Silverthorne to Fairplay

Riding along the bike path from Silverthorne to Breckenridge, CO.

 

Getting lost and confused outside Silverthorne!

Day 6 - Silverthorne, Frisco, Breckenridge, Blue River, Alma and Fairplay.
 

Today we are following a fairly steady 88 km ride through various tourist towns, with side roads and bike paths available all the way to Breckenridge.  Once out of Breckenridge, we have a climb up Hoosier Pass (11,542' elevation), followed by a descent into Fairplay.

We left Silverthorne early to look for the bike path to Frisco, but we were unable to find it so we accidently found ourselves starting our day on interstate 70.  Luckily we were promptly pulled over by a local police officer and were politely advised that we shouldn’t be on the interstate, mam! 

We made a quick u-turn (chaperoned by our police officer) and eventually located the 16 mile bike path that took us all the way into Breckenridge.  It is a great scenic ride and a welcome change from cycling on the highway. 

We stopped for lunch and a walk in Breckenridge (great town to spend a few hours), before once again crossing the Continental Divide to our next mountain pass, 'Hoosier Pass' (elevation 11,539 ft).

‘Hoosier Pass’ is a 4 mile climb and by this point I am starting to get a bit cocky...the climbs are getting easier and even enjoyable!

 

From Hoosier Pass, we enjoyed a nice descent and bike road into Alma. Once in Alma, our next stop was ‘Airways’ which we discovered is the inspiration for South Park!

Our highlight was the ice-cream shop and the Mexican takeaway that was opposite, making for a great dinner at the campground!

We had an easy descent into Fairplay, covering over 15 miles in less than an hour!  We arrived at the campsite just after six o'clock and as it was Labour Day weekend there were plenty of people to talk to around the camp fire.

 

Starting point: Silverthorne, CO
End point: Buffalo Springs, CO
Total distance: 88 kms
Campground: Buffalo Springs Campground

Empire to Silverthorne

 

Day 5 - Empire, Georgetown, Dillon and Silverthorne.

We are covering a shorter distance of 70 km today, starting with a climb from Empire all the way to 'Loveland Pass' (11,990'), followed by a long descent to Dillon and Silverthorne.

We woke up feeling refreshed after spending a night in a comfortable hotel and after a slightly tricky  navigation out of Empire, we were guided onto a gravel road which took us all the way to 'Georgetown' (population 1,034).

Georgetown is a picturesque town with lots of history...it is like stepping back in time!

The main street in Georgetown, Colorado.

We climbed Loveland Pass (elevation 11,990 ft), once again crossing the Continental Divide.

It was a difficult climb but all is forgotten when you get to the top!   We had time for a quick picture, then were back on the bikes for a wet and windy descent to Dillon and Silverthorne. 

Once we got to Silverthorne it started pouring down so we decided that camping wasn’t an option...which leaves only one thing to - find a motel!

We checked in to Super 8 and were pleasantly surprised when we informed by reception that we were only 5 minutes from an outlet mall...what's a girl to do?! 

Starting point: Empire, CO
End point: Silverthorne, CO
Total distance: 62 kms
Campground: Heaton Bay Campground
Motel:  Super 8

Grand Lake to Empire

Day 4 - Grand Lake, Granby, Fraser, Winter Park and Empire.

Today's 85 km ride is mostly uphill, following highway 40 all the way to 'Berthoud Pass' (11,315') and then descending into Empire.

After a cold start, we packed up and headed 6 miles to Granby with one thing on our mind - a warm breakfast!

With our bellies full we headed out on highway 40 and as we were keen to get off the highway, we followed the ACA map and took 'Country Road 5' - a 6 mile scenic ride straight to Fraser (population 1,224). 

We passed through Winter Park (population 999) and decided to stop for lunch and with lots of empty tables we jumped at the opportunity to dry our tents and soak up some sun!

Once out of Winter Park, we started the ascent up Berthoud Pass, crossing the Continental Divide for the second time. 

Once at the top of Berthoud Pass, we were rewarded with an 11 mile descent, conveniently arriving right outside our accommodation for the night!

We settled in to the hotel and made the most of our first night not camping ....you had me at hot shower and dinner!
 

Starting point: Grand Lake, CO
End point: Empire, CO
Total distance: 84 kms
B&B: The Peck House

Rocky Mountain National Park to Grand Lake

Enjoying the view in the Rocky Mountain National Park, after a long climb up on Trail Ridge Road.

Day 3 - Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake and Granby.

Today is one of our most challenging days cycling 80 kms on highway 34, which is also known as 'Trail Ridge Road'.  From our campground, we climb for 23 miles to the Visitor Centre and climb 'Milners Pass' (10,758 elevation), followed by a 23 mile descent all the way to Grand Lake.



Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuos highway in the USA.

Visting the Rockies is one of the highlights of our trip.  We will cycle along 'Trail Ridge Road' - America's highest continuous highway. 

12,183’ above sea level, there was never a dull moment with breathtaking scenery. 

We had plenty of time to soak it all up as there were many stops on the ascent, allowing us to minmize any altitude effects - and get our breath back!




We enjoyed a slow winding ascent through the park, making a marker for a lunch spot and had a great break at the view point.  We continued up and passed another viewpoint - where I have to confess we tried to get a lift as the weather was starting to look a bit grim...we failed and had to climb anyway!

Continental Divide



2 miles above sea level inside the Rocky Mountain National Park.

We crossed the 'Continental Divide', which according to the explanation below is...

“An imaginary geographic line defined by the fact that water poured on one side of it would ultimately flow into the ocean on one side of a continent, while water poured on the other side of the line would flow into the ocean on the other side of the continent”. 








It was a slow climb to the Visitor Centre and with the weather getting worse, it made it feel even harder!  Once at the top,  we enjoyed the long descent down surrounded by beautiful scenery all the way to the Visitors Centre.

It was a bit of a trek to the campground, but we made it with about 30 mins of sunlight and the campground had lovely hot showers!

Starting point: Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
End point: Grand Lake, CO
Total distance: 80 km
Campground: Stillwater Campground

Rollinsville to Rocky Mountain National Park






Breakast stop at 'New Moon Bakery' - Nederland, CO

Day 2 - Rollinsville, Nederland, Ward, Ferncliff, Allenspark, Meeker Park, Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Today is our first full day on the road, cycling around 80 km on highway 72 and 7.  The route takes us through many small towns and is not too challenging as there are no major climbs, except a 6 mile ascent from Estes Park to the Rockies.

We left the campground early and enjoyed a four mile descent into Nederland, a friendly little town with a great bakery.

Surrounded by beautiful scenery for the entire day, which was made even better by the frequent and scenic descents!

We stopped for lunch in Allenspark at the 'Meadow Mountain Cafe' and then enjoyed the rest of the day cycling through Colorado. 



Approaching the Fall River entrance of the Rocky Mountain National Park

The entrance gate to the Rocky Mountain National Park was a welcome sight as we were starting to get tired....let's just say it was a long mile cycle to the campground once we were through the entrance gate!

All of our food and items with a scent were carefully stored in the 'bear boxes' to avoid any unwanted quests in the evening!

Starting point: Rollinsville, CO

End point: Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Total distance: 80 km

Campground: Aspenglen Campground

Idaho Springs to Rollinsville

Day 1 - getting the touring bikes set up in Idaho Springs.

Day 1 - Idaho Springs, Central City, Black Hawk and Rollinsville.

Covering only 32 km on our first day, we have a fairly steep climb to get us just outside Central City, quickly descending into Black Hawk followed by a steady elevation to Rollinsville.

Excitement levels were high as we begin our cycling trip!  We were collected from our hotel in Denver by the guys that we rented our touring bikes from, driving on hour to our starting point in Idaho Springs. 

We set up the touring bikes with all of our gear, getting straight off the main road and travelling up a steep gravel road -'Rd 279'.

'Oh-My-God-Road'

Five minutes into our first climb and with no time to adjust to the altitude, we were struggling.  Without realising it, we had started on 'Oh-My-God Road'... and let me tell you it is called that for a reason! 

Once we had managed to stop laughing at ourselves as we walked up our first hill, we reassured ourselves that as we get fitter along the way, the easier the hills will get easier!





Oh-My-God Road is 13.6 km long and took us steeply through historic mining country, linking us to Central City (population 683) - a great town with lots of character.

On-route to our campground we passed a great place for a dinner ('Stage Stop', Rollinsville) and with only a 1.2 mile cycle to our campsite, we arrived with enough light to set up comfortably and settle in for the night...great first day!

Starting point: Idaho Springs, CO
End point: Just outside Rollinsville, CO
Total distance: 40 km
Campground:  Kelly Dahl Campground

Colorado, here we come!

After months of planning, we are finally on our way to Colorado, USA! We have spent hours looking through maps, calculating road distances on google, booking camp sites online and making sure we have all the gear - all in preparation for our 1,000 km cycle across the USA!

We are two friends (Carrie on the left and Sandra  on the right) who started with a plan to take 3 months off work to cycle across the USA, following the 'TransAmerica' route. Work commitments and life in general meant that our trip was downscaled to a 2 week cycling trip, with both of us taking side trips afterwards.

I (Carrie) am travelling to Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon to hike the Rim to Rim trail and Sandra is off to hike the 'Tonto Trail' in the Grand Canyon.