Butler Maps is a relative newcomer to the motorcycle community that provides maps specifically tailored for riders looking for some great motorcycle roads. Based in Eagle, Colorado, it was founded by 4 motorcycle enthusiasts with varied riding backgrounds and styles. Butler Maps currently has maps available for several Rocky Mountain States with more to come.
I recently received a copy of their Colorado map. At first glance it looks much like your usual state road map. It provides a state highway map on one side with other standard road map information such as a city/town locator, mileage chart and legend on the other side. However, the similarities end there.
First, the map is made of the heaviest & strongest foldable plastic which makes it waterproof and tear resistant. These are important features for the rider on the open road.
Unfolding the map brings you to a road map of Colorado. However, the right half of the state has several ‘Windows’ that provide zoomed in maps of the best rides in Colorado. These rides are numbered and titled and have a corresponding numbered box on the map so that you can locate it. Why cover the eastern half of the state with these windows? East of the I-25 corridor you’ll find that Colorado is flat open country much like Kansas and other Central Plains states while west of I-25 are the beautiful and thrilling Rocky Mountains.
On the backside of the map there is a wealth of information for the rider. Most important is the Cartographic Data and G1 Descriptions.
The Cartographic Data organizes the best segments of roads into four categories:
1) G1 roads are the best motorcycle rides where you can expect high mountain passes, switchbacks, twisties, and remarkable scenery.
2) G2 roads are great motorcycle rides just a notch below G1. Expect dramatic scenery, lively roads, and lots of elevation change.
3) G3 rides are less dramatic then G1 or G2 but provide great scenery, wooded canyons, and narrow winding roadways.
4) Lost Highways are described as roads that seem lost in time and provide a unique experience for the motorcyclist.
The G1 Descriptions are the ‘meat’ of the information provided by Butler Maps. They include a summary of the experience you can expect from the road, an elevation chart with segments classified as outlined in the Cartographic Data, and symbols, which outline the character of the road.
In addition the backside includes a motorcycle shop directory, a climate guide, a list of mountains over 14,000 feet in elevation, and a map of the Front Range, west of Denver.
I must also note that every road segment in the map has been ridden and rated by an owner of Butler Maps and researched by its staff.
All in all, Butler’s Colorado Map is a real bargain at less then $15. With all the useful information provided, it will help make your riding experience one you’ll never forget. For more information and to order a map visit https://www.butlermaps.com/.
