The ride up Texas Creek is nice, think about riding down 50 that far, then up Texas Creek, it has no traffic at all. Up Texas Creek takes you up to Westcliffe, then you can keep riding south, or turn east toward Hardscabble pass.
If you want nothing of riding 50, take the bike in the car to park at Texas Creek and start riding there. I also like the ride into the San Luis Valley, there is also less traffic than on 50, and nice hill work out on the pass. Oh, and try Cottonwood Pass road out of Buena Vista, it's paved all the way the Crested Butte from what I've heard, check it out, that would be fun to ride to CB, spend the night and ride back.
Another, ride north to Twin Lakes and back, good shoulder and no passes (unless you are up for Independence). Highway 9 from 50 to Hartsel is sweet.
Good luck on the new life, it's a great place to explore.
Last edited by Shifty; 06-15-06 at 02:31 PM.