Biking Colorado in september

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 ?

Then i was thinking of going on over to winter park and then to Vail - But
their official summer season is now over - is it still worth going to winter
park and Vail - when dare I say it the lifts are shut?? -Bear in mind we
live at sea level so our lungs aren't going to be up to climbing all day
long 8-), what trails are the best to do here when you have to rely on
pedal power alone ?

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 ?

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..

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 ?

Then back to Denver via sand dunes, and Colorado springs

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


Thanks in advance

Gordo