Originally Posted by
immunizer
I just got an amazing job on the CU Boulder campus and I'm thinking I might like to commute from my apartment in Denver a few times a week (up to 5 times). I asked Google Maps for a route and then modified it to suit my preference for roads over paths. Here's the route:
http://goo.gl/maps/TMl2W
What do you guys think? I'm not familiar with the trail options on the NW side of Denver-metro, nor in Boulder, so I'm kind of groping around on this one. I'd rather take a direct route with timed lights I can keep up with (e.g., 13th/14th ave through Cap Hill) than a designated bike route with stop signs every two blocks or a path with pedestrians and posted 15mph speed limits. I'd also rather take a lane on a multi-lane road than get honked at on a single-lane road because I refuse to ride in the door zone and I'm only doing 20mph (e.g., 12th ave through Cap Hill). Basically I'm an assertive cyclist capable of sustaining a decent pace and unafraid of riding on arterials.
Particular areas of concern to me are getting through Westminster/Broomfield (I'd prefer a simpler route than the one currently shown. Longer is okay so long as it's faster); and from Broomfield to Boulder. I'm aware it's legal to ride on US 36 for some of that, and I wonder what that's like. I'm also aware the current construction might make that unreasonable, but thoughts are appreciated.
Finally, Google Maps is claiming 3+ hours. That seems ridiculous to me. I'd expect to be able to do 32 miles in 2 hours, tops. Am I missing something? I typically average 18+ moving speed over that sort of distance, so I don't think my estimate is unreasonable.
I did a search here and turned up a few routes, but the posts all seemed to be 5+ years old, so I figure it's time for a new thread. I probably missed the definitive post (for surely this topic's been beaten into the ground). A gentle pointer to that post would be appreciated.
Thank you for your thoughts!
Try
this route instead. You currently can't get across I-70 at Pecos because the bridge is being constructed. Dry Creek Trail from 64th (just west of Pecos) isn't the most pleasant ride either. The trail tends to collect a lot of glass. Wadworth is okay to ride on north of 92nd with a wide shoulder all the way to the US36. You used to be able to sneak under US36 at Interlocken to Midway but I don't know if that tunnel still exists.
If you want a better, less bikepathy way of riding around Interlocken, you could go west on 120th to McCaslin and ride down the Wall into Superior. If you go that way, go further west just before you cross US36 on Marshal Drive down to Cherryvale. Cherryvale is one of the best rides around for going into Boulder. Pretty road, mostly quiet and fast. This would be preferable to wandering through Louisville.