Originally Posted by
Miles2go
GOOGLE MAPS ROUTE LINK
With the exception of Loveland Pass, this option would keep you on pretty well established bike routes and paths. The one question being whether or not they'll have the Glenwood Canyon bike path open at that time, and that's a big question. Everyone should ride through Glenwood Canyon at least once.
One more thing regarding this route for the OP: If the bike path through Glenwood Canyon isn't open in July, you can still ride this route with the
Cottonwood Pass Option, as long as you don't mind covering some ground on an improved dirt road, one that many local roadies take often.
THIS is a site you should check before your trip and you can contact them regarding the status of the Glenwood Canyon bike path if you decided to go that way.
Like others here I've also toured most of the lumpy parts of Colorado. 285 and many of the other routes up into the mountains on a summer weekend ain't my idea of fun riding. Get as far up as you can on Thursday and take side roads where it makes sense.
Tailwinds.