Come bike in Colorado - we have some great rides in this state
Good news, for all of us who enjoy riding a bike in Colorado and exploring new routes, this month's issue (May 2013) of 5280 Magazine has a list (with maps) of some of our best rides in the State of Colorado. Buy the issue and read over the routes, see how many you have already done, how many are left to be conquered.
I agree with the list of recommended rides, perhaps because Deer Creek Canyon is not on the list, but most likely because Lindsey B. Koehler, who wrote the piece for 5280 Magazine, seems to know her stuff. The magazine is named after the altitude of our State Capital Denver, which is 5280 feet above sea level. With 53 mountains rising to over 14,000 feet in this State, and our highest paved road at 14,240 ft (Mt Evans), the State of Colorado is one big challenge awaiting any road cyclist.
If you are traveling through Colorado on your family vacation - bring your bike. If you are coming to watch the USA Pro Challenge in August - bring your bike. If you live here - you are one lucky bike rider.
Recommended Reading: Spin Cities in 5280 Magazine, By Lindsey B. Koehler:
Good news, for all of us who enjoy riding a bike in Colorado and exploring new routes, this month's issue (May 2013) of 5280 Magazine has a list (with maps) of some of our best rides in the State of Colorado. Buy the issue and read over the routes, see how many you have already done, how many are left to be conquered.
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| 5280 Best Bike Rides, May 2013 edition - on newsstands now! |
I agree with the list of recommended rides, perhaps because Deer Creek Canyon is not on the list, but most likely because Lindsey B. Koehler, who wrote the piece for 5280 Magazine, seems to know her stuff. The magazine is named after the altitude of our State Capital Denver, which is 5280 feet above sea level. With 53 mountains rising to over 14,000 feet in this State, and our highest paved road at 14,240 ft (Mt Evans), the State of Colorado is one big challenge awaiting any road cyclist.
If you are traveling through Colorado on your family vacation - bring your bike. If you are coming to watch the USA Pro Challenge in August - bring your bike. If you live here - you are one lucky bike rider.
Recommended Reading: Spin Cities in 5280 Magazine, By Lindsey B. Koehler:
" ... With dry roads and sunny days stretching
out ahead of us, we’re joining the frenzy—and helping you do the same—by
highlighting some of the best road cycling routes (for beginners and
experts alike!) along the Front Range and in Colorado’s famed high
country. Clip in and enjoy the ride."
Features of the article:
In her article recommending 21 bike rides in Colorado, Lindsey B. Koehler has listed the major nearby city, ride distance, difficulty level, maps, profiles, and most importantly - rest stops or happy hour locations nearby the routes. I enjoy a destination or loop ride, and this 5280 article offers plenty of choices. I could fill the year riding these selected routes; there remain three I have yet to tackle.
The list of 21 road rides in Colorado that made the Best of list according 5280 Magazine - Spin Cities:
You might have noticed that a number of the cities listed above are Host Cities for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge, so if you are visiting to see the race, be sure to go for a ride before or after your stage viewing.
If you are interested in detailed information about the climbs in Colorado, also read: Recommended Reading: Guide to Climbing in Colorado
Features of the article:
In her article recommending 21 bike rides in Colorado, Lindsey B. Koehler has listed the major nearby city, ride distance, difficulty level, maps, profiles, and most importantly - rest stops or happy hour locations nearby the routes. I enjoy a destination or loop ride, and this 5280 article offers plenty of choices. I could fill the year riding these selected routes; there remain three I have yet to tackle.
The list of 21 road rides in Colorado that made the Best of list according 5280 Magazine - Spin Cities:
- Colorado Springs: The Ride: Cheyenne Cañon, Distance (Hard): 11.4 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
- Colorado Springs: The Ride: Pikes Peak Highway (Hard), Distance: 60 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
- Beaver Creek: The Ride: The Copper Triangle (Hard), Distance: 92 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
- Beaver Creek: The Ride: Eagle River Ramble (Easy), Distance 27 round-trip, (see the ride)
- Steamboat Springs: The Ride: Steamboat Springs to Lake Catamount (Easy), Distance: 22 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
- Steamboat Springs: The Ride: Emerald Mountain Circuit (Moderate), Distance: 27.7 mile loop, (see the ride)
- Boulder: The Ride: Peak to Peak Highway (Moderate to Hard), Distance: 60 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
- Boulder: The Ride: Neva Loop (Easy), Distance: 15.4 mile loop, (see the ride)
- Boulder: The Ride: Super James (Hard), Distance: 40 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
- Boulder: The Ride: Boulder to Estes Park (Moderate), Distance: 78 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
- Boulder: The Ride: Super Flag (Hard), Distance: 10 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
- Boulder: The Ride: Magnolia (17%!) (Hard), Distance: 9 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
- Boulder: The Ride: Carter Lake (Moderate), Distance: 65 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
- Bellvue/Fort Collins: The Ride: Rist Canyon Loop (Moderate to Hard), Distance: 42 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
- Bellvue/Fort Collins: The Ride: Centennial Drive Loop (Easy), Distance 22.7 mile loop, (see the ride)
- Aspen: The Ride: Maroon Bells (Moderate), Distance: 18 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
- Aspen: The Ride: Extended Maroon Bells (Hard), Distance: 52.9 miles on two branches, (see the ride)
- Denver: The Ride: Confluence Park to Cherry Creek State Park (Easy), Distance: 28.4 miles round-trip, (see the ride) [I personally like the extension of the Cherry Creek Path from the Reservoir down past Parker].
- Denver/Golden: The Ride: Lookout Mountain (Hard), Distance: 37.2 out and back, (see the ride)
- Breckenridge: The Ride: Lake Dillon Loop (Moderate), Distance: 31 miles round-trip, (see the ride)
- Breckenridge/Keystone: The Ride: Extended Lake Dillon (Moderate), Distance: 38.0 miles, (see the ride)
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| 5280's variation of the traditional Copper Triangle route. Map created by 5280 Magazine |
If you are interested in detailed information about the climbs in Colorado, also read: Recommended Reading: Guide to Climbing in Colorado
