Mountain Biking - Mtn Bike Trip in Colorado

Hi everyone,

I finally got me a new mountain bike! A Giant Rainier '05. So far I'm loving it.

Anyway, my finacee and I are trying to plan a trip and we have decided on going to Colorado in June 05 for 10-15 days (we both love the mountains and have never been to Colorado). We'd like to do some mountian biking and road biking and we are both fit 26 y/o's. I was just wondering a few things. First, what is a good area(s) to go for some fun rides? We were thinking of going to Aspen but are open to other suggestions. The other question is should we bring our own bikes or rent some (we both have decent mtn bikes and road bikes)? Initially I thought that since we were flying in from the east coast of Canada we should just rent to save the hassle of 4 bike boxes. But I think it might be cheaper to bring our own and for reasons of familiarity. I also want to point out that we would be riding at least once a day so it is mainly a biking trip!

Thanks!

Check the ski resorts for bike rentals, and if they run the lifts for MTB's in the summer. I have done that (at Steamboat) and they have some decent bikes for rent there. I am not sure about the road bikes for rent tho.
If you go to Vail, there is also a trail that parllels I-70 that is supposed to be a nice ride (although I haven't done it myself)
But I'm sure if you look youy could find something near Aspin too.


Flying with the bikes, I think the airline charge $50.00 for the bike box (each) so you should consider that too when thinking about doing this.


I hope this helps.

Sounds like a great trip. I live in Colo. and am still exploring this great state. From my perspective, the most breathtakingly scenic part of the state is the southwest -- the san juan mountains (the so-called alps of the americas). Road riding and mountain biking are just spectacular down there. After that, the south-central region. I recommend that you start with the scenic byways and play to branch off (offroad) from there:

http://www.coloradobyways.org/Main.cfm

As for what to do about the bikes, definitely rent. It's Colorado afterall, and you can rent some excellent bikes for $15 a day each (current, well maintained machines). It might add up to more by the end of the week (and maybe not), but it'd save you the hassle of boxing and travelling w/ your own bikes. Travel light.

More links later. Good luck --

Hey guys, thanks alot for the replies!

Karl, yeah, I was going to give the ski resorts a call and i'll look into vale!

Keaton, thanks for the link! Thats some good info.....I figured a native Coloradian (sp?) would have lots of great ideas. Any more links you can think of would be a great help!

Thanks again!

Here's some pics of various Colorado trails from my webpage:

http://www.anthonysloan.com/Cycling_Destinations.html

It really doesn't matter where you go in CO, it will be great! No joke. I'd say pick a place you want to visit and go. EVERY mountain town has great mountain bike rides. Summit County (Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mtn) has more trails than you could ride in a month, with excellent maps available. At Vail, you can take the gondola up with your bike and ride down. Expensive day ($35?), but fun nonetheless. Aspen, Crested Butte, Telluride: priceless.

The only caveat about June in CO is snow. While most snow should be gone in June below 8-9000 feet, it will likely still be impassable above that. After all, June is typically our runoff month when the rivers are at their highest. It really depends on what kind of winter we have. The temps will be nice though. This past summer it was generally 67-70 in Breckenridge. Perfect for any activity.

I'm not too familiar with the southwest part of the state, so I would get some opinions on whether the snow will be gone by then down there.

The pic below is me hiking somewhere around June 10, 2001 after a drought winter. The pic is about 11,500, which is much higher than you will be riding. But, it does show you some interesting things. First, lots of snow. Second, it was warm, at least until the clouds came in!

Enjoy CO.

Hi,
I did the grand tour of the rockies last june which is singletrack pretty much most of the way from Denver to Durango. A damn fine vacation and excellent value for a 14 night vacation.
www.singletrackvacations.com
They also have tours that are less challenging, but if your looking for the ultimate then this is it.