Here’s a chance to break out the adventure rig and see what it and you are capable of. 5 days, 400 miles, some parts are paved, most of it is gravel, a few sections you may even have to walk, stopping in the Colorado towns you’ve always wanted to visit with the mountains basking in all their glory, friends and strangers to share it all. There will be vehicle support, but you don’t have to use it- ride it as you want it, stay in hotels, camp, van life it. Bring the kids and spouses who don’t ride as much and let them romp about along the route. An almost week long celebration.
Bike and tire choice is yours to make- it will be too much for a road bike, most likely a gravel bike with wider tires but a mountain bike would not be out of the question.
Here is the full route.
Day 1- Basalt to Leadville, 61 miles, 7135’. Begin (and end) at Two Rivers park with a ride up the glorious canyon country of the Frying Pan river. Then keep going, over the top of Hagerman pass where it gets mighty rough and wild on top. Descend carefully down into Turquoise lake where we spend the first night in the still lively mining town of Leadville.
Day 2- Leadville to Salida, 86 miles, 7930”. Start the day at 10,000’ and climb higher over Weston pass to find the Bayou Salada hills above South Park. Pick up the Great Divide route as it winds its way through the hills above Salida before a glorious 15 mile descent and a dip in the Arkansas river.
Day 3- Salida to Gunnison, 93 miles, 7014’. Follow the old railroad grades out of Salida as they wind their way first south and then west onto the high plateau country of the Gunnison valley. Marshall pass is the major effort of the day followed by a wander through the hills to Waunita hot springs and Pitkin then 30 miles rolling down into Gunnison.
Day 4- Gunnison to Paonia, 71 miles, 4712’. If there is an easy day, this is it. Meander up the Ohio creek valley, up to the top of Ohio Pass, a couple of little bumps and enjoy the descent down Kebler pass into the bountiful land of Paonia.
Day 5- Paonia to Basalt, 93 miles, 10, 623”. If you are going to have a hardest day, it might as well be the last one through the most glorious of country. Truth is I don’t know what the first half is going to be like- it will involve some big climbs through wild country, but I’ve never done it. The second half, through Buzzard Basin and the unnamed pass above Sunlight Ski Area is what Colorado used to be in terms of wild and scenic. The descent from the top is long and legendary but don’t forget about Dry Park and the last 10 mile slog back to Basalt- and don’t worry, there are at least two breweries and a distillery to pass by for motivational sustenance if that’s your thing.
Reach out to aaron@beespokecycling.com with questions and to make a commitment. Details to follow as we gain an idea of numbers but motel reservations will be made soon so we will alert everyone to discounts and destinations.