Time for the next MotoMission adventure, the Million Dollar Ride! This ride was based out of Ridgway, CO a quick 1,800 mile drive from NC….. not so much. We decided for the sake of mental sanity to split this traverse of the USA into two days. The plan would be to stop in Missouri as the mid way point, then haul it to Colorado.

I loaded up the truck and trailer and hit the road. The beginning of the trip was fog and rain, little did I know this would be the theme of the trip, lucky me! Day one went by fast and before I knew it we were pushing off to Colorado. From Missouri you get on I-70 W for all of Kansas, which feels like an eternity.

After much caffeine and many fuel stops we arrived in Ridgway, CO. We stayed at The Palomino hotel which was awesome minus the parking fiasco. In short there is a restaurant attached to the hotel and the restaurant guests snipe all the parking for the hotel and do not utilize the parking for the restaurant. Management was contacted about this but they didn’t care, oh well moving on.

We arrived several days early so we could have our own adventures before the event. Day 1 was rainy so we decided to take her Bronco on Last Dollar Road. The trail to the summit was no sweat and we arrived just in time for a cloud to roll in. Since you’re at such high elevation this puts you literally in the cloud, its truly awesome to experience! The descent from the summit to Telluride was extremely muddy and very slick. These conditions made for some interesting moments. 1st gear and four high kept her Bronco sliding all over but line choice, control, and judgement got us to the promise land. Times like that make you grateful for off road experience and of course Goodyear Territory MT tires! We had lunch at Brown Dog Pizza in Telluride and then set off back to Ridgway.

On our way back to Ridgway we stopped in Ouray to check out Cascade Falls Park. It is a super short drive in the town of Ouray. From the parking lot it’s an easy hike to the falls.

Waterfall in Ouray, CO — Lower Cascade Falls in Ouray, CO

We also explored some old mining ruins in Ironton before have dinner at The Outlaw.

Day 2 I linked up with James & Jason and we set off for an easy ride on Owl Creek & Cimarron Pass. It was a beautiful ride while we dodged some rain showers but nothing major. We headed back to my hotel for lunch and decided we would hit Last Dollar Road. I advised that we only ride to the summit and then turn around to avoid the muddy descent into Telluride. It started raining while we were at the summit so we decided to boogie back down to Ridgway. Well soon as we broke out of the tree line the dirt had turned to slick mud from the rain. I came over the cattle guard at the end of the tree line and went down. Picking up the bike was a challenge with the slick surface. Slip and slide while trying to lift a 450lb bike was a chore, but we got it situated and I got the bike over to the grassy shoulder to try to find some grip for the rest of the way down and was successful! We got back to Ridgway and parted ways with a plan to communicate that night about tomorrow’s ride.

Day 3 we met at my hotel and set off for a long day of riding. We would head down Hwy 550 to Corkscrew Gulch Staging Area. The beginning isn’t really challenging for Colorado standards where rocky and steep switchbacks are the norm. Once you get to the clearing you can see the next set of switchbacks that will take you to the summit. I’m way out of my zone from riding in the Smokies that’s for sure but we set off for the Summit and about half way up I start getting winded from the elevation. I made a bad line choice that ultimately lead me to a rock that would kick me over into the loose rock and would lose all momentum and bam down I went. Got the bike back up caught my breath and boom I was off to the summit. Once you reach the top you’re gifted with epic views.

We left Corkscrew and headed to Hurricane Pass and California Pass. Each one presented its own challenges along with battling the altitude. But each summit rewarded your efforts with breathtaking views and the accomplishment of completing the trail. We work our way to Animas Forks to check out the mining ruins. At this point Jason and I are getting concerned about the time, we simply aren’t making the miles to complete the last pass which is Cinnamon Pass. We make the decision to break off at Mineral Creek and take that down to Ouray. Mineral Pass was definitely a challenge to say the least but attitude is key here. Be positive and remember what you need to do to make it out safely. We make it down Hwy 550 and I was so happy to see asphalt! We headed to Ouray Brewery for a burger and a beer. It was a hell of a day in the most positive way.

Day 4 it rained a bunch in the morning while I rode to a few stores to find more Micro SD cards. I made the mistake of leaving my hard case of Micro SD cards on my desk at home…. I made sure to pack my backup cards for my Sonys but failed to pack them for the action camera. But I was successful and scooped a few cards. Day 4 was also the “check in” day for the MotoMission ride at Gnar Tacos in Ridgway. This place is a must the food is delicious and the staff is awesome. Check in is now complete and tomorrow the ride kicks off at Cimarron Coffee at 0900.

Day 5 we meet up and chat for a little bit before the ride. For the ride I would run sweep which worked out so I could enjoy the views without turning on my street racer side!

Hwy 550 also known as Million Dollar Road is a must see, especially if you ride. Get out there and enjoy our beautiful country!

Recap video of the event and all passes we rode coming soon!!!

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MotoMission Million Dollar Ride 2025 - Ridgway, CO

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