howsteepisit
06-05-08, 04:13 PM
I am going to be in Fort Collins for a couple of days, taking my bike. Anybody know of some good 20-30 mile rides in that area? Thanks!
Fifty Plus (50+) - Fort Collins CO Area Rides
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w2brdbkr
06-05-08, 07:34 PM
A popular place is going over Horsetooth Reservoir then down into Masonville. Then there are a couple options but you head south to Loveland. My favorite is going back past Edan Valley because you have a really nice downhill.
Once in Loveland you can turn around there or head east & catch one of the main roads such as Taft. If you want something farther you can go over to Carter Lake & do that hill climb. There is also Pinewood reservoir that is by Carter that is one of the harder climbs. Four miles of up, but the ride down is well worth it. You might be able to look on mapmyride to see some of the routes people have posted. If you go over to Carter that will be a little longer ride.
Most of my rides are farther south so I don't know a lot about Ft. Collins except for this area I suggested. I hope that helps some.
Once in Loveland you can turn around there or head east & catch one of the main roads such as Taft. If you want something farther you can go over to Carter Lake & do that hill climb. There is also Pinewood reservoir that is by Carter that is one of the harder climbs. Four miles of up, but the ride down is well worth it. You might be able to look on mapmyride to see some of the routes people have posted. If you go over to Carter that will be a little longer ride.
Most of my rides are farther south so I don't know a lot about Ft. Collins except for this area I suggested. I hope that helps some.
StephenH
06-05-08, 08:37 PM
There is a Deadman Road up north of there somewhere that might make a good trip- I'm not sure the road is paved, though. You'd want to drive to the vicinicy and then bike, I think.
The rides up Big Thompson Canyon (Hwy 34 west of Loveland) and Cache de la Poudre Canyon (NW from Fort Collins) are both very scenic. I haven't been on either on a bike, and the roads are typical narrow twisty touristy canyon roads. The Poudre route is clogged with rafters at about this time, I think. Both are gradual uphill climbs all the way. The Big Thompson Canyon fairly frequently has bighorn sheep high on the canyon walls. The Big Thompson goes through a very rocky steep canyon for a few miles before broadening out, while the Poudre is a more open canyon.
You might also check in the regional forum for the area.
The rides up Big Thompson Canyon (Hwy 34 west of Loveland) and Cache de la Poudre Canyon (NW from Fort Collins) are both very scenic. I haven't been on either on a bike, and the roads are typical narrow twisty touristy canyon roads. The Poudre route is clogged with rafters at about this time, I think. Both are gradual uphill climbs all the way. The Big Thompson Canyon fairly frequently has bighorn sheep high on the canyon walls. The Big Thompson goes through a very rocky steep canyon for a few miles before broadening out, while the Poudre is a more open canyon.
You might also check in the regional forum for the area.
w2brdbkr
06-06-08, 05:49 AM
The Big Thompson is very pretty ride specially if you take the right turn at Drake & go thru Glenhaven. If you do that route there is a really steep climb after Glenhaven before you crest into Estes Park.
To make this ride shorter you could always park at the Darm store, which is just at the base of the canyon. If you rode from Ft. Collins it would put you way over the 20-30 mile ride.
I know a lot of people ride out to the Rawhide plant, but I haven't done that one yet.
To make this ride shorter you could always park at the Darm store, which is just at the base of the canyon. If you rode from Ft. Collins it would put you way over the 20-30 mile ride.
I know a lot of people ride out to the Rawhide plant, but I haven't done that one yet.