Dark13star, I've done that loop, it's 55 miles, 5,800 feet of climbing. I'll probably be doing it Sunday, probably starting ~8:45 at the north Starbucks in golden. I'll be the little gal on the ti bike with white bar tape - say hi as you pass me! If the weather is really good I'll ride down from Boulder instead.

Coal Creek seems to have concentrated the redneck and crotch-rocket population in the area, luckily that's not *too* bad compared to other places, but it's worse than, say LeftHand Canyon or St. Vrain. There's no shoulder, but the traffic is usually pretty light. I did get called a *** there once.

Golden Gate is the steeper climb of the two, it lulls you into a false sense of security, and then all of a sudden it's in your face. There's water available at Golden Gate State Park (the first one you come to) but it tastes horrible - bring some sportsdrink powder to make it possible to drink. Plenty of c-stores on the P2P. Coal Creek is longer and not as steep, but there's a big descent in the middle at WonderVu (well named), and then you climb again. Couple of c-stores in the middle of the climb, restaurants at WonderVu.