The International 190 SL Group
Backroads Tour 2001
1724 Gaylord Street
Denver, Colorado 80206
(303) 321-1285 (days) or
(303) 321-0370
Dear 190SL Enthusiast and Backroads Adventurer,
Thank you for signing up for this boondoggle. We made a trial run in the middle of May. You値l be pleased to know the overnight lows on our Tour will be warmer than the 29ｺ F we had on our trial run.
We have designed this Tour for driving 190SLs. Driving will require much attention from the left seat. We are going to be on somewhat remote roads. Gas stations, restaurants and flush restrooms may be far apart at some times. Cell phone sites may be non-existent (AT&T definitely doesn稚 have service along much of this route). One of those remote sections we will be on is a wonderful road that travels through orchards and aspen forests. It has few guardrails and occasional drop-offs, along with marvelous views. It follows the contours of the land and bends all over the place and has elevation changes as well. I am hopeful that we will have much of this stretch to ourselves with only the occasional other car. Given the curves and backgrounds, 190SLs could be the only cars in sight on this road at times. Monday evening, I have scouted out what could be a pretty spectacular sunset location and spot for the cars. The peaks of the next mountain range west are quite prominent from this overlook and the cars could be parked, with these mountain peaks behind, with the setting sun behind that. I think it could work as a photo op.
Attractions, in addition to the driving, could include fruit stands (cherries should be in, maybe early peaches), a marble carving clinic in the woods next to a river, art galleries, the Sand Dunes NM and an alligator farm. We will finish Tuesday night with a soak in the Hot Springs and dinner. Those who need to leave can get an early start on Wednesday. Tuesday night you will be about an hour south of Leadville.
We made some reservations and asked some inns to hold some rooms for us. The summer season in some of these places is extremely short. In fact, it starts now and ends before Labor Day. These places make their nut in these 60 days. So please make your reservations soon. That will have the added benefit of getting these guaranties off of my credit card. Thanks.
Sunday, July 29, 2001. We reserved rooms for the group at the Bross Hotel. It is a 1903 Hotel, in town, that has been remodeled and breakfast is included. There are 9 rooms with showers, 1 with bath (clawfoot-type) only. Rates are $70 single, $90 double. Contact Linda or Susan at (970) 527-6776.
Other choices are:
Minnesota Creek B&B contact Lynn Mattingly at (970) 527-4414. This B&B we did not see. This is a 1910 farmhouse with 7 rooms. It is out of town. I think rates are comparable and include breakfast.
Redwood Arms Motel at (970) 527-4148. This roadside motel is just south of town. Rates range from $48 for a Queen and 2 people to $65 for 2 beds, 2 people, $75 for 3 beds, 3 people, extra people are $5. No meals.
Monday, July 30, 2001. We reserved rooms at the Crystal Lodge. Contact Heike at (970) 944-2201/toll-free (877) 465-6343/e-mail to CrystalLodge@LakeCity.net.
It is in the woods about a mile south of town. It does have a gravel driveway and parking lot. It seems newer than the other two, which are somewhat threadbare. Rates are $65 for 2 people in one of the 9 rooms (3 Q, 5K, 1 Twin & bunkbed), $85 for 2 people in one of the 4 suites, $5 add値 person. They have a 30 day cancellation policy. No meals, dining room on premises.
Other choices are:
Quiet Moose Lodge and Tavern. Contact Marcia at (970) 944-2415/toll-free (800) 650-1221. She値l charge us $74 for a Dbl, Q or K as long as we agree not to use kitchens. Some gravel here, too. No meals, restaurant and bar on premises.
Silver Spur Motel. Contact Cynde at (970) 944-2231/toll-free (800) 499-9701/e-mail to silspur@aol.com. In town motel with a gravel parking lot. Rates are $59 for Q or Dbl, 2 people, add値 person $5, $10 more for kitchenette.
Tuesday, July 31, 2001. We reserved rooms at the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort. Contact them at (888) 395-7799. Summer rates for 2 people (older than 12, under 13 $5 extra) are $79 for Rooms in Poolside that have 2 Queens. Use of all Hot Spring Pools is included. No meals are included. Restaurant on premises.
There are no other choices nearby.
Please make reservations soon. Please let me know when you have done so and I will confirm with each hotel.
Bring warm clothes you can layer, driving shoes and swimwear. Mornings and morning driving will be very cool. Please let us know about lodging. Also with questions, comments, complaints. We値l see you soon in Leadville.
Bill Johnson and Cheri Ferbrache