[bmateo]

I might (hopefully) be in Denver on a business trip around July 26-27. I'm assuming I need to get out toward Boulder to get a good ride, but I don't know that for a fact (I might have to go to Golden anyway...)

Questions:
1. I'll only have a few hours on Friday afternoon, or Saturday Morning. Any suggestions on something to ride. Don't want to spend much of my time driving if possible.
2. Anyone interested in riding with me? I'm probably pretty slow, but have strong (intermediate) skills and can go a long way if I pace myself. Elevation might be a problem, but rocky-technical trail riding will only encourage me


Obviously, I'll need to rent a bike, any advice on any or all is appreciated. If I'm riding alone, I'll want to go somewhere with at least a little bit of traffic so someone can find my crumpled self before I end up as mountain-lion food. hahaha

THanks in advance.

Matt

 

[MTBOASIS]

If you will be in the Golden area and don't want to drive far, then stick with the trails in that area. Apex, White Ranch, Lair o bear, Mt. Falcon. Matthews/winters/red rocks. Ask the bike shop you rent your bike from for directions to the trail you want to do.

 

[Fat Elvis]

I might (hopefully) be in Denver on a business trip around July 26-27. I'm assuming I need to get out toward Boulder to get a good ride, but I don't know that for a fact (I might have to go to Golden anyway...Matt

Good lord, Boulder's gotta be the most overrated place on the planet for mountain biking. Seriously. The people of the Republic like to claim any trail within 50 miles for their own, but really, they've got jack squat withing say 5 miles of town. Go to golden. If you want something that'll take 2 h or less and that's technical, do the Dakota Ridge/ Red rocks loop. It's right off of I-70. It's quite scenic, and will be a very memorable ride. Just make sure that you do the loop clockwise, so that you ride mostly downhill (north to south) along Dakota Ridge.

Have fun!

 

[nepbug]

I agree, try to go to Golden, more options and less of a drive from downtown. Boulder's got great trail-running trails (no bikes allowed), biking trails are more limited. The Golden area has more variety.

The Dakota Ridge/Red Rocks ride is a good suggestion, based on your post Dakota ridge will "encourage" you.

 

[MTBOASIS]

Good lord, Boulder's gotta be the most overrated place on the planet for mountain biking. Seriously. The people of the Republic like to claim any trail within 50 miles for their own, but really, they've got jack squat withing say 5 miles of town. QUOTE]

I was going to say this but was being nice. Props to you.

 

[bmateo]

Thanks, will skip Boulder, and will hit Golden, your suggestions are appreciated. I was a little hard on myself, as I like a good technical ride, with lots of rocks. I'm a better risk taker when there are at least a few passing folks to find my corps if I get a little over confident

I will do a search of bike-shops in Golden for rentals, but if anyone has any stand-out shops I'd appreciate it. Do you recommend FS for the trails there, or HT? (I ride both in NC, but primarily FS in Pisgah where it's rocky and steep and fast).

Thanks again, if anyone wants to do a nice 15-20 mile ride and stop to take in the scenery (and be a guide) let me know.

Matt

 

[bvoutdoorz]

Hey Bmat,
I'll ride with ya. Friday night and/or Sat morning. (This is retro, mtbr-cognito)

I promise to be slower, and will pick the Mat-bits out of the rocks if need be. (but if a snake bites you, that's another story)

 

[bmateo]

Lookin' forward to it Brian, but don't count on being the token slow guy. It's been a rough week. Lot's of food, little activity

 

[steadyflow]

As far as rentals go in Golden, Bent Gate right in town is renting Intense bikes now and they look pretty sweet. You can even ride Chimney Gulch from the shops front door.

 

[bmateo]

As far as rentals go in Golden, Bent Gate right in town is renting Intense bikes now and they look pretty sweet. You can even ride Chimney Gulch from the shops front door.

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. Bent Gate sounds great. I called them up and they don't take reservations for bikes, but it sounds like they have a pretty good stable, and the guy said we should be OK. (I'm hoping to ride a 6.6!). I also saw on another thread that they are an awesome shop.

Looking forward to riding out there and just taking in some Colorado. I've been there a few times, but all my rides have been limited to some tame stuff, due to riding with non-riders.

Really just wanted to post up and say thanks for the suggestions, and I'm looking forward to riding in your state.

_________________________________________
Might also check this out for dinner on Wednesday in Denver (I'll be staying in Denver on Wed):
George2: , I once read an article on a restaurant called 'The handlebar and grill', does it still exist?

Reply: Downing and Alameda, I believe is the location. South of downtown Denver, and east of I-25. They sponsor bike events and teams. THe place is a mini bike museum.