285 in Colorado to Buena Vista from the East. Is that a bus friendly road?

RickB · June 29, 2015, 03:28:20 PM

Hey all, we're getting ready for our trip and we're trying to make sure we're not doing any serious switchbacks or ridiculous pulls. Any info out there?

RB

luvrbus · June 29, 2015, 03:53:38 PM

It's a good highway but the old 71 may not like the altitude depending where you connect with 285 I remember Buena Vista being something like 8000 ft.I really the Arkansas Valley in CO it's one of my favorite spots in all of CO

rusty · June 29, 2015, 04:54:07 PM

Rick, You will have a gentle pull from Morrison to after Conifer then down to Bailey. After Grant you will have a pull to the top of Kenosha Pass (10000 ft) I can't remember but I think it is only about 5 or 6 mile to the top. Then it is down to Jefferson and on the Red hill pass just before FairPlay. (9900 ft) I think that one is around 3 miles. Then smooth sailing to Buena Vista. There will be some turns but nothing to sharp. We have taken that road many times on our way to the four corners area. You may want to think about taking 94 to the springs and then 24 to Buena Vista. It is a pull out of Colorado Springs up to Woodland park but not as bad as the other two passes. I have only taken that route in a car so it might have felt less steep.Wilkerson pass is not much of a pass. I hope you get to Ridgway that is the prettiest place in Colorado.

Safe Travels Wayne

niles500 · June 29, 2015, 05:09:30 PM

If you have a chance try HWY 9 from Hartsel to Canon City

niles500 · June 29, 2015, 05:21:57 PM

Forgot, chicken fried steak at the Evergreen Café, any vehicle problems Swisher Automotive north of town

RickB · June 29, 2015, 06:10:38 PM

Clifford,

Is the Arkansas valley the road from Colorado Springs to Buena Vista? That 10,000 foot pass described in the earlier post sounds ominous.

RB

Brett G · June 29, 2015, 07:01:22 PM

We will actually be out there this coming weekend. Staying just West of Canon City for 3 days. Figured I didn't want to piss around with some of that so we are towing a vehicle. I've got a 8V71NA

RickB · June 29, 2015, 08:11:57 PM

Well Brett seeing that neither of us has a turbo we are both either brave or about to spend a bunch of money... lol

have fun and good luck, remember go down the grades in the gear you would go up them in,

RB

luvrbus · June 29, 2015, 08:33:34 PM

Both of you will be fine just take your time enjoy the ride at 1800 rpm in low gear.

According to my DD charts on a 300hp 8V71 @ 8000 ft you are going to be churning out 188 hp with plenty of black smoke sorry 8000 ft is high as the chart reads enjoy the ride the 8V71 will bring you back home it may not get you there fast.You will notice it big time starting at 5000 ft fwiw

FolkBus · June 29, 2015, 08:41:09 PM

Enjoy running on 285 as Rusty posted. None of the grades are bad. scenery is spectacular. That is my regular commute route from Ridgway to Denver. Have made the run with my nonturbo'd 8v71 with my MC5A no problems. Take your time and enjoy looking out the window.

Dave5Cs · June 29, 2015, 09:32:10 PM

Being I drove the 24 canyon up through Divide and over the hill to Buena Vista, a lot while I lived in the Springs for 10 years, it is not that bad either and stop in and see Manitou Springs if you are into Gems or rocks Amethyst and Aqua Marine are mined on back and side of Pike Peak, Red Rocks park to the right of 24 near old Colorado city. Great scenery. If you have time stop and see the old Broadmore Hotel and golf course south of the Springs a mile. Colorado springs has the Olympic Training Center down town also with room to park the Bus. Lived right behind it. Have fun

Going to break someone out, LOL
Dave5Cs