Many folks do in fact chain their trailer to a light pole, tree, a statue, or any other available means.

 

Having never pulled a motorcycle trailer myself… even if there’s nothing else around, I’d think 2 or 3 (or more) trailers cabled/chained together with 2 or 3 different cables & chains would be a time-consuming deterrent for any would-be thieves… and maybe even more secure than a single trailer secured to a pole or tree with a single chain.

 

I'm booked in the Sure Stay Best Western.

PSA: EWMA's membership got me a cheaper deal via their online "Engine" travel service. A single Queen was $139 a night and a single King or double Queen was $147. All were refundable through 23 Sep.

 

The 2025 edition of Rockies Gold will take place September 24th through September 28th. This will be year 11 for Jeanette and I hosting this event. The 10th anniversary last year was truly memorable and we hope to continue making great memories in 2025!! I've been working with several hotels here in Montrose to get the best possible rate, but it's been an uphill battle. This time of the year is considered prime time for viewing the incredible fall colors and pretty much everyone is charging accordingly with rates starting at about $180 to well over $200 a night. I've also taken into consideration what is included with the price (breakfast, amenities, condition of rooms, etc.), all the while remembering the "cheapest" thing on a motorcycle is the nut behind the handlebars! It is certainly possible to get a room at a lower rate, but those who offer these rates are notorious for also having sketchy clientele, frequent visits from local law enforcement and dismal reviews. (ie: Days Inn & Black Canyon Motel) With all that said, I've been able to secure discounted rates at several venues ranging in price from $139 to $154 per night. All will need to mention "Rockies Gold" to obtain the discounted rate.

Option 1: Sure Stay by Best Western at $154. ($25 discount). Amenities include indoor pool and hot tub, hot breakfast from 6A-9A, a BBQ area, on site guest laundry (they are working to expand both), security cameras and front desk agent on site 24/7. The manager actually took me to several of their rooms to see their condition for myself and all seemed to be great. They also have a couple of multi-bedroom suites available that a group might split the cost of. If you book through their website, you can save a few more bucks, but the price is non-refundable. Their number is 970-964-4071.

Option 2: Super 8 at $141. ($33 discount). Amenities include outdoor spa, BBQ's, hot breakfast (not sure what that includes). I didn't get to discuss anything else with the manager. Their number is 970-964-9675

Option 3: Red Arrow by Travelodge at $139 per night. (They didn't mention how much this is off the regular price) We have obviously used this motel in the past but they still haven't made any real improvements since Travelodge purchased the property last year and according to the manager I spoke with, they don't have much planned. Amenities include 24 hour front desk, free breakfast (not sure what exactly that includes) and on site guest laundry. Their number is 970-650-8019.

Sorry for how long it's taken to get this information together. It's been a busy time. Looking forward to seeing everyone this fall!!

Here is another option Ron and I have kicked around. We don't have a ton of information but I will share what we do know, the pros and the cons. Read our pros/cons, look around at the website and then let the opinions roll out.

We looked at the Meadows of San Juan Resort

Meadows of San Juan | Recreational Living in Montrose Colorado

Meadows of San Juan is situated in the high desert region of Colorado and close to some of the area’s most popular attractions.

meadowsofsanjuan.com

Pros
*It has campsites (tent, basic hook-ups, full hook-ups), cabins, tiny homes).
*There is a year round hot tub
*Indoor/outdoor pool. They said they would leave it open past their usual closing for the year for us.
*Rec room (we could rent for the BBQ and reserve the pool for just our party. This includes the swimming pool, commercial kitchen, pool table, ping pong etc.)
*For those that bring their dogs they can go off leash in a fenced park area. Or you can take your spouse and let them off leash.
*Fire-pits (even a large one for just our group)
*Large commercial kitchen anyone can use (especially those who are camping)
*We would provide the firewood for night time campfires
*We have quite a few camp chairs we would bring
*Showers
*Laundry room
*This is maybe a con-Ron and I would bring our camp trailer and stay with the group. Pro because our dog Watson and I would be there. Con there will not be a reprieve from Ron.
*The rates are better than in town (we are waiting for the final rates). The tiny homes without the discounts are the same rates the hotels are giving us $160. But we are waiting for the owner to get back from a trip (we have talked to them on the phone but they were out of the country), to give us the final amount on the rooms.
*Most of the people who are staying there are high end RV'ers, and First Responders. This will bring in a better environment than the motels with the just released from jail with their voucher for a room.
*The rooms are clean, and most have been remodeled or are new.
*They have corn hole, basketball, pickle ball, pool tables, ping pong, beautiful landscaping, shuffleboard, horseshoe etc.
*All of the rooms have their own full kitchens (yes with coffee makers, and Jeanette will provide the coffee for anyone who requests it ahead of time).
*I can assist with picking up whatever food you would like prior to your arrival, since I will be making a Sam's Club run for the BBQ. Plus we an always count on Jerry to bring an entire trailer full of snacks.
*We have an option for everyone (those who camp, want a room of their own, and those who share)
*The tiny homes are beautiful. They are brand-new with nice front porches with two chairs facing the pond, and fire pit.
Cons
*It is about 10 minutes south of town. (We considered overcoming the dinner concern with setting up a hot dog night, and/or taking everyone's dinner orders from a local restaurant and we will do a pick up). We also considered most rides head south.
*Pro/con-the cabins and tiny homes have three beds, but in the tiny homes they are in an open loft making standing up impossible even for someone who is short like me (5'2"). The pro (maybe a con) you can share with 3-6 people.The cabin is an open floor plan with two queens (or maybe kings) and a bunkbed. They all have one bathroom. However, if you share a motel room you have one bathroom. Maybe I am overthinking this.

You can see the tiny homes on VRBO. Search this title and see what you think.
Luxury Tiny Home/Base Camp to Ouray, Telluride/2 Queen beds, 1 twin bed/Washer & Dryer/Smart TV/Hot Tub Access/Patio w/Mountain Views/ Fire Pit/11 mi to Airport

So what are the thoughts? This is something totally different than we have done before.....I hope here I wouldn't have to get in between a disturbance and throwing objects off a balcony. I do feel I need to tell you we are seeing an increase of calls at the hotels. The only hotel we haven't had a lot of calls is the Fairfield Inn. It is brand new, across the street from the Sheriffs Office and they are not willing to give us a discount.

Here is another subject.........Everyone's homework for Rockies Gold.
Bring one item to give to someone else that represents you and/or your home state. There isn't a price limit, but remember please try not to bring gift cards that can't be used online or outside of your state. You can bring something made by you, or something purchased. Remember if you bring a pony they will have to fit on a bike. This will all make sense at the BBQ.

 

Here is another option Ron and I have kicked around. We don't have a ton of information but I will share what we do know, the pros and the cons. Read our pros/cons, look around at the website and then let the opinions roll out.

We looked at the Meadows of San Juan Resort

Meadows of San Juan | Recreational Living in Montrose Colorado

Meadows of San Juan is situated in the high desert region of Colorado and close to some of the area’s most popular attractions.

meadowsofsanjuan.com

Pros
*It has campsites (tent, basic hook-ups, full hook-ups), cabins, tiny homes).
*There is a year round hot tub
*Indoor/outdoor pool. They said they would leave it open past their usual closing for the year for us.
*Rec room (we could rent for the BBQ and reserve the pool for just our party. This includes the swimming pool, commercial kitchen, pool table, ping pong etc.)
*For those that bring their dogs they can go off leash in a fenced park area. Or you can take your spouse and let them off leash.
*Fire-pits (even a large one for just our group)
*Large commercial kitchen anyone can use (especially those who are camping)
*We would provide the firewood for night time campfires
*We have quite a few camp chairs we would bring
*Showers
*Laundry room
*This is maybe a con-Ron and I would bring our camp trailer and stay with the group. Pro because our dog Watson and I would be there. Con there will not be a reprieve from Ron.
*The rates are better than in town (we are waiting for the final rates). The tiny homes without the discounts are the same rates the hotels are giving us $160. But we are waiting for the owner to get back from a trip (we have talked to them on the phone but they were out of the country), to give us the final amount on the rooms.
*Most of the people who are staying there are high end RV'ers, and First Responders. This will bring in a better environment than the motels with the just released from jail with their voucher for a room.
*The rooms are clean, and most have been remodeled or are new.
*They have corn hole, basketball, pickle ball, pool tables, ping pong, beautiful landscaping, shuffleboard, horseshoe etc.
*All of the rooms have their own full kitchens (yes with coffee makers, and Jeanette will provide the coffee for anyone who requests it ahead of time).
*I can assist with picking up whatever food you would like prior to your arrival, since I will be making a Sam's Club run for the BBQ. Plus we an always count on Jerry to bring an entire trailer full of snacks.
*We have an option for everyone (those who camp, want a room of their own, and those who share)
*The tiny homes are beautiful. They are brand-new with nice front porches with two chairs facing the pond, and fire pit.
Cons
*It is about 10 minutes south of town. (We considered overcoming the dinner concern with setting up a hot dog night, and/or taking everyone's dinner orders from a local restaurant and we will do a pick up). We also considered most rides head south.
*Pro/con-the cabins and tiny homes have three beds, but in the tiny homes they are in an open loft making standing up impossible even for someone who is short like me (5'2"). The pro (maybe a con) you can share with 3-6 people.The cabin is an open floor plan with two queens (or maybe kings) and a bunkbed. They all have one bathroom. However, if you share a motel room you have one bathroom. Maybe I am overthinking this.

You can see the tiny homes on VRBO. Search this title and see what you think.
Luxury Tiny Home/Base Camp to Ouray, Telluride/2 Queen beds, 1 twin bed/Washer & Dryer/Smart TV/Hot Tub Access/Patio w/Mountain Views/ Fire Pit/11 mi to Airport

So what are the thoughts? This is something totally different than we have done before.....I hope here I wouldn't have to get in between a disturbance and throwing objects off a balcony. I do feel I need to tell you we are seeing an increase of calls at the hotels. The only hotel we haven't had a lot of calls is the Fairfield Inn. It is brand new, across the street from the Sheriffs Office and they are not willing to give us a discount.

Here is another subject.........Everyone's homework for Rockies Gold.
Bring one item to give to someone else that represents you and/or your home state. There isn't a price limit, but remember please try not to bring gift cards that can't be used online or outside of your state. You can bring something made by you, or something purchased. Remember if you bring a pony they will have to fit on a bike. This will all make sense at the BBQ.

Cool idea on the gift thing. You thinking Chinese Auction (drawing at random)? On the Meadows of San Juan Resort, I assume you mean for 2026? If so, it'll definitely make for interesting conversation during this year's event.

 

I ride like the person in front of me. Oh wait, you were leading!

You ride like Grandma... 😆

Ohhhhh wait.....I'm a grandma. What are you saying about my riding? 😂

 

Hey, I'm just repeating what @1096dad told me.

(And I know he'll be sitting back going, "Hey! Don't drag me into this!!"

 

It looks to me that there is currently only one cabin available at the Meadows of San Juan for the dates of RG. I may be wrong if there is the possibility of a reserved block of cabins.

 

Reservations made!

 

Looks like I'm all in for Montrose this fall. Looking forward to it. Mike

 

All the cabins appear to be booked now. That leaves the hotels in town. I want to get booked soon but just waiting to hear back from @dave e and his wife Brenda on what they want to do. I know I have to get booked soon. I'm leaning towards the Red Arrow choice.

I noticed Minecart wasn't one of the choices and thought that was where I originally booked for last year's event. Is that one no longer a good choice?

 

All the cabins appear to be booked now. That leaves the hotels in town. I want to get booked soon but just waiting to hear back from @dave e and his wife Brenda on what they want to do. I know I have to get booked soon. I'm leaning towards the Red Arrow choice.

I noticed Minecart wasn't one of the choices and thought that was where I originally booked for last year's event. Is that one no longer a good choice?

Minecart has gone down the shaft...

 

I would have preferred a cabin over a hotel, sounds like a very cozy place. We probably could have taken a large chunk of that place for sure.

 

Hey Peter, not sure if you saw, but I sent you an email regarding accommodations.

 

I've stayed at the Country Lodge motel three times. It's across the street from the Black Canyon. It's an old, 1960 era, motel that is family owned/operated. The rooms are nice, though some of the furniture and drapes shows quite a bit of age. Bathrooms are small and the shower can get cold if your neighbor showers at the same time. Beds and chairs are clean and in good condition. Many of the rooms are large and they have refrigerators. The photo's on their Google Maps listing are accurate. Mike

 

I just tried to make a reservation at the Super8 and they had no idea about a Rockies Gold rate but were going to offer the Wyndham Rewards price which was higher. They said they would need @1096dad to contact them to get it set up. Any chance this is possible?

They did do a favor for @dave e and Brenda and offer them the special rate.

 

Made a reservation at Red Arrow today. They were not able to find "Rockies Gold" rate.

Ron

 

Made a reservation at Red Arrow today. They were not able to find "Rockies Gold" rate.

Ron

I just got off the phone with Rajina at the Red Arrow. They have a couple of new employees who didn't know how to find the info. You can mention her name for the rate or send her a text directly at 334-492-1887 and she will take care of it.

 

I just tried to make a reservation at the Super8 and they had no idea about a Rockies Gold rate but were going to offer the Wyndham Rewards price which was higher. They said they would need @1096dad to contact them to get it set up. Any chance this is possible?

They did do a favor for @dave e and Brenda and offer them the special rate.

Just got off the phone with the manager at the Super 8. This issue should be sorted out in the next day or so.

Made a reservation at Red Arrow today. They were not able to find "Rockies Gold" rate.

Ron

I reached out to my contact at the Red Arrow to get this sorted out as well.

 

Just got off the phone with the manager at the Super 8. This issue should be sorted out in the next day or so.



I reached out to my contact at the Red Arrow to get this sorted out as well.

Excellent, thank you! I will call back to them on Wed or Thur for my reservation.

 

Question about the start day. Are people arriving on the 24th or do people arrive on the 23rd and things get going on the morning of the 24th?

 

Can't speak for others, but I'm arriving at the Best Western on the evening of the 24th.

 

Are the rates posted including taxes? I’ve noticed an additional $25 per night for taxes. I’m wondering if best western made a mistake. My first time reserving a room there they made a mistake and gave me a room at $192 a night. They did fix it but included the additional tax charge.

 

Prices they gave me did not include taxes.

 

Ok, I'm booked at the Super 8 for Tuesday Sep 23rd to Sun Sep 28th. The rate was $129 a night before taxes. I found out the key to the reservations is to call direct to hotel and not use the "make reservation" number. The phone number listed in the original post is the "make reservation" number. If you call 970-240-8200 and mention Rockies Gold, they will give you the group rate.

@1096dad, is there a way to correct the phone number posted in the original post?

 

Ok, I'm booked at the Super 8 for Tuesday Sep 23rd to Sun Sep 28th. The rate was $129 a night before taxes. I found out the key to the reservations is to call direct to hotel and not use the "make reservation" number. The phone number listed in the original post is the "make reservation" number. If you call 970-240-8200 and mention Rockies Gold, they will give you the group rate.

@1096dad, is there a way to correct the phone number posted in the original post?

The number I posted is the main number listed to the Super 8 on their web page and when I spoke with the manager a couple of days ago, he quoted me the $141 rate. I just got off the phone with him again at this other number and he's lowered their rate to the $129 per night plus taxes as you mentioned. I'm updating the number and rate on the original post right now.

 

Thanks for the response!

 

Reservation set at Super 8, Wed 24 thru Sun 28. This will be my first Rockies Gold but I have been to CO several times.

 

The best of both worlds!

 

If anyone is interested in purchasing Rockies Gold shirts this year, I have created a new design, with 18 different shirt colors, both in short and long sleeves.

There is plenty of time to get one as ordering will be available until July 31st.

Here is the link to the other thread with all the details.

https://www.gl1800riders.com/threads/rockies-gold-2025-t-shirts.493213/?post_id=6236086&nested_view=1&sortby=oldest#post-6236086

 

I don't suppose they print pocket T-shirts? I find a pocket comes in pretty handy.

 

Unfortunately, no pocket shirts. It was difficult enough to get the option to do all those colors and sizes in both short and long sleeves. Last year, there was only 1 option.

Hope to see you at Rockies Gold.

 

Anyone attending this great event from Michigan? A riding partner would be good. I live in the Northern Lower P near Oscoda.

fredfirefighter

 

Am I the only rider from the Michigan area considering this event?

Fredfirefighter

 

Just got booked at the Super8. I played around with all the options as I am a Wyndham member, AARP, AAA, and a Senior 😢, and the rate Ron achieved is about the same as a Wyndham member.
FYI, Splash is planning on making RG2025 - so....unlike last year and the 88 degrees in September in Colderado, bring your cold weather gear and rainsuits (just in case 😉).
DanPrecision, don't forget the shirts 😁.

Safe travels people. See you in September (does That sound like a song 🎵 🤔).

Rick

 

Thanks for the reminder, Rick!😁
I have a feeling I'll be bringing more shirts than last year, because many have ordered both short- and long-sleeved styles.

 

What is splash?

 

Sounds like a guy that brings rain everywhere

 

I am always prepared for whatever- my trusty steed cares not what weather lies ahead ⛄☔