Colorado Rockies Tour Announcement
Please join us from July 27th through August 4th, 2011 on a scenic bike tour of the Colorado Rockies.
Your leaders have ridden this route at various times over the last twenty years and we have planned a fun and challenging introduction to those of you not familiar with cycling in this region. The minimum total tour distance is 220 miles—shortest day 30 mi and longest 58 mi—with opportunities for more.
The tour begins and ends in Glenwood Springs, known for its large mineral springs swimming pool only a few steps over the pedestrian bridge across the Colorado River. At 5,700 ft elevation, Glenwood is the lowest point on the tour.
The first day of riding is mellow, beginning on the paved Glenwood Canyon bike trail adjacent to the roaring Colorado River. After an overnight in Beaver Creek, we proceed along a low traffic road and bike trail into Vail. A climb up to 10,600-ft Vail pass on “bicycle only” former US 6 finds us on the paved bike path to the summit and down to Copper Mountain Ski Area. A paved trail continues on to Frisco where we will stay three nights in order to give us the opportunity for local rides to places such as Breckenridge, Keystone, Montezuma, Loveland Pass, Hoosier Pass, and the new bike trail around Dillon Lake. There are also ample hiking opportunities.
From Frisco, we have a short ride over 11,300-ft Freemont Pass staying in Leadville in an historic hotel. Next, riding down the Arkansas River valley and crossing the ride’s high point 12,100-ft Independence Pass, we have a 19-mile downhill to Aspen.
Aspen will be our home for the next two days providing an opportunity to ride up “bikes only” Maroon Bells road. You’ve seen pictures of Maroon Bells on calendars where there is a small lake nestled at the base of the mountains. Bring your camera and shoes suitable for the trails so popular there. An alternate ride is to Snowmass Ski Area northwest of Aspen on quiet roads and bike trails. There is a short gondola ride available with your bike to the “upper village” and food. Another choice is climbing to the ghost town of Ashcroft (11 miles from Aspen) which is a restored weather-beaten mining camp with guided tours available. Evening classical concerts are available at Aspen Music Festival. The final day continues downhill, where we first stop at Woody Creek Tavern, favorite watering hole for local cyclists. Continuing on the paved Rio Grande bike trail, we descend down the Roaring Fork River valley 40 miles to Glenwood Springs.
We suggest arranging for your own transportation from Davis via the Amtrak California Zephyr, or a comfortable two-day drive by car, or non-stop flights to Denver with a van shuttle to Glenwood Springs.
The reservations have been arranged for double occupancy in each room. Single persons should have a roommate secured at the time of sign-up for the tour.
Your price is $600 which includes eight nights up-scale lodging, breakfasts except Frisco, maps, and luggage van service. Tour leaders are Bruce and Marilyn Dewey, 753-9188 or email deweyms@hotmail.com.
