in 2015, Lonnie started his trucking business.  Sitting in a truck 16 hours a day, six days a week is bad for circulation, and when you have thick blood, that is even worse.  His leg kept hurting and as stubborn as he is, he never went to the doctors to find out what was wrong.  One day he could no longer take the pain and went to the emergency room, and they did a CT scan on his leg and found out he was losing it.  They immediately set up an appointment with a vascular surgeon.  The surgeon told Lonnie that it is worse than he expected.  The femoral artery from his waist to his knee was getting 3% blood flow, and his leg and toes were turning black.  The surgeon was surprised Lonnie was even walking on that leg.  They tried to save it, but it got worse.  The surgeon inevitably amputated his leg.

Lonnie said his story is worse than a bad country song, “I’ve struggled a lot since I lost my leg.  I know this revision surgery I had two months ago helped a lot of things, but it is a 6-month recovery time, so in the meantime I am enduring a lot of phantom pains in my leg.  The oilfield died, I lost my trucking business than my leg, lost my house and my marriage and then the ultimate low was I had to put my dog down in February.”

Lonnie runs around with the red and white crew along with his best friends, Monkey, Dave, Rob, and Josh.  When he rides, he must keep a steady flow of whiskey going to deal with the leg pain.  He explained, “I really don’t like riding like that all the time, but so far it has been pretty good since the revision surgery.”

Although Lonnie has a bad boy image, he inspires a lot of other amputees.  Kermit, another local biker amputee, and he went to the hospital to visit a young man who was preparing to get his leg amputated from a motorcycle wreck about two years ago.

Lonnie felt that honesty builds trust, and he wanted the young man to believe in their inspiration.  The ability to inspire others is an important skill, and Lonnie has that in his favor.  Kermit and Lonnie kept their message authentic and human, and the young man was at ease before and after the surgery.  

Lonnie and I became real good friends after this interview, and I am so glad I can call him my brother.  So, ladies if you like men that have the bad-boy image, Lonnie is the eligible bachelor for you.  

What does Summer Riding Look Like in 2020?

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As we enter June and begin to see restrictions lifted and our local biker bars open, the reality of COVID is still with our riding community, biker owned businesses, dealerships, and charities. The summer (June thru August) it would normally be difficult to find a weekend that there wasn’t a charitable ride or rally that a rider could head to on the weekend.

The shut down in April and May saw events canceled or rescheduled to another date in the fall. High profile rides/rally’s such as Arizona Bike Week (rescheduled to October), Red River bike rally (canceled), The Chicano Pride Ride, Realities Ride for Kids reluctantly canceled for this year and BikerDown’s Look Twice Ride was rescheduled to September 5th. All 3 of these charities use the funds raised at their annual rides to help the community and will find themselves struggling to maintain the services people are a custom to receiving.

June events such as the Freedom Fest, Rocky Mountain HOG, Tejon Street fest and MDA Ride for life have all been canceled for 2020 and July events – Greeley Stampede and Cheyenne Frontier Days are looking to 2021.

“At  the moment, The 28th annual salute American veterans rally in Cripple Creek is a GO! We are making all plans and preparations and are hopeful that the event is going to happen.  Having said that, the first hurdle is to get Cripple Creek open. The governor has not yet allowed the casinos to open up and without the casinos and supporting hotels, restaurants etc., it makes no sense to expect that we could pull the rally off.”

— Jim Wear, American Veterans Rally

80th Sturgis Rally 

The Sturgis Rally is months away and experts predict the coronavirus will have peaked and continue to be in decline before the end of summer save and except for a spike now that restrictions nationwide have been lifted. The concern for the City of Sturgis isn’t the COVID numbers in South Dakota, but the fact that hundreds of thousands of riders will come from all over the country. The City of Sturgis has yet to make the final determination on whether the 80th rally will go on as scheduled. They are set to decide no later than June 15th . 

The City of Sturgis only controls what happens in Sturgis city limits and the vast majority of Rally activities (including riding, camping and events) happen at venues and campgrounds outside of the city limits it would take more than the city banning people from town to shut down the Sturgis Rally

Here is an updated list of all the Sturgis Rally venues that have stated their position regarding the coronavirus below:

Sturgis Buffalo Chip – Moving forward as planned. They have had one band cancelation but say they are looking for replacements for any bands that cancel.

  • Glencoe Camp Resort – Moving forward as planned.
  • Pappy Hoel Campground – Moving forward as planned.
  • City of Deadwood – moving forward as planned.
  • City of Rapid City – 100% planning on rally

Colorado Rider News will continue to keep readers updated on any decisions that are made.

BEST RIDES IN COLORADO

Instead of stressing over events outside of Colorado, here is a list of the top 10 Colorado Destinations to ride locally

1. MOUNT EVANS SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY

As the highest paved road in North America, the Mount Evans Road rises to a height of 14,130 feet above sea level. Begin your trip in the historic mining town of Idaho Springs. From town, travel south on Highway 103 to the junction of Highway 5, the entrance to Mount Evans Road. Groves of pine trees first greet you on this section, but gradually give way once the timberline is breeched. Riding along the exposed mountainside, you’ll get a magnificent view of glacier-cut valleys and a seemingly endless horizon of sharp rocky peaks. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are often seen grazing roadside. Be aware: The guardrails disappear up here, so caution is advised as you traverse the switchbacks to the top. (Read about other famous Colorado peaks).

  • Distance: 28 miles (one way)
  • Route: Idaho Springs to Mount Evans
  • Travel time: 1 hour

2. TRAIL RIDGE ROAD SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY

One of the best ways to see Rocky Mountain National Park is on a motorcycle. Mount Evans Road may be the highest paved road, but Trail Ride Road Scenic and Historical Byway is the highest paved road in the United States that doesn’t dead-end. The grandeur of rocky peaks and lush blankets of pine trees accompany you through this route. Keep your eyes open for grazing elk, bighorn sheep and other animals — they’re common visitors to the roadside and surrounding cliffs. The ride combines straightaways with twists in the road that showcase all aspects of the park’s beauty. Tundra with brush no higher than a few feet is a contrast to the granite peaks of the Rockies that loom like immovable giants.

  • Distance: 48 miles (one way)
  • Route: Estes Park to Grand Lake 
  • Travel time: 2–3 hours

3. SANTA FE TRAIL SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY

The original Santa Fe Trail carried pioneers and traders hundreds of miles over the prairie to points west during the 1800s. The trail is still in use today, but as the Sante Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway, taking travelers through a history-laden slice of Colorado. At certain points, you can even see the wagon ruts of original pioneers winding their way through the prairie grasses. This route is almost completely straight and is a relatively easy, though longer, drive. Midway on the trip sits one of Colorado’s most significant and historic treasures, Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site. Originally built in 1833 as a trading post along the Santa Fe Trail, it became a cultural meeting place. This route also takes you through the Comanche National Grassland, where the land still grows the original prairie that the pioneers saw when forging through the plains.

  • Distance: 184 miles (one way)
  • Route: Trinidad to Lamar
  • Travel time: 4 hours

4. SAN JUAN SKYWAY SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY

Mountains here look as if they were painted. Crimsons bleed into purples and grays with vibrancy nearly unmatched by other peaks. The San Juan Skyway traverses multiple mountain passes that each rise more than 11,000 feet above sea level. The towns that you’ll pass through on this route are renowned for their history and beauty. Both Telluride and Silverton are rich in mining lore, and Cortez and Mancos stand at the entrance to perhaps the best Ancestral Puebloan site in the nation, Mesa Verde National Park. On the San Juan Skyway you can ride on what’s known in Colorado as the “Million Dollar Highway.” This specific stretch runs from Ouray to Silverton. Sights of Mount Wilson, Mount Eolus and Mount Sneffels — some of the highest mountains in the United States — also showcase their grandeur from roadside vistas.

  • Distance: 236 miles (loop)
  • Route: Cortez, Telluride, Placerville, Ridgway, Ouray, Silverton and Durango
  • Travel time: 6 hours

5. UNAWEEP/TABEGUACHE SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY

This section of highway played an integral role in World War II: The uranium used in the country’s first atomic bombs was mined near Uravan, the midway point of the Unaweep/Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway. There’s more history here than just the A-bomb. Precambrian dinosaur and amphibian fossils have been found within the striated red sandstone canyon walls that surround the road. The byway cuts through a canyon for most of the way and follows the Dolores and San Miguel rivers. Through the years, these rivers slowly ate away at the soft sandstone creating the flattop canyon through which you’ll ride. 

  • Distance: 133 miles (one way)
  • Route: Whitewater to Placerville
  • Travel time: 3 hours

6. FRONTIER PATHWAYS SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY

The Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway charts a course through an area that was once a true cultural crossroads. These foothills to the Rockies were used by Ute Indians, Spanish and American explorers, fur trappers, ranchers, prospectors and now by visitors seeking stunning mountain views and prairie buttes. The journey takes you from the town of Pueblo and twice through the San Isabel National Forest. As you enter the San Isabel National Forest the first time, the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains make their presence known through astonishing vistas showcasing their high pinnacles and craggy outcroppings. The ride then takes you to the town of Westcliffe at the base of this range, then doubles back to the southern passage through the forest and ends in Colorado City, where flat-topped prairie buttes jut out from the prairie.

  • Distance: 103 miles (one way)
  • Route: Pueblo to Westcliffe to Colorado City 
  • Travel time: 3.5 hours

7. PAWNEE PIONEER TRAILS SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY 

Two of the most well-known buttes in Colorado’s prairie stand stark against the flat surroundings, the Pawnee Buttes. Their white and gray striations show the passage of time through geology and give you a view into the height of the original landscape. The ride here is flat and open, and travels through pristine and protected prairie. The Pawnee National Grassland dominates much to the landscape and provides you with a look into exactly the same terrain pioneers encountered in the 1800s. Pronghorn antelope — the fastest land mammal in North America — can often be seen, as can coyotes, prairie dogs and hundreds of bird species.

  • Distance: 128 miles (one way)
  • Route: Sterling to Fort Morgan to Ault
  • Travel time: 3 hours

8. TOP OF THE ROCKIES SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY

Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the United States, is found along the Top of the Rockies Byway at an elevation of 10,200 feet. As high as this town is, it’s dwarfed by the two tallest peaks in Colorado, Mount Massive (14,421 feet) and Mount Elbert (14,440 feet). This route also crosses the Continental Divide twice and follows the Arkansas River nearly to its headwaters. Mining history is tucked into the scenery along this byway. Millions of dollars worth of precious metal was extracted from the mountains in the area in the 1800s, and Leadville proved to be the silver queen of the Rockies, providing one of the richest silver veins in the state.

  • Distance: 75 miles (one way)
  • Route: Twin Lakes to Minturn and the junction of Hwy. 70 and Hwy. 91
  • Travel time: 2 hours

9. INDEPENDENCE PASS

Due to the high altitude and winter road conditions, this route is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The road rises to its peak at 12,095 feet on Independence Pass. Aspens and evergreens dissolve into each other as a lush valley meanders below, and the surrounding mountains provide jagged lines against the sharp blue sky. The ski towns of Aspen and Snowmass are also found along this stretch of highway. Glenwood Springs is found on the northern entrance to this route and is world-famous for its claim to the largest improved hot springs in the world. Between Glenwood Springs and the tiny town of Basalt, look to the south for a view of the scene-stealing grandeur of Mount Sopris. 

  • Distance: 80 miles (one way)
  • Route: Highway 82 southeast from Glenwood Springs to Twin Lakes 
  • Travel time: 2 hours

10. LOS CAMINOS ANTIGUOS SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY

From the oldest towns to the highest sand dunes, Los Caminos Antiguos incorporates many of Colorado’s most intriguing sites. One of the first towns you’ll venture through is Conejos. Here, Colorado’s oldest Catholic parish still stands — Our Lady of Guadalupe, built in 1858. Continuing along the byway brings you to the town of San Luis, Colorado’s oldest surviving community, dating back to 1851. On the mesa adjacent to town is the spiritually inspiring Stations of the Cross, a string of bronze statues, each representing a moment during Christ’s crucifixion. Nearly 15 miles from San Luis is the town of Fort Garland, home to Colorado’s oldest military post, constructed in 1858 and once commanded by the legendary Civil War hero Kit Carson. North of Fort Garland are North America’s highest sand dunes — Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. 

  • Distance: 129 miles (one way)
  • Route: New Mexico border to Alamosa
  • Travel time: 3 hours

Giga-Head Technical Services, Scott McGlasson

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“Computer problems can really suck, and make you want to fire a whole magazine into the thing or go full Office Space on it with a bat. Even after 20 years in computer and technology work, I can still relate to that feeling.” 

Golden, CO local Scott McGlasson has started a part time business called Giga-Head (named for a drunken vision about a Knucklehead motor cranking out computer power).

Noticing a lack of similar businesses serving our community, Scott has a mission to provide technology services to local bikers and small businesses. 

“Using computer technology is not really optional anymore, if you’re going to be functional in the modern world. I’m kind of a local mechanic, but for computer stuff. My experience in audio / video and surveillance systems comes in handy too,” he says.

Scott works full time with a Wichita technology company, serving the public safety sector. “If our systems don’t work, every time, some child molester could avoid conviction as a result,” he says. “In the legal world, that’s what they call ‘bad’.” 

Before his current job, he worked for eight years in Black Hawk casinos, as a senior IT technician. “Everybody would always ask if I could rig the slots to help them out, but nope. Now I’m glad to be out of the casino industry and into work that matters.” 

The Giga-Head business is Scott’s side gig, “…basically for motorcycle money. I’ve done work for local friends, T-Bird Roadhouse and the motorcycle shop, from doing the shop website to fixing up the POS and surveillance systems. It’s a nice relationship, because I also want some work done on my bike – pipes and cams, more power and chrome!”

Scott has a 2017 FLSTN (Softail Deluxe), approaching 25k miles on the odometer. 

“I love my bike, I love riding Colorado roads, and I love the biker world. I like doing work for fellow motorcycle enthusiasts, because they’re usually not full of themselves, and have a sincere respect for honest work.” 

For anyone who wants a hand with tackling their computer or technology issues, he says “I’ll be glad to advise you on your problems or questions over the phone. I’m not working for a retail store, or trying to sell anything. For service calls at your home or business, evenings and weekends are usually good.” 

What advice does Scott have for Rider News readers with tech problems who want to blow up their computer? “Don’t panic! Technical issues are fixable, and there is always a solution.”

Contact Scott McGlasson: 316-358-1181

Editor’s Note: Scott McGlasson is a biker with an extremely charitable heart. Every weekend through our #2Wheels4Meals he volunteered, he donated, and he rode to deliver food to first responders. Scott has helped BikerDown with laptop and computer issues and is extremely knowledgeable and can solve most computer issues.

The Riding season that wasn’t!

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By Belt Drive Betty

Thanks to COVID-19, everyone’s world has been turned upside down, including ours!

Hundreds of events cancelled, hundred more rescheduled and everyone struggling to get some fundraising done.

As we get closer to the middle of June, we in Canada are looking forward to crowning a new Rider Friendly Community.   The idea behind the contest is to find those communities that love having riders visit.

What community has the best wings, 

  • the best burger, 
  • the best pie and coffee or the best donuts.
  • Which volunteer made being at an event worthwhile?

It’s all about celebrating the smaller communities. No community over 100,000 can enter.

Over the last five years of the contest we have learned about some of the most incredible out of the way Large Roadside Attractions Like the miniature Eiffel Tower in Montmartre Saskatchewan or the Moose in Manning Alberta.

We learned about the Run to the Hills Memorial Rally in a small community called Two Hills Alberta, and an amazing toy run on Vancouver Island BC called the Port Alberni Toy Run. We learned about the incredible riding community in Lloydminster Alberta and the quaint community of Hafford Saskatchewan.

Every community that has won our trophy has been unique and interesting and truly the diversity of scenery and people is what makes being a motorcyclist one of the most rewarding things a person can be.

To see the communities that are entered in the contest and learn a little about them and Canada visit riderfriendlycontest.ca

#2Wheels4Meals – Interview

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April 11: This interview with Mark Miklos of Dirty Dogs Roadhouse and Laurie Montoya of BikerDown gives an update about how Dirty Dogs is doing during the COVID-19 shutdown and an information about our #2Wheels4Meals movement.

Laurie is our #2Wheels4Meals “boots-on-the-ground” person and has been at Dirty Dogs for the past three weeks helping prep meals. (Thank you, Laurie!) As the president of a non-profit, BikerDown, she has been instrumental in helping collect and manage donated funds.

Donate to #2Wheels4Meals