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Distance: Approximately 147 miles
Starting Elevation: 5,763' at Glenwood Springs, Colorado
High Point: 11,992' at Loveland Pass (108 miles into ride)
Ending Elevation: 5,716' at Golden, Colorado
Larry Gary and I plan to ascend the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, passing through the Glenwood Canyon (I-70) gap, and descend the eastern slope, ending just west of Denver, in Golden Colorado. This herculean ride will probably take place in June or September of 2008. We will pass by or through Vail, Avon, Eagle, Breckingidge, Beaver Creek, Steamboat Springs, Copper, and other winter wonderlands and ski resorts. Our ride of 147 alpine miles should take 3 days.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Glenwood Springs (5,763'); pass through Gypsum at 23 miles (6,365'); pass through Eagle at 30 miles (6,627'); end in Avon at 50 miles (7,478'). Total elevation gain of 1,715'. 50 miles for day.
Bike Path from Glenwood Springs 16.3 miles to Dotsero; frontage road to Eagle; frontage road to Avon.
Day 2
Depart Avon (7,478'); pass through Vail at 4 miles (8,140'); pass over Vail Pass at about 14 miles (10,666'); end in Frisco at 26 miles (9,132'). Total elevation gain of 3,188', then drop of 1,534'. 36 miles for day.
Hwy. 6 to Vail, passing under I-70 and staying north of I-70; Bike Path to Vail Pass; Bike Path to Copper and Frisco.
Day 3
Depart Frisco (9,132'); pass through Dillon and take Hwy. 6 at 5 miles (8,787'); pass over Loveland Pass at 24 miles (11,992') - highest elevation of ride; drop to Silver Plume at 36 miles (9,123'); drop to Idaho Springs at 48 miles (7,575'); drop to Golden at 61 miles (5,716'). 61 miles for day.
Bike Path along Hwy. 9 (south); turn left onto Swan Mountain Road; take Hwy. 6 over Loveland Pass; at I-70, enter I-70 for several miles; take frontage road to its end near Bakerville; take Hwy. 40 to Idaho Springs; take Hwy. 40 to Golden.
Note: We may descend from Loveland Pass on Day 4 due to extreme downhill danger when tired.