From: mcclella@yertle.Colorado.EDU (Gary McClelland)
Subject: Re: Mountain Biking in Colorado
Keywords: lots of great stuff!
Organization: University of Colorado, Boulder
Distribution: usa
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 1992 22:19:26 GMT

rgo@druhi.att.com (Ron Olsen) writes:

>|>   I need some info about mountain biking trips near Boulder.  I've
>|> decided on the spur of the moment to go to Colorado before the end
>|> of the summer, so I don't have much time to coordinate a trip, and
>|> am looking into organized trips.  My SO isn't into getting too close
>|> to nature, so we'll want to stay in hotels and B&B's instead of 
>|> camping. (bummer) 

I've deleted most of Ron's excellent advice from this followup and only
offer a few additional comments:

>	I would recommend getting the Boulder County Mountain Bike map
>	($8.50) from any Boulder bike shop, staying in a
>	hotel/motel/B&B in Boulder, and doing day trips on your own.

   There are several very nice B&Bs in Boulder but I would recommend
going to one of the ski areas. Condos are cheap that time of year and
there is less driving to ideal trails.

>	Some good bike shops in Boulder: Cyclelogic, High Wheeler,
>	University, and Performance.  All will be happy to give
>	you information and recommendations on rides.
   Some of us have a different opinion about Performance :-( but the other
shops listed are all great.  I would also the Spoke on the hill.  Good
rentals are available if you don't want to haul your bikes here.

>	Here are some rides that I would recommend:

>	Switzerland Trail: easy jeep roads (an old railroad grade)
>	in a scenic area just west of Boulder.
  This is a classic.

>	Sourdough Trail: rocky, technical single-track near Brainard Lake.
>	Lots of fun and very popular.
  And be sure to ride on the new road up to Brainard Lake itself.  The view
of glacial cirques from there is one of the best in the world.

>	Walker Ranch: some hard climbs and steep descents, and some
>	mandatory bike-carrying terrain; but great fun as well
  But keep an eye out for the mountain lions...


>	Summit County, Winter Park and Vail: about a 2-hour drive from Boulder
>	gets you to some great high-country mountain biking in
>	the heart of Colorado ski country. 

I've found Winter Park to be great for meeting the needs of a group
with individuals of varying ability.  Some trails are as steep as
anything you would want to do without a parachute but others are flat
for miles.  The flat ones follow service roads along canals built by
the Denver Water Board. Many of these offer great views, have
virtually no traffic, and been known to please SOs who aren't so gonzo
about mtn biking.  There are several hundred miles of trails and jeep
roads in the Winter Park area.  The single track at the top of Winter
Park is wonderful and the screaming descent to the base should not be
missed by anyone.

>	I'm not sure if the lifts will run after Labor Day, however.
  I THINK they will still be operating on weekends, but you should
check.

>	This is just a sampler; there is much, much more!
  and of course, we won't tell you where are favorite rides are ;-)

Enjoy!
  gary mcclelland, univ of colorado
  mcclella@yertle.colorado.edu