Altitude: 14,110

ALTITUDE: 14,110

Pikes Peak Pleasure Or, a Tour to the Top

THAT OLD song tells of "Springtime in the Rockies," but Bill and Betsy Manning believe that nothing could be better than three days in August in those fabulous mountains. This couple is organizing the Pikes Peak Motorcycle Tour, scheduled for Aug. 6, 7, and 8. The junket takes riders through 400 miles of beautiful Colorado scenery. Highlight of the trip is a ride to the tip of the 14,110-ft. Pikes Peak.

The Mannings inaugurated the tour in 1966, and it is becoming increasingly popular. It is not a money-making venture, but more of a hobby for them, though they hope eventually the tour will pay its own way.

This year it features a chuckwagon dinner and a Western entertainment program at the Flying W Ranch, a visit to a gold mine, a banquet and melodrama at the Iron Springs Chateau, mountain tours around Denver and Colorado Springs, and a stop at Cripple Creek mining town.

All motorcycles, large or small, are welcome on the tour. Average highway speed is 50 mph, and plenty of time is allowed for photography. The cost is $25 per person, including all tolls, admissions, and tickets for the various events. Motels or camp site charges are extra. For more information, write: Bill and Betsy Manning, 630 Cook Street, Denver, Colo.