SALIDA, CO and Road Cycling
 

I will be spending a week in SALIDA at the end of July and the beginning of August. I want to take my road bike since I will be driving and ride a few miles when I am there. I would like to find some local rides to latch on to or at the least get some route info.....and I am looking for a place to stay....It will be me or me and my girlfriend for a week. She might be there all the time part or none....LOL go figure....we are just looking for a simple room....nothing fancy...

Any info would be helpful (Where to get a great beer when in town) so post away....

Thanks in advance....

Biff

That's a beautiful part of CO. You have the Collegiate Range to the west and the arid plains to the east. The road riding is right there on the map ...pretty basic. Hwy 24 has a really wide shoulder and the roads in that area have very little traffic.

For a short unique ride, pack a swim suit, a credit card and head north to Buena Vista and stop at Bongo Billy's for a coffee and a pastry. Then continue on for another few blocks. Turn left at the light and go another 5 miles or so to Cottonwood Hot Springs. Park the bike and go for a soak.

If you're feeling more adventurous, then take on Monarch Pass or Independence Pass.

There are two nice rides down Highway 50 from Salida. Drive east on 50 and park at the Texas Creek road. Ride up Texas Creek as far as you wish, the only town up there is Westcliffe, store or cafe there, ride as much as you wish and then back Texas Creek to your car.

Another nice ride is to drive to east on 50 to Parkdale, climb the hill and park at highway 9. Ride north on 9 as far as you like, it goes right past Telenicks house after a 100 miles or so.:D

Texas Creek to Westcliffe is a gorgeous ride, that's my highest recommendation in that area ( as well as Telenick's idea on the ride to Cottonwood Hot Springs).