Mountain - Plains - Front Range Century

I'm planning to ring in my 40th by riding a century that day...beer and bbq following (probably) - any and all are welcome to come along! I used to have some 100 mile routes mapped out around the metro area that were OK but mapmyride lost all my saved routes.

Anyone have suggestions for a century starting and ending in central Denver. Someone at work suggested riding to Ft. Collins and back. Thoughts/experiences on that? Not really looking for any big climbs.

What day is it?
I do not have routes either.
When I used to ride centuries in Denver last year I would throw something together the day before from the roads I have already ridden.

Well we ever you decide. I'm in.

I'm planning to ring in my 40th by riding a century that day...beer and bbq following (probably) - any and all are welcome to come along! I used to have some 100 mile routes mapped out around the metro area that were OK but mapmyride lost all my saved routes.

Anyone have suggestions for a century starting and ending in central Denver. Someone at work suggested riding to Ft. Collins and back. Thoughts/experiences on that? Not really looking for any big climbs.

Map. (http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2833996) Starting at REI, head north on the Platte River to McKay Rd then north to 104th. Go west to Riverdale Rd and then north to Brighton. Go on old 85 (not the 4 lane highway but the road off Main St. in Brighton) to Ft. Lupton and then on to Platteville (you will be riding US85 here). Head west on CO66 to Boulder County 1, aka County line Rd. Head south to CO52 and back to Ft. Lupton. Retrace your steps back to REI. This should be 100 miles +/- a few.

The roads are fairly good with a few exceptions. US85 has lots of traffic but a good shoulder. Riverdale is a great ride but it can get busy at times. If you want a change of pace coming back, take Brighton Rd through Henderson back to 104th and then back to the Platte. That's the ugly side of the river, however.;)

Thanks much!!!

The date is July 11, Saturday (just changed). If you are interested in coming along pm me your email addy. I'm going to put out an evite pretty soon to try and get folks coordinated. I've got work friends, other friends and random bike people all interested.

~maria

Holy crap. I know I may end up regretting this with the triple the day before but count me in tentatively. I need a challenge. 220 miles in two days may just do it. I'm all for the flatter century concept.
Will send my email.

Woops! My dear husband says we have to ride the day before, the 11th, if we want beer and bbq after because he's already started planning a party for me. So - moving to the 11th because I want beer and bbq after the ride. Sorry!

Alternatively, if you want to do a 'bike path century' you could start at REI follow the Platte River to Clear Creek. Clear Creek to Golden. A little road riding over to C-470 (on US6 bike path or up Jackson to Golden Rd to Earle Johnson) You'll have to follow Rooney Rd over the hump to get to C470. Follow C-470 all the way over to Cherry Creek near Parker. North to the Highline and follow the Highline Canal to Sand Creek Trail (this is dirt for most of 15 miles). Take Sand Creek back to the Platte and then back south to REI.

Highly inaccurate map (http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2834180) here. I didn't follow the paths exactly but I think it's pretty close...+/-10 miles

Hope you have a great birthday ride. I will be suffering up the TBP that day.

I didn't get to register for the Triple... so I'm in. I could use some suffering... I've been LAZY this year!