Paving part II

(More blog entries from howie)

Coming down into Hairpin

The weather wasn't optimal but it worked...

As you know, we closed the Auto Road for two days to get some paving done.  We're pretty happy with the result although we didn't accomplish everything we were hoping for.  The weather kept us off the upper reaches the first day and the rain shortened the second day by a few loads.  All in all we're satisfied with the results and hope to do more in the fall.  We've decided that May is a bit early to try high elevation paving as the weather is still unpredicatable - it's a tough balance waiting for the weather to get better but not wanting to get too late into the season and impact even more vacationer's Auto Road travel plans. 

Immediately upon opening on May 31 it rained so hard we had to close the upper mountain to public traffic for the day as the remaining gravel sections became too muddy to be safely negotiated.  Pretty typical for this time of the year!  As the gravel firms up in the next few weeks it becomes much more resistant to rain and eventually will shed many inches of rain before we have to close because of mud.  I think we're at about 79% paved now with the rest a hard packed gravel.

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Re: Paving part II
by Mike P on Jun 3rd 2007, 8:21 am

I want to ride a large motorcycle to the summit next week, but I am concerned about the gravel - is it safe, or not recommended?

Re: Paving part II
by Howie on Jun 3rd 2007, 6:56 pm

This time of the year is day to day for motorcycles depending on what we're getting for rain or showers. We won't open for bikes if it's not safe - we have several motorcycle operators on our crew who help make that call. On several days this past week we were open then closed then open again as the rain affected the riding surface for bikes, we stay on top of it so you can enjoy the ride! Give us a call when you're ready to come up and we'll let you know what the conditions are. It's an incredible ride - hope you make the trip up!

Re: Paving part II
by Dave on Jun 5th 2007, 7:34 am

From the road, does it appear that airplane is still skiable?

Re: Paving part II
by Howie on Jun 6th 2007, 2:44 pm

Dave, Airplane is shot - too much rain and warm weather the last couple week.