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)

[Summit Biking] No Ride on May 26

Hey Everyone,

Although we have no scheduled ride this coming week, here's some great news!

AAA offers roadside assistance for bikes owned by AAA members. While they won't fix a broken spoke or change a tire, they WILL transport you and your disabled bicycle to a local bike shop or your home. The distance they will transport you from pick up to drop off depends on the type of AAA auto coverage you have. For example, Basic AAA coverage allows transport up to 7 miles from pickup; Plus coverage up to 100 miles from pickup. 

Thanks and have a peaceful Memorial Day weekend,

Betsy