Riding in Estes Park, CO

[Erica]

Hey all,

I'm new to the forum. I'm 23 and I ride a Specialized Ruby Comp Compact road bike in Lawrence, Kansas. My family travels to Estes Park, Colorado, every summer and I always mean to bring the bike. This year I really want to ride in Colorado and I want to be prepared with a few rides in mind.

I've looked at some websites and there seem to be several very easy rides and some really really hard rides. I am an intermediate rider, I ride almost every day of the week and have gotten to the point where I rarely do anything below 30 miles each time I go out. So, knowing this about my riding style, can anyone give me some good rides that would challenge me but not destroy me?

I have looked into the trailridge road ride a lot and can't seem to find anything specific about the uphill part. I'd really like to know the grade of the incline and how long it goes for to see if this is a possibility for a good ride.

Finally, I obviously don't do a lot (or any) mountain riding in Kansas and want to know if there is any kind of advice you all have about staying safe on the up and down hills of mountain riding.

Thanks so much and sorry I'm asking so much right off the bat,
-Erica

[Pedal Wench]

I was about to ask the same. I'll be in the area before the Denver 3-Day walk (yup, on the bicycle crew there too!) and my BF will meet me with my road bike for a few days of riding before. Looking at Trail Ridge Road, and wondering what other must-do rides are in the area.

Edit: Erica, read through the recent thread on downhill scaredy-pants. Going uphill requires brute strength. It's going downhill that requires skill.

[solobiker]

There is all sorts of rides you can do. As for Trailidridge Road, try to do it on a weekday otherwise there will be a lot of traffic which will slow you down on the downhill. When I did it I rode up Fall River then rode down Trailridge, that way it is more of a loop vs out and back. (Fall River Road is a one way dirt road to the top/visitor's center) I am not a very good hill climber but I did not find it too tough.

There are some fun areas you can ride in to foothills as well. I have not been able to get out too much this season as it has rained pretty much every weekend for the past 2 months I feel like I am back in NY. I would glady give you more info if you would like. Feel free to PM me.

[ginny]

Well, I lived in the area for six years, and there are a number of good rides. One fabulous ride is from Loveland to Estes - it's a big hill - I have done it from Fort Collins to Estes through Masonville - excellent - and you can add Rist Canyon or not... This time of year, I'm not so sure I would do trail ridge road unless it was really really early on a weekday. I guess there is a great shuttle ride from Estes, up and over Trail Ridge to Granby (?) - could be wrong on the destination. I haven't ever done that ride. There are LOTS of pine-cone-pickers. That's what that road is intended for, and in my mind, someone watching an elk is not watching for a cyclist... When you mix tourists pulling trailers or driving motor homes they don't normally drive with cyclists, bad things can happen. Be careful! Call local bike shops. There are good rides out there. There are fast rides around Fort Collins and Loveland that may be safer than riding up in Estes. Definitely bring the bike! It's a huge biking community here, and you'll have fun and meet good humans if you have a bike to tool around on

[solobiker]

Oh, and as for staying safe...thunderstorms in the summer are quite common. Up in the Mtns they usually roll in around 12 or 1pm Some of these storms can be quite strong so whether you are hiking or biking just be aware. They usually come up on you with out warning as they are coming up over the western part of the mtns. If you do get caught out in the rain the roads tend to get very slick from the oil from the cars. Also there is the flash flood warnings too. Gosh, there is a lot.

[solobiker]

Well, I lived in the area for six years, and there are a number of good rides. One fabulous ride is from Loveland to Estes - it's a big hill - I have done it from Fort Collins to Estes through Masonville - excellent - and you can add Rist Canyon or not... This time of year, I'm not so sure I would do trail ridge road unless it was really really early on a weekday. I guess there is a great shuttle ride from Estes, up and over Trail Ridge to Granby (?) - could be wrong on the destination. I haven't ever done that ride. There are LOTS of pine-cone-pickers. That's what that road is intended for, and in my mind, someone watching an elk is not watching for a cyclist... When you mix tourists pulling trailers or driving motor homes they don't normally drive with cyclists, bad things can happen. Be careful! Call local bike shops. There are good rides out there. There are fast rides around Fort Collins and Loveland that may be safer than riding up in Estes. Definitely bring the bike! It's a huge biking community here, and you'll have fun and meet good humans if you have a bike to tool around on

Good ideas here, I have riden to Estes Park from Longmont taking the St Vrain canyon which was great. This canyon does not see a whole lot of traffic and then you get to ride along the Peak to Peak Highway. very cool