danielrbaer

Have any of you all had experience with shipping a road bike via shipbikes.com? I'm looking at using their 'AirCaddy' (ShipBikes - What is an AirCaddy?) as a possible option, specifically.

I ask as i'm likely spending about a month or so in Colorado, and would like to have my bike (and PM) while i'm there. I'll be in Gothic, CO. -- just north of Crested Butte. Which brings me to my next question: is anyone familiar with the roads in this area? From what i've read already, and looking on strava/google maps, this seems to be a big mountain bike area -- and besides the more prominent highways, a lot of the local roads/climbs are unpaved. I'd be especially interested to know if anyone's familiar with the the stretch of highway 317 that connects the ski area of Crested Butte to Gothic (RMBL), and how suitable it is for riding.

I realize this thread may be more appropriate for the regional forum, but I know the 41 gets more traffic.

Thanks

Shimagnolo

Seems like you found one of the few roads in the state that hasn't been covered by Google StreetView.
I searched Youtube and figured out why:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4F1TFfdF74

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0_l3mw9DC0

Short version: Looks like a fine ride for a mtn bike.

danielrbaer

I've seen some of those videos, too. These two are not entirely elucidating, though, because the first is North of where I'll be (Schoefield pass), I believe, and the second doesn't specify what part of Gothic Rd. they're traveling. There seems to be a great deal of variety re: road surface quality, which is why i'm curious specifically about the 3 mile unpaved stretch between Crested Butte and Gothic.

t595

I have spent some time up that way riding dirt bikes (KTM 450) using Crested Butte as a base. IMO, there is not much reason to ride a road bike up there. Paved roads are few and pretty one dimensional: Lets ride to Gunnison and back. That is about it. Get in touch with your inner mountain bike personna though and you will have a great time. The road to Schofield is fun but pretty busy. Lots of single track south of Gothic and CB as you go towards Aspen. CB is where the original mountain bike movement got going. It also has a great collection of old "townie" bikes that have been restored.

danielrbaer

Thanks for the feedback.

However, as I mentioned in my OP, i'm interested specifically in the feasibility of riding a road bike on those ~3 miles of 317 -- anything further is immaterial regarding my situation, as i'm not particularly interested in anything other that road cycling.

Also, would be curious to hear about shipbikes.com. I've searched the forum, and would like to see more personal accounts of aircaddy experiences if possible.

Gladius

Just asked my buddy who is a bike cyclist and a native of CB:

"personally, I wouldn't do itthere aren't big rocks or anything, but it's really dusty and gets really bad washboard
and tourists in vehicles larger than they know how to drive"