07-22-2020, 01:27 PM
A few random thoughts about our motorcycle trip to Colorado.
I was a little nervous at first but we managed to have a good time.
To lessen our risk we mainly took back roads and traveled through areas with low infection rates. On the interstate I guessed we would have more contact with people from all over the US.
In Colorado more people were out than I expected. Most of our motels were fairly full. The only motel with low occupancy was in Vernal Utah.
We were in Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and Kansas.
Colorado was the best at taking precautions. In Colorado most people wore masks, even the under 25 age group. Restaurants did a good job of keeping customers away from each other.
Before the statewide mask requirement most businesses, restaurants and gas stations had signs saying masks are required.
We always wore our masks when inside or entering a restaurant. When riding we got in the habit of using our neck tubes. This way if we forgot to grab a mask when off the bike we could pull the neck tube up over our nose.
We did not visit little shops like we normally do to avoid close contact with others. We did go into one art gallery because we noticed the only person inside was the owner.
Motels and restaurants in Gunnison were happy to see you because they had to close for a couple months.
A couple Colorado towns with wide streets had tables, chairs and umbrellas set up on the edge of streets so you had a place to eat in case the restaurants were full or you felt better eating outside.
For those going to the RS Ride In we stayed at the same Quality Inn the group will stay at. I asked the owner if the cleaning staffs cleans all the touch points since they enter the room every day. She said they found it was better to use a spray on all the odd surfaces like light switches that are hard to completely wipe clean.
You could probably ask for no maid service while staying if you're more comfortable with that.
In Colorado most places had sanitizer available but it's best to have your own. Some places had masks available at the door or they sold you one for $1.
Gas stops
I took disposable gloves for gas stops figuring I would use one for holding the pump but I forgot I also hold the hose. It had been a long time since riding the bikes, give me a break
I didn't want to mess with using latex gloves on both hands. I settled on using the provided paper towels to handle the hose and pump touch pad. After filling the bikes I would sanitize my hands before touching the bikes or my riding gear. Laying out one or two wipes before filling worked best for me. At first I used the liquid stuff but realized after cleaning my hand I also had to clean off the outside of the bottle.
Once you settle into a routine that works for you it's not as much hassle as it sounds.
One thing I forgot to mention,. Since the restaurants in Colorado were busy and had limited capacity don't sit and visit when you're done, someone is probably waiting for your table.
If the state removes the mask requirement before the September Ride In, individual businesses will probably still require you to wear a mask.
We met a group of 15 at Gunnison we see a couple times a year at different locations around the US. Everyone was good about asking if you were uncomfortable with hugs or hand shakes. I explained Debbie has close contact with hundreds of people every day at work so it was best not to touch us.
Keep in mind you can't be 100% safe from getting the virus and you can't be 100% safe while riding motorcycles, you just do your best to minimize the risks and enjoy the day.
Let's hope things do not get worse by September .
I was a little nervous at first but we managed to have a good time.
To lessen our risk we mainly took back roads and traveled through areas with low infection rates. On the interstate I guessed we would have more contact with people from all over the US.
In Colorado more people were out than I expected. Most of our motels were fairly full. The only motel with low occupancy was in Vernal Utah.
We were in Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and Kansas.
Colorado was the best at taking precautions. In Colorado most people wore masks, even the under 25 age group. Restaurants did a good job of keeping customers away from each other.
Before the statewide mask requirement most businesses, restaurants and gas stations had signs saying masks are required.
We always wore our masks when inside or entering a restaurant. When riding we got in the habit of using our neck tubes. This way if we forgot to grab a mask when off the bike we could pull the neck tube up over our nose.
We did not visit little shops like we normally do to avoid close contact with others. We did go into one art gallery because we noticed the only person inside was the owner.
Motels and restaurants in Gunnison were happy to see you because they had to close for a couple months.
A couple Colorado towns with wide streets had tables, chairs and umbrellas set up on the edge of streets so you had a place to eat in case the restaurants were full or you felt better eating outside.
For those going to the RS Ride In we stayed at the same Quality Inn the group will stay at. I asked the owner if the cleaning staffs cleans all the touch points since they enter the room every day. She said they found it was better to use a spray on all the odd surfaces like light switches that are hard to completely wipe clean.
You could probably ask for no maid service while staying if you're more comfortable with that.
In Colorado most places had sanitizer available but it's best to have your own. Some places had masks available at the door or they sold you one for $1.
Gas stops
I took disposable gloves for gas stops figuring I would use one for holding the pump but I forgot I also hold the hose. It had been a long time since riding the bikes, give me a break
I didn't want to mess with using latex gloves on both hands. I settled on using the provided paper towels to handle the hose and pump touch pad. After filling the bikes I would sanitize my hands before touching the bikes or my riding gear. Laying out one or two wipes before filling worked best for me. At first I used the liquid stuff but realized after cleaning my hand I also had to clean off the outside of the bottle.
Once you settle into a routine that works for you it's not as much hassle as it sounds.
One thing I forgot to mention,. Since the restaurants in Colorado were busy and had limited capacity don't sit and visit when you're done, someone is probably waiting for your table.
If the state removes the mask requirement before the September Ride In, individual businesses will probably still require you to wear a mask.
We met a group of 15 at Gunnison we see a couple times a year at different locations around the US. Everyone was good about asking if you were uncomfortable with hugs or hand shakes. I explained Debbie has close contact with hundreds of people every day at work so it was best not to touch us.
Keep in mind you can't be 100% safe from getting the virus and you can't be 100% safe while riding motorcycles, you just do your best to minimize the risks and enjoy the day.
Let's hope things do not get worse by September .
Lee
Iowa, USA
2022 R1250RS White Sport
Past BMWs: 2016 R1200RS x 2, 2011 K1300S x 2, 2003 K1200RS x 2, 1991 K75S x 2, 1987 K75T x 2, 1984 R100RT
Iowa, USA
2022 R1250RS White Sport
Past BMWs: 2016 R1200RS x 2, 2011 K1300S x 2, 2003 K1200RS x 2, 1991 K75S x 2, 1987 K75T x 2, 1984 R100RT