AltheCyclist

I'm doing a Denver to Fort Collins ride. Anyone know best route?

Pros/cons between using US-85 or US-287?

ccd rider

Have to go by my experiences driving them.....haven't been on them with my bike as of yet. But the most glaring "con" of taking 85 is how far east you have to go from Ft. Collins.....you'd be adding a LOT more miles that way (unless that is the idea). It seemed like the newer sections of 287 with the nice wide concrete lanes have plenty of shoulder space....and now not as much traveling through towns. Depending on your destination in Denver, that's the route I would take.

I believe there was a thread not too long ago talking about Highway 85 (questions about the route from Denver to Greeley). You might do a search and see what comes up.

AltheCyclist

I did a google map walking directions .. it recommends going 287 to the I-25 Frontage ... I think I'm going to try that route

valygrl

I would have suggestions for you if you want to go via east-side of boulder, and the roads would actually be fun and nice to ride. It sounds like you are coming from the east side of denver, so this would add some miles. If you are interested, let me know and I'll put something together for you.

AltheCyclist

Yes, Stapleton area of Denver to Fort Collins. I think 85 would be a decent ride. 287 would be better scenery but gets hairy closer to Denver (not many bike lanes)

bvfrompc

S. Platte to Riverdale to 160th East to Tucson to 167th East to Bus 85 to Ft. Lupton is a ride I have enjoyed many a time. From there your on your own.

DataJunkie

Isn't that 168th east?
How is 85? I have not ridden it despite living in Thornton.

bvfrompc

Think your right, 168th instead of 167th. Bus 85 from 168th up to Ft. Lupton is a really nice two lane with a shoulder and no traffic.

Were's cyclocummute, he knows all the routes, he gave me the west side route from Ft. Collins to Golden that was spot on.

LAJ

85 is not too bad. As is normal on more heavily travelled roads, there is some garbage along the shoulder to watch out for. Rode it last Saturday, and it was just fine.

As far as the original question and riding up to Ft. Collins, Huron heading north is a good start. It goes quite a ways north, then you jog a half a blog west where it dead ends to continue on. The service road along I-25 is OK once you get up that far north, but there are many roads that head north to keep you on your way.