Jimbo

Ya, Highway 70 across Brekenridge can be a bear and go from beautiful to full snow activity in just a few minutes. When I arrived at the top I stopped for gas and was told there was a snow storm due in about 30 minutes so I gassed and got my tail out of there quick. The nice thing was that coming down the mountain toward Denver it seemed to warm up, which was welcomed. Another good route is take 87 south out of Denver (it turns into 25). The route takes you through Colorado Springs and south throught Albuqureque. In Albuquerque you can either take 40 and head west or stay on 25 south to Las Cruces and then take 10 west back home. If you have two days to do this is not a bad ride. Like I say it's longer that taking 70 but is different and has some nice scenery until you take 10 west, then it's a lot of desert back to SD.

This is a great ride, I did it a couple years ago, but on a HD FAtboy. It took me 16 hours, 7 gas stops and some rain gear, don't leave without it. You didn't say which route you are taking, there are two that work. One is up through Vegas, Utah and east on Highway 70 across the mountains, its a gorgeous ride but if you hit the mountains(about an hour and a half out of Denver) at night definitely slow down, there are many elk out there. I saw a few on the side of the road that had been hit by cages. The other route is south and up through New Mexico. it's a little longer and either will way you could run into some serious weather. I agree with all the other comments, stop if you need to and a truck stop shower should be planned, it will make a new man out of you. Avoid the energy drinks but if you have to have them I agree that "5 hour" is the better choice. On my trip I left at 3 am and arrived at 830pm give or take. it can certainly be done on the 650 but bring along some chain lube and check it at every stop. Good luck you can do it. Jim

Just picked up a new 2012 500EXC and took it out for a couple hours. It's great. I had a 03 525 and a 2010 530, this bike feels literally like half the weight (not that the others felt heavy)and the fuel injection is spot on so far, no backfiring and no hesitation when twisting the throttle fast. Still need to pick up some aftermarket parts when they come out. IMS says they will have a large tank in a few weeks. Did manage to find a skid plate from EE since KTM decided not to put even the plastic one on from the factory anymore. And unfortunatley KTM still can't seem to find a seat tester to work for them, it's as terrible as every one I have had on the four KTMs I have bought new. The suspension isn't too bad but will need to be resprung for me as I weigh in at 235. Will need to add a steering stabilizer for higher speeds( and believe me, it flys). Overall I love the bike so far and its a definite upgrade to the 530 due to the weight and fuel injection. Jim 2011 990 Adventure 2008 530 XCW 2010 HD Ultra Classic 2012 500 EXC 2000 XR650R

Hello Everyone, my name is Jim, I'm 55 retired and live in Redlands. I currently have a KTM 990 Adventure R, an KTM XCRW 530, and yesterday picked up new KTM 500 EXC. I also ride a HD Ultra Classic when I feel like not leaving the living room. Looking forward to getting to know some other riders. Jim