Gordo wrote:

Hi,

I'am flying out to CO on monday for 3 weeks vacation, and was wondering if
any one had any suggestions from past experience as what route would be best
to take in all that CO has to offer for biking and sightseeing.

I've already booked up a place to stay in boulder for the first 5 nights -
and already have sourghdough trail down as a must do ride and have room for
one other ride in that area - any suggestions ?


Sourdough is a good trail, I would also suggest Walker Ranch. It is the
closest to Boulder and a very good trail. Do it during the day during a
weekday and avoid the crowds. The get a brew at the Mountain Sun
brewery, a bit granola, but unlike the all the other yuppie
establishments Boulder has gotten, IMHO.


Why do these palce shut down in september does the weather get very bad - or
is just that not many people are around in september ?

No people, many locals don't use the lifts, too many other places to
ride ...


Next I was thinking of heading down the Gunnison and doing Hartman rocks and
then heading up to cretsted butte - any suggestions as to the best rides
here already have 401 down as a must do..


MattB has filled you in here. 401 is a beautiful trail, the Monarch
Creast suggestion is not a poor one either.

Then I though we could go down to Durango where it will be a bit warmer ? ,
going to mesa verda as a trip- any suggestions as to the best rides here ?

Not necessarily, Durango will be warmer than Gunnison, but Gunnison is
ofter the coldest place in the state, along with Frasier (Winter Park
area). Mesa Verde may be quite warm, but the crowds will be gone, and it
is a neat place to see. Some of the oldest establishments in the US.
Like MattB, I would also ride with you if you are interested in a local
guide, and I am around. I don't know very much, but I'll bet I can find
a trail or two that would be fun. Hermosa Creek is probably our most
famous trail, it is beautiful, great single track, and NOT just all down
hill. We have many other right out of town, out and back on Jones Creek
is fun, Colorado Trail from Molas to Coal bank is the toughest 17 miles
I've ever ridden, all sorts of stuff. Email me if interested.

Then back to Denver via sand dunes, and Colorado springs

If I were you, I would do 401 in Gunnison, then on the way back up to
Denver (from Durango) skip the dunes and stay overnight in Salida, a
great stop off for more biking. Easy access to Monarch Creast or S.
Fooses (sp?) Trail. Salida is a nice little town, stay in the Woodlands
Motel, visit the newly remodeled indoor hot springs, eat dinner at
Laughing Ladies!


So have I missed anything or is there a better route I could be doing - also
any recommendations as to motels/hotels/condos to stay at would be great



Look online for motels in Durango and probably other areas. You get what
you pay for, so if you want to go cheap, than don't fuss about drippy
shower head.

Thanks in advance

Gordo




--
Craig Brossman, Durango Colorado
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