Fort Collins climbing
 

Hello all,

It's been a while since I've been around here, but I have a question for anyone who has experience riding around Fort Collins!

Are there any/many good climbs around Fort Collins? I'll be out there for about a week and I was looking at renting a road bike so I can finally ride through the mountains on some long, sustained climbs. Everything around me here is flat or short and steep. I'm looking at riding around 40 miles a day for a few days.

If there aren't many sustained climbs, are there a good wealth of single track trails? I'd prefer to do some road riding, but if that can't happen, I might just rent a full suspension bike and spend the day on some trails.

Bonus question: What's the best place to rent a bike? I'm getting ready to make some calls for rentals and climbing. I was looking at the Giant Defy from Peloton Cycles, unless I can throw my leg over a Cannondale.

Thank you so much! I hope this is my chance to finally ride some mountain climbs. :D
-THSdrummer

Rist Canyon is the best road climb in the vicinity. Poudre Canyon has high auto traffic. Big Thompson canyon has a gentle grade, and the side road through Glen Haven is apparently under construction Road Closure Map). There are good steep hills along Horse tooth reservoir, but they're short. For a big, high altitude climb, go to Estes Park and ride Trail Ridge Road.

^^ yep.

If you don't mind coming to Boulder, you can ride Lefthand-Ward-Raymond-Lyons for a classic front range mountain ride. Rent a bike at University Bikes. University Bicycles | Boulder, Colorado | rentals or Boulder Cycle Sport Rentals - Boulder Cycle Sport

Shame to hear about Glen Haven. Rist Canyon is where I keep getting pointed to ride. I will definitely work my way out there while I'm staying in town. I'm hopeful I can find my way to Estes, but I'm not sure I'll be able to pull that off. That road is on my list now as well. Thank you!

I have been working on some Boulder plans. I have a place to stay, but at this point, no ride there. I'm hopeful that I can get down there for at least a day to do some riding. I will keep that route in mind. Thank you!