Originally Posted by Trek520
I am planning a 2,000 mile unsupported trip this summer that will take me over paved roads of unknown quality. I will be starting at Green River Utah, going through Moad, Montrose and picking up the Adventure Cycling Western Express route in Dolores, CO. I'll stay on that route through the Rockies and end up in Pueblo, CO. From there I'll go East to Sheridan Lake, CO then head north. I'll eventually get to Wray, CO then ride diagionally across Nebraska to pick up RAGBRAI in Rock Rapids, Iowa. There should be no dirt roads but maybe a very small section of gravel. I have read many comments on this forum about touring tires and there are lots of opinions. I haven't heard much about the Bontrager Race Lite Hardcae tires which I believe come on the new Trek 520 (I have a '96 520). Naturally I am interested in a tire with low rolling resistance, high puncture resistance, a quiet, comfortable ride, and I want tires that are fairly easy to get off and on the rims (I have Alexrims DV15 on the rear and Cosmo 700c? on the front). I bought the bike used and know nothing about the quality of these rims. Currently riding on Conti Ulta Gatorskins (700x28). I can buy the Bontragers for $25.00 each (700 x 32) but I do not know anything about these tires. I would appraciate your comments.
I know I was poking a little fun at your route but I do have a suggestion that is slightly more scenic and more populated. At Canon City, turn north to Colorado Springs on Colo. 115. It's a nice scenic ride with some traffic but it also see lots of cycling activity from Colorado Springs so cars expect you. At Colorado Springs, turn east on US24 to Limon. This section of road is almost as lonely as the ride from Sheridan Lakes to Wray but a bit shorter. At Limon, you can go north on Colorado 71 to Last Chance and then east on US 36 to US 385. From there you can go north to Wray and then over to McCook, NE. The route is still a little remote but there's at least some civilization out there and it might be a little cooler...both figuratively and literally
US385 can be really hot (as most of the plains can be) in the summer.