...on such a Summer's Daaay!

I left Colorado back in '93 (Jesus' trousers, 20 years have passed already?) and had a vivid dream last night about Hwy 50 (a beautiful road) somewhere between Gunnison and Monarch Pass. I woke up at 3:45 this morning with a larval plan and have been humming without the aid of caffeine since. So in July or August, I'm shipping my bicycle to Colorado, riding my motorcycle up there on the wondrous sillystring roads, and riding for 3-4 days in Southwestern CO. I was mightily tempted to go to Frisco by your other basecamp thread, but there's something about Highway 50 that is calling to me right now.

Would this route be suicidal? Or would you recommend another?
Or would Frisco be absolutely better in every way? (I'm fortunate, because I've got 8 days in CO, AND a motorcycle so I'll still be able to enjoy the 50 and Monarch Pass on two wheels regardless.)
Maybe I should ship my bike to Montrose, stay in a hotel there, and ride around to Salida, Ouray, Silverton, and Durango?

I know the stretch that I desperately need to see, but it's been 13 years since I've been back. Is there anything else in the region you consider a must-see?

Also is it going to be blazing hot in late July?
I heard there were recently fires in SoCol...how bad?

Many thanks, and if anyone ever makes it down to Southern California, specifically Coastal San Diego County, I'd be glad to help with some route advice (and maybe pizza & pitchers) on top of the SoCal Route Repository.

Peace & safe riding this summer!