7 Event in Colorado

[Tbox56]

Hi to All,

 

I am working on putting together a 7 event in Colorado for this next spring. About a month ago my wife and I went down to the Colorado Springs area to investigate track days, routs and destinations for this event. The following is an outline of what I have discovered so far. This is in the traditional order that the Texas event has been done but this could be reversed.

 

Day 1 and 2, Track days at Pikes Peak International Raceway ( http://www.ppir.com/ ) , this track is about 15 miles south of Colorado Springs. They have infield RV hook ups for those who would like to stay at the track and parking for tow vehicles during the tour. There are hotels in Fountain, about 3 miles away but it was recommended by the track manager to use the Crowne Plaza in Colorado Springs (http://www.cpcoloradosprings.com/ ). They work with car clubs on a regular basis and have much nicer facilities. The track rates on weekdays are half what they are on the weekend and they have two weekends open in May and June, June 1st and 2nd and June 22nd and 23rd, weekdays we have our choice. If we do weekdays the cost would be about $350 per person for both days with 18 people. Weekends would mean more people and or more money. There is a possibility we could share the track with a NASA event on July 5th, 6th and 7th, I would have to check with them about having our own run groups.

 

Day 3, We would depart From Colorado Springs and drive to the top of Pikes Peak (http://pikespeak.us.com/Essentials/hours-and-fees.html ), the road that the Pikes Peak Hill Climb is held on each year. This is a 19 mile drive each way ending at an elevation of over 14,000 feet and is now paved the entire way. Next would be lunch at Wines of Colorado (http://www.winesofcolorado.com/ ). They would be happy to have us for lunch and reserve the patio for us. After lunch we would head to our overnight accommodations the historic Victor Hotel (http://www.victorhotelcolorado.com/ ). This is off the beaten path but only 6 miles to the historic gold rush town of Cripple Creek (http://www.visitcripplecreek.com/ ) where we would go for dinner. In Cripple Creek they have saved many of the old buildings from after the fire in 1896. There is low stakes gambling in Cripple Creek so anyone wishing to try their luck at the slot machines or blackjack tables could, if not a walk around town and back to the hotel at your leisure. There are many things to do in this area including narrow gage train rides, gold mine tours, hiking, historic tours, and of course scenic drives.

 

Day 4, We would return to the Colorado Springs area with the option of a longer (through Garden of the Gods http://www.gardenofgods.com/home/index.cfm?flash=1 ) or more direct route.

 

Please take a look at this and let me know your thoughts on dates and any items proposed. This is an event for all 7 type cars so please put this out to any other part of the 7 community at large and see what the response is. There is a lot to do in Colorado and this could be used as a start to or the end of a longer vacation including other family members. There are also a number of things for non driving family members to do during the track days if they wish.

 

 

Thanks for your response,

 

 

Tom Carlin

 

Rocky Mountain Motor Works

 

Eagle, Colorado

 

970-376-5188

[Alaskossie]

Tom,

 

Sounds like fun! What month are you thinking of?

 

I'm a Colorado homeboy, but would be without a car if I attended. Perhaps I could hitch a ride with someone...

 

For me, it will all depend on what other obligations I may have at the time.

[Tbox56]

I am looking at late May or early June. Right now I am trying to see how much interest there is to crunch the numbers. I am sure you could find a ride.

 

Tom

[slomove]

I am anyway planning to be in Colorado around the memorial Day weekend. Your suggestion is interesting and if that happens I may take the Birkin out there instead of some airline.

[MightyMike]

I'm in. Tom, you can ride with me if you want.

[Croc]

Hi Tom - Brilliant idea! After doing my CSR's shakedown run in CO with you guys, I would definitely come back - probably without my CSR. Do you have a loaner? If not then I would be happy driving the excess baggage car for Alaskossie's luggage and just enjoying the scenery and social time. The only catch is I would be unable to make it first 5 days of May (work) or the second half of June (Milford NJ Sevens Days and East Coast Seveners Track Weekend).

[scannon]

I'm in depending on conflicts with other events already scheduled. I am putting together a fund raising rally with blind, Braille reading navigators scheduled for June 9th and am planning on the GBB and FM Summer Camp, both in August.

 

I would prefer just one track day and more time spent on mountain roads with the track day at the end. Did you consider the Pueblo track and High Plains Raceway? IMHO both are more interesting, pure road courses vs. the infield plus part oval of PPIR.

 

Let me know if I can help with planning or logistics on this side of the mountains.

[Alaskossie]

Tom,

 

I know you're looking at routes, and mountain passes, etc. but there is one little-used Colorado road I'd like to toss in, if it works in a route plan. It is the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colo. Hwy. 92.

 

i drove this in my Seven in 2010, and it was a fantastic 41-mile run (if it worked out, I'd turn around and run it the other way also).

 

There are a lot of Seven-worthy roads in the book "The Complete Guide to Motorcycling Colorado," by Steve Farson (Whitehorse Press). This is one of them.

 

Tom

[sdca7]

I'm a displaced Coloradoan living in Cali. (so is my R500!). I'd try and make it out to Colorado for this. I'd also like to try out the High Plains Raceway. My car is set up more for the track than the road, but I would probably join in on the tour as well. If not, I still want to try and bring the car out there some time, if just for a few track days.

 

Justin

[locost7018]

The Midwest Se7ens Gathering is June 6-9. Is there anyway to not have it that weekend?? I would love to come. Track days are not my thing (I only have 1300cc) Russ

[Tbox56]

Hi to All,

Dates have been selected for a Colorado Seven Festival, they are July 14th through 17th. The following is an outline of the event. The track days and the tour have changed order but basically the same activities.

 

I would like to start getting a more accurate count on people who plan to attend to estimate accommodations. Please send me an email (tcarlin@colorado.net) with your contact information and I will start the list and keep you updated.

 

Day 1, July 14th, We will depart From Colorado Springs and drive to the top of Pikes Peak (http://pikespeak.us.com/Essentials/hours-and-fees.html ), the road that the Pikes Peak Hill Climb is held on each year. This is a 19 mile drive each way ending at an elevation of over 14,000 feet and is now paved the entire way. Next would be lunch at Wines of Colorado (http://www.winesofcolorado.com/ ). They have a nice patio along side a creek. After lunch we will head to our overnight accommodations the historic Victor Hotel (http://www.victorhotelcolorado.com/ ). This is off the beaten path but only 6 miles to the historic gold rush town of Cripple Creek (http://www.visitcripplecreek.com/ ) where we will go for dinner. in Cripple Creek they have saved many of the old buildings from after the fire in 1896. There is low stakes gambling in Cripple Creek so anyone wishing to try their luck at the slot machines or blackjack tables could, if not a walk around town and back to the hotel at your leisure. There are many things to do in this area including narrow gage train rides, gold mine tours, hiking, historic tours, and of course scenic drives.

 

Day 2, July 15th, We will return to the Colorado Springs area via a slightly different route with a drive through Garden of the Gods http://www.gardenofgods.com/home/index.cfm?flash=1 )

 

Day 3 and 4, July 16th and 17th, Track days at Pikes Peak International Raceway (http://www.ppir.com/ ) , this track is about 15 miles south of Colorado Springs. They have infield RV hook ups for those who would like to stay at the track and parking for tow vehicles during the tour.

 

We will be using the Crowne Plaza in Colorado Springs (http://www.cpcoloradosprings.com/ ) as our host hotel. They work with car clubs on a regular basis and have nice facilities. The track rates will be $150 per driver per day.

This is an event for all 7 type cars so please put this out to any other part of the 7 community at large. There is a lot to do in Colorado and this could be used as a start to or the end of a longer vacation including other family members. There are also a number of things for non driving family members to do during the track days if they wish.

 

Thanks for your response,

 

Tom Carlin

Rocky Mountain Motor Works

Eagle, Colorado

970-376-5188