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)
Posts
