Helmeted bikers wheel onto the gondola for a leisurely trip along mountain-top paths and roads, or the long, exciting ride down, which isn t for beginners. Then climb back on the gondola. At other times, it s a van ride. A good place for lunch is Alfredo s, in the Vail Cascade resort, where you can sit on the secluded deck, gaze up at the mountain and listen to the sound of Gore Creek rushing past. There s a wonderful bike-walking path that runs along the creek all the way to Lionshead and Vail.
Dinner there is fairly formal, and the specialty is Italian food.
The Vail Cascade is also a good place to stay in West Vail, away from the busy Vail Village area. A free shuttle runs every few minutes, so there s no reason to drive. I liked the high-ceiled lounge, with plenty of soft sofas where you can collapse after a strenuous day, drink a Colorado microbrew and, yes, look up at the mountains. There s also the huge Club, offering everything from a basketball court to sauna, steamroom, hot tubs and an immense exercise room. Otherwise, you hop a shuttle from Denver.