Speaking of Pikes Peak...about 20 years ago I rode an unpaved Rampart Range Road up from Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs to Woodland Park. It's about a 2,200 foot elevation change, 6200 feet to 8400 feet over approx 25 miles. For the trip down I rode the mostly wide shoulder of Highway 24, with a corresponding drop of 2200 ft over just 19 miles. The only pedaling on the way down was about an 8th of a mile by the Rocking X Hotel. Felt like a motorcycle ride. I think it took about 35 minutes down. BTW...the Pikes Peak Highway spills out onto Highway 24 between Woodland Park and Manitou Springs. I wouldn't do it now. First, I don't know if I could pedal up all that way again. And Highway 24 has way more traffic than before.