[Summit Biking] Sept 29 Maryland Creek Ride

Hi Everyone,

Apologies for such late notice. This is our last ride of the 2025 summer season and the fall leaves continue to be brilliant. The high for Monday is currently projected to be 56 degrees and cloudy, so dress in layers to adjust to lots of uphill and downhill stretches. A good amount of road sharing with neighborhood traffic around Eagle's Nest and Summit Sky Ranch will warrant the usual bright clothing and rear bike lights for the ride. Check the blog for updated information on Monday morning in case there are changes.

Date: Monday, September 29

Start Time: 10:00 am

Meeting Place: Dillon Amphitheatre 

Route: From Dillon Amphitheatre, cycle to the top of Buffalo Mountain, down through Mesa Cortina. At the Lowe's, turn L onto Adams Avenue, L on 2nd Street to connect to Briant St. Pass Target and connect back to Adams Avenue, following until it dead ends. Cycle through Eagle's Nest to Summit Sky Ranch and down to Maryland Creek Park. Turn around and follow the same route back to Dillon Amphitheatre. If you're in for tougher mileage on the way back, ride up Buffalo Mountain again (Totals: ~27 miles, ~3,100 ft elevation) . Otherwise, cycle past the Buffalo Mountain turn off and return to the Amphitheater (Totals: ~22 miles, 2,200 ft elevation). Given that I've omitted a number of steps, cue sheets will be provided.

Lunch: Bring a sandwich, drink, and something to share. We'll celebrate our last ride & lunch of the season at the pavilion. 

See you on Monday!

Betsy

FW: [Summit Biking] September 16 - Ute Pass Ride

Hello Summit Bikers,

 

On Monday, September 22, we will ride from North Pond Park to the top of Ute Pass Road and back.  

 

There will be two starting points:  

1. 9:30 AM start at North Pond Park (108 Hamilton Creek Rd, Silverthorne) - this is a 10.3-mile ride on Co-9N to the Ute Pass Road turnoff. We will be riding on a wide shoulder that is sprinkled with gravel, so be mindful. Blinking tail lights and bright clothing are encouraged--anything to make the group more visible on the highway. 

2. 10:00 AM start at the Ute Pass Road and Co-9N intersection - this start point offers ample parking; it is a shorter ride but is mostly uphill (about 5 miles to the top parking lot). 

 

***Bonus Miles: Once you reach the top of Ute Pass Road, you can bag a few additional miles by cruising downhill (about 2-ish miles) to Henderson Mill. Turn around for a few more uphill miles on your way back to the Pond. RT mileage from North Pond to Henderson Mill is 36.6 miles.***

 

We will have a picnic at North Pond following the ride. Please bring something to share with your fellow riders as well as a drink and sandwich for yourself.

 

My cell # is 612-720-3741 if you have questions or issues.

 

I will send out another email in case of inclement weather or a change of plans.  

 

See you on Monday!

 

Jim

 

(credit Betsy for the email text from the earlier season Ute Pass ride)

 

Jim Smith

Mobile: 612-720-3741

Email: got.gravel@gmail.com

 

This e-mail, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information, and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed.  If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or his or her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail is prohibited.  If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this e-mail immediately.

 

[Summit Biking] Sept 15 Green Mountain Reservoir

Hey Everyone,

As far as I know, no one has volunteered to lead the Green Mtn
Reservoir ride. Since it is a widely-known route, the plan will be for
the SBG team to meet in the parking lot to begin riding at 10 a.m.
Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged.

Details include:
** Start date/time: Monday, Sept 15, at 10 a.m.
** Location: Green Mountain Reservoir Parking Lot - take highway 9
toward Heeney >> turn left on Heeney Rd >> parking lot is immediately
to the right (https://maps.app.goo.gl/haxV3b85AUyCFstY7)
** Route: Follow Heeney Road to the bridge. Road conditions are good
until you reach the bridge. Past that, prepare for a plethora of
potholes and gravel patches. Turn around where the road ends at
highway 9. Totals: 21.4 mi |1,404 ft elevation (gpx:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52618322)
** Lunch: none planned for today

In the unlikely event that a horse, bear, or moose joins the group
during the ride, please view one of my favorite cycling videos so
you'll know what to do: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1FPRo7hO7I
(hint: just keep riding).

For questions or if you'd like to volunteer to lead the ride, contact
Polly or Roberta.

Enjoy the ride!
Betsy

Monday Sept 8th - Georgetown ( 10am ) to either Loveland Ski Area or Guanella Pass

The weather down in Georgetown looks great for the ride on Monday.  The drive from Silverthorne to the Georgetown Visitor Center is about 30mins.  Be ready to ride by 10am (temp might be a blazing 55dF).

 

There are plenty of picnic tables at the visitor center if you bring your own lunch.  I am NOT organizing a group lunch but instead encouraging meeting at Cabin Creek Brewery for refreshments and nourishment after the ride.  CCB is located at the West of the Georgetown Lake.

 

We should NOT park in visitor center paved parking area.  Instead park in the dirt/gravel areas just West of their parking lot.  Shown in green below.

 

There are restrooms facilities inside the visitor center.

 

1. - The Guanella Pass option is 11.6 miles with 3200 ft of elevation gain.  Google Maps says you should be up there in 2hr 15 min 😊

 

You can see the map here –

 

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Gateway+Visitor+Center,+Exit+228+-+Interstate+70,+1491+Argentine+St,+Georgetown,+CO+80444/Guanella+Pass,+Colorado/@39.6690825,-105.7725503,22709m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x876badfb13b367a9:0xcb8363e393aa54c1!2m2!1d-105.6957146!2d39.7149957!1m5!1m1!1s0x876baa3606f9657f:0x4c8f9bcbab3ab242!2m2!1d-105.7111165!2d39.5949872!3e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkwMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

 

 

 

2) - The Georgetown Loop Railroad, Silverplume, Bakerville, Loveland Ski option is 1hr 46 min with 2231 ft of elevation gain.  Google Maps says this should take 1hr 46min.  You certainly will encounter fewer cars on this route, but perhaps more bears.  The bike path will end in the parking lot at Loveland Valley Ski area.  There is no reason to go any further unless you are doing bonus miles (+5) up Loveland Pass

 

You can see the map here –

 

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Gateway+Visitor+Center,+Exit+228+-+Interstate+70,+1491+Argentine+St,+Georgetown,+CO+80444/Loveland+Valley+Lodge,+4462+US-6,+Silver+Plume,+CO+80476/@39.7000967,-105.8313444,13497m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x876badfb13b367a9:0xcb8363e393aa54c1!2m2!1d-105.6957146!2d39.7149957!1m5!1m1!1s0x876a51388b97e853:0xd6fdcf01aca32766!2m2!1d-105.8847185!2d39.6850497!3e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkwMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

 

 

If you have questions or concerns send me an email or text or call.

 

Stephan.Horlak@USA.NET

(614) 264-5407 Mobile

 

From: stephan.horlak@usa.net <stephan.horlak@usa.net>
Sent: Monday, September 1, 2025 4:54 PM
To: Summit Road Biking (SummitBiking@GoogleGroups.Com) <SummitBiking@GoogleGroups.Com>
Subject: Next Monday Sept 8th - Georgetown (uphill) to either Loveland Ski Area or Guanella Pass

 

You don't want miss this classic little uphill ride next Monday.  Details will come out later in the week after we look at the forecast.

 

The basics are meet at the Georgetown Visitor Center and park on the dirt lot just West of the paved parking lot. There are restrooms in the visitor center.

 

Decide if you are riding up Guanella Pass (11.5mi) or up towards Loveland Ski Area.

 

I can promise you this, both routes are downhill when you are headed back to Georgetown.

 

Guanella Pass road is in great shape, minimal pothole & cracks.  Before we start it will have a lot of traffic from hikers who are headed up to hike Bierstadt (14k).

 

The route up to Loveland ski area will take you up the hill through the Georgetown Loop railroad, on the bike path up to Silver Plume, then on the service road for around 6 miles.  Finally you'll pick up the bike path for the last 5 miles into the parking lot of Loveland Basin.

 

Stephan.Horlak@USA.NET

 

Re: [Summit Biking] Next Monday Sept 8th - Georgetown (uphill) to either Loveland Ski Area or Guanella Pass

Hey Stephan,

Greetings from Belfast! I like your upbeat and cheeky email to the
group. Could you do me a favor and blind cc this info to the blog at
summitbiking.8VAhc-3usR2pZC@blogger.com.

go raibh maith agat,
Betsy


On Mon, 1 Sept 2025 at 23:54, <stephan.horlak@usa.net> wrote:
>
> You don't want miss this classic little uphill ride next Monday. Details will come out later in the week after we look at the forecast.
>
>
>
> The basics are meet at the Georgetown Visitor Center and park on the dirt lot just West of the paved parking lot. There are restrooms in the visitor center.
>
>
>
> Decide if you are riding up Guanella Pass (11.5mi) or up towards Loveland Ski Area.
>
>
>
> I can promise you this, both routes are downhill when you are headed back to Georgetown.
>
>
>
> Guanella Pass road is in great shape, minimal pothole & cracks. Before we start it will have a lot of traffic from hikers who are headed up to hike Bierstadt (14k).
>
>
>
> The route up to Loveland ski area will take you up the hill through the Georgetown Loop railroad, on the bike path up to Silver Plume, then on the service road for around 6 miles. Finally you'll pick up the bike path for the last 5 miles into the parking lot of Loveland Basin.
>
>
>
> Stephan.Horlak@USA.NET
>
>
>
> --
> If you haven't yet paid your dues for this year, please do so now. Visit our website at https://www.summitbiking.org/membership.
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Summit Biking Group" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to summitbiking+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/summitbiking/002001dc1b93%2456eb5cc0%2404c21640%24%40usa.net.

[Summit Biking] No Ride on Sept. 1



Hi Everyone,

We have no organized ride on Labor Day. So enjoy relaxing, going to parties, and/or riding on your own.

A few things to note for the September rides:

• All rides will start at 10 a.m. since it's taking a little longer for the temperatures to rise
• The Sept. 8 ride will be led by Stephan Horlak, so you'll receive an email from him before that ride. 
• We still don't have a ride lead for Sept. 15, which is a ride around Green Mountain Reservoir. Any takers? It's an easy (and fun) one.

Thanks and Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Betsy

[Summit Biking] Boreas ride downgraded to Breckenridge

Hey Everyone,

I'm getting this niggling in the back of my brain (could it be "good sense"?) that Glorious Boreas is not the best idea for today. Roads are still wet in places and the grades and possible grit on Boreas Pass Road haven't gotten any tamer.

Therefore, the ride is being changed. Our starting point is still the same (Frisco Bay Marina public restrooms) but our destination will be Breckenridge. Not as exciting but definitely safer. If you do decide to veer off and head up toward the pass, it is not an official part of today's ride.

Thanks and happy riding,

Betsy

[Summit Biking] Aug 25 Glorious Boreas Ride



SBG Team,

I am always awed by the beautiful scenery that we enjoy during our rides, and this route will not disappoint. From Frisco Bay Marina, we will follow the rec path for ~9 miles and then veer off toward Boreas Pass Road, cycling past a panoply of historic homes, mines, and a railroad station. Once we reach the heights, I hope the panoramic view will cause your cycling spirit to soar like it does mine. 

Start time: 9:30 a.m.

Meeting Place: Frisco Bay Marina - public restrooms next to the recpath

Ride Lead: Betsy

Parking Options: Summit County Middle School (free spots available); Marina parking (some free spots / most spots require a small fee); or Frisco side streets 

Route:  after exiting the rec path, we'll share the road with neighborhood traffic from N. French St. to Baldy Rd. (~3.5 miles), after which, a bike lane is available again. It will be important to stop at each of the 5 stop signs on French St. to ensure your safety - options include:

• Marina to High Line Railroad Park - 21.4 miles RT | 1,050 ft elevation gain
• Marina to Boreas Pass Trailhead (main group ride) - 27.9 miles RT | ~1,701 ft elevation gain
• Extra Credit Miles - ride with the group to the BP Trailhead. On your way back down, turn RIGHT onto Baldy Rd. and grind uphill to Gold Point Condos - adds about 5 miles and 450 ft elevation to your total ride 

Safety Considerations: flashing red rear lights; bright clothing; ride single file, especially important once we leave the rec path 

Lunch: The Island Grill (adjacent to the marina lighthouse) - click here for menu - OR you can bring your own lunch

See you on Monday!

Betsy

303-638-2549

Fw: 2 Rides - LOOKING FOR CAPTAINS SEPT 13 AND SEPT 21

Hello Summit Bikers,

This is a wonderful opportunity to help a blind person enjoy a bike ride in Summit County.  You will be the captain (front rider) on a tandem bike with a stoker (blind person) in the rear.  Two years ago, when I did this, I had never ridden a tandem.  The group Eyecycle gave me a lesson prior to the ride and showed me how easy it is.  On the day of the ride Eyecycle will provide the bikes and the excited participants, ready to experience Summit County.  I chose to ride the rec-path between Frisco and Breckenridge, since this is fairly flat (by Summit County standards).  In late September the crowds were gone so this path is relatively quite.  Eyecycle selected an experience rider and off we went.  Communication was key to doing the ride.  From the start to the finish you need to communicate to your rider.  My rider also asked me to describe things we were ridding past, and this caused me to look at things in a different way.  At the end Eyecycle provides a lunch and you can meet other captains and stokers.  If you are able to support this organization by participating, I think you will find it a rewarding experience.  You can contact Sue at the email below if you need more information.  If you sign up with limited or no experience, just indicate that you need some training.

Ride safe,

John Bowyer

Sunday, Sept.  21st.  Please check your calendars, and if you are available for one or both of these rides, early sign up  will be much appreciated.  The Summit County ride includes a picnic lunch provided by our awesome captain Dan E.  his better half Karen, and Eyecycle.  Thank you amazing captains for all you do for Eyecycle!

Sue Shusterman

You can email sue directly if you need more info!

sue@teamspirit.net

Let's Roll!

Cindi Lee
3036015877

cindilee007@mac.com

Fwd: [Summit Biking] Silverthorne Rambler

Making sure everyone knows this ride is August 18.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Betsy Hackemer <bhackemer@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2025 at 20:15
Subject: [Summit Biking] Aug 18 Silverthorne Rambler
To: <Summitbiking@googlegroups.com>

Hi Team,

The term "rambler" is an accurate one for this ride, as it comprises twists and turns that will require the guidance of John Bowyer as our mighty lead and cue sheets to refer to if you are riding faster or slower than the main group of cyclists.

• Start time: 9:30 a.m.
• Meeting Place: Dillon Amphitheatre parking lot
• Route: From the Amphitheatre, we will (r)amble down the recpath corkscrew to the hills of Silverthorne. There are many turns but most of them are easy to follow once you are riding the route. The recpath does go by the outlets (watch for walkers) and the route does cross Route 9 twice so caution is advised. Once we reach the Hamilton Creek area, please note this important reminder: Please do not ride to Lakeview Circle (at the top of Hamilton Creek).  This is a private road and we have been requested not to ride on it.
• Lunch: Please bring something to eat and share with your fellow bikers under the shelter of the Amphitheatre pavilion. 

Looking forward to seeing you on Monday!

Betsy and John

[Summit Biking] Silverthorne Rambler

Hi Team,

The term "rambler" is an accurate one for this ride, as it comprises twists and turns that will require the guidance of John Bowyer as our mighty lead and cue sheets to refer to if you are riding faster or slower than the main group of cyclists.

• Start time: 9:30 a.m.
• Meeting Place: Dillon Amphitheatre parking lot
• Route: From the Amphitheatre, we will (r)amble down the recpath corkscrew to the hills of Silverthorne. There are many turns but most of them are easy to follow once you are riding the route. The recpath does go by the outlets (watch for walkers) and the route does cross Route 9 twice so caution is advised. Once we reach the Hamilton Creek area, please note this important reminder: Please do not ride to Lakeview Circle (at the top of Hamilton Creek).  This is a private road and we have been requested not to ride on it.
• Lunch: Please bring something to eat and share with your fellow bikers under the shelter of the Amphitheatre pavilion. 

Looking forward to seeing you on Monday!

Betsy and John

[Summit Biking] Aug 11 Montezuma/Loveland Pass Ride & Annual Meeting

Hey Team,

Start Time: 9:30 a.m.

Meeting Point: Dillon Amphitheatre parking lot

Annual Meeting & Lunch: Dillon Amphitheatre Pavilion after the ride - Bring a sandwich and something to share. If you'd like to enjoy something sweet during the business meeting, there will likely be some impressive desserts to enjoy.

Route: We'll be doing a repeat of the Montezuma/Loveland Pass route that we did in late June. If you cycled to Montezuma last time, perhaps you'd like to ride Loveland Pass this time. As always, you'll have the two options to choose from. When we stop at the Purple Route shuttle bus stop (River Run Village) for a regroup, you can let us know which route you plan to take.

***Even if you don't ride on Monday, please feel free to come to the lunch and annual meeting.***

Betsy

303-638-2549

[Summit Biking] Aug 4 IMPORTANT - Revised Meeting Place

Hi Everyone, it seems that Vail is a little stingy with their parking
these days and they enjoy ticketing vehicles. See REVISED info below:

Ride Leader: John Bowyer
Start Time: still 10 a.m.
MEETING PLACE (new location): Gore Creek Trail Head in East Vail
Reminder: leave 15 to 30 minutes earlier than usual due to road
construction delays
Lunch: Drive to Bighorn Park afterwards for lunch. As long as you are
present in the park, you can to park your car there without being
ticketed.

Thanks and have a lovely ride tomorrow!
Betsy

[Summit Biking] Aug 4 West Vail Pass

Hey Team,

Thanks to one and all for attending the unveiling of 1 of the 9 kiosks that SBG so generously helped to fund. Hopefully, you've read the Summit Daily coverage and enjoyed the photo that Polly sent. Next Monday's ride promises to be a beautiful one with a couple of options, depending on how far you wish to ride. Here are the details:

• Ride Lead: John Bowyer
• Start Time: 10 a.m. 
• Meeting Place: Big Horn Park in East Vail. Directions: Go West to exit 180 in East Vail. Get off on the right and turn left going under I-70 on Bighorn Road. Go right on Streamside Circle. Stay on Streamside Circle and turn right on Meadow Drive. Bighorn Park is on the left ahead.  
• Traffic Situation: Leave at 15 (or better) to 30 minutes early due to construction traffic. For those who would like to carpool meet at the west end of Frisco at the parking lot at 9 am.  Carpools are recommended as parking is tight.  
• Route options: From Big Horn Park to the top of Vail pass.  Total miles:  19.7 mi 2,172 ft. Extra credit riding includes a cruise down to Copper and return to Big Horn Park (extra 10-11 miles). 
• Lunch: Big Horn Park is a nice setting for a picnic to socialize so please bring something to share as well as a sandwich and drink.

I'll miss riding with you this Monday. John, as always, will lead a great ride.

Thanks,

Betsy and John (970-393-2190)

[Summit Biking] July 28 Pedal From The Peninsula Ride & Kiosk Unveiling!

Hey Everyone,

It's not every day that you can cycle first, have a fun lunch, and then celebrate the unveiling of a newly updated recpath kiosk in Frisco. The new kiosk was generously funded by SBG, so come decked out in your SBG cycling jersey to represent our group along with the Summit County Open Space and Trails staff and the Summit Daily journalists. The unveiling ceremony will begin at 12:45pm on Monday, July 28th just across the Recpath Bridge from the Frisco Park and Ride/Kayak Lot. ***Even if you can't make it for our ride, please come to the unveiling anyway.***

As for our "Pedal from the Peninsula" ride, here are the details:

• Start Time: 9:45 a.m.
• Meeting Spot: Kayak Parking Lot in Frisco. Click here for location.
• Route: We'll take the recpath from the Kayak Lot and cycle to Summit County High School. From there, we'll ramble up and around the eastern side of Breckenridge before returning to the Kayak Lot. Cue sheets will be provided. Click here for the gpx file. Total miles: 25.4 | 1,667 ft elevation. If you need more saddle time once we finish, feel free to continue up the recpath toward Copper Mountain, but please be back in time for the unveiling.
• Lunch - we'll have a picnic lunch/tailgate party in an area of the parking lot that we hope to make extremely obvious. Bring a camp chair plus a sandwich, drink, and a little something to share. Still hungry?  Light refreshments will be served at the unveiling.
• Unveiling: Starts at 12:45 p.m. Please stick around for this wonderful event and represent our great cycling group with pride.

Don't have a jersey yet? Click here to order.

LAST (BUT SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIRST): One more big Thank You to Bob and Jay Gilson for the best ice cream we have ever tasted. Your hosting and dessert is truly the highlight and best attended event of the cycling season. We had 44 in attendance for ice cream last week!!!

Thanks and see you on Monday!

Betsy

July 21 Ride To Ute Pass With Potluck Lunch And Ice Cream Afterwards

Hello Summit Bikers,

The ride Monday July 21 is to Ute Pass.  There will be two starting points:  North Pond in Silverthorne starting at 9AM (faster group perhaps with pace line) or from the bottom of Ute Pass Road at 9:30AM (shorter ride with climbing, starts where Ute Pass intersects Route 9).  

After the ride we have a picnic hosted by Bob and Jay Gilson in Hamilton Creek, Silverthorne. They will have a propane grill available for those who want to cook.  Please bring something to eat AND SOMETHING TO SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS as well as your drink.  Bob is making the ice cream so we all need to do our part and bring a side dish.    (For some reason this tends to draw the biggest crowd of the season -:) 

Since this is an out and back there will be no sag.  My cell is 970 393 2190, if you have a problem.

Below are the details from Bob:

I plan to make some ice cream for the Ute Pass post-ride picnic at our house next Monday, 7/21/25.  The picnic will be on our deck and in the house so please leave your bike shoes off at the porch since we don't really have a lawn and the view is prettier from the deck anyway.  We have about 6-8 deck chairs and about the same inside. Bring a folding chair for the deck if you want a seat. The deck rail is 2x8 flat so it makes a good rest for a glass or dish.  

From the Silverthorne Elementary School which is on Hamilton Creek Road, drive/ride 1.3 miles up Hamilton Creek Rd, then turn right onto Crescent Moon Trail.  We are the 4th house on the left and the address is:  0137 Crescent Moon Trail.  

We give extra points for those who ride up to the house but if you are driving we have room for some 8-10 cars to park just beyond our driveway in a cul-de-sac.  Plus, you can park along one side of the road to allow others from the few houses beyond us to get past.  About 6 can park in our driveway but you will have to back down to get out.  If you are concerned just carpool up from the elementary school OR this is where the extra points for riding up the hill come into play -:)

Bob's cell phone is (405) 210-6222 if any questions or problems.

See you next Monday.  I will send out another email if inclement weather and change of plans.  

Ride Safe! 

John Bowyer

Turquoise Lake Bike Ride Monday July 14 - 10AM start

Hello Summit Bikers,

 

Next week's ride is around Turquoise Lake near Leadville.   10AM start.

 

Directions and info from John Bowyer's email last year…    Been there, but never ridden around the lake so this should be interesting for me to lead 😊    

We will meet at the Maid of Erin parking area.  Please plan to be ready to ride.  To get there take route 91 at the Copper exit toward Leadville.  As you enter Leadville there will be a Safeway on your right.  Take a right just past Safeway (Mountain View Drive) and follow the signs toward the golf course.  As you near the golf course there are signs for Turquoise Lake.  Follow these until you reach road 9C, take a right here and the Maid of Erin Parking area is on the left.  (If you reach the dam you have driven past the turn.)  There is a small fee, reduced for those with Access Cards.  Fee envelopes are available as you enter the parking area.  Please bring a pen to complete the envelope and some dollars to pay.  If this area is full there is free parking near the dam (which is a short bike ride or walk back to the picnic area).  To reach the dam go out of the Maid of Erin parking area and take the first right, go past the road you drove in on and park on the left just before the dam.  To walk back to the picnic area after the ride follow the path along the lake, it takes about 5 minutes. 

 

I couldn't find the driving directions to the parking lot, but from the forest service website it appears to be next to the Matchless Boat Ramp, which I could find directions to.  About an hour drive from Silverthorne….

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Matchless+Boat+Ramp/@39.2579461,-106.3607256,619m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x876a9a68b28b2ca1:0xefa5a1a2126e47ad!8m2!3d39.2579461!4d-106.3607256!16s%2Fg%2F11btwvn0zq?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDcwNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

 

We will again be having a potluck lunch, and riders can bring something to share.   I will try to step up my pringles share after seeing Stephan's homemade pie from a couple weeks ago.  😊 Bring a sandwich and a drink so you can socialize after the ride.  Lots of good restaurants and shops in Leadville for those that prefer that option.  

 

Bug spray may be needed as mosquitoes have been known to picnic in this area too…    

 

We will ride the course counterclockwise.   I've not ridden the route, but near as I can figure this is about it.    15 miles and 1500 feet of climbing…    If this isn't right, let me know.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51637498

 

Currently the weather forecast is good conditions with a chance of showers in the afternoon.  So maybe plan to bring your slicker.

 

 

Hope to see you there.

 

Jim

 

Jim Smith

Mobile: 612-720-3741

Email: got.gravel@gmail.com

 

 

 

[Summit Biking] June 30 - Dillon to Montezuma or Loveland Pass

We'll begin the ride from the Dillon Amphitheater (DA) parking lot and regroup in Keystone's River Run Village purple route shuttle bus stop (on Ida Belle Drive) for bathrooms. Ride start is 9:30 a.m. 

We will be doing this ride twice this season (June 30 and Aug 11), therefore ... given the "mud ruckus" caused by the landslide a few weeks ago, mud moving equipment, and possible distracted curiosity-seekers and tourist volume over Loveland Pass right now, here are some suggested options for Monday: 

• Option 1 River Run Village to Montezuma (25 miles RT | 1,860 ft elevation) - While the 5 miles of gradual uphill road conditions are tame enough, the downhill stretch will require the usual mindfulness and respect for the cracks, buckles, and potholes (altho some have been filled!) that have prevailed over the years. 
• Option 2 -  River Run to Montezuma over Swan Mountain to Dillon - (Total ride of ~40 miles | 2,900+ ft elevation).
• Option 3 - DA to Loveland Pass - (~31 miles RT | 3,170 ft elevation

Meet at the Tiki Bar at Dillon Marina for lunch! Click here for the lunch menu. They open at 11:30 a.m.

Mark your calendars now for July 21. This is the Ute Pass Ride with ice cream at Bob Gilson's house (Hamilton Creek subdivision). His ice cream is homemade and there will be lots of different flavors to taste--don't miss it!

Thanks and see you on Monday!

Betsy and the SBG team

Fwd: [Summit Biking] Contact Us - new submission

FYI to anyone planning to bike on the trail between Georgetown and Loveland Pass this coming Saturday, June 28 - read the message below from the Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District.  Looks like the trail will be closed that day from 5:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The Summit Biking Staff

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Michael Rosenbaum <reply-to+aafe2693075f@wixforms.com>
Date: Mon, Jun 23, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Subject: [Summit Biking] Contact Us - new submission
To: <summitbiking@gmail.com>

Michael Rosenbaum just submitted your form: Contact Us on Summit Biking Message Details: First name: Michael Last name: Rosenbaum Email: slacker@ccmrd.com Write a message: We hope this message finds you well and enjoying the beautiful Colorado summer. We're reaching out to inform you of an important bike trail closure that may affect your upcoming rides and plans this Saturday: Trail Segment: Between Georgetown to Loveland Pass Closure Dates: 6/28/25 5:00AM through 6/28/25 2:00PM Reason: Safety precautions and course preparation This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of all riders, runners, and event staff. We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this temporary interruption. Thank you! - The Slacker Team If you think this submission is spam, report it as spam. To edit your email settings, go to your Inbox on desktop.

[Summit Biking] June 23 - Tour de Soda Creek

Hey folks,

This Monday's ride is a particularly interesting one. Due to a myriad of lefts, rights, uphills, and downs around Dillon and Keystone, we'll plan on staying together as a group as much as possible. We'll start in Silverthorne and cycle to Keystone's River Run Village and Keystone Ranch, weave the byways of Dillon's Summit Cove and Silverthorne, and more. Cue sheets will be available for anyone who wants them at the ride start. This week's ride details follow:

Ride Leader: John Bowyer

Start Time: 9:30 a.m.

Meeting Location: North Pond Park (108 Hamilton Creek Rd., Silverthorne, CO)

Totals: ~30 miles | 1,548 ft. elevation gain 

Everyone is invited to have lunch at North Pond Park pavilion – there are bathrooms and covered picnic tables; bring a drink and sandwich for yourself; bring something to share (nice but not required). The weather forecast (at the moment) indicates 60s and sunny to partly sunny during our ride. Please always check the SBG blog before coming to the ride in case of start time changes, construction detours, cancellations, etc.

Thanks and see you on Monday!

Betsy and John

SBG - June 16 Bike Ride - Dillon to Copper Mountain with Vail Pass Option

ooops, forgot to blind copy the blog….

 

Greetings,

 

Our ride on Monday, June 16, is an up-and-back from the Dillon Amphitheater to Copper Mountain with an option to ride to Vail Pass.  This route will comprise mostly bike paths except for a shortcut up Granite Street in Frisco.   The weather forecast indicates clouds and low 70s on Monday, but always check the SBG blog  for last minute information.

 

Safety

Please wear a name tag and use hand signals so others are aware of turns, stops and road obstacles.  Ride single-file as much as possible.   When you pass someone let them know with the phrase "Good morning, on your Left".    If you are in front of a group and a rider is approaching from the opposite direction use the phrase "Rider Up".   The downhill bike shuttles from Vail Pass are starting up.   Beware of rapidly descending/weaving riders enjoying their first bike ride in 30 years.   😊

 

Start time: 9:30 a.m.

Meeting place: Dillon Amphitheatre parking lot in front of the pavilion

Lunch: After the ride, bring a drink and sandwich for lunch at the pavilion; a snack to share with others is nice but not required

 

Directions:

Option 1 – Copper Mountain Conoco

From the amphitheater parking lot, turn left onto Lodgepole Street, then keep left onto the Dillon Reservoir Recpath. Be mindful of distracted pedestrians and other cyclists and please ride single file.   Once across the dam, follow the bike path until the red pavement ends (roughly mile 2). Then turn left to continue on the Dillon Reservoir Recpath. At about mile 4.5, turn left over the bridge and left again onto the Frisco Recpath. Follow this path to the Frisco Marina. We will cross Summit Blvd. at the light.  Immediately upon crossing turn left one block to Granite Street, right on Granite Street and continue straight to get on the TenMile RecPath (looks like it dead ends at a cul de sac, but continue and look for the bike path sign to RecPath.  Right on Ten Mile RecPath and we will follow the path through Officer's Gulch to the Conoco station just before Copper Mountain. After a rest stop (indoor bathrooms, coffee, snacks), we'll backtrack to the amphitheater.    If you forgot or didn't have time to pack your lunch the subs at Camp Hale Coffee are delicious.

 

Option 2 – Vail Pass - Want more miles and more climbing?

At the Conoco cross over Hwy 91 and ride through Copper Mountain along the gold course to the Vail Pass Rec Path.    Follow that to the top.    The rest area at the top is still closed so best to turn around where the path crosses under I70.  Backtrack the same way to return to Dillon Amphitheatre.

 

Map showing ride all the way to Vail Pass

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51205267

 

Distance

Vail Pass:  About 40 miles RT

Conoco @ Copper:  About 28 miles RT

 

Thanks and see you Monday!

 

Jim Smith

Mobile: 612-720-3741

Email: got.gravel@gmail.com

 

If you haven't yet paid your dues for this year, please do so now. Visit our website at https://www.summitbiking.org/membership.

Road Update - June 9 Dillon Loop

According to various road and forest service authorities, Sapphire Point will be closed for renovations from June 2 - 20 (click here) with parking lot improvements scheduled for June 9 - 12. With that in mind, we will choose from two options based on my findings from some early morning reconnaissance around 8:45 am on Monday. I'm proposing both options since the portable billboards indicate vehicles and bicyclists take caution (NOT "road closed") and because the authorities are only indicating parking lot work, not road work per se.

• Option #1: We will cycle clockwise as planned and dodge the parking lot by veering onto Swan Mountain Road about 100 ft sooner than we normally would; we'd then continue on the Dillon Loop if the construction crews haven't completely blocked off Swan Mtn Road (Total: ~18.5 miles) 
• --OR-- Option #2: cycle clockwise as planned up to where the recpath meets the Sapphire Point parking lot. Backtrack to Dillon Amphitheatre, ride over the dam, and turn around at the Frisco Bay Marina (Total: ~25 miles). If you're itching for more mileage, keep on going and turn around at the base of Swan Mountain Road (Breckenridge side across from Summit High School). Regardless of the option, we'll still have a picnic! 

The weather forecast indicates sunshine with a high of 66 by 1:00 pm. Don't forget to pack a drink and sandwich for yourself and a little something to share with others during the apres cycling picnic!

Please contact the Dillon Ranger District for updates (970)468-5400. (click here for more info)

[Summit Biking] June 9 - Lake Dillon Loop & Picnic

Hi Everyone, we will ride clockwise around Lake Dillon on Monday, June 9. This is a great occasion to bring a friend, neighbor, or coworker because the route is fun, scenic, and provides a great opportunity for guests to chat with SBG members during the picnic. Waivers will be available at the start of the ride and are required to join the ride. As a reminder, after one ride, you must become a member to continue riding with us.

Details include:

Start time: 9:30 a.m. (Arrive 10-15 minutes early so we can start promptly at 9:30 a.m.) 

Meeting place: Dillon Amphitheatre parking lot in front of the picnic pavilion; plenty of free parking should be available in the Amphitheatre parking lot if you are driving there.

Lunch: After the ride, meet at the pavilion adjacent to the Amphitheatre for lunch - bring a drink and sandwich for yourself and a food item to share with others. SBG will provide eating and serving utensils, plates, and napkins.

Route: Recpath conditions are good, but the road down from Swan Mountain is in the usual state of disrepair. Cyclists and motor vehicles are required to share the road. Let's try to gather at the top so we can go down as a large group and be more noticeable to the average driver. Ride at a reasonable speed, being mindful of rough patches of road and potholes on the way down. https://ridewithgps.com/trips/186813398

Always check the SBG blog (click here) before a ride in case of cancellations, time changes, etc.

Thanks, Betsy 303-638-2549 

[Summit Biking] June 2 - NEW RIDE START AT 9:30AM

Hi Everyone,

The weather is looking a little aggressive tomorrow starting at 1PM. With the probability of rain rising to 50+%, we're going to begin the ride at 9:30AM--just 30 minutes prior to the original start time. I'm so hoping everyone will see this message on time.

Thanks and see you a little earlier on Monday a.m.,

Betsy

[Summit Biking] June 2 - Idaho Springs to Georgetown

Hello SBG cyclists, this week we'll cycle out-and-back with a gradual uphill climb to Georgetown and then a nice cruiser back to Idaho Springs. Except for a brief stretch of  recpath, we'll be cycling on county roads. There are a few odd turns along the way, so guests and new SBG members should ride with someone who knows the route. The weather forecast indicates clouds and low 70s on Monday, but always check the SBG blog for last minute information. 

Start Time: 10 a.m. in the Clear Creek Administrative Site (AKA former visitor center) parking lot.

Parking - 3 options:

From Summit County, 

• Option #1 (Meeting Spot) - Turn RIGHT off the Exit 240 ramp. Take the first RIGHT into the "Clear Creek Administrative Site" parking lot. Parking is free but limited (avoid the area marked "Employee Only Parking"). Your ability to find a spot will depend on how many spaces are available when you arrive.
• Option #2 - Turn RIGHT off the Exit 240 ramp. Take the first LEFT into a 12 Hour Parking lot that charges a flat fee of $2.20. This lot is literally about 0.1 miles up the road from Option #1 parking. There is a wide shoulder that you can use to pedal over to our meeting spot.
• Option #3 - Take Exit 239 ramp. There is a parking lot on the LEFT before the end of the ramp. This is about 3/4 mile from the meeting spot. Wait there until the group comes by and we'll ride together.  

Note: There are no bathrooms at any of these locations. Since free parking is limited and unpredictable, carpooling is a good idea.

Lunch

We will not have a picnic as there are no facilities.  There are a couple of great choices for lunch though. After loading your bike in Idaho Springs, drive to Georgetown and consider Cabin Creek Brewing or Cooper's on the Creek. 

Safety

Please wear a name tag and use hand signals so others are aware of turns, stops and road obstacles.  Ride single-file as much as possible while on the road. 

Route

From our meeting spot, we'll take the Idaho Springs Trail rec path for 3/4 miles, and then turn left onto Stanley Road (ride ~6 miles); at Dumont, cross the I-70 overpass and turn left on Co Road 308 (ride about  ~5 miles); when CR 308 passes under I-70, continue and turn left on Alvarado Road; pass Georgetown Lake and follow Argentine Street to the Gateway Visitor Center parking lot in Georgetown. Once we've convened as a group, we'll cycle back to Idaho Springs. Restrooms are available inside the visitor center. Total: 23.9 miles | 1,205 ft elevation gain.

Extra Credit Riding

If you're feeling the need for more miles and elevation, cycle toward the Georgetown Loop Railroad upper parking lot and follow the bike path up to Silver Plume, Bakerville or beyond. Please let me or someone else in the group know that you're heading west for more miles so we won't be wondering what happened to you upon our return to Idaho Springs.

See you on Monday!

Betsy (303-638-2549)