Saturday, June 22

June 24 Bike Ride - Tour de Soda

If "Tour De Soda" was in the dictionary, its first definition would be "a convoluted but delightful route" and its second would be "a Cyclo-Parade of Homes through the Keystone and Dillon area". This is our route on Monday, June 24. Unless you are v-e-r-y familiar with it, I recommend that we stay together as much as possible. Cue sheets will be available for anyone who wants them.  

 

Time: 9:30 am

Meeting Place: North Pond Park (108 Hamilton Creek Blvd, Silverthorne, CO)

Lunch: 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)

 

Segment I: North Pond to River Run Village in Keystone

 

1.    Take Blue River Trail bike path from North Pond Park to the top of Dillon Dam.

2.    At ~4 miles, turn LEFT onto Summit County Recpath (becomes Dillon Reservoir Trail and then Snake River Trail as you approach Keystone). 

3.    At ~12 miles, stop at the "Purple Route" bus sign in River Run Village for restroom stop. 

 

Segment II: River Run Village to Keystone Ranch

 

1.    Backtrack from River Run to the Mountain House area. Follow West Keystone Rd. until the road forks. Veer LEFT onto Soda Ridge Rd. toward the golf course. ((IF there is construction on Soda Ridge, we'll alter the course)). 

2.    At ~14.5 miles, turn LEFT onto Keystone Ranch Rd (at the "Ranch Golf Course and Restaurant" sign). Ride past the golf course shortcut.

3.    Follow Keystone Ranch Rd. for 3.2 miles over some rolling hills and turns. You'll pass under a big Keystone Ranch sign and guardhouse.

4.    Ride 0.3 miles past the guardhouse before turning LEFT to pick up Keystone Ranch Rd. again.

5.    At ~18 miles, road ends (see a "White River Nat'l Forest" sign).

 

Segment III: Return to North Pond Park

 

1.    Backtrack on Keystone Ranch Rd for about 3 miles (note: if you reach Soda Ridge Rd, you've gone too far).

2.    Turn LEFT and weave through the fence into River Run Golf Course area—merges into Elk Spur Lane.

3.    Continue straight on Elk Spur Lane. It will become Elk Circle.

a)    Turn LEFT on River Course Drive (stay to far right on what appears to be a sidewalk (It is the community path).

b)    The community path cuts LEFT at the Nordic Center (see "The River Course Clubhouse" sign). It looks like a golf cart path but is not. Ride downhill and veer RIGHT when the path forks. Warning: the path is steep in places and contains some gravel. Continue on the path as it intersects Carter Ct. and Stag Trail.

c)    After crossing Buck Ridge Rd., veer right onto the red paved bike path.

d)    At end of red pavement, turn LEFT on Cove Blvd.

e)    LEFT onto Summit Drive à LEFT onto Vail Circle à LEFT onto Summit Drive / Cove Blvd.

f)      LEFT on Whispering Pines Ranch Road (go 0.3) à LEFT on Forest Glen Road (go 0.2) à RIGHT on Royal Coachman Blvd (go 0.2).

g)    Turn LEFT onto the bike path at Swan Mountain and ride toward Dillon Dam.

h)    Go down the "corkscrew" path that takes you down to the Silverthorne Outlet Mall and baseball field.

i)      At the stop light under the I-70 overpass, turn LEFT on Wildernest Road à RIGHT on Adams (next stop light) à LEFT onto Brian Ave (past the Summit Ford dealership).

j)      RIGHT on Annie Rd.(behind the Target store) à LEFT on Adams à RIGHT on Ruby Ranch Road à Cross Route 9 / Blue River Parkway à LEFT on Blue River Circle and return to North Pond.

k)    Time for lunch!

 

Don't let these instructions scare you. This is a challenging, but interesting 30+ mile ride with varying terrain, epic scenery, and lots of homes. If you have questions or would like ideas on a more abbreviated ride, text me at 303-638-2549. Check out the Summit Biking blog for updates before the ride.

 

Thanks,

Betsy

Saturday, June 15

June 17 Bike Ride - Dillon to Copper Mountain

Hi Everyone, our ride on Monday, June 17, is an up-and-back from the Dillon Amphitheater to Copper Mountain. This route will comprise mostly bike paths except for a shortcut up 7th Street in Frisco.

Details include:
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:
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 and turn left onto 7th Street. Ride until 7th dead-ends, turning right onto Temple Trail.

At the Frisco west end parking lot turn off, veer left continuing on Temple Trail / Tenmile Recpath. We will follow the path through Officer's Gulch to the Conoco station. After a rest stop (indoor bathrooms, coffee, snacks), we'll backtrack to the amphitheater. 

Want less miles? More miles? 
  • You can turn around at the west end parking lot or any point before the Conoco Station if you don't want to ride that far. Please tell someone in the group that you are doing this so we aren't waiting for you. 
  • However, if you feel the need for more mileage, return to the bike path and continue 3.6 miles up the Tenmile Extension to Highway 91. Turn around when you reach the bridge that spans across Highway 91. Again, please let someone in the group know about this decision as well.
We are always happy to welcome new Summit County riders. Point them to the Summit Biking website so they can learn more and join the team! If needed, my contact # is 303-638-2549.

Thanks and see you soon!
Betsy

Wednesday, June 5

June 10 Bike Ride -- Lake Dillon Loop & Picnic

Hi Everyone, our next ride is Monday, June 10, around Lake Dillon. You are encouraged to invite new Summit Country riders to join us and point them to the Summit Biking website so they can learn more and sign up!

Details include:
Start time: 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

Arrive 10-15 minutes early so we can start promptly at 9:30 a.m. We will ride clockwise around the lake, covering a total of 18.5 miles. Glenn and I rode the course today, and it is in good shape--about 95% grit-free but with the usual stretch of Texas washboard-style pavement from the top of Swan Mountain (mile 7) to the bottom of the hill (mile 9). If this isn't enough mileage for you, feel free to add some extra miles with out-and-backs to Keystone or Breckenridge. You can also consider heading up toward Copper / Officer's Gulch as an added leg to the ride but plan to return to the Amphitheatre/pavilion for the picnic by no later than 11:45 a.m. For questions or issues, call me at 303-638-2549.

Ride safe and have fun!

Betsy

Tuesday, May 28

June 3 Bike Ride

Our next ride, June 3 will be between Idaho Springs and Georgetown (normally the Georgetown Visitor Center is the turn around point) and back.  Be prepared to ride at 10 am.  This ride is an out and back but there are some turns so new people should ride with someone who knows the route. Identify yourself to me the day of the ride and we will take care of you. It seems the parking area we have used the last few years seems to have been taken over by local trucks. There is a dirt covered parking area we can use, however.  To get to the parking take exit 240 to the South (right) and turn into the dirt parking area (on the right), just before you get to the stop sign.   Depending on how many we get this area may become full.  If that is the case, there is an alternate area.  To get to this area, take a left at the stop sign after the 240 exit, drive to Colorado Blvd (about 3 blocks).  At the stop light take a left and drive through town to the West.  Just after 1st Ave, turn left on Stanley Road.  DO NOT MISS STANLEY ROAD AS THIS WILL PUT YOU ON I70 WEST.   Stanley Road goes under I70, and the lot is immediately on the right.  The bike path is directly across by Clear Creek.  This is about 1/2 mile from the main lot, so wait until the group comes by.  There are no bathrooms at either location.    Parking is still tight, so riders are encouraged to carpool.

We will not have a picnic as there are no facilities.  A number of the participants plan to stop at Cabin Creek Brewery in Georgetown.  This is the brewery you will pass on the left just before you reach Georgetown, on the bike ride.  The fastest way to drive there, after our ride, is to take I 70 west to the Georgetown exit, go past the visitor center and take the second exit off the roundabout (headed toward Idaho Springs).  The brewery is on your right next to the first lake you come to.

Riders are encouraged to use hand signals, so others are aware of turns, stops and road obstacles.  Riders are encouraged to wear name tags since there are many new people.  Any name tag will do as long as it shows your name.

I checked out this ride last week and it has the normal potholes and gravel in spots to watch out for.  One place to watch out for is under I70 as you leave Dumont the road is rough and if the sun is out your eyes will not adjust fast enough to see the places, be sure to slow down.  If anyone has a problem and needs help my cell number is 970 393-2190.

The weather for Monday looks beautiful.  If there is a change, I will send out information Sunday evening.  Hope to see a large group at this fun ride.

Ride safe and have fun!

John Bowyer


Wednesday, May 22

May 27 Bike Ride Canceled

Hello Summit Bikers,

After discussions with a couple of you last week I have decided to cancel next week's ride, since it falls on Memorial Day Weekend.  We will do the ride from Idaho Springs to Georgetown the following week.

The county bike paths will probably have the first busy weekend of the year.  I urge caution for those that plan to ride.

Sorry for the change next Monday.

Ride safe!

John Bowyer

Thursday, May 16

May 20 Bike Ride -- Green Mountain Reservoir

Hello Summit Bikers,

Last week's ride on Bear Creek was near perfect, with warm temps and sunny skies.

Next week's ride, May 20, will be the Green Mountain Reservoir.  The start of the ride is at the intersection of Route 9 and Heeney Road, approximately 20 miles north of Silverthorne. Plan to be ready to ride at 9:30 am.  It looks to be cool at the start, so wear layers.  Most of the parking is on route 9 at the intersection with Heeney Road. Be careful crossing route 9 as it is a busy road. Heeney Road is not very busy, but it is a road with some traffic and people are encouraged to ride single file near the shoulder. We ride around the reservoir on the West side and return the same way.  This is the only Summit County ride with rolling hills as you ride on the west side of the reservoir.  Pay attention as there are some potholes and a rough spot or two.   

No picnic this week but do one soon.

Hope to see you there.

Ride safe!

John Bowyer


Virus-free.www.avg.com

Wednesday, May 8

Bear Creek Ride May 13


Hello Summit Bikers,

If you have not done so already get those bikes checked out and ready to ride.  Looking out the window it is hard to believe biking season is ready to start.  Monday, May 13, looks like a beautiful day in the Denver area so we will kick of our season there, with a ride on the Bear Creek Trail.

Starting west of the 470 loop near Bear Creek Lake Park at the Morrison exit. There will be no picnic this week. Those wanting to join me for lunch can go to lunch at the Red Rocks Grill in Morrison. They are located at 415 Bear Creek Avenue. Bring a lock to secure your bikes during lunch.

Directions to Ride
 
To get to the start of the ride go east on 70 toward Denver and get off on 470 south. Take 470 to the Morrison exit and turn right (West). The parking lot is on the right at the corner of S. Rooney Road and Morrison Road (across from a Philips 66 gas station). If you are late, the bike path is across Morrison Road from the parking area, then ride east under 470. The drive from exit 205 (Silverthorne) to the start is approximately 1 hour. Plan to be ready to ride by 10 am. If it appears likely that it will rain during the ride I will send an email out the afternoon before, canceling.  Currently the prognosis is a slight chance.  

This season`s rides are on the website SummitBiking.org.  There is a lot of other useful information on the site such as safety tips and where Summit Bikers can get discounts at local bike shops. Members without a life time membership are strongly encouraged to visit the website and join for the 2024 bike season.   This will save us administrative time before our ride.  Even I have to pay up!  This is also a great time to tell others about our rides.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Ride safe.

John Bowyer

Sunday, September 10

CHANGE IN RIDE SEPTMBER 10

Hello Summit Bikers,

The forecast for the East side of the Divide is not good, so we will stay in Summit County.  Since Fall is here plan to meet at Dillon Ampitheater at 10am Monday. Temps should be around 50 by then.  We will ride to either to Montezuma, and if the weather looks promising to the end of Keystone Range Road in Keystone, before returning to the start.  Please do not gather at the top of Montezuma Road, stay to the left.  We will not have a picnic, but feel free to bring a sandwich and drink so we can socialize afterwards.

If anyone is not familiar with the route, please let me know at the start and we will match you up with a rider who knows the route.

Ride Safe,

John Bowyer

Wednesday, September 6

September 11 Bike Ride

Hello Summit Bikers,

Next Mondays ride (September 11) will be starting at Georgetown at 10 am.  As off now there is a high chance of rain in Georgetown on Monday and if this remains the case, I will revise the ride to one in Summit County (low chance of rain).  Please check your email Sunday evening.

Date:  9/11
Origin:  Georgetown Visitor Center
Directions:  Take Exit 228 off I 70
Parking:  Park along Argentine Rd just past visitor center. They have asked us NOT to park
               in visitor center parking lot
Routes:  G-town to Loveland ski area
               Guanella Pass
               G-town to Idaho Springs 
Time:  10:00am
Post Ride:  Some of us will visit Cabin Creek Brewery after the ride.

See everyone on Monday

Ride safe,

John Bowyer


Virus-free.www.avg.com

Saturday, August 26

Change in August 28 Ride

Hello Summit Bikers,

Sorry for the late change, but after traveling over to Vail today I realize there may still be some delays in travel so have decided to Monday's ride.

Meet at the Dillon Amphitheater Parking Lot ready to ride at 9:30 and challenge the hills of Silverthorne.  There may seem to be too many turns but most of them are easy to follow once you 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. Please print this out and have for the ride. If lost ride downhill as the recpath is along the Blue River.

Dillon Amphitheater – Start
Go toward the dam
Stay on Silverthorne path
to N. Pond
Rt End of Path (Allegra Dr)
Rt at stop sign (Hamilton Cr Rd)
Ride to top
Lt on Lakeview Circle
Complete Lakeview Circle turn
Lt at bottom of Circle
(continuation of Hamilton Cr Road)
Rt on Bald Eagle
Cross Rt 9 to Golden Eagle
Lt on Falcon Dr.
Lt on Golden Eagle
Lt on Two Cabins
Rt on Arnica Ln
Lt on Currant Way (easy to miss)
Lt on Hunters Knob Rd
St on Maryland Creek Trail (to Summit Sky)
At T Lt on Maryland Creek Road
Lt on Maryland Creek Lane
Rt on Rt 9
Lt at N. Pond
Rt on Allegra Dr.
Lt on Recpath
Return to Start

Feel free to bring a sandwich or snack to enjoy at the end of the ride.

I also checked out the West Vail Pass route and work continues but is nearing completion.  Hopefully we can do a ride out of Big Horn Park in Vail before winter to experience the new path.  What is complete is away from I 70 and is beautiful.

There will be no ride September 4, as it is Labor Day weekend and the paths are normally crowded.

Have Fun and Ride safe!

John Bowyer