[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

[Summit Biking] May 19 Ride - Bear Creek Trail

Hi Everyone:

Due to a forecast of 40s and overcast conditions in Summit County on May 19 (Monday), we are relocating the ride to the Bear Creek Trail.

Please note: we are having difficulties with the SBG calendar and are currently unable to update the ride invite from "Green Mtn Res" to "Bear Creek Trail". This will be fixed soon.

Directions to Bike Route from Summit County – approximately 1 hour drive:

1.      Take I-70 E toward Denver.

2.      Take Exit 260 to merge onto CO-470 E toward Colo Spgs.

3.      Take Exit 4 to CO-8 W/Bear Creek Ave./W Morrison Rd.

4.      Turn right (west) off the exit ramp.

5.      The parking lot is on the right-hand corner of S. Rooney Road and Morrison Road (across from a Phillips 66 gas station - 16283 Morrison Rd, Morrison, CO 80465).

***Ride will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m.*** 

Route details - two options - your choice:

1.      From the parking lot, we will walk our bikes across (the very busy) Morrison Road and follow the Bear Creek Trail east under CO-470 E.

2.      A second, more rigorous option (different route, more elevation) will likely be offered as an alternative to the Bear Creek Trail that we usually do. 

Lunch (optional): The little town of Morrison features lots of fun restaurants. After the ride, drive, bike, or walk 0.4 miles to the historic Morrison Inn for lunch. RSVP to me by End of Day Saturday (May 17) if you'd like to enjoy lunch together and I'll include you in the reservation. Click here for the menu.

Mileage: 19 miles RT / 942 ft elevation gain for Bear Creek Trail option

Please feel free to text or call me to RSVP for lunch,

Betsy

303-638-2549

[Summit Biking] May 12 -- 10 a.m. start

My weather app projects sunshine and 53 degrees F at the ride start, so dress appropriately. 

Meet a few minutes before 10:00 a.m. at the bathroom structure located on the recpath at the Marina. After introductions and last minute info, we'll ride from the Frisco Marina to Breckenridge Station (gondola) and back. If one of you could volunteer to be a sweep (last person in line) for the group, it would be much appreciated. Terese Tane will have paper waivers for you to sign if you are paying membership by check or if you are riding for the first time as a guest.

Please let me know if you have any questions or pertinent ride info between now and the end of the ride. 

Thanks,

Betsy

303-638-2549

 

[Summit Biking] May 12 Route Details - Frisco Marina to Breck Station

Always check the SBG blog before each ride to learn about last minute changes or cancellations. 

Hello SBG team,

The weather reports indicate sunny weather on the 12th. I rode the route yesterday, and the recpath is in mostly good shape but you'll need to be mindful of some gritty patches in the tunnels and on the bridges. Remember, it is never a "fail" to dismount your bike to navigate past the grit. Otherwise, just proceed with caution over these areas (I managed fine on my bike).

Parking - 2 choices:

• Frisco Bay Marina - it appears that they will be repaving soon, but until the Marina officially opens (TBD), parking is free.
• Summit County Middle School - if you choose this location, just hop on the bike path and cycle 3-5 minutes over to the Marina.

Meeting point: Meet at the double bathroom structure located on the recpath at the Marina. (Note: water fountain and toilets are currently closed.)

Route details:

From our meeting point, follow the recpath and cycle past the Frisco Nordic Center. Continue on the path toward Breckenridge. Once you have passed through the (gritty) tunnel and cycle behind Summit County High School, there are porta-potties available if you need them--located in the front of the school across from the running track. Continue on some twists and turns along the recpath until the path straightens out for the rest of the route. Note: the first two bridges have some grit to be mindful of. We will stop and convene as a group at the gondola turn in. More civilized restrooms are open and available there as well. (9.6 mile mark). Since this ride is an up-and-back, simply follow the recpath back to the Marina.

Lunch:

Lock your bikes in or onto your vehicle --or--ride your bike over (bring a lock) to Highside Brewery --or-- drive your bike over to the Highside Brewery and park your vehicle in the back lot. Highside Brewery address is 720 Main St., Frisco, CO 80443. Click here for the menu.

Total mileage: 19.2 miles RT / 946 ft elevation / gpx file: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/280288974

Thanks folks and see you soon,

Betsy