HEART OF THE ROCKIES TOUR
- 6 days, 5 nights - Monday through Saturday
- July 16 - 21
- Moderate + to Challenging
- On & Off Road Travel
- Road Bikes Recommended
- (220 miles total, 100 miles paved bike paths)
- Bike Rentals Available
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TESTIMONIALS
"I would like to thank you for a fantastic trip. The scenery was spectacular. Your itinerary allowed my wife, who likes to bike, but is not as avid as I am, to do this trip and climb these passes. This was a great accomplishment for her and a very doable ride for most recreational cyclists. I would highly recommend this trip, which is also an extremely good value. We would both do the trip again."
Lynn M., Lacrosse, Wisconsin, Heart of the Rockies - July 2011
"Jim and Mark displayed a real passion about the tour, and for those on the tour to have the best experience possible. Great effort and attention to detail was given to pretty much every aspect of the tour, and that translated into a great time for all of the guests. The scenery was awesome. To be out in such a beautiful part of God's creation, with great people, it does not get better than that (in this life anyway)."
Robert K., Jenison, Michigan - Heart of the Rockies 2011
"Being from Colorado and having biked much of the route previously, I sort of knew what to expect. Independence Pass was a new ride and I was a bit apprehensive about it, but certainly felt a sense of accomplishment when I reached the top. We had such a great group with no one looking down on anybody's ability or speed that I think it made it fun for everyone. I especially enjoyed riding on the bike paths and enjoying the wildflowers along the way. I thought the mileages were just right - made me feel like I got a work out but not totally wiped out. All of the accommodations were great, but I especially enjoyed Ores and Mine at Twin Lakes. The van support was always available for those who needed it which was reassuring. You never know when you might want or need to have some help."
Carol B, Limon, Colorado - Heart of the Rockies – July, 2011
"The support couldn’t have been better – you guys were fantastic. I was very worried I would not being able to do the climbs – it was really “do-able” for a cyclist of my level and it was described very well in the brochure. The accommodations were a good value for the price. I loved Ores and Mines B&B."
Sharon M., Lacrosse, Wisconsin - Heart of the Rockies - July, 2011
"I felt Jim & Mark were very attentive to everyone's special needs. I loved the bike paths, few busy roads, nice towns, awesome views. The passes were not as steep as anticipated but overall, just challenging enough to make it feel like an adventure. I liked all of the places we stayed. Each had its own character and reflected the town’s character as well."
Nancy R., Potsdam, New York - Heart of the Rockies – July, 2011
"This tour is a great addition to an already fantastic line-up. The Rockies provide the canvas and Dakota Bike Tours does an excellent job taking full advantage with great routes, lodging, meals, van support, guides, and more. Enjoy the trip and make sure to look up from the road at least a few times!"
Paul B., Denver, CO Heart of the Rockies Tour 2010
HEART OF THE ROCKIES TOUR SUMMARY
This tour has been craftily designed to provide those an opportunity to "Ride the Rockies" without having to be hardcore. The tour is designed to assist you in adjusting to the altitude with an easy first day and with gradual mileage and elevation increases each day to prepare for the 4th day of riding (Thursday) which is the graduation climb of 3,300 ft. Although rated as Challenging, this tour may not be as hard as you think with 100 miles on paved bike paths and only 6 miles of 6% grade, the rest is less. We will average 43 miles of riding each day after the first day with one layover day (Friday). As customary for Dakota Bike Tours, we stay in unique accommodations in quaint towns and villages like Frisco, Red Cliff, Twin Lakes and Basalt. If you have not guessed it already, we ride through all the big name resorts and historic mining towns such as Vail, Leadville, Aspen and Glenwood Springs. Yes we are serious, this is THE HEART OF THE ROCKIES and you can do it.
Prior to Monday's Arrival - You will make your own arrangements, but if you live at low elevation, we recommend that the latest you get to 8,000 ft or higher is on Sunday and if possible, be at 5,000 ft or higher by Saturday night. You are welcome to stay at the Frisco Hotel Sunday night where we will stay Monday night, but you are encouraged to make reservations by May 1 (they only have 12 rooms). We will also provide a list of hotels and motels in the Frisco area. If you plan to fly to Denver, we will provide you with public transportation options and a bike shop in the Frisco area to ship your bike to. The guides will be happy to pick up your bike and return it to the bike shop if you wish.
Monday, Bike Tour Begins - The bike route has limited extended climbing and is either 22 or 34 miles on very scenic bike paths such as the picture below indicates.
- Guests will convene ready to ride at 11:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Frisco Hotel where we stay Monday night (9,040 ft).
- We will depart promptly on our bikes and ride 11 miles on the Blue River Bikeway to Breckenridge for lunch provided by Dakota Bike Tours.
- After lunch, we will return 7 miles on the bike path and for those who want to do a 34 mile loop ride, will head up Swan Mountain Road to the east and north end of Dillon Reservoir to Dillon and then head back to Frisco..
- Those who wish to do a 22 mile out and back may return directly to Frisco.
- The ride ends back at the Frisco Hotel, which has been voted for 8 consecutive years the best lodging in Summit County.
- Following a soak in the outdoor tub or visiting the many boutique shops in Frisco, you will be treated to a splendid meal at one of the fine restaurants in this quaint mountain village.
Tuesday, Vail Pass to Red Cliff - Route is 42 miles with an elevation gain of 2,760 ft. with 24 miles on scenic (paved) bike paths.
- Following breakfast, we will depart from Frisco (9040 ft.) and immediately get on the very scenic connector path to the Ten Mile Canyon National Recreation Trail and ascend 1560 feet in 12 miles to Vail Pass, elevation 10,666 feet. The grade will range from 2-5% on smooth asphalt.
- After a relaxing stop, we will then descend 14 miles into Vail (8,120 ft.) where guests will have the luxury of selecting a lunch location from several popular restaurants.
- Following lunch, we will continue to descend for 6 miles into Minturn (7,800 ft.). At this point, we leave paved bike paths and get on hwy 24 with a reasonable ride able shoulder.
- Just pass Minturn, we start ascending the remaining 10 miles by climbing 1,200 ft. toward Redcliff (elevation 8,674 ft.).This is the crux of the day and some say it is the hardest climb on the tour because it is late in the day. However, just 2.5 miles prior to the turn off road to Red Cliff is a 400 ft. descent into this quaint mountain town.
- We will stay at the Green Bridge Inn, a newly built 30 room mountain style inn which is centrally located in this picturesque town of Red Cliff. Tuesday night's meal will be at the Mango's Mountain Grill, a local favorite.
Wednesday, Red Cliff to Tennessee Pass (10,424) to Leadville & Twin Lakes - Route is 40.4 miles with an elevation gain of 2,000 ft. Highway has a ride able shoulder and traffic is rated by CDOT as low.
- Following breakfast, we will ride (uphill) for 13.3 miles to Tennessee Pass at 10,424 ft., a gain of 1,750 ft. This route is historic as well as very scenic. We will pass through Camp Hale where the 10th Mountain Division trained during WWII and we will have some great views of the Holy Cross Wilderness Area.
- After we take pictures at Tennessee Pass, we will gently descend 400 ft. in 9.8 miles and have lunch in the historic town of Leadville, elevation 10,152 ft.
- There is an optional 11.6 mile paved bike path that is gentle with amazing views that circles Leadville that guests said in 2011 is a must do.
- After our stay in Leadville, we will ride 13.3 miles to Twin Lakes (elevation 9,200 ft.) and stay at the Mines and Ores Bed and Breakfast overlooking the Twin Lakes. Another hidden treasure, owned and hosted by John and Donna Cornella, are lifelong residents of the Leadville area with incredible charm and stories about life in the historic area. John and Donna will host us in their dining hall for a delicious lasagna dinner. If we behave, John and Donna, after dinner, will share with us some of their favorite stories and jokes. They are a hoot.
Thursday, Independence Pass, (elevation 12, 095 ft.) to Basalt - This day is 56.3 miles, but after the first 18 miles and a 2,900 ft ascent, it is all downhill. Although the highway has limited shoulders, the traffic is rated by CDOT as very low.
- After riding this pass two years in a row, the conclusion is that the worry about it is far worse than the actual climb, in large part, because it follows 4 days of adjusting to the altitude and we take it slow first thing in the morning. Most of the riders did about 1,000 feet an hour. The last 5 miles are the toughest with 6% average grade, but there were multiple switchbacks with a chance to relax a bit and the traffic was very low as rated and drivers were quite courteous. Also, the van was available for anyone who wanted it.
- The 19 mile descent though with a 4,000 ft. drop into Aspen can be challenging, but also it can be a blast. The first year there was a stiff wind up the valley from Aspen (which is common), it was drizzling rain, and was chilly. With 7% grades on the downhill part with sharp narrow turns, the descent is to be taken seriously. The second year the weather was fine and our guests wondered what all the fuss was over.
- Everyone can eat where they want in Aspen, but the guides will be at Sabra's Deli within a block of the Rio Grande trailhead to provide directions and remind people to be sure to stop at the fun and funky Woody Creek Tavern, 8 miles down from Aspen on the bike path. This notorious anti-establishment watering hole is a place where locals, visitors and celebrities love to hang out and enjoy fabulous food and brews. For some, it will be worth delaying lunch a bit too and have it at Woody Tavern.
- Following Woody Tavern is a gentle 11 miles on the Rio Grande Trail to the charming village of Basalt where we will stay at the Aspenalt Lodge with streamside rooms on the Frying Pan River. We will have several outstanding places to choose from for our meals while in Basalt for the next 2 days and nights.
Friday, Playtime - This day is the easiest day of the tour with an open itinerary. But here are some options:
- Return to Aspen by bike path and leave a monetary contribution for gifts, beverage and food.
- Ride your bike up the fantastic paved Frying Pan River Road. This was by far the best bike ride in the area and highly recommended.
- Go to Glenwood Springs and soak in the world famous hot springs pool and or sign up for a 3 hour rafting trip on the Colorado River.
Saturday, to Glenwood Springs and Glenwood Canyon to Dotsero - Route is a gentle 43 miles following the Roaring Fork River for 22 miles downstream and then the Colorado River upstream for 21 miles, all on paved bike trail.
- We will complete the Rio Grande Trail to Glenwood Springs
- At Glenwood Springs, we join the Glenwood Canyon Trail and ride our bikes next to the Colorado River through monstrous canyon walls.
- We will end the bike tour at the Dotsero trailhead, do lunch on Dakota Bike Tours at Moes Original Barbeque in Eagle Colorado. We will then finish the 70 mile to Frisco where cars have been parked for the week or a shuttle will return you to Denver. It is not recommended that anyone attempt to schedule a plane out of Denver on Saturday before 7:00 p.m. due to unpredictable summer traffic on Interstate 70. Our expected return to Frisco is by 3:00 p.m.
HEART OF THE ROCKIES TOUR Difficulty Rating- Moderate + to Challenging
For more information, contact Dakota Bike Tours today!
NOTE: Fee includes Double Occupancy Accommodations, 5 dinners, 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, lodging, van support, snacks and beverage while riding, 2 guides, and light bicycle maintenance. Fees do not include admission fees to attractions, single supplement, bike rentals, alcoholic beverage at meals, guide gratuities and additional request for transportation.
