When it comes to classic Colorado road cycling routes, the ride up and down fourteener Mt. Blue Sky (fka Mt. Evans) from Idaho Springs is about as famous as they come. Though admittedly not much of a pure road biker myself, this one had long been on the list in the must-do-at-least-once category. So when Brian shot me an invite to join he and his cousin Kevin on a ride up the highest paved road in North America earlier this summer I immediately signed up.
In terms of route description there’s really not much to say. Start in Idaho Springs (in our case from the Westbound and Down Brewing parking lot) and ride up the Mt. Blue Sky Scenic Byway (aka CO Road 103) to Echo Lake. Nail the single right turn up the Mt. Blue Sky Road (aka CO Road 5) and follow it all the way up the summit at 14,268 feet. Then reverse it all the way back down and drink beer. The only question mark for the day was the weather, as we were looking at 60-70% chance of rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon with clouds building and rolling through the area all day. Keep Reading….
The Indian Peaks Wilderness is an area that I (surprisingly) just haven’t spent much time in during my mountaineering wanderings. This is in spite of the fact that I, A) Went to CU, a mere stone’s throw away, and B) Lived in Westminster for years. I guess I always had other objectives in mind during both other phases of life. Go figure. Keep Reading…
Glacier Gorge is about as iconic as it gets in Colorado. This sweeping cirque contains enough high peaks, lakes, trails, and precipices to serve as a front range ‘home base’ for a lifetime. It’s little wonder that this was the spot chosen long ago to serve as the beating heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve been here. Encompassing anything from thrilling rock climbs up The Sharkstooth to family walks around Bear Lake, there’s enough variety to easily justify coming back time and time again. But in spite of all those trips, I still had a bit of unfinished business along the divide. Keep Reading…
Dave and I have been eyeing this one for a few years now. Finally found a weather and PTO window to get it done. Kevin joined with his full suspension Yeti MTB. Dave was sporting his Trek Domane SL5 loaner (due to biblical seatpost issues with his brand new SL5) with 32’s and then myself breaking in my brand new Canyon Grizl CF SL7 with beefy 45’s.
We parked at the free parking structure right on the east end of town where the gapers pick up the shuttles to go up Trail Ridge. Picked up Fall River by the Stanley and soon enough were at the entrance station. You don’t need a reservation, but you do need to pay. It’s $15 per rider. Keep Reading….
