Mountain - Plains - Golden, CO rental and road route

Yes, internet strangers, be my travel agent :).

I've got a meeting the Denver West Marriott (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/denwe-denver-marriott-west/) (actually on the way to Golden, opposite that huge mall on 70) in late August. Last time I was there I saw a group ride actually leaving from the hotel, heading out on a local suburban road. Local ride? Coincidental guests with bikes?

I suspect the group ride was beyond my abilities/interest, but I would LOVE to end at least one day of powerpoint and coffee breaks with a nice 30-miler.

There seem to be bike shops in downtown Golden with rentals...and I'm searching the forums for routes, but if anyone can make recommendations or get specific about that area that'd be great.

Thanks!

Lookout Mountain is a popular ride in Golden. I believe from the Marriott you go west on Denver West Pkwy to Isabel St. (left) to right on South Golden Road into Golden. Then make a left on 19th St and start climbing - it turns into Lookout Mtn Road. It's a fun ride if you like climbing.

Lookout Mountain is a popular ride in Golden. I believe from the Marriott you go west on Denver West Pkwy to Isabel St. (left) to right on South Golden Road into Golden. Then make a left on 19th St and start climbing - it turns into Lookout Mtn Road. It's a fun ride if you like climbing.

great, thanks! Here's a small map (http://www.coloradobicyclerides.com/rides/lookoutMountain/lookoutMountain.html) I found for future reference...

personally I'd cutoff highway 26 into Red Rocks park... follow the signs to Trading post (water and bathrooms)
then into morrison


greater denver has over 650 miles of bike routes bike shops carry greater denver bike map for about $5

for group rides check out www.dbtc.org (http://www.dbtc.org) (denver bike touring club) non members are welcome as long as they have a helmet

The web site for the Golden Bike Shop at 722 Washington says it has rentals. Never tried it though. Self-Propulsion is still at 1212 Washington and was the only shop when I lived there 20-30 years ago. A stiff but spectacular ride would be up the Lariet Loop trail directly to Buffalo Bills' grave at the top of Lookout Mountain. Check with the Denver Bicycle Touring Club for routes. Contact the bike racing team at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden for advice. Tell them a grad from the class of '73' sent you.

Your staying right down the street from where I live. :)

Tell them a grad from the class of '73' sent you.

That's my standard line anyway...:P

Your staying right down the street from where I live. :)

Well geez, maybe I'll get creepy and do a ride-by :)

Well geez, maybe I'll get creepy and do a ride-by :)

what days are you going to be here?? Maybe we can do a ride together???

Just a quick note to thank Snowy for an awesome ride over Dinosaur Ridge and past the Red Rocks amphitheater...great weather, great ride, great way to see the area! I got a look at Lookout before the Coors Brewery tour on Friday and I'm kinda glad I didn't heed that advice :) maybe next time when I've had two weeks.

Any chance of pictures??:p

heh, no, jeez, we were too hardcore to carry a camera around, but speaking of hardcore, snowy agreed that she should post her triple-bypass-bowventure pix soon...