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