Debbi

I need to rent a bike (canndondale would be great) in Longmont, CO next week. Where would I go for that? And trails? I saw on "PlanMyRide" a route from Lyons to Estes Park. Any help would be great. Thanks, Debbi

valygrl

you talking about dirt or road? There are 2 fairly direct roads from Lyons to Estes Park. Hwy 7 / South Saint Vrain is beautiful, low traffic, good pavement, with a lot of climbing. Hwy 36 is heavily trafficked with a narrow shoulder and chipseal, much easier and less climbing. I never ride 36.

University Bikes in Boulder rents bikes.

Debbi

Hi! Thanks. I'm talking road. Yep, did rent from University Bikes in Boulder. So, now I need to know a trail/path from the bike shop to Estes Park? I like the idea of non-busy on Hwy 7 for my first time, although Hwy 36 sounds nicer (being it's easier, less climbing). How long is the Hwy 7 route? Also, any other road trails you suggest - I'm open to them, too. I only have 2 days to ride (Th & Fri). Would love to see the sights on bike.

valygrl

I think you'll get the best advice by talking to the U-Bikes folks when you pick up your bike, you'll be able to have a two-way conversation about what sorts of riding you like to do and they can help you pick routes.

When you say "trails" to Estes Park from Boulder, it makes me think you don't have that clear of an idea of how far apart things are and what kind of riding is available. You might want to start by looking at a map of the area and figuring out what sorts of distances you are interested in.

A road ride from Boulder to Estes Park and back is at least 70 miles and 5000' of climbing if you go the flattest (=most dangerous) way, the good ways are 100-120 miles with 9000' or more of climbing. The word "trail" makes me think you might be looking for something significantly shorter.

There is a huge range of riding around Boulder from flat easy short bike paths to epic all-day climb-a-thons, so getting some in-person advice would probably be the best way to find stuff that will make you happy.

Happy riding!

mje

Follow the Tour de Cure route from Longmont to Estes Park. It takes you up Big Thompson Canyon and through Devil's Gulch.
https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/41279856

Then you could return vi S. St Vrain as suggested above.