2015 Steamboat Bike Guide

Bike Town USA ®

2015 Bike Guide THE GUIDE TO BIKING THE ’BOAT!

SPECIAL PULL OUT

Ride Guide MAPS & TIPS | TRAIL & ROAD RIDES | FAMILY CRUISING

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2015 bike Guide

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2015 bike Guide

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Steamboat Bike Town USA Initiative Board of Directors Chris Sias, president David high, vice president larry Mashaw, secretary Jim Clark, treasurer Jim Schneider, Jon Cariveau, harry Martin, Mark Fitzgerald, David Scully, Kent Foster, linda Corkadel, Scott Myller Executive Director tyler Goodman Safe Routes to School Coordinator Sally Cariveau the 2015 Steamboat Springs Bike Guide is produced by the Steamboat Pilot & today.

Suzanne Schlicht, Coo eugene Buchanan, magazine editor lindsay Porter, creative services supervisor Photographers Corey Kopischke, larry Pierce, Scott Franz, Joel Reichenberger, John F. Russell, Matt Stensland, Ben Ingersoll, Kevin Kopischke, Kevin Dietrich, Christian loucks, Noah Wetzel, Bob allen, aryeh Copa, Nick Glimenakis, Charlie Dresen Advertising Sales Jenni DeFouw, laura tamucci For advertising information, call Jenni DeFouw at 970-871-4235 On the cover: local riders Reall Colbenson and Sarah Coleman take in the view on emerald Mountain.

Photo by Kevin Dietrich

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CoReY KoPISChKe

Welcome ....................................................................... 8 Bike Town USA ............................................................ 10 Event calendar ........................................................ 12-22 USA Pro Challenge ...................................................... 13 Bear River Bike Park .................................................... 14 Tour de Steamboat ..................................................... 17 Steamboat Stinger ...................................................... 19 Town Challenge ........................................................... 20 Online Bike Guide ....................................................... 23 Trail project funding .................................................... 25 Routt County Riders .................................................... 26

ridE gUidE — PULL OUT SECTION Trail ratings, tips, maps, descriptions and more for Steamboat’s favorite rides, from classic roadie tours to Emerald Mountain, the Steamboat Bike Park and more.

Take this special pull-out section with you on the trail for easy reference.

Bike Town USA ®

special pull ouT

2015 Ride Guide The inside Track on

sTeamboaT’s Trails and roads

Titanium titans .............................................................

Bike shops ...................................................................

IMBA World Summit ...................................................

Adaptive cycling ..........................................................

Safe Routes to School .................................................

5 minutes with Abi Slingsby ........................................

High school team / SSWSC update ............................

Golf bikes ....................................................................

Fat bikes ......................................................................

Things to do ................................................................

Après ........................................................................

Brewery tour .............................................................

Parting shot — Mustache madness ............................

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NEW FOR 2015 GOLF BIKE RENTALS! 2015 bike Guide

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WElCoME welCome to another great season oF riding in bike TOWN USA. While our winter was defined by an explosion in fat biking, with local advocacy group Routt County Riders grooming miles of classic singletrack for snow riding, our summer season promises to once again be rich with everything from riding to special events, including our third visit from the USa Pro Challenge, which is hosting the first two stages of world-class road racing in Steamboat Springs. the Moots Ranch Rally also returns, as do thrilling aerials at Bear River Bike Park, caught on film at our annual Jump Jam and Photo Shootout during Bike Week this June.

Referendum 2a, voted by Steam-

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boat residents to support trail development in the valley, is paying dividends with the recently completed Morning Gloria trail on emerald Mountain, already one of the favorite rides in town. look for more trails in progress this summer. enduro, gravity and BMX riding also continue to grow in popularity. the resort continues to polish its fine network of trails on Mount Werner and the locally grown enduro-X race series is on the calendar again for 2015. For those inclined to shortcourse thrills, check out the weekly races at our BMX track and visit the jump lines at Bear River. Road riding remains vibrant as well, with the tour de Steamboat returning bigger and better than ever.

I’m continually reminded how

Christopher sias, steamboat bike town Usa initiative board president

lucky we are to live in a community that values cycling so deeply. Whether a resident or visitor, I sincerely believe you will find rides, terrain and vistas that will inspire you to crank the pedals over once again in search of your own cycling pleasure.

steamboatbiketown.com

Voted Best Bike shop

Voted Best p ho Bike s

Two locaTions To serve you beTTer! downtown: 5th & Lincoln Ave 970.879.9144 Mountain: one steamboat place, 2250 Apres ski Way 970.879.6350 www.steamboatskiandbike.com

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ChRIStIaN loUCKS

bikE toWn Usa “bikinG iS huGe here. there aren’t Many CoMMunitieS thiS PaSSionate about ridinG.”

Noah Wetzel

— HONEY STINGER FOUNDER BILL GAMBER

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In late 2013, voters approved more than $5 million in lodging tax proceeds to go toward building more trails, the fruits of which were seen last summer with the building of the new Morning Gloria trail on emerald Mountain. Initial drawings have already come back from the U.S. Forest Service for additional projects. expanding emerald Mountain’s Ridge trailhead, building a new directional trail and the much-anticipated Wild Rose trail are also in store for this summer. there’s plenty more going on as well. a recent $33,000 grant from Bell helmets was used to expand the Bear River Bike Park; IMBa hosted its World Summit here last summer, marking the event’s first-ever stop in Colorado (it also labeled Steamboat a bronze-level Riding Center, one of only 17 in the world); and the Steamboat Springs School District, in conjunction with the Bike town USa Initiative, received a $24,000 grant from the state to continue and improve its Safe Routes to School program. add to this the fact that event organizers of the USa Pro Challenge chose Steamboat to host two stages of this year’s race, including the overall start, and the league of american Bicyclists recently awarded Steamboat its gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community designation. “there’s certainly a lot of momentum for biking here,” Steamboat Bike town USa Initiative executive Director tyler Goodman says. “It’d be hard to

2015 bike Guide

find a community with more.” add to all this a world-class bike path, miles of existing top-notch trails, ride to work and school initiatives, the new Steamboat Bike Park on the mountain, a BMX track, a great local race series, two bike manufacturers and events such as the tour de Steamboat, Steamboat Stinger, enduro-X Series and Steamboat Stage Race, and it’s easy to see why Steamboat is squarely on the nation’s cycling map.

“Biking is an integral part of the Steamboat community, and like skiing, helps make us a true yearround destination,” says Steamboat Resort Chamber association Ceo Jim Clark, whose organization has hosted several national bike media events in town. these initiatives aside, it’s Steamboat’s trails and roads, as well as its genuine friendly community, that make up the backbone of this biking movement.

“People are now coming here from around the country just to go biking,” Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare owner harry Martin says. “We have a ton of different options you can do right from town, whether you’re on your mountain bike or roadie.”

Moots marketing director Jon Cariveau adds, “the town’s access to riding is pretty unique, from emerald Mountain to road loops and free-ride trails. We have all the right ingredients.”

For more information, visit www.steamboatbike town.com, visit a local bike shop or flag down a local on the trail — chances are he or she will become a new friend to visit the next time you come to town. steamboatbiketown.com

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Cycling Events While Steamboat has miles of world-class singletrack, it also has a multitude of events where you can socialize and ride with other like-minded cyclists. Following is a snapshot of events to put on your riding radar.

May 16

Where the Hell’s Maybell, free, 30-mile scenic group ride from Craig to Maybell on U.S. Highway 40, www.craig-chamber.com

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2nd Annual ALS Cog Ride Fundraiser, 10 a.m., Wesley Park, Hayden.

5-mile fun ride, 26-mile Gravel Gruel, 5-mile fun run, wesleydearborn@gmail.com, 970-8462333

Where the Hell’s Maybell and Ride the Cog Two rides kick off the event season in Steamboat, both west of town and both May 16.

Sponsored by the city of Craig, Where the Hell’s Maybell is a free, 30-mile scenic group ride from Craig to Maybell on U.S. Highway 40. It includes a pancake, egg and bacon breakfast once riders get to Maybell, along with refreshments in Lay. Riders can also reserve transportation back ($5) and order T-shirts. The ride has a total ascent of 1,155 feet and reaches a maximum elevation of 6,601 feet. Also on May 16 is the second annual ALS Ride the Cog Fundraiser, starting at 10 a.m. in Wesley Park in Hayden. The event includes a 5-mile fun ride, a 26-mile Gravel Gruel and 5-mile fun run.

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SSWSC Bike Swap, Howelsen Hill, www.sswsc.org

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Fans at the finish: This year’s USA Pro Challenge spells the biggest week of cycling Steamboat has ever seen.

Noah Wetzel

steamboatbiketown.com

USA Pro Challenge returns to Steamboat For the third time in five years, the USA Pro Challenge is coming back to Steamboat Springs, this time bigger and better than ever.

In 2011 and 2013, Steamboat Springs served as a stage start and finish destination. This year, Bike Town USA hosts the overall start for the seven-stage race, bringing competitors, media, spectators and more to town for an entire week.

On Monday, Aug. 17, the race begins with a circuit though the Yampa Valley, offering the chance to see racers en route and at the start and finish. On Tuesday, Aug. 18, stage two departs from Steamboat for Arapahoe Basin. Teams are expected to arrive for the event on Tuesday, Aug. 11.

“This is the biggest opportunity we’ve had for both visitation and exposure in the race’s five-year history,” says Jim Clark, CEO of the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association. “All eyes will be on Steamboat as we host the race’s overall start.”

Indeed, more than 4 million viewers are expected to tune in to TV race coverage in the U.S., with twice that number worldwide in 175 countries.

After the second day’s race from Steamboat to Arapahoe Basin, stage three runs from Copper Mountain to Aspen; stage four takes racers from Aspen to Breckenridge; stage five is a time trial in Breckenridge; stage six will be decided by an online vote from fans; and the stage seven finish runs from Golden to downtown Denver.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of it again,” says Jim Schneider, co-chairman of the local organizing committee. “The entire community put on fantastic events the last two steamboatbiketown.com

times and this year should be even better.

It’s great to host the best cyclists in the world on the international stage of Steamboat.”

In the past, locals and visitors saw sprint finishes on Lincoln Avenue before racers left town on two different routes, up Rabbit Ears Pass and out Twentymile Road. This year’s first stage will be a circuit race, featuring a mass-start, course laps and plenty of jockeying among teams for position. A day later, the racers leave town for Arapahoe Basin nearly 100 miles away. Expect fans to once again don costumes and cow bells while cheering atop the Continental Divide.

Steamboat first played a part in the race in 2011, when it hosted a stage finish that included an elite sprint won by Italian racer Elia Viviani as the peloton rode into town at top speed. A similar scene unfolded in 2013, and the same excitement is expected again.

Only this year’s event packs an even bigger punch, boasting two events and the overall start. It all spells the biggest week of cycling Steamboat has ever seen.

“This year will be more exciting than ever as we host the overall start with a full weekend of activities including rides, festivals, concerts and more,” adds Schneider, acknowledging the support of the city, Routt County, lodging partners Steamboat Grand, Resort Group, Wyndham and Sheraton, and the local organizing committee.

“People can come early to watch the pro riders train, enjoy a long weekend of activities, and then watch the circuit race on Monday and race out of the ski area base Tuesday as they head out of town for Arapahoe Basin. It’s pretty amazing to have brought the event to town not once or twice, but now three times.”

Info: www.steamboatprocycling.com 2015 bike Guide

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JUNE

Colorado Bike-To-Work Month

10-15

Steamboat Bike Week

Steamboat Bike Week If you’re here for just one week this summer, make it the week of June 10, when Steamboat Springs officially kicks off its biking season with its third annual Bike Week. Organized by Bike Town USA and the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association, the festivities include the Moots Ranch Rally group ride, Moots and Kent Eriksen Cycles factory tours, the Town Challenge Kickoff at Marabou, opening day of the Steamboat Bike Park (Routt County Riders Sponsorship Day), Jump Jam and Photo Shoot-Out at Bear River Bike Park, clinics, entertainment and more. “It should be a lot of fun, with a lot of great bicycling related activities,” says the chamber’s marketing director Kara Stoller. “It’ll help kick off an awesome biking season.”

For more information and a full schedule, visit www.steamboatbiketown.com

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Kick-off Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series, www.townchallenge.com

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RCR Scholarship Day benefiting Routt County Riders and Steamboat Bike Park (gondola opens), www. routtcountyriders.org

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Gondola opens for summer season, www. steamboat.com

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Steamboat Jump Jam and Photo Shoot-Out, www.steamboatbiketown.com

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Ned Cremin, 2014 jump jam shoot-out winner

Bear River Bike Park a Boon Jump Jam and Photo Shootout readies for year two If last year’s Jump Jam and Photo Shoot-Out was any indication, the expanded Bear River Bike Park, located next to the Skate Park at the western end of the Core Trail, has quickly proven a resounding riding success.

Funded by IMBA, Bell Helmets, Routt County Riders and the city of Steamboat Springs, one of Steamboat’s newest riding amenities hosted a new-school event that brought both airborne riders and photographers out in droves, with cash prizes for the best photos and year-long bragging rights for the riders.

But it’s as suitable for families as it is high fliers. Built by the generous donation of more than $33,000 in a Bell Built grant, thanks to Steamboat out-voting three other larger cities, the park features two pump-track loops with smooth, kid-friendly berms and three different jump lines

Jared Terrio, 2014 jump jam shoot-out second place

with pro-caliber airs for top level riders..

“It truly fills a void that the town had for dirt jumping,” Routt County Riders President Eric Meyer says. “It’s a huge asset to this community, letting riders test themselves on a full lineup of pro level jumps.

Kids can also get into the action with progressive terrain, from a small pump track to a gradually building lineup of berms and jumps. It’s truly a world-class bike park.”

Look for its prominence to once again draw shutterbugs and cyclists to this year’s Jump Jam and Photo Shoot-Out as well. steamboatbiketown.com

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RIDER: RAYMOND GABRIEL PHOTO: ARYEH COPA

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RESTAURANT HOURS 11AM-10PM YEAR-ROUND PICKUP WINDOW 8AM-10PM BAR 5PM-CLOSE 825 Oak St 路 970-871-7888 BackDoorBurgerGrill.com

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JUNE 13

Moots Colorado Ranch Rally (50-mile, dirt/gravel non-competitive ride), www. moots.com/communityblog

Courtesy of Kent Eriksen cycles

Do you have what it takes to complete the Gore Gruel?

Inside the Tour de Steamboat Local nonprofits have a lot riding on the annual Tour de Steamboat ride.

Entering its 13th year, this annual gettogether is a non-competitive event offering a 25-mile ride, 40-mile Stagecoach ride and the 110-mile Gore Gruel, over Rabbit Ears and Gore passes and back.

But more important than letting riders log some miles is the support it gives local nonprofits.

The event is July 18 this summer. Benefitting REPS (Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide), Partners in Routt County, the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council and Routt County Riders, last year’s event, which drew 725 riders, raised $72,000 for the four nonprofits. This year co-organizer Katie Lindquist hopes to raise $100,000 through entry fees and a drawing for an Eriksen road bike decked out with sponsor Shimano components.

“It’s pretty important for all of their budgets, especially since they use the funds for matching grants,” says Lindquist, whose husband, mountain bike hall-of-famer Kent Eriksen, founded the original event in the 1980s before Lindquist and Brad Cusenbary resurrected it in 2003. “Our main focus is using it as a catalyst to make change and do something for our community.”

Now an official 501c3 nonprofit, the steamboatbiketown.com

Tour has given its beneficiaries nearly $120,000 to help fulfill their missions over the past two years.

The Tour’s three different mileage options, she adds, offer something for everyone, with participants encouraged to ride at their own pace and enjoy the scenery. Stocked aid stations make things easier, as do people clanging cowbells for encouragement.

Capped at 1,000 riders, the all-volunteer event brings riders from more than 35 states to Steamboat each year for a weekend of riding and revelry, culminating with a music- and barbecue-filled block party afterward at Little Toots Park, just across the street from Kent Eriksen Cycles headquarters, complete with complimentary massages.

Lindquist estimates that more than 70 percent of the riders who participate in the annual event come from out of town, including such mainstays as Team Evergreen, bringing even more revenue to the city.

“It’s the perfect size,” she says. “It has a small town feel, instead of rides like the Denver Century. People go out and actually know the people they’re riding with.

Plus, it’s a great time of year here. It’s in the middle of the season, the weather usually cooperates, and people actually have time to train for it.”

Info: www.tourdesteamboat.com

2nd annual Moots Colorado Ranch Rally An anchor ride of this year’s Bike Week, this event, in its second year, features a 50-mile group gravel and dirt road ride to showcase the importance of area ranches while benefitting the Community Agriculture Alliance. Preceded by a Friday evening social at Butcherknife Brewery and culminating with a beer- and schwag-filled Saturday evening party at local bike manufacturer Moots, the non-competitive event draws 150 riders to rural dirt and gravel roads around Routt County connecting area historical ranches and farms. En route you’ll pass by historic Elk Mountain Cemetery, climb up to the ghost town of Mystic, enjoy lunch at a working ranch, touch the Wolf Mountain area and descend down Deep Creek before finishing with a small climb over Fly Gulch and ending at the Moots world headquarters.

“There are no awards other than seeing the amazing countryside around Steamboat and meeting some great people along the way,” says Moots spokesperson Cathy Wiedemer, adding that all participants are also entered into a drawing to win a Moots Routt frame. Info: www.moots.com

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unReal (Teton Gravity Research and Anthill Film) 7 p.m. at Strings Music Pavilion, www.steamboatbiketown.com

JULY 18

Eriksen Tour de Steamboat, fundraiser rides including 110-mile “Gore Gruel,” 40-mile Stagecoach ride and 25-mile ride, www. tourdesteamboat.com 2015 bike Guide

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Sting or be stung.

Joel Reichenberger

Steamboat Stinger

This year marks the fifth running of the locally organized Steamboat Stinger race, hosted by Steamboat’s own Honey Stinger. Serving up a healthy dose of punishment Emerald Mountain-style, this year’s event will lure 500 mountain bikers to town to race 50 miles up and over Emerald Mountain not once but twice, in a two-loop circuit. Billed as being “true to Steamboat Springs’ tradition: epic fun with an added bit of Western flair,” this year’s event will again offer solo and duo divisions, as well as half and full marathon trail races. Up to 500 mountain bike and 400 runner spots are available.

“Racing is in our DNA, so this is a great way to promote our local, world-class trail system,” Honey Stinger’s Len Zanni says. “It’s become a highlight of the summer riding season and gives people a great reason to come to Steamboat.”

Eat plenty of Honey Stinger if you hope to beat the course record set by 2013 men’s winner Russell Finsterwald, who finished in 4:07:58, or last year’s winning pace of 4:09:34 set by Hector Fernando Riveros. Eat even more if you hope to earn the coveted King Sting and Queen Bee categories, awarded to those who both ride and run, which last year went to Jon Brown with a combined time of 8:25:08 for the men and local Nicole Todosichuk for the women at 12:24:03.

Info: www.honeystinger.com steamboatbiketown.com

JULY 19

Steamboat Lake Sprint Triathlon, www.withoutlimits.com

Captain of the Boat Series July 2, 16, 30; Aug. 13, 27 The Captain of the Boat Series returns to the Steamboat Bike Park, providing a competitive gravity opportunity for riders of all ages and abilities. This year’s series takes place on Thursday evenings starting July 2 and continuing every other week until the final race on Aug. 27 (single race: $10; series: $40). With the focus on fun and camaraderie, experienced racers can test their skills against the best in the ‘Boat while new racers can enjoy a relaxed introduction to competitive mountain biking. You just have to ask yourself: Do you have what it takes to be the Captain of the Boat? If so, you have to beat last year’s men’s winner Stephen Wilson, who wrapped up with 2,200 points, and women’s winner Yvonne Delahunty, who tallied 2,400. Info: www.bike. steamboat.com.

AUGUST 15-16

Steamboat Stinger Mountain Bike Race (50-mile, plus full/half trail marathons), www.honeystinger.com/steamboatstinger

15-18

USA Pro Challenge, www. usaprocyclingchallenge.com

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Steamboat Triathlon, Lake Catamount (Sprint, Olympic, & Aqua Bike), www. withoutlimits.com

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STARS Biking The Boat Charity Ride (5-, 26-, 52- and 75-mile rides); includes après party and T-shirt, www. steamboatstars.com

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AUGUST

Town Challenge

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Steamboat Enduro-X Mountain Bike Series, www.enduro-xrace.com

September 5-7

Steamboat Springs Stage Race (presented by Moots Cycles), www. bikesteamboat.com

Steamboat Stage Race The idea for the Steamboat Stage Race started when founder Corey Piscopo moved to town in 2008 and saw an opportunity for a new event drawing road racers from around the state.

The event’s uniqueness stems from its stage-race format, similar to the Tour de France, requiring racers to compete in all three days of racing. It also offers 10 different racing categories for men and women, based on age and ability, with equal prize money for the pro men and women. This year’s race is slated for Sept. 5 to 7.

“It’s great because you get pro riders racing right alongside locals,” Piscopo says, adding that this year’s event should draw nearly 400 competitors.

Info: www.bikesteamboat.com

OCTOBER 3

9th Annual Steamboat Springs Mustache Ride (fundraiser for Routt County Humane Society), www.ssmustacheride.com

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Hump Day Grind: The Town Challenge Series takes place on Wednesdays every summer.

Joel Reichenberger

Marabou XC June 10; Emerald Envy XC June 24; Church and Burn Xc July 8; Geronimo Glory XC July 22; Storm Peak Hill Climb Aug. 12; You Don’t know Jack XC Aug. 19; Sunshine Loop XC Sept. 2

Held on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer riding season, Steamboat’s Town Challenge Mountain Bike Series brings out riders of all abilities for everything from hill climbs to crosscountry events. The series offers 24 different categories, from pro/open to three different age groups for men’s and women’s expert, sport and novice divisions. It also offers kids’ and even single-speed categories. Points are awarded for each race, with the results tallied for top brag-

ging rights at a raucous party at season’s end. Riders can register ahead of time online or at the city’s Parks & Recreation Office, or on-site on race day.

“It’s become more popular than ever, with more locals and visitors turning out each year,” says longtime series co-organizer Gretchen Sehler, adding that the races draw up to 200 riders each week.

“It’s a super fun time and great way to bring riders together Steamboat-style.”

Info: www.townchallenge.com

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Ongoing events SSWSC Steel Club Road Training Races: June 3: Rabbit Ears Time Trial; June 17: Colorado Highway 131 Time Trial; July 1: Twentymile Road Time Trial; July 15: Road Criterium; Aug. 12: Rabbit Ears Time Trial. Other programs: www.sswsc.org

Steamboat Ski and Bike Kare Clinics: Basic Bicycle Maintenance Clinics (free): April 21; May 5 and 19; June 2, 16 and 30; July 14 and 28; Aug. 11 and 25. All clinics start at 7 p.m. and last an hour. Women’s Mountain Bike Clinics and Ride Nights (free): Every Tuesday starting June 9 through Sept. 1. All levels welcome, 5:45 p.m. courthouse lawn; bring functioning mountain bike, water and trail tools. Clinics follow at 7 p.m. Info: www. facebook.com/skiandbikekare; 970-879-9144 Team Flying Wheels BMX Race Series: Thursdays: June 11, 18 and 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; Aug. 6 and 13. Info: 970-8719500, steamboatspringsbmx@rocketmail.com

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Charlie Dresen

steamboatbiketown.com

Online Bike Guide Revamped SteamboatBikeTown.com makes riding easy In March, Bike Town USA unveiled its redesigned website (www.steamboatbiketown.com) that makes it easier than ever to learn everything you need to know about riding in Steamboat.

Filled with interactive trail maps, event calendars, photos and more, the site includes a new online riding guide as well as trails and mapping functions designed to make your outing as effortless as possible. Built by riders for riders, it’s organized and segmented by riding type, making any and all information easy to find, whether you’re looking for a leisurely family cruise, adrenaline-filled downhill, smooth cross-country jaunt or road ride. Sponsored

by Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare, Steamboat Bike Shop and Moots Cycles, it also includes new information on where to stay and eat and a complete calendar listing of events not to miss.

Debbie ArAgon StAte FArm inSurAnce

404 Oak Street • Steamboat Springs, CO • 970-879-1756

We are excited to support biking in Steamboat! steamboatbiketown.com

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Morning Gloria tops new trail list Local trail builder tapped for Hawaii project As testament to the caliber of Steamboat’s trail-building efforts, international trail-building company Whistler Trail Solutions has hired local trail builder Aryeh Copa to build a trail system for client Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu, Hawaii.

Routt County Riders’ new trailbuilding machine setting a record Strava pace on Morning Gloria Trail.

Joel Reichenberger

Steamboat voters earmark $5.1 million for bike trail improvements thanks to Referendum 2A. While Steamboat’s mountain bike options are already world class, that’s only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

Thanks to the Steamboat Springs Trails Alliance — including Bike Town USA, Yampatika, Routt County Riders and the Steamboat Running Series — local voters recently approved a ballot initiative earmarking an estimated $5.1 million for 46 trail-related projects within 30 minutes of town.

The dedicated trail funding comes from an existing 1 percent lodging tax created to help fund projects increasing Steamboat’s appeal as a world-class destination. While past funds have been used to help build Strings Music Pavilion, Tennis Center and Haymaker Golf Course, for the next 10 years, these funds will be used for trails.

And local organizers have made quick work of the windfall. Spearheaded

by Routt County Riders and its new trailbuilding machine, the new Morning Gloria trail was built last summer, providing a world-class, singletrack option up and down Emerald Mountain.

“In 2014, the 2A accommodations tax steamboatbiketown.com

“I’m super stoked to go build trails and surf for two months,” says Copa, whose efforts are partly responsible for such tails as the Rotary Trail on the backside of Emerald Mountain and the Bear River Bike Park. “They’ve been paying a lot of attention to what we’ve been doing here and it shows that we’re on the map. Whistler is a biking mecca so sourcing from Steamboat is pretty impressive.”

dollars were used for building the Morning Gloria trail on Emerald Mountain, a reroute of the Lower Spring Creek Trail and the installation of road-crossing signals at several places where busy trails cross roads,” says the city’s Winnie Delliquadri.

“This year’s projects include expanding the Ridge Trailhead on Emerald and building a directional trail and the new Wild Rose trail on Emerald.”

The funding for trails marks a shift in the direction of the tax — one that local bikers are more than ready to embrace. After a two-year long process, the proposal emerged as the frontrunner out of more than 30 proposals, eventually receiving 71 percent of the vote. The approval also didn’t go unnoticed by mainstream media, with articles appearing in Bicycling and Mountain Flyer magazines.

“This project happened because it received almost unanimous support,” Routt County Riders President Eric Meyer says. “It’s the largest local funding commitment to this type of project I’ve seen and will add even more seamlessly connected, world-class trails to our already great system.”

While projects like the Morning Gloria Trail and upcoming new downhill-only trail on Emerald (also funded by GoCo lottery funds) already have cyclists salivat-

ing, there’s plenty more on the horizon.

“It will likely take a few years for riders to feel the true effect of the funding,” Meyer says, adding that the bulk of the new proposed trails are on U.S. Forest Service-managed lands requiring paperwork before breaking ground. A steering committee has been formed by the city to prioritize projects currently in the proposal.

In particular, the Forest Service is initiating an environmental analysis for developing a network of trails on Buffalo Pass.

To be completed by winter 2016, the analysis includes existing popular non-system routes and concepts presented through a collaborative process between the Trails Alliance 2A proposal, IMBA Trail Solutions and other interested parties. About 40 miles of varying difficulty trail are included in the proposal.

“We have an amazing opportunity in front of us,” RCR board member Nate Bird says. “The revenue offers the chance to create an enormous, interconnected trail system rivaling anything in the country. The sky is the limit to what we can pull off. Steamboat stands to be a shining case study of what can be accomplished to bolster trail infrastructure while building revenue in a tourism-based economy.”

Info: www.steamboatspringstrails.com 2015 bike Guide

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Routt County Riders An IMBA Chapter RCR gets new trailbuilding machine Routt County Riders’ recent purchase of a new trail-building machine, a Singletrack 240, is already paying huge dividends.

The purchase would not have happened without the support of Yampa Valley Bank, Moots and the many individual donors.

After purchasing the machine last spring, RCR used the specialized trail dozer to build the new 4.25-mile Morning Gloria Trail on Emerald Mountain. The machine is designed to blaze trails 18 to 36 inches wide with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.

“It will make our trail-building projects quicker and more affordable,” local trail builder Aryeh Copa says.

“It requires less hand work.”

RCR spearheads map Routt County Riders partnered with professional map maker Adventure Maps to complete a trail-mapping project in Routt County during summer 2014. It shows the trails in the Steamboat Springs area and North Routt. It includes suggested bike rides, both mountain and road, as well as suggested hikes, equestrian rides and winter routes.

In addition to spreading a little local information, the maps serve as a fundraiser to help continue to improve area trails. Maps are sold as a portable folded version at many local retailers and a flat laminated version that is intended to be displayed at businesses, vacation rentals and even guest bedrooms.

Maps can be purchased directly through Routt County Riders at: https://squareup.com/market/ routt-county-riders.

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Routt County Riders carve out a new trail.

Aryeh Copa Routt County Riders, a chapter of the International Mountain Bicycling Association since 2012, began as a group of local mountain bikers interested in building and maintaining trails in Steamboat Springs in the early 1990s. It has since grown to promote road cyclists’ interests and support programs for youth and community cycling initiatives, events and more.

Today, RCR is a vibrant, volunteerbased, membership-driven nonprofit organization. It continues to embrace all aspects of cycling and partners with such governmental agencies as the Colorado Department of Transportation, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Routt County and the city in promoting and enhancing cycling around Steamboat Springs. It was instrumental in developing and promoting the town’s recently adopted Trails Alliance proposal now funded by the lodging tax, which earmarks $5.1 million over the next 10 years to improve area trails.

“Last year was a great year, and we’re looking forward to more great accomplishments this year,” says RCR President Eric Meyer, whose group last year completed 1,475 volunteer hours of work on local trails. “The momentum Steamboat

has garnered lately is truly amazing, with much more on the way.”

RCR is actively involved in leading cycling advocacy and education; trail maintenance/construction and road cycling amenity improvements; mapping and trail user counter projects. The organization also supports grant writing for trail projects; numerous events including Bike Week festivities, the annual SSWSC Bike Swap, Steamboat Commuter Challenge and Tour de Steamboat; and community programs such as the Bicycle Friendly Community Initiative, Safe Routes to School, the multi-modal advisory group and Share the Road campaigns.

Info: www.routtcountyriders.org

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Soak in the famous Heart Spring after you ride…

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Bike Town USA ®

SPECIAL PULL OUT

2015 Ride Guide THE INSIDE TRACK ON STEAMBOAT’S TRAILS AND ROADS

Steamboat Bike Town USA Initiative Board of Directors Chris Sias, president David high, vice president larry Mashaw, secretary Jim Clark, treasurer Jim Schneider, Jon Cariveau, harry Martin, Mark Fitzgerald, David Scully, Kent Foster, linda Corkadel, Scott Myller Executive Director tyler Goodman Safe Routes to School Coordinator Sally Cariveau the 2015 Steamboat Springs Bike Guide Ride Guide is produced by the Steamboat Pilot & today.

Suzanne Schlicht, Coo eugene Buchanan, magazine editor lindsay Porter, creative services supervisor Photographers Corey Kopischke, larry Pierce, Scott Franz, Joel Reichenberger, John F. Russell, Matt Stensland, Ben Ingersoll, Kevin Kopischke, Kevin Dietrich, Christian loucks, Noah Wetzel, Bob allen, aryeh Copa, Nick Glimenakis, Charlie Dresen For advertising information, call Jenni DeFouw at 970-871-4235 Mountain ride elevation profiles courtesy of MtB Project. Check out MtBProject.com, or look for the app for your iPhone or android.

On the cover: a rider picks his way down Park Range singletrack at sunset.

Photo by Noah Wetzel

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Using this Guide ............................................................. 3 Riding right .................................................................... 3 MUniCiPal MaP ....................................................... 4 safEty .........................................................................

Riding with animals .......................................................

Road safety ...................................................................

Maintenance tips ...........................................................

Taking your bike on the bus ..........................................

6 6 6 6 6

faMily ridEs ............................................................. 7 Cycling State Parks ........................................................ 8 rEsort ridEs ............................................................. 9 bMX ............................................................................ 10 Pump Tracks ................................................................ 10 Bear River Bike Park .................................................... 10 toWn / MoUntain ridEs ...................................

Howelsen / Emerald Mountain ...................................

Rotary Trail ..................................................................

Morning Gloria Trail ....................................................

Beall / Ridge Trails........................................................

Emerald Mountain Map ..............................................

Spring Creek Trail ........................................................

Lower Bear ..................................................................

Mad Creek Trail ...........................................................

12 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20

soUth roUtt / rabbit Ears ridEs .................. 21 Divide Trail .................................................................. 21 Lynx Pass ..................................................................... 22 north roUtt ridEs ..............................................

Seedhouse Area ..........................................................

Big Red Park ................................................................

Nipple Peak .................................................................

23 23 24 25

EPiC ridEs ................................................................. 26 lUnCh looPs .......................................................... 27 road / MiXEd sUrfaCE ridEs ............................. 28 steamboatbiketown.com

Using this Guide This guide includes a sampling of the worldclass riding around Steamboat Springs.

Distance The length of the highlighted trail or route.

Elevation Graphic depicting the changes on trail or route.

elevation

Rating Based on the Trail Difficulty Rating System published by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. This system focuses on the trails’ technical challenge, not the physical exertion required to enjoy them. The ratings provide a general idea of the difficulty of each region;

local trails are rated relative to each other and not necessarily relative to trails in other towns. All backcountry trails may have natural and manmade obstacles such as rocks, logs, stream crossings, ledges and bridges. Easy trails have a firm and stable surface. More difficult trails have some variability in the riding surface and usually include steep terrain changes. Difficult trails have a widely variable surface with significant rough terrain and many obstacles and include long, steep climbs.

Consult local bike shops if you are unsure of your riding abilities.

Season Typical timeframe of when the ride is free of snow and dry enough to ride without harming trails.

Riding Right Ride only on open trails.

Don’t use trails when wet, or short-cut switchbacks.

Leave no trace (ride or carry through, rather than around, obstacles like mud puddles).

Avoid locking your brakes and skidding down steeps.

Always control your bicycle.

Always yield to uphill traffic.

Never scare animals (wild or domestic).

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Bike Safety Carry Your Bike on the Bus Taking your bike on the free bus is a great way to get back to your lodging property after a day of riding.

All Steamboat Springs buses are equipped with a bike rack that holds two bikes. Instructions for use are on the rack. If the rack is full, please wait for the next bus.

Road Safety Practice the following rules of the road for safe riding: Always wear a helmet.

Don’t use headphones or cellphones while biking.

Scott Franz

Safety with Animals Approach slowly and quietly. Cattle will move away given the opportunity but become unpredictable when stressed by noises and movement.

Don’t get between a cow or calf and the herd. Stop and stay still and the animal will go around you to return to the herd. Don’t try to get around it or chase it back to the herd.

Move to one side when approaching a cow from behind. This will cause them to move off the trail. Also, ease your speed. If they get far enough ahead, they’ll look for an escape.

Heed the herd. When encountering a herd, stop, step to one side and stand still until it passes. Don’t hurry the herd’s passing with noises and arm movements. If you come up behind a herd, take cues from the horseback riders — they might lead you through the herd or ask you to wait.

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Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals, and never ride against traffic.

Ride in the right lane, except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn or avoiding hazards (ride on paved shoulders and bike lanes when possible).

Show respect for everything on the road: drivers, other bikers, pedestrians, parked cars.

Ride no more than two abreast, returning to single-file if impeding the flow of traffic (ride single-file on curving or narrow roads).

Use correct hand signals to show your movements.

Never assume motorists see you or that you have the right-of-way.

Don’t stop in the travel lane (only stop on shoulders or off the road).

Share the road with other users, practicing safety, awareness and respect.

Riding at night without a headlight is illegal. Wear bright or reflective clothing.

When stopping, remain visible in both directions to other users, particularly on curves and hills.

Maintenance Tips Before every ride check tire pressure and tire surface for cuts and embedded debris.

Wash bike regularly in hot water and dish soap, oil drive train and wipe off excess oil.

Keep chain clean and lubricated.

Lubricate chain with dry lube. Every other week or 40 miles lubricate with wet chain lube. Wipe off excess lube.

Inspect shifting and braking cables and housing twice a year; replace if necessary.

Check chain regularly for excessive side-to-side play and replace if necessary.

Check cleats for wear and tighten bolts; replace if worn.

Be prepared for inclement weather; carry extra clothing and food.

Carry proper repair gear, including pump, spare tube, patch kit and chain tool.

steamboatbiketown.com

Family Rides These Little Ripper rides can be done in 30 to 60 minutes, or up to half-day adventures in fun-filled city parks and playgrounds.

Rotary Park to Whistler Park Starting point: U.S. Highway 40 and Mount Werner Road, Rotary Park parking lot, located at southwest corner of Mount Werner Road exit. Port-o-let restroom at parking lot.

Ride: Head south on the Core Trail (toward Rabbit Ears Pass). Continue past the Walton Creek Road intersection and take a left at the split in the trail to cross under U.S. 40. Take a right at the next intersection to cross the bridge. Ride past pond and turn left at Stone Lane.

Ride about two blocks to Whistler Road, turn right onto the sidewalk/bike path and veer right after one block to the Whistler Park entrance, where there’s a playground and restrooms. For a longer variation, start from the Core Trail downtown.

Corey Kopischke Bear River Skate and Dirt Jump Park Starting point: Little Toots Park at 11th and Yampa streets. Parking, food and restrooms can be found in the Bud Werner Memorial Library.

Ride: Head past the park toward the library, ride under Twentymile Road (13th Street), follow the Core Trail to bridge and turn left to cross the Yampa River.

Turn right and continue on the Core Trail.

Across the second bridge, the Community Center offers a park and playground with restrooms. Continue to the T-intersection at Shield Drive. Stay on the Core Trail and follow signage to Bear River Skate Park.

The dirt jump/pump track is located on the far side of skate park, complete with beginner lines and berms. Fun game: Time riders around the beginner loop.

Ride: This newly re-designed pump track is located at the upper end of Ski Time Square Road, on the lefthand side.

The track is smaller and great for young kids. Ride from the pump track down the access road next to Torian Condos to the Slopeside Grill restaurant for food, beverages and restrooms. Continue down the Promenade to Gondola Square for a kids activity center and more restaurants.

You can ride to Ski Time Square from the Core Trail intersection of the Mount Werner Road exit, but the hill can challenge young riders.

Ski Time Square Pump Track

Starting point: Downtown, from Yampa Street/Core Trail, or Howelsen Hill parking lot.

Starting point: Ski Time Square.

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Butcherknife Creek to Strawberry Park Elementary Playground

Ride: From downtown, cross Lincoln Avenue and head north two blocks to Pine Street. Follow Pine Street to Seventh Street and turn north to a three-way intersection at Missouri Street. Turn right onto Missouri Street and ride four blocks to Stehley Park. Follow the gravel bike path (Butcherknife Trail) along the creek through Butcherknife Canyon to a split in trail (short steep hill at intersection).

Turn left and cruise down to the middle school track. Veer left and follow the trail to the middle school parking lot. Ride across the parking lot to the playground to the right of the school. End the ride with an ice cream or shake from Lyons Drug Store (Ninth and Lincoln Avenue) or Johnny B. Good’s Diner (Lincoln Avenue between Seventh and Eighth streets).

Note: The Howelsen Hill parking lot is a great starting point for this ride if continued on page 8

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Cycling State Parks

Family Rides continued from page 7

Stagecoach State Park

one parent wants to mountain bike on Emerald Mountain while the other takes the kids to the playground.

Eight miles of trails await at Stagecoach State Park. Two trails skirt the lake in a scenic, easy-to-ride dirt track. On the north side is the twomile Lakeside Trail and on the south shore is the 6-mile Elk Run Trail from the inlet to the dam. Join the two for an 8-mile ride, or complete the loop by riding on Routt County Road 18 before taking a refreshing plunge into the lake. Stagecoach Lake offers camping, showers and restroom facilities. From Steamboat Springs, travel four miles south on U.S. Highway 40, then 5 miles south on Colorado Highway 131 to Routt County Road 14. Drive seven miles south on RCR 14 to the park entrance.

Yampa Valley Core Trail A block off Lincoln Avenue lies Steamboat’s true summer Main Street — the Yampa River Core Trail — a sevenmile, multi-use pathway that parallels the Yampa River from Walton Creek Road on the east to the Bear River Bike Park on the west. Hit it on foot, bike or skateboard for a fun-filled excursion for the whole family. It’s also the best ride in town for cruiser bikes. Abundant parking is available at Rotary Park at 13th Street and the Yampa River. Hint: Ring your bell when passing pedestrians.

Steamboat Lake State Park Steamboat Lake State Park offers easy, scenic biking for the whole family, with views of the Zirkel Wilderness Area. Ride the Willow Creek trail from the Dutch Hill Marina 3.8 miles to the Sage Flats Day Use area, or try the 1.1-mile Poverty Bar Trail, which highlights the area’s gold mining history (access from the visitor’s center). The park also offers camping, beaches, boat rentals and more.

From Steamboat, head west of town on U.S. Highway 40 and take a right on Routt County Road 129. Drive 25 miles north to the park entrance.

Rotary Trail The Rotary Trail on the backside of Emerald Mountain is well worth the short drive. Featuring easy climbs, smooth banks and a wide and smooth, userfriendly trail, the 4-mile loop is accessed by riding 0.65 mile and 125 vertical feet of

the Ridge Trail. From there, it climbs 1.5 miles and 210 vertical feet to the summit before another 1.5 miles of roller-coaster fun followed by a mile ride back to the trail head. To get there, cross the river at the library and head west on 13th Street (also Twentymile Road/Routt County Road 33) for approximately 7 miles. Turn left on Cow Creek Road (Routt County Road 45) and go 1 mile. Two parking areas are available on the left.

Spring Creek This gem of a downtown ride follows a dirt road for a half mile up to two ponds perfect for fishing, before continuing on as a creekside two-track for another 2 miles. From there, you can continue up the singletrack of Spring Creek Trail proper for as long as your troopers’ legs last, or return the way you came, with a leisurely stop at the ponds. To get there, take Fish Creek Falls Road (off Third Street) up the hill and take a left on Amethyst Drive. The parking area is a dirt road to your right across from the high school. To bike there, take the new bike underpass leading north from the upper parking lot of the Old Town Hot Springs.

Pearl Lake State Park Pearl Lake offers beautifully shaded trails and a great access point to Coulton Creek Trail. This easy ride is less than a mile toward the dam, paralleling the lake. Continue on for a more difficult route through the Routt County National Forest. To reach Pearl Lake, drive west on U.S. Highway 40 to Routt County Road 129. Drive north until just before the Steamboat Lake turnoff and look for the park entrance signs.

Stagecoach, Steamboat Lake and Pearl Lake state parks require a day use park pass for $7 per day or a valid Colorado State Park season pass. Convenient parking, picnic areas and restrooms are available at all three parks. Info: 800-678-2267, www.parks.state.co.us

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Charlie Dresen steamboatbiketown.com

laRRY PIeRCe

stEaMboat bikE Park the SteaMboat bike Park iS an eXtraordinary Park offerinG nearly 2,200 vertiCal feet of lift-Served, Gravity-fed and downhill flow trailS, CoverinG nearly 15 MileS. While winter is what brought most Steamboat residents to the Yampa Valley, summer is what keeps them here. When the Champagne Powder ® snow melts at Ski town USa, another world is revealed involving wheels instead of skis. the trail crew uses every inch of the natural topography ensuring a thrilling ride that highlights the best of the resort’s natural features, including rocks, bridges, rollers, drops, berms, banks and manmade jumps; all while providing exciting terrain for all ability levels. For beginners, the green trails feature dirt berms, banked turns and wooden slat and ladder bridges. this summer, the freeride momentum continues with work on new trail segments, a redesigned Steamboat Pump track in Ski time Square and finishing touches on the reroute of the popular intermediate zig zag XC trail. the Steamboat Bike Shop has also expanded its rental line and now includes a premium option from Specialized and Scott bicycles, boasting top-of-the-line components and the latest in downhill technology. these steamboatbiketown.com

new bikes provide an exceptional bike park experience and are also available for purchase.

From 4 to 7 p.m., twilight Bike Park access offers evening riding on thursday and Friday nights. the downhill action heats up with the Captain of the Boat Downhill series, held every other thursday evening in July and august. the resort’s trails open as conditions permit (please stay off closed trails). Say “hi” to the professional bike patrol and friendly guides, who are available all season with lesson programs to help you improve your skills. the action is just as hot off the hill with the free Steamboat Mountain Music Series, free CocaCola Movies on the Mountain, Sunset happy hour, Korbel Sunday Brunch, Coca-Cola adventure zone and a number of tantalizing culinary experiences.

Unique mountain events round out the season, including Bike Week, town Challenge, enduro-X races, StaRS charity rides and the USa Pro Challenge.

Discover Steamboat Ski town USa’s other sizzling season. Info: www.steamboat.com, 800-9222722 2015 ride Guide

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Bear River Park, BMX & Pump Track While steamboat has a wealth of trails for mountain bikers, it also has a few in-town options providing bank-filled fun for the whole family.

The BMX Track Located near the base of Howelsen Hill, Steamboat’s newly redesigned BMX track is free and bike-friendly for all ages and riders. The 950-foot, professionally designed track is a top-tier facility for the Rocky Mountain region.

“It’s a technical, professional course,” co-designer Brian Deem says. “It’s varied and requires more than just one skill to ride well. It teaches kids how to jump, but it’s also a very competitive track.”

Five years in the making, the track came about from Steamboat’s BMX club, Team Flying Wheels, aligning with the National Bicycle League. Donations came from SSX Excavating, Wagner Rents, Prestige Property Detailing, private donors and more. The track turns back on itself for four straight shots, each littered with rollers, mounds and berms designed to challenge experts and beginners alike. It also features starting gates, lights and a public address system for a 10-race BMX summer series racing circuit, open to kids and adults.

Info: Team Flying Wheels, 970-8719500 The Pump Track Now maintained by Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp., the Pump Track, located in Ski Time Square just north of the base of Steamboat Ski Area, is the latest addition to Steamboat’s quick and easy riding options, taking riders on a bank-filled, pedal-less course at the base of Mount Werner. Designed to allow riders to cruise the

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Matt Stensland

entire course without pedaling, relying on “pumping” up and down to take advantage of gravity and momentum, the track is a partnership between the Steamboat Ski Resort, the city and the Atira Group.

The Pump Track is a great skill-building tool, and is open and free to riders of all ages and ability.

Info: www.steamboatbikepark.com The Bear River Bike Park Thanks to Routt County Riders receiving a $33,000 grant from Bell Helmets, as well as additional in-kind donations from RCR, the city and local excavating companies, the newly renovated Bear River Bike Park offers something fun for riders

of all abilities. Built by the International Mountain Bicycling Association and Flowline Trail Design, the large pump track, located on the west side of town along the Yampa River, can be ridden numerous ways, with a multitude of jump options. It offers professionally built small, medium and large jump lines, each progressively built so that the last jump of each line resembles the first jump of the next, letting riders work their way up from small table tops to pro level gaps in a safe and progressive manner.

And bring along your skateboard, too; the Bear River Bike Park is also home to the Bear River Skate Park, making it a great stop for families cruising the Core Trail.

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Howelsen & Emerald Mountain Park About Emerald Across the valley from Mount Werner lies the town’s mountain biking jewel, Emerald Mountain. Accessible from the heart of downtown via the Yampa Core Trail, Emerald offers a range of rides with more than 4,000 acres of public land and miles of connected natural surface trails.

Known for tacky singletrack through wildflower-filled meadows and groves of aspen, shrub oak and pine, this is a local gem. For longer rides, you can also tie in a loop on the Ridge and Beall trails off the backside of Emerald. This year, also check out the new Morning Gloria Trail, and No More Blues Trail bypassing Stairway to Heaven.

Season: Late May through October Know before you go: The trails can get crowded during lunch and after work, so ride with respect for other users, including those on horseback and hikers.

A bell can come in handy.

Rating: Varies – intermediate to advanced (fair amount of climbing) Mileage: Depends on your route. Lupine-Blair Witch-Quarry Mountain-Root Canal-Stairway to Heaven-MGM clocks in at 9.8 miles.

Trailheads and Parking Three main trailheads serve the numerous riding options on Emerald Mountain.

Parking is available at the rodeo stables, at Howelsen Lodge and at Blackmer Drive. There are public restrooms at Howelsen Lodge. Parking gets tight during Triple Crown baseball and softball events, which occur throughout the summer, so ride from your accommodations as a nice warm-up.

Rodeo Stables Trailhead: For a local favorite, try the twisty Lupine Trail, which is accessed via the Bluff Loops. The trailhead is located next to the stables and

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Ben Ingersoll

restrooms behind the rodeo grounds.

Mile Run Trailhead: A ski run during the winter season, this wide trail provides a moderate grade to access the higher riding options. The trailhead sign is located by the winter tubing building between the white pavilion and northernmost baseball field at the base of Howelsen Hill. Veer right along the base of the Nordic ski jumps. The trail winds northwest and then cuts behind Howelsen Hill.

Blackmer Trailhead: Blackmer provides the most forgiving riding option to the Quarry overlook. Head down the Core Trail and take a left at 13th Street at the Bud Werner Memorial Library. Follow 13th over the bridge and take your first left on Gilpin Street (or look for a shortcut singletrack on your left). Take a left onto Saratoga Avenue and a right onto Routt Street, where you can park along the road.

Loops Bluffs Loop: Short climb to big views of the Yampa Valley. Access the trail at the Rodeo Stables Trailhead. Climb a short

pitch on the Bluffs Trail and then take a board-gentle loop through sage-covered hillsides with views of town, the Yampa River and Steamboat Ski Area.

Quarry Loop: A moderate climb to the Quarry overlook through aspen groves with a twisty, fun descent. Access the trailhead at the rodeo stables then ride Bluffs Loops-Howelsen MeadowsRicky’s Ridge-Lupine-Emerald MeadowsLarry’s-Prayer Flag Road-Angry GrouseBlair Witch. Stop and enjoy the views of Mount Werner and the town at the Quarry overlook then head down Little Moab-Lupine-Bluffs Loop.

Stinger Loop: Sting or bee stung.

Follow the famed Honey Stinger race route for 26 miles of Emerald glory, from the Howelsen base up and over Emerald Mountain. At top, head down the Ridge Trail to Cow Creek Road, where you’ll take a left to the Beall Trailhead. Ride the Beall Trail back up and then head back down however you like back to the rodeo grounds. For more information on this year’s exact route, visit Honey Stinger at www.steamboatstinger.com.

steamboatbiketown.com

Joel Reichenberger

Rotary Trail Season: Early May through early November (one of the first trails to open each season due to its low elevation and western aspect) Know before you go: Built by the local Rotary Club, this loop includes wide and smooth trails that wind smoothly through trees and down ridge lines with large berms and dirt rollers that can be pumped or doubled.

This loop is designed to be exciting for the expert rider when ridden fast, yet easy for family riding.

Parking: From the library, head west on 13th Street for approximately 7 miles (Twentymile Road/Routt County Road 33). Turn left on Cow Creek Road (Routt County Road 45) and go 1 mile. Two parking areas are available on the left.

Rating: More difficult (Ridge)/ easy (Rotary) Description: The Rotary Trail is accessed by riding up .65 miles and 125 vertical feet of the Ridge Trail. The Rotary Trail turns left off Ridge Trail and continues to climb 1.5 miles and 210 vertical feet to the summit. With 400 vertical feet of drop, the next 1.5 miles are a roller coaster.

From there, it’s a mile back to the trailhead on a gradual up-and-down, smooth trail that gains 65 vertical feet back to the trailhead.

Trail: 3.3 miles Ascent: 327 feet Descent: 435 feet

Highest point: 7,171 feet Average grade: 4 percent Max grade: 17 percent

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Morning Gloria Trail: 4 miles Ascent: 28 feet Descent: 848 feet

Bob Allen

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Highest point: 8,182 feet Average grade: 4 percent Max grade: 10 percent

Season: Mid-May through mid-October Know before you go: With its 35 switchbacks, this two-directional trail — built just last summer with proceeds from the city’s trail-building funds from the town’s voter-approved accommodations tax — provides one of the easiest, most gradual routes up to the top of Emerald Mountain. The trail can get crowded during lunch and after work, so ride with respect for other users and yield to uphill traffic. A bell can come in handy.

Parking: Access Morning Gloria from the three main trailheads serving the numerous riding options on Emerald Mountain. Parking is available at the rodeo stables, at Howelsen Lodge and at Blackmer Drive. There are public restrooms at Howelsen Lodge.

Rating: More difficult Description: With its whopping 35 switchbacks, or one for every 0.12 miles, this new 4.25-mile trail has become an instant Steamboat classic. Its quadfriendly gradient makes it one of the easiest ways up to the top of Emerald Mountain. That it was built so quickly — two months, to be exact — owes itself to Routt Country Rider’s new $100,000 trail-building machine, which, after passing its first test on Morning Gloria, is poised to create more trails every year.

Access it by riding up Lower Lupine and then taking a left at the well-marked trailhead sign. Traversing the east side of Emerald Mountain, its silk-smooth singletrack leads 848 vertical feet up through arching scrub oak caverns, platoons of pine trees and fern-filled aspen groves marred by bear claws back and forth up Emerald Mountain. Upon reaching the top at the junction of the Quarry Mountain and Root Canal trails atop Emerald Mountain, you can turn around and enjoy the beautiful ride back down or ride any number of alternate routes back down Emerald Mountain. lt’s also become a favorite way to access longer rides up and over Emerald on the Ridge and Beall trails.

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Beall & Ridge Trails Beall Trail Know before you go: One of the newest editions on Emerald Mountain, the Beall Trail recognizes the efforts of Ben Beall, the 13-year chairman of the Emerald Mountain Partnership who was instrumental in negotiating the land exchange between the State Land Board and the Bureau of Land Management in 2007. The negotiations yielded the largest land swap in Colorado history, adding 4,193 acres of public land called the Special Recreation Area on Emerald Mountain.

Parking and trailheads: You can access the Beall Trail from two places — the top of Emerald Mountain or via Routt County Road 45 (Cow Creek Road). From downtown, head north to 13th Street. Follow 13th as it becomes Routt County Road 33 (Twentymile Road). Take a left off the pavement onto RCR 45 at the bottom of the hill. RCR 45 is dirt, but it is well maintained. The first parking area you will pass accesses the Ridge and Rotary trails. Just a short drive past this trailhead you will see parking for the Beall Trail.

Rating: More difficult Description: The most popular option is to link the Beall Trail as part of a larger loop ride. The easiest option is the Emerald backside loop. Most riders choose to park at the Beall Trailhead, ride up Beall and then descend the Ridge Trail. At the Ridge Trail, it is only a short ride up Cow Creek Road to your car. For the most difficult option, ride the Stinger Loop, which begins at the base of Howelsen Hill climbing to the top of Emerald Mountain, then descending the Ridge Trail, climbing up the Beall Trail and then descending back down the front side of Emerald.

The Beall Trail offers views of Rabbit Ears Pass, the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and surrounding ranch land.

You’ll meander through open meadows, pine forests, aspen groves and the beautiful gamble oak forest that is so prevalent on Emerald Mountain. The trail is non-technical singletrack with a gentle grade.

Trail: 6.3 miles Ascent: 1,385 feet Descent: 308 feet

Highest point: 8,195 feet Average grade: 5 percent Max grade: 17 percent

Note: Both the Ridge and Beall trails can be linked together from their respective trailheads on Cow Creek Road for a 13-mile loop, 11.5 of which are on great singletrack. For the easiest climbing, head up Beall and down Ridge. You can also add in the Rotary Trail for an additional loop.

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Ridge Trail Know before you go: The Ridge Trail is another recent addition to the amazing network of trails on Emerald Mountain. Located on the backside of Emerald, it offers stunning views and smooth, tacky riding, with the options to link longer rides, via either the Rotary Trail toward the bottom, or Beall Trail.

Parking: Parking is available at Howelsen Lodge or on Cow Creek Road (Routt County Road 45).

Rating: More difficult Description: To get to the trailhead at Cow Creek, head out Routt County Road 33 (Twentymile Road) and turn left on Cow Creek (RCR 45). You’ll find the trailhead about a mile down on your left.

From the Emerald/downtown side, you have the option of riding up a number of trails to the summit of Emerald Mountain. At the top, follow the two-track along the ridge. To access the trailhead, continue down and to the left just before the closure gate.

Trail: 4.6 miles Ascent: 31 feet Descent: 1,379 feet

Highest point: 8,198 feet Average grade: 6 percent Max grade: 20 percent

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Courtesy of Bike Town USA

Spring Creek Trail Trail: 10.4 miles Ascent: 1,435 feet Descent: 1,435 feet

Highest point: 8,275 feet Average grade: 5 percent Max grade: 25 percent

Season: Mid-May through mid-October Know before you go: This trail weaves back and forth over Spring Creek and through aspen forests with about a dozen bridge crossings. It can be done as an up and back down or a loop if Buffalo Pass Road (Routt County Road 38) is ridden.

Parking: From downtown Steamboat Springs travel north on Third Street and turn right at stop sign onto Pine Street, which will turn into East Maple Street. Pass the Steamboat Springs high school on the right and follow the road to the end where it intersects with Amethyst Drive. At this stop sign, the parking lot for the trail is directly across the street. This is Routt County Road 34. If driving, park car here.

Rating: More difficult Description: Begin pedaling up the dirt road (keep an eye out for cars, stay to the right). The road will turn to a doubletrack in about .5 miles. Follow this doubletrack up above Spring Creek Park (featuring two reservoir ponds and gazebo). The first bridge crossing will be in about one-half mile. Stay on this doubletrack for another mile until the trailhead sign. At the sign, climb up a short steep hill to the left and take the immediate right. This is the beginning of the singletrack and the official beginning of the Spring Creek Trail.

From here on, there are no other trails off the wide singletrack.

The trail will cross back and forth over the creek until reaching the summit at Dry Lake, approximately 5 miles later. The terrain is mostly hard-packed dirt but does have sections of rocks, roots and gravel.

It is a continuous climb with many short, steep pitches. The trail is not very technical in nature, but the climbs require physical fitness.

There is a total elevation gain of 1,200 feet.

Upon reaching the top, turn around and enjoy the beautiful ride back down. Be careful, this trail is one of the most popular in Steamboat, so encounters with other riders, hikers, dog walkers and equestrians are inevitable.

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Lower Bear Season: Early June through October Know before you go: This trail is a beauty, and one of the first high-elevation trails in the Steamboat area to dry out each spring due to its southern exposure. It can also be linked in with several other trails in the area, including Hot Springs Trail, for a great half road/half trail loop from town. As an out and back from Lower Bear Trailhead to the summit overlook, expect roughly 4 miles of pedaling with an elevation rise of 1,353 feet.

Parking: The trail starts on the right about a half mile before you reach Strawberry Park Hot Springs on Routt County Road 36 (Hot Springs Road). Park at the pull-out for the Lower Bear Trail on the right and look for the singletrack trail heading north from its far end.

Rating: More difficult Description: Break out your energy bar. This Forest Service trail starts out with a bang, without much warm up. Beginning at an elevation of roughly 7,600 feet, the trail heads north at first, before turning east and climbing the scrub oakfilled hillside with a series of switchbacks. After 1.6 miles, or about half an hour, you’ll reach the old Two-Track Trail, which

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is even steeper. Turn left and climb another 0.4 miles (2 miles from trailhead) to the overlook at the top of a saddle and a commanding vista of the Yampa Valley. From there, the trail rolls northeast before contouring across a rocky outcrop and descending to its junction with 4WD Elk Park Road at mile 2.9. The trail ends at a meadow called Elk Park. Turn right on the road and you can descend all the way back to Strawberry Park Road at mile 4.8, where a right turn and short road climb takes you back to your car. You can also head back the way you came on Lower Bear, whose smooth, Buff Trail is pure butter to descend.

Trail: 2.8 miles Ascent: 956 feet Descent: 236 feet

Highest point: 8,567 feet Average grade: 8 percent Max grade: 22 percent

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Mad CReek Area Season: Early May through October Know before you go: With southern exposure and quickly draining granitic soils, the hot springs area trails dry out early and offer the longest riding season of all the trails in town. Mad Creek is popular with hikers and their dogs. Please ride carefully and remember to yield the trail to hikers. Also be aware of horse use in this area during the early riding and hunting seasons. Please yield the trail to horses. The Red Dirt Trail has some north-facing slopes and does not melt out as early as the rest of the trail system. Do not ride into the Mount Zirkel Wilderness area, or you could be ticketed.

Parking: Ample parking is available about 5 miles up Routt County Road 129 at the Mad Creek Trailhead and another half mile beyond at the Red Dirt Trailhead (you can also ride RCR 129 directly to each trailhead). The other option is to ride the Strawberry Park Hot Springs Road (Routt County Road 36) to the Hot Springs Trail. Ride this trail down to RCR 129 and then turn right and go 0.25 miles to the trailhead.

Rating: More difficult (Mad Creek)/very difficult (Red Dirt)

Ben Ingersoll Highlighted Trail Mad Creek/Red Dirt Loop: This loop climbs from the Mad Creek parking area up to the historic barn. Look for the Swamp Park Trailhead sign on your left. Climb through aspen and lodgepole forests before descending the steep and technical Red Dirt Trail. A short spin along the road returns riders to the trailhead.

These trails all link up essentially at the top of the Mad Creek Trail, and offer a little something for everyone. From here, riders can follow the meandering trail by the historic barn and bordering a gorgeous alpine meadow to the Mount Zirkel Wilderness boundary, over to the Red Dirt Trail (see right), or across Mad Creek onto doubletrack and loop back to either the Hot Springs Trail or the Mad Creek Trailhead parking lot.

No matter your route, you’ll likely see birds of prey, deer or elk, foxes and other wildlife. You’ll also encounter other trail users, so ride under control. The long locals’ ride starts in town, rides out Strawberry Park Road to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs, down the Hot Springs Trail, up Mad Creek, down Red Dirt, then back up Hot Springs (for a post-ride soak) and finally back into town.

Trail: 10.2 miles Ascent: 1,298 feet Descent: 1,325 feet

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Highest point: 7,581 feet Average grade: 5 percent Max grade: 31 percent

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Divide Trail Season: Early July through mid-October Know before you go: This rolling, scenic trail is a classic Steamboat epic. This trail is referred to by three different names (Wyoming Trail, Divide Trail and Trail 1101). Don’t be confused — they all lead to the same great place. You will need two cars or a driver, who will not be riding. Your car will be left at Dumont Lake, and the ride will end back in Steamboat. Also, check with local bike shops for trail conditions. Be aware of early season snow and/or fallen trees.

Parking: From Steamboat, take U.S. Highway 40 east for 20 miles over Rabbit Ears Pass. Turn left toward Dumont Lake. Pass the campground entrances then turn left toward Base Camp (there is a large boulder in the middle of the road with a plaque on it). Park your car 300 yards up Base Camp Road on the right hand side.

Rating: More difficult+ Description: Look for the start of the trail on the opposite side of Base Camp Road. You will quickly come out onto the campground road. Continue straight on the campground road until you take slight right onto Trail 1101 (Wyoming/Divide Trail).

Initially, the trail follows an old roadbed along an irrigation ditch.

Head left after crossing a small creek and begin your first steep climb. The trail will roll along, cross another creek, and 4 miles from the start, you will come out on Base Camp Road. Turn left on Base Camp Road and climb for about half a mile to Base Camp Trailhead. (Option: You can ride or drive Base Camp Road to this point to avoid 4 miles of singletrack).

At the Base Camp Trailhead, begin a fun, twisty descent over many water bars. After the descent, you’ll cross a creek and a climb up to Fishhook Lake (a good spot for a snack). After riding along the east side of the lake, look for a left turn to continue on Trail 1101 (don’t go to Lost Lake). More rolling terrain with a few rocky sections will take you past Lake Elmo and to an obvious four-way intersection, which is another great spot for a snack or to regroup.

Turn left onto Fish Creek Falls Trail (1102), which rolls downhill toward Long Lake. Stay right as you first approach the lake and then continue onto Trail 1102 (don’t go to Fish Creek Reservoir). Another 0.8 fairly flat miles later, turn left and begin climbing Mountain View Trail (1032). The trail climbs a few loose switchbacks then rolls through the forest, then climbs again. At the top, you’re rewarded with gorgeous views across Rabbit Ears Pass and a nice spot for a break. A couple more miles of rolling terrain take you to Steamboat Ski Resort. Head left on the resort’s dirt road to connect with Pete’s Wicked Trail to begin the descent.

The best route down is Pete’s Wicked Trail, right on Cathy’s Cut-off, right onto Sunshine Trail, and left on the dirt road. From there, head to any number of smooth, bank-filled options in the Steamboat Bike Park like Rustlers Ridge or Tenderfoot. steamboatbiketown.com

Trail: 24.8 miles Ascent: 1,952 feet Descent: 4,589 feet

Highest point: 10,397 feet Average grade: 5 percent Max grade: 21 percent

Other trail options in the area Dumont Lake to Summit Lake on Trail 1101: Descend Buffalo Pass Road to Dry Lake. Ride Spring Creek Trail down into town.

Dumont Lake to Fish Creek Falls Trail: Same directions as Mountain View Trail, but stay on Fish Creek Falls Trail for arguably the most technical descent in the Steamboat area.

Base Camp Road toward Base Camp: Turn left on Trail 1101 and ride back to your vehicle on the singletrack. Easier 8-mile loop, no shuttle required.

Climb Steamboat Ski Area: Use Mountain View to access Divide Trail to Summit Lake and descend Buffalo Pass Road to Spring Creek or Mountain View to Fish Creek Falls Trail.

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Lynx Pass Trail: 16.6 miles Ascent: 2,280 feet

Descent: 2,280 feet Highest point: 10,180 feet

Season: June through October Know before you go: This gorgeous ride stays in great shape throughout the summer. After an hour drive each way, you’ll be rewarded with winding singletrack along Rock Creek.

Parking: Take U.S. Highway 40 east from Steamboat. Follow Colorado Highway 131 south for 39 miles to Colorado Highway 134. Follow Colo. 134 8.2 miles to Forest Road 270 (Lynx Pass). Follow FR 270 3 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 263 for one-quarter mile. (If you pass the restrooms, you’ve gone too far.) Park on the side of the road at the sharp switchback to the right.

Rating: More difficult Description: Leave the road at the outside corner of a sharp switchback in the road. Cross the creek and begin climbing Tepee Creek Trail. Turn left onto FR 263. Continue a moderate climb for about 4 miles. Take a right onto Rock Creek Trail. This starts as an old dirt road for about one-half mile past a closed gate the trail turns into singletrack. The trail descends steeply at first, then follows and crosses Rock Creek a few times. After following the creek, you’ll begin a short climb before descending an old two-track. At the bot-

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tom of the descent, look for a sharp right onto Tepee Creek Trail (1173). Climb along the Tepee Creek drainage back to FR 263. Continue straight across the road to stay on Tepee Creek Trail. Hang on tight for the fast descent back to the trailhead.

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Seedhouse Area Trails

Trail: 20.9 miles Ascent: 1,682 feet Descent: 2,072 feet

Highest point: 8,646 feet Average grade: 5 percent Max grade: 29 percent Joel Reichenberger

Season: Late June through September Know before you go: All the trails in this area are shared with equestrians, hikers and motorcyclists, so ride with respect. Also, hunters use this area in the fall, so wear bright colors. The Forest Service is continuing to close areas for tree clearing — read all closure information and call the Forest Service Hotline for information. Also, please report any new downfall.

Parking: The Seedhouse area offers ample parking in three different locations: the Hinman Lake Trailhead, the north entrance to the South Fork Trailhead, and the south entrance to the South Fork Trailhead.

Rating: Very difficult Description: South Fork/Scott’s Run. This approximately 20-mile, moderately technical loop offers a great aerobic workout and spectacular views of the south fork of the Elk River, the Zirkels and the 2002 Hinman burn area (notice the regeneration). The suggested ride is counter-clockwise and prepare for creek crossings.

The Seedhouse area network of trails offers riders of all abilities the opportunity to ride pristine trails and see a wide variety of wildlife, beautiful flowers and the rugged Zirkel range. The trails, located approximately 30 miles north of Steamboat Springs, traverse aspen and lodgepole forests and pass by meandering creeks and streams and glimmering lakes. In the summer, they allow riders to escape the heat of Steamboat and ride through shady stands of aspens and lodgepole forests connecting to brilliant meadows of columbines. The singletracks are narrow and smooth with few technical interruptions, making for fast and furious fun in the saddle.

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Big Red Park: Manzanares Loop Season: July 1 through mid-October (officially closes Dec. 1) Know before you go: This area has challenging hilly, rocky sections and steep grades. Loose rock portions may require dismounting. Be aware of four-wheel, motorcycle and ATV traffic at all times, as you will be sharing the trail. Be prepared to deal with fallen trees, especially in the early summer before winter timber fall has been cleared.

Parking: Take Routt County Road 129 past Steamboat Lake and Hahn’s Peak Village. Just past Columbine, turn right on Forest Road 550. Proceed north 4 miles and turn right on Forest Road 500. After 2 miles, turn right onto Forest Road 402, which becomes rough and wet with deep holes (4WD recommended). The Farwell Mountain Trailhead (1203) is 1 mile up the road.

Rating: Very difficult Description: Take Farwell Mountain Trail (1203) southeast about 5 miles to Forest Road 409, then follow the road about 3 miles to Wyoming Trail (1101). Take Trail 1101 north about 13 miles to Manzanares Trail (1204). Follow the trail west about 5 miles back to the trailhead. This route is through pine forests and alpine meadows. The intersection of the Wyoming and Manzanares trails offers views at the top of the Continental Divide. Don’t enter the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, which only allows travel by foot and horseback.

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Trail: 21.7 miles Ascent: 1,541 feet

Descent: 1,541 feet Highest point: 10,126 feet

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Nipple Peak & Lopez Creek Loop Season: Late June through early October Know before you go: This approximately 20-mile, technical, north Routt loop is a favorite bike ride but is also shared by four-wheelers, ATVs and motorcycles. It’s best ridden in a counter-clockwise loop. The ride is gorgeous during the fall.

Parking: From Steamboat Springs, turn north at Elk River Road and follow Elk River Road (Routt County Road 129) past Columbine to Forest Road 47, on the left just past the Summit Creek Guard Station. Park off FR 47.

Rating: Very difficult Description: Follow FR 47 clockwise, west. It turns into Trail 1147. This trail winds through aspen groves and spruce, down to Lopez Creek and then connects with Trail 1156. Turn left, staying on Trail 1156 back over the divide and down Willow Creek. This area can be wet in early summer. Stay on Trail 1156 across Forest Road 487 to Forest Road 488. Turn right on FR 488 and travel to the junction with RCR 129. You can stay on the trail back to RCR 129, but at this point, some smoother riding is welcome. Turn left on RCR 129 and return to the starting point.

Other trails can be accessed from the Nipple Peak loop. See map and consult local bike shops for more information.

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Trail: 19.7 miles Ascent: 1,550 feet

Descent: 1,550 feet Highest point: 9,600 feet

ArYEH Copa

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Three Epic Rides Have three full days in town? Bring your full quiver?

Below are three epic rides worth notching off your Steamboat bucket list. Hit them all over a long weekend and you’ve earned your Steamboat cycling stripes.

Stinger Loop This baby’s a classic, taking you 25 miles from downtown, up and over the backside of Emerald Mountain and back, all on different, silky smooth singletrack the entire way. Bonus: Once you cross back over the Yampa River, the ride dumps you straight onto Yampa Street and its myriad, riverside bars just in time for happy hour. (See description for Emerald Mountain on page 12.)

Divide Trail Carpool up to Dumont Lake on Rabbit Ears Pass and you’re in for a wilderness ride treat with the nearly 26-mile-long Divide Trail, which follows the Continental Divide to the top of the ski re-

sort where 3,000 vertical feet of singletrack schussing await. Bonus: At the very end, you get to hit the new Rustler’s Ridge downhill trail from the top of Thunderhead to the bottom, where cold beer awaits. Then all you have to do is Roshambo to see who has to shuttle back up to get the car. (See map for Divide Trail on page 21.)

Coal Mine Loop If you have time for only one roadie, make it the Coal Mine Loop, which takes you on a 45.6-mile loop from downtown, out Twentymile Road to the coal mine at the junction of Routt County roads 33 and 27, on to Oak Creek and back on Colorado Highway 131 to Steamboat Springs and a dip in the river before a wellearned refueling stop. (See map for Road Rides on page 28.)

STEAMBOAT’S PREMIER ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY & SPORTS MEDICINE CLINIC • Board Certified • Fellowship Trained • US Ski Team Physicians • Committed to the best care • Serving Steamboat Springs, Craig and Granby

ALEX

Winner of the 2014 Town Challenge Expert male 35–49 Division

BRYAN BOMBERG, M.D. ALEX MEININGER, M.D. 26

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www.steamboatortho.com 970.879.4612 • 1.877.404.4612 940 Central Park Dr. Suite 190, Steamboat Springs, CO

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60-MinUtE lUnCh looPs two Great “nooner” rideS froM town

road bikE: doWntoWn to hilton gUlCh sChool hoUsE via roUtt CoUnty road 14 this is a great lunch-hour ride along the valley.

River Road (Routt County Road 14) has become a popular route so drivers are used to seeing bikes.

Recent resurfacing has provided a more consistent riding surface. leave downtown via Fifth Street, cross the railroad tracks and turn left onto River Road. Pass through the Brooklyn neighborhood and follow the Yampa River out of town. this ride allows you to set your own pace; the rolling terrain will not force you out of your comfort zone unless you decide to push on each rise and fall. at the intersection of Routt County Road 14F (4 miles) turn right staying on RCR 14. at 6.9 miles follow the road around to the right and slightly uphill onto Routt County Road 35. at 7.9 miles follow the road around to the left staying on RCR 35. at 8.7 miles you are at the base of a short climb. either turn around here or continue up the short, half-mile hill to the right where Routt County roads 41 and 35 merge. at just over 10 miles you will arrive at the old school house at hilton Gulch. turn around here for a fast descent and cruise back to Steamboat retracing your path.

MoUntain bikE: doWntoWn to EMErald MoUntain qUarry this is an awesome, steady, intermediate mountain bike ride taking in prime emerald trails with the reward at top of a view from the Quarry across to the ski mountain, followed by a fast, technical return to town. leave downtown via Fifth Street. Cross the railroad tracks and turn right toward the howelsen hill ski area. at the intersection go left and arrive at the rodeo stables. turn right immediately past the steamboatbiketown.com

stables and then immediately left, taking the first singletrack going uphill. Bear right at the top of the rise and head for the short whoop-de-do down and up again. Bear left and up at the first intersection. after a smooth cruise on level singletrack, bear left at the next intersection onto the Bluffs overlook. at the next intersection bear left and uphill out onto the Bluffs. after a short climb, follow a smooth, mellow section south along the flank of emerald before curving around up to the next intersection where you bear left and continue up. take Ricky’s Ridge trail on your left and follow it up until you see the lupine trail on your left. Stay on the flowy, singletrack all the way up until you pop out with a choice to ascend the technical “Steamboat Moab” slick rock (a sharp left) or a gravel road spin to the Quarry.

For the return, descend the road and look for the Blair Witch trail that disappears left into the woods after about 50 yards. Follow it past a wooden elevated section. after you pop out at an intersection keep going slightly left uphill. after a slight downhill, turn right at the intersection of a two-track road and continue downhill. look for a left turn onto the MGM trail after the second bend. Stay left on this trail until you come almost to a meadow, turning right and uphill briefly onto eye-2-eye trail. Follow this tight, winding trail until it dumps out onto the bottom of MGM trail. take a right and after 100 yards bear left onto Molly’s, a flowy trail that feels like a slalom ski course. Stay left at the first fork, them take a right at the fork at the bottom across from a small, wooden bridge. a short uphill on the Gas line connects you back to Blackmer Drive (a gravel road). turn left and down and then stay right, crossing to Mile Run trail. Stay on the singletrack and follow it back down to howelsen lodge where you can cruise back into town.

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road & MiXEd ridEs twentyMile road

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a local’s favorite with rolling hills, plus a few hardy climbs, nice pavement and relatively low vehicle traffic, especially on weekends.

From downtown Steamboat Springs, turn off lincoln avenue at the library onto 13th Street. this will turn into Routt County Road 33 (twentymile Road). there is about 5 miles of open range, so pay close attention for cattle on the quick valley descents. It’s 40 miles out and back if you make it to the coal mine at the junction of RCR 33 and Routt County Road 27.

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For a loop variation of the ride (46 miles), continue south on Routt County Road 27, where you’ll need to climb the three Sisters (to be PC) before descending back into the small town of oak Creek. head back on Colorado highway 131 toward Steamboat Springs. turn off on Routt County Road 14 to enjoy a low rolling hills back into town.

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distance: 45.6 miles duration: 3 to 5 hours aerobic: moderate+

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technical: advanced ascent: 2,825 feet highest point: 7,205 feet

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For a slightly longer loop option head west on U.S. highway 40 from downtown Steamboat Springs. at 19 miles take a left on Routt County Road 27. Continue for 18 miles. at the intersection of RCR 27 and Routt County Road 33 (twentymile Road), turn left and follow RCR 33 back into Steamboat Springs. Be prepared for two really steep climbs as you return on RCR 33.

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Steamboat’s signature 111-mile “century” ride. head south from town on U.S. highway 40 climbing over Rabbit ears Pass, followed by some fast descending and rollers to Wolford Mountain Reservoir just before Kremmling. turn right onto Colorado highway 134 for a scenic ride over Gore Pass. Descending from Gore Pass, turn right at the intersection with Colorado highway 131 through toponas and head north. It’s best to start this ride early in the morning to avoid traffic on U.S. 40 and to turn the corner at toponas before the afternoon winds or storms pick up. take an extra water bottle, too. It’s about 70 miles before your first chance for a snack in toponas. distance: 111.8 miles duration: 6 to 10 hours aerobic: strenuous

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road & MiXEd ridEs continued from page 29 stEaMboat sPrings

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stagECoaCh & oak CrEEk looP a 42-mile classic Steamboat loop.

From Steamboat Springs head south on Routt County Road 14 (River Road). at the junction of Routt County Road 35, veer left across the railroad tracks onto RCR 14e and continue to the intersection with Colorado highway 131. Go right on Colo. 131 for a brief stretch, then turn left back onto RCR 14 heading to Stagecoach. Ride over Yellow Jacket Pass, past Stagecoach Reservoir and intersect again with Colo. 131. turn right on Colo. 131 and head into oak Creek. From oak Creek, stay on Colo. 131, roll through the canyon and come back toward town, then turn left back onto RCR 14e to ride back in on River Road.

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Gorgeous riding through small towns and historic ranches along the elk River. head north from Steamboat Springs on Routt County Road 129 for a scenic, rolling ride through the elk River Valley. turn around at Clark for a 36mile round trip. For some adventure, turn right onto Routt County Road 64 (Seedhouse Road) just past Clark and head out to the end of the pavement at the hinman Park turnaround for a 50-mile round trip. the Seedhouse Road section has narrow shoulders and some rough pavement but is not heavily traveled.

For a longer ride, from Clark continue on RCR 129 over Willow Creek Pass, past hahn’s Peak Village and Steamboat lake and climb up to Columbine, where you can turn around (making it a 63-mile round trip from Steamboat Springs). and if that doesn’t suit your fancy, make an out and back on Seedhouse Road before riding up to Columbine for a total of 73.5 miles in some of Colorado’s most beautiful countryside.

Note: Shoulder width varies significantly along the length of elk River Road (RCR 129) and can get tight between Steamboat Springs and Clark.

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elevation (feet)

7,000

MiXed Gravel

6,900 6,800 6,700

airPort PlUs “gravEl grindEr”

6,600 5

10

15

Distance (miles)

rC r

Cr

44

r

20

44

el rC

twentymile rd

r

kr

iv

er

rd

a

33

.

U. s

40

rCr 33a

‹

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n

equal parts pavement and dirt on this fun mixed ride around the Sleeping Giant. head north on elk River Road and past the Steamboat airport to Routt County Road 44 where you veer left onto the dirt road.

Continue out over the elk River toward the Sleeping Giant and the farms that dot the countryside. Ride RCR 44 until it hits U.S. highway 40 and then turn left for a pavement section that will take you east toward Steamboat. after the quick spin on the flat pavement, turn right onto Routt County Road 33a. Pass over the railroad tracks and onto the dirt/gravel, then continue on RCR 33a until you intersect twentymile Road. take a left onto twentymile and make the easy spin on pavement back to town. this ride is a perfect 22 miles, with an estimated time of just over an hour. distance: 21.86 miles duration: 1 to 1.5 hours aerobic: moderate

technical: intermediate ascent: 1,150 feet highest point: 6,920 feet

7,500 7,250

twentymile rd

7,000 6,750 16

rCr 14

technical: intermediate ascent: 2,120 feet highest point: 7,765 feet

rCr 43

rCr 41

rC

rCr 14

a Routt County mixed-gravel classic. head out of town on 13th Street (twentymile Road) up and over the first major climb and take a left onto Routt County Road 43, where the gravel begins. Continue around the back side of emerald Mountain, bearing right onto Routt County Road 41. after the steep descent down to the hilton Gulch schoolhouse, take a left back onto the pavement and continue down, merging with Routt County Road 35, then go left on Routt County Road 14 (River Road), which will bring you back to town. Ride the loop in reverse for a challenging climb up hilton Gulch. this is a 28mile loop with about 6 miles of well-maintained gravel roads. distance: 27.9 miles duration: 2 to 3 hours aerobic: moderate

stEaMboat sPrings

24

33

20

r

EMErald looP

12

Distance (miles)

rC

8

rCr 33

4

r3

5

‹

elevation (feet)

7,7500

n

NICK GlIMeNaKIS

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Titans of titanium Two homegrown bike companies are quietly solidifying Steamboat’s place in the bikebuilding world. And the reason they’re here is the quality of life and access to prime riding.

“We strive to design and build the most innovative, highperformance titanium bikes in the industry,” Cariveau says.

“We’re proud of our bikes, our team and the town we call home.”

Moots offers guided factory tours at 10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Info: www.moots.com, 970-879-1676

Moots

Kent Eriksen Cycles

Moots has been handcrafting high-performance titanium road, mountain and cyclocross bikes from Steamboat Springs since 1981. The company’s success owes itself to its designs and a staff who lives and breathes cycling.

“We’re fortunate to be surrounded by incredible singletrack and great scenic roadways,” marketing manager Jon Cariveau says. “Our employees take advantage of the riding every day.”

Last year, Moots was named a finalist for the 2014 Wright Awards, a statewide program honoring companies celebrating Colorado’s culture, and it was recently selected as a Colorado Company to Watch by the State Office of Economic Development. It was also named Sustainable Business of the Year in 2013 by the Steamboat Sustainable Business Consortium and recognized as one of the “Perk”iest Companies in Colorado by ColoradoBiz Magazine.

Supporting the town it loves, Moots sponsors numerous community and industry advocacy movements, from local trail work days to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club’s Cycling Team. It also hosts the annual Ranch Rally, celebrating local dirt and gravel riding.

Placing importance on protecting the environment, Moots also employs a cutting-edge recycling program and solar system to power its manufacturing.

Tip your helmet to another titanium titan, Kent Eriksen, for both building great bikes and playing a pivotal role in introducing mountain biking to Steamboat and the entire country.

As the owner of local bike shop Sore Saddle Cyclery in the 1970s, he produced the region’s first cycling map before founding Moots in 1981. Elected into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 1996, he founded Kent Eriksen Cycles in 2005, another local company specializing in titanium bikes.

The company produces up to 200 frames per year and makes bikes of all styles — road, mountain, cross and touring. It specializes in custom cycles, measuring down to the millimeter as part of the process, and recently won the Best Titanium Construction award for the fifth year running at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show. It also hosts the Tour de Steamboat every year, raising much-needed funds for local nonprofits.

“Steamboat is a special place to live and its wealth of biking options make it even better,” says Eriksen, who can often be found riding a handmade tandem with his wife and business partner, Katie Lindquist. “The quality of life here is wonderful.

It’s easy to balance work and fun in a town with so many outdoor activities available. I couldn’t imagine living any place else.”

Info: www.kenteriksen.com, 970-879-8484

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Bike Shop Beta Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare When Harry Martin moved to Steamboat from Jackson, Wyoming, in 1995, he saw an opening for a ski and bike store focused on service. Located at 442 Lincoln Ave., with another storefront on the mountain, Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare has been voted town’s best bike shop three years in a row.

“Our bike mechanics are some of the best in the business,” shop manager Derek Hudson says. “The business is always changing, and they know how to fix anything.”

Bestsellers on the retail side include Trek, Giant and Italian road bike manufacturer Wilier. With 20 employees in peak riding season, the store offers rentals (high-end demos, hybrid road bikes,

front- and full-suspension mountain bikes, child bikes, tag-a-longs, trailers and more), retail and repairs, catering to locals as much as visitors.

“Our staff is very passionate about riding,” says Martin, whose store sponsors the Town Challenge series, Steamboat Stage Race, Bike to Work Week and more. “We cater to all aspects of riding, from people wanting cruisers for local mustache rides to mountain and road bikers. Steamboat’s just a fantastic bike town.”

Info: www.steamboatskiandbike.com, 970-879-9144 Orange Peel Bicycle Service Founded in 1999, Orange Peel, located at 1136 Yampa Ave., is Steamboat’s only bikes-only bike shop, and it shows.

“That’s what differentiates us,” says owner Brock Webster, a former U.S. Elite rider. “We focus solely on bikes.”

With a peak season staff of 11, whose combined experience totals hundreds of years, the shop offers rentals (high-end demos, cruisers, kids bikes, trailers and more), service and retail, carrying such lines as Moots, Pivot, Ellsworth, Ridley and Orbea — brands Webster maintains are perfect for the “enthusiast” rider.

“We’re not a cookie-cutter store,” he says. “We choose our lines carefully. We also stock a greater number of parts than any shop I’ve ever seen. Service is the engine that keeps things rolling around here.”

Info: www.orangepeelbikes.com, 970-879-2957

GR E AT FO R L AR GE GR OU P S!

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Ski Haus With some of his store’s bike technicians working there for more than four decades, Ski Haus manager Murray Selleck credits Ski Haus’s success to a staff that’s passionate about riding. Come summer, the store’s newly expanded basement turns into a beehive of bike activity, offering rentals (full- and front-suspension mountain bikes, road bikes, cruisers, child bikes, tandems, trailers, tag-a-longs and more), repairs and retail. Garage doors open up outside to create a great open atmosphere, and the store strives to offer something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros.

“Our retail line is extensive, with prices in performance for everyone,” Selleck says.

Locals tip: Visit when the Specialized and Rocky Mountain demo vans roll in.

Info: 1457 Pine Grove Road, www.skihaussteamboat.com, 970-879-0385 Wheels Bicycle Shop Wheels is a small, independently owned and operated bike shop located along the Yampa River downtown, specializing in tunes and sales.

“We gain our clients by friendly customer service, word-of-mouth referrals and our knowledge of bikes,” says owner Chris Johns, a former competitive rider.

Wheels is Steamboat’s Yeti Cycles dealership, happily bringing customers into the folds of the “Tribe.” It services bikes of all walks — including mountain, racing road, freeriding, downhill, townie and more — and offers a complete rental (cruisers, mountain and road) and demo line as well. It also prides itself on giving back to the community, supporting such organizations as the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council and the “Giving Bikes Back” refurbishing and donation program.

Info: 841 Yampa St., www.wheelssteamboat.com, 970-870-1974 Al’s TRIKES of Steamboat After living here for 30 years, Al Luce is “retiring” to start over where he left off 40 years ago when 10-speed bikes where just beginning to be discovered near his home in Minnesota.

“I loved riding quality bikes and even competed a few times in Road and Track events,” he says. “Now I have an opportunity to share my experience with anyone open to some great cycling fun.”

Luce specializes in building recumbent bikes, which he says “corner like a Ferrari” and can be used everywhere from road and trails to bike parks. Models include a recumbent Tadpole (two wheels in front, one in back), trikes for kids, the entry-level, eight-speed KMX Tornado and the 24-speed Cobra for getting off pavement. All come with an adjustable reclining bucket seat and endless options for upgrades.

“Whether you’re heading out on the Core Trail or your favorite road ride, we have a trike that will get your blood going,” he says.

Info: www.alstrikes.com, 970-819-9212

steamboatbiketown.com

Other Rental Locations Boomerang Sports Exchange Buying and selling used mountain, road and cruiser bikes, with sales and rentals of Jamis mountain bikes, and sales of Nirve cruisers, bike accessories and kids’ bikes downtown.

1125 Lincoln Ave., www. boomerangexchange.com, 970-870-3050 Christy Sports Trek full- and front-suspension mountain bike rentals. Child bikes and trailers also available. Helmets included.

1835 Central Park Plaza, www.christysports.com, 970-879-1250, One Stop Ski Shop Rentals of mountain bikes, as well as rechargeable electric bikes.

35 11th St., Suite 130, www.onestopskishop.net, 970-879-4754 Steamboat Bike Shop The most convenient location to the Steamboat Bike Park.

Fleet includes full-suspension, downhill mountain bikes from Specialized and more. Rentals include a full face helmet, shin and elbow pads and bike gloves. Cruisers also available, as well as gondola tickets, bike park passes, lessons and guided tours. www.steamboat.com, 970-871-5348

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2014 iMba World want further Proof of SteaMboat’S biCyClinG StriPeS? laSt SuMMer, bike town uSa hoSted the international Mountain biCyClinG aSSoCiation’S 2014 world SuMMit, whiCh brouGht More than 400 Mountain bikerS and induStry PerSonnel to town froM aCroSS the world.

CoURteSY oF IMBa iMba honors loCal trail bUildErs

iMba labEls stEaMboat bronzE-lEvEl ridE CEntEr

one of the highlights at last year’s world summit was a ceremony honoring model trail systems and the advocates who create them. local imba chapter routt County riders did so by delivering a special award to marc and gretchen sehler, who have long been a driving force in local trail development.

as well as tapping steamboat to host its 2014 world summit, imba has named steamboat a bronzelevel ride Center, making it the first Ride Center in Colorado and one of only 17 in the world. the designation affirms the town’s marketing efforts toward biking and promotes steamboat to a large biking audience.

“thanks to their dedication, as well as routt County riders, our host community last year now boasts everything a mountain biker could wish for, from an intown bike park to gravity-fueled resort riding and outstanding opportunities for backcountry excursions,” IMBA’s Mark Eller says.

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“imba reaches a big direct market of over 100,000 riders,” routt County riders President eric meyer says. “People will see this label and know that steamboat is a great place to ride.” imba bills ride Centers as destination-worthy riding hot spots,

where people can ride not just for a quick weekend but an entire week. locations are judged on such categories as “trail experience,” where steamboat scored high, as well as services, community involvement and marketing efforts. there is currently one gold-level ride Center (Park City, Utah), five silver-level centers and 11 bronze-level centers. bike town Usa organizers are ecstatic about the designation. “to get to that level, you need to have the full complement of riding, from beginner to expert,” says one of bike town Usa founders, grant Fenton. “it’s recognition of all the hard work we’ve been doing and carries a lot of weight.”

steamboatbiketown.com

sUMMit Marking the first time the event has ever taken place in Colorado, with Steamboat beating out 15 other locations for the honor, the conference drew mountain bike leaders, industry experts and riders from across the globe to Steamboat to learn about trail-building practices, park initiatives, grant processes, working with volunteers and more. and Bike town USa played the perfect host. “last year’s event in Steamboat raised the bar another notch, with attendees from more than a dozen nations enjoying a week-long celebration in a town that embraces every aspect of mountain biking,” IMBa communications director Mark eller says. “When we look for a World Summit location, the goal is not just to offer a great venue for riding and socializing, but a place that oozes with mountain bike culture. Steamboat offered those things in spades at the 2014 World Summit and was a natural choice to host the event.” attended by a record number of IMBa delegates, the five-day event included a variety of high-profile speakers and information sessions, as well as parties and riding. Seminars ran the gamut from trail Care Crew workshops, fat bikes and instructor certification to breakout sessions with professional land managers and tourism industry officials and a keynote presentation on investing in mountain bike communities. the event also included tours of the Moots Cycles factory, group rides, a screening of “Singletrack high” and the Summit-X enduro Race, a benefit for Routt County Riders and Steamboat Bike town USa Initiative. “the only problem was focusing on the presentations, with all the sweet riding around,” says attendee Dan Fausey, who ventured out from ohio for the event.

Previous North american hosts of the IMBa Summit include Santa Fe, New Mexico, Whistler, British Columbia, and Moab and Park City, Utah.

“We wanted a destination worthy of attracting mountain bikers from across the world and that had a strong community involvement,” IMBa events manager terry Breheny says. “Steamboat has all of that.”

“It’s a pretty big deal that we were able to host it,” adds Routt County Riders President eric Meyer. “It was a community effort to bring it here.”

steamboatbiketown.com

lEagUE of aMEriCan biCyClists aWards stEaMboat gold-lEvEl bikE friEndly CoMMUnity statUs the accolades continue to roll in for bike town Usa. the league of american bicyclists recently awarded steamboat its prestigious gold-level status as a bike Friendly Community. “it’s a huge honor,” says steamboat bike town Usa initiative executive director tyler goodman. “not many towns have that distinction.” assessed through a voluntary application process, to qualify, towns have to score high on what the association calls its five Es: Engineering: Creating safe and convenient places to ride.

Education: giving people of all ages and abilities the skills and confidence to ride.

Encouragement: Creating a strong bike culture that welcomes and celebrates bicycling.

Enforcement: ensuring safe roads for all users.

Evaluation and Planning: Planning for bicycling as a safe and viable transportation option. to date, there are only 21 gold-level bicycle Friendly Communities in all 50 states. “we’re so inspired when we see places like steamboat making bicycling safer and more accessible,” says the association’s communications director, liz murphy. “it’s really setting the bar for other communities investing in bicycling. we know that investment will be returned many times over in health, environmental, transportation and quality of life benefits of a thriving, attractive community.”

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courtesy of stars

Adaptive Cycling in Steamboat The stars have aligned for people with disabilities to cycle in Steamboat. The reason: STARS (Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports), a locally based program dedicated to providing recreational opportunities for people with disabilities to empower them and enrich their quality of life.

Among its many summertime programs, a large amount of STARS programming involves cycling, both road and mountain. A chapter of Disabled Sports USA and a U.S. Paralympic Sportclub, it also rents hand cycles, recumbent bikes and Buddy bikes.

“The Yampa River trail is a fabulous spot for adaptive cy-

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2015 bike Guide

cling,” says STARS Executive Director Julie Taulman. “Biking is an inclusive activity that people can do with friends and family, and our cycling programs enable people with disabilities to get out there and get active. It’s great that people here are starting to embrace the concept and recognize its importance.”

STARS Summer Adventure Camp for youth runs June 16 to Aug. 20 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Trail Blazers Camp for adults runs June 17 to Aug. 19 on Wednesdays. Both camps offer cycling as well as other activities.

Info: www.steamboatstars.com steamboatbiketown.com

TIME TO WORK ON THAT

Bucket list…

FULLY SUPPORTED ALL-INCLUSIVE BIKE TOURS IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO

MOJOBIKETOURS.COM 970-367-8104

steamboatbiketown.com

2015 bike Guide

35

Joel Reichenberger

Safe Routes to School Share the Road Cyclists in Steamboat Springs now have an even better rapport with drivers sharing the roads.

The city, Routt County and LiveWell Northwest Colorado recently teamed up to enhance the local Share the Road Campaign, including a stronger digital presence to educate residents and visitors about sharing local roads and using trails responsibly.

“We want to keep this message rolling,” says city engineer Ben Beall, adding that the new campaign includes new educational graphics and posters, a new website (www.steamboatsprings.net/biketrails) dedicated to trail etiquette and road rules and a new Safe Roads to School map (www.saferoutessteamboat.org).

A mini-grant from LiveWell helped create the new educational materials, which also include a biking safety poster encouraging riders to stay on the right side of the road, ride single file, use hand signals and not ride on downtown sidewalks.

Friendly reminders for motorists include checking for pedestrians when making left-hand turns and being more aware of cyclists on the road.

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Biking to school is getting safer for kids in Steamboat thanks to the town’s Safe Routes to School program, a community-wide effort aimed at making it easy and safe for kids to commute by bike or foot. The program is so successful that it is receiving a $24,000 Safe Routes to School grant from the state to further its efforts.

The program’s mission is “to inspire kids to bike or walk to school,” coordinator Sally Cariveau says. It does this by organizing safety and skills rallies to make riding and walking fun and safe, and producing and distributing promotional materials, including a Colorado Department of Transportation-endorsed Safe Routes to School map highlighting the safest routes from various neighborhoods to area schools. On designated days, it also provides volunteers who patrol busy intersections and crossings.

“It gets kids outside, is great for the environment and lessens traffic,” Cariveau says.

The program also sponsors bike rallies where kids are taught bicycle skills and stunts, street smarts, trail riding etiquette and how to ride.

“It’s a great way to get kids ready for riding around town in the summer,” Cariveau says.

Info: www.saferoutessteamboat.com.

Safe Bike Riding Tips Preparing to ride

Riding awareness and safety

• Choose the route with the fewest streets to cross, even if it’s longer.

• Before entering a street, look for other vehicles to the left, right, in front and behind.

• Wear brightly colored clothes. Tie your shoes and secure long laces and loose pants. Don’t wear headphones.

• Wear a properly fitted helmet (no more than two fingers between chin and chin strap).

• Check that tires are firm and brakes work.

• Ride a bike that fits (when straddling, both feet should be firmly planted on the ground; when seated, hands should reach the handlebars).

• Don’t carry anyone else on your bike or anything in your hands (use a backpack or basket).

• If riding in the dark, use headlights, tail lights and reflectors and wear bright clothing with reflective material.

• Pay attention to your surroundings.

Watch for other vehicles and hazards, such as potholes and parked cars.

• Watch for vehicles turning into or exiting driveways.

• Watch for parked vehicles that may back up, pull forward or open a door.

• Ride in a straight line with two hands on the handlebars unless signaling.

• Before changing lanes or turning, always check in front and behind for traffic.

• On sidewalks or paths, ride slowly and be prepared to stop quickly. Pedestrians have the right-of-way.

• Dismount if crossing at a stop light crosswalk. steamboatbiketown.com

SKI HAUS HAS THE BIKES, SELECTION, & SERVICE TO MAKE EVERY RIDE FUN

Steamboat’s Largest Fleet of Rental Bikes.

Mountain, Road, Comfort, Cruisers, Kids & Trailers.

Best Retail Selection featuring Specialized, Rocky Mountain, Cervelo, Santa Cruz, Fox, Giro, Pearl Izumi, Hincapie and tons more!

Ski Haus . 879.0385 . Open Monday through Saturday 9 am to 6 pm. Sunday 9 am to 5 pm.

Highway 40 and Pine Grove Road . www.skihaussteamboat.com

steamboatbiketown.com

2015 bike Guide

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ESPRESSO · POUR OVER · COLD BREW 635 LINCOLN AVE · STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO OPEN DAILY 7am – 6pm www.theristretto.com

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2015 bike Guide

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5 minutes with

Abi Slingsby Avid rider Abi Slingsby, who coaches and organizes Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare’s Women’s Mountain Bike Clinics and Ride Nights, held throughout the summer, is gung-ho about getting more girls and women riding. We caught up with her for her take on her clinics and the women’s riding movement in Steamboat.

Bike Guide: What’s your background?

Slingsby: I started riding in Whistler, B.C., and then continued to ride when I moved to Steamboat in 2000 to teach skiing and snowboarding. I also hone my skills in Grand Junction and Fruita, where I live in the offseason. Jody Corey, a fellow women’s coach, convinced me to race with her a couple of years ago, so we followed the Mountain States Cup and Winter Park series for a few years. Now I just ride bikes because I love it.

BG: Why are the clinics great for women?

Slingsby: When I first began riding, there was a small women’s group riding together and they helped me get started. I fell in love with the sport and wanted to support and encourage other women to become involved. The clinics are great because it’s a fun, safe and non-threatening environment for women to learn to ride and be challenged at higher levels. Women ride a little differently than men. Most of us don’t have the pure strength and power to get up and over technical features. We need to learn and understand the skills associated with biking and use them to our advantage. Why work harder than we need to?

BG: Why are the group rides important?

Slingsby: The ride days are just as important as the clinics because they let women practice what they learned the week before. Some women attend the ride nights, some attend the clinics and some attend both. The sessions are drop-in, so steamboatbiketown.com

it doesn’t matter if you attend one week or all of them. It’s all pretty casual.

BG: What do they entail?

Slingsby: The group ride nights are nonguided, allowing us coaches to ride as well. We leave it to the girls in each group to decide the route and then we all meet up at the end of the night for dinner and storytelling. We meet on the courthouse lawn at 5:45 p.m. every Tuesday. We spend the first 15 minutes chatting about bikes, technical difficulties and getting to know each other. Then we form groups and leave for our sessions. We separate into ability levels, from never-evers to advanced, so every rider is catered to. If it’s a clinic day, then we work on the skills associated with the topic; if it’s a ride day, we take off and play — no talking, just riding.

BG: Why is riding such a great sport?

Slingsby: It can be both a group and individual sport. It can be a day out with friends or a day on your own enjoying the fresh air.

Biking allows riders to improve skills and fitness; you can start off as an absolute beginner and progress to being comfortable on terrain you never imagined. It’s just fun.

BG: Are there a lot of women riders?

Slingsby: Steamboat is very fortunate in that we have a great depth of women riders in our community. We have former and current world champions, national champions, state champions, plus a lot us who get out and ride just because we love it. As coaches, we always say that we aren’t the best or worst riders in town and what we say isn’t gospel, but it gets women started and progressing on bikes. The coaches all volunteer their time to help out, and for them, I am truly grateful because our women’s group wouldn’t be what it is without the coaches who are there to guide and inspire.

Women’s riding programs The Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club hosts an “It’s a Girl Thing” riding program for girls sixth grade and older. Designed to teach middle and high school girls the skills and fun of mountain biking by riding with their peers, the six-week program is held Monday and Thursday mornings from June 22 to Aug. 6. “Participation in it has grown each year we’ve offered it,” says program director Blair Seymour. “We get more and more girls interested every summer.”

Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare also hosts free Women’s Mountain Bike Clinics and Ride Nights throughout the summer every Tuesday from June 9 to Sept. 1.

Women of all levels are invited to meet at 5:45 p.m. at the courthouse lawn with their mountain bike, water and trail tools. The clinics follow each night at 7 p.m.

“They’re great clinics, and they’re free,” says organizer Abi Slingsby.

“Plus, the guide picks different topics to focus on each week, so you can learn different skills each time.”

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Sprints on the turf field?

Nah, we’ll take singletrack.

Courtesy of SSWSC

High school mountain bike team enters third season Steamboat SPrings Winter Sports Club offers riding programs for all levels Local high school athletes have another option besides wrestling, hoops, football, lacrosse, soccer and other more traditional sports. Thanks to SSWSC Cycling, a division of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, the high school mountain bike team is rolling strong into its third season.

“We’ve had a fantastic first two seasons,” says director Blair Seymour, whose club offers numerous programs providing athletes of various ages the opportunity to develop their cycling skills and enjoy it as a lifelong sport. “We’re looking forward to growing the program and recruiting more riders, especially girls. It’s an amazing environment.”

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2015 bike Guide

The team is coming off a fifth-place showing last year out of 44 teams in the league, at races that often see as many as 600 riders competing. Leading the charge were Jett Seymour, who finished third in JV boys, and Simon Zink, who finished eighth; Cole Sias, who placed eighth for freshmen girls; and freshmen boys Ethan Moyer, who placed third, Elijah Vargas, who placed ninth, and Kaden Mendonca, who finished 11th. This year’s schedule will include five races throughout Colorado.

“From gravity riders looking to rip downhills and elite high school athletes taking competitive cycling to the next level to elementary school children looking to ride with friends, the program offers

something for everyone,” Seymour adds.

“It’s grown so large that we truly have a little something for everyone.”

Among the club’s offerings are BMX and gravity programs; a six-event road training race series called Steel Club; two-day mountain bike clinics for adults and kids; a Devo team for middle school racers; and a volunteer-based youth program teaching fundamentals. The program’s coaches include Seymour, Mindy Mullikan, Dan Vargas, Mike Pinsker and Michelle Freckleton.

“The depth and experience of our coaching staff is tremendous,” Seymour adds.

Info: www.sswsc.org steamboatbiketown.com

DROP INTO DAVID CHASE www.davidchaserugsandfurniture.com | 970.879.5667 | Central Park Plaza | Tue–Fri 11–5:30 Sat 11–4

steamboatbiketown.com

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golf bikEs tEE UP Don’t be surprised if you hear a few more bikers yelling “Fore!” this season. haymaker Golf Course is offering golf bikes this summer, letting players rent a new specialized ride when hitting the links.

Designed for those who want the fun and exercise of biking when playing golf, instead of walking or driving a cart, the bikes are available in one size fitting riders 5-foot to 6-foot, 7-inches tall. the bikes weigh 33 pounds with two custom side-mounted golf bags. they come with a six-speed Shimano shifter and Shimano rear derailleur, with a 32-tooth chain ring and alloy crank.

“Biking in Steamboat isn’t just limited to trails or roads,” says Bike town USa Initiative executive Director tyler Goodman. “We have riders on snow and lakes, and now even on the golf course.”

With their smaller, 20-inch tires, the bikes might not be the best for emerald Mountain, but they’re perfect for getting around the greens.

“We’re really excited about them,” says Barbara Robinson, of the haymaker management committee, adding that the course is purchasing four for their initial golf-riding season. “a member of our committee saw them at the Golf expo in orlando and brought them to our attention.” a course in Vail, she adds, brought four in last year that have

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Fore! Golf bikes are rolling into the Yampa Valley.

already paid for themselves through rental fees. While best suited for the cart paths, they’re also perfect for gearing up on the grounds. “they’re going to be a great addition to town,” she says, “especially in a community that’s as bike crazy as Steamboat.”

Info: www.haymakergolf.com

steamboatbiketown.com

Be LocaL

Your Steamboat Today is available in print, online and mobile

SteamboatToday.com • 970-879-1502 steamboatbiketown.com

Steamboat Bike Town USA locals read the

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steamboatbiketown.com

Bigger is better: Fat bikes have extended Steamboat’s cycling season.

KeVIN KoPISChKe

fat bikEs hit thE ‘boat Steamboat riders aren’t just restricted to biking in summer anymore. the new craze of fat bikes has hit town in force, opening up countless new snow-riding options in the wintertime.

“Steamboat’s perfect for it,” says local Robert orr, who competed in Idaho’s 200-kilometer-long Fat Pursuit Race through Yellowstone this year. “We get great snow and have great terrain for it that’s not too steep or rocky.”

Fat bike retailers like orange Peel Bicycle Service, Ski haus and Wheels Bicycle Shop reported record rentals over the winter, as a subpar snow year proved perfect for fat bike pedaling.

“It’s fun and different,” Moots President Butch Boucher says. “It’s super accessible here, and the equipment keeps getting better; 5-inch-wide tires work great in the snow.” this winter, Routt County Riders purchased a snowmobile-towed trail-groomer to create fl ow

trails on emerald meadows, which were frequented by fat bike afi cionados all season. a series of local events also put fat biking in the limelight. hahn’s Peak Roadhouse in North Routt hosted a fun fat bike race around Steamboat lake in February, and Catamount Ranch and Club held a fat bike race series for the second straight year to terrifi c turnout. “a lot of people showed up for them,” says organizer Kevin Kopischke, whose Fat Cat Full Moon Snowbike Race Series drew riders to the club’s Nordic tracks. luring everyone from hardcore mountain bikers to fat tire novices, the races were 9 miles long and included sections of uphill singletrack interspersed with Nordic trail riding.

“It’s all about having fun, and it’s certainly gaining momentum,” he says. “We want to grow the sport here — it fits perfectly into our active lifestyles, and we have perfect terrain and snow for it.”

JohN F. RUSSell

WhErE to go lake Catamount touring Center: open to fat bikes with restrictions; trail fee required ($20 for adults); rentals available ($25).

steamboat ski area: open to fat bikes with restrictions; closed during normal hours of operations; use only routes identified by the resort.

howelsen hill nordic Center: open to fat bikes with restrictions; trail fee required; trails closed to fat bikes from 2 to 6 p.m. monday through Friday and during nordic events.

elsewhere: Fat bikes are allowed on all other city trails not groomed for nordic skiing. hotspots include blackmer drive and the mountain bike trails of emerald mountain.

steamboat ski touring Center: Fat bikes not allowed.

For more information on where to go and restrictions visit www.routtcountyriders.com.

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10 things to do in Bike Town USA Want a break from your bike saddle? There are plenty of other things to do when you’re not riding in Bike Town USA. The Following are a few of our favorites.

Quad melt: Steamboat’s local hot springs are a great way to soothe cycling muscles.

Matt Stensland Soak in the hot springs Steamboat Springs was named by early settlers who thought its gurgling hot springs sounded like steamboats. Soak for yourself at Old Town Hot Springs, at Third Street and Lincoln Avenue, which harbors a variety of hot pools, a lap pool, a plunge-if-you-fall climbing wall and a pair of 230-foot water slides. For a more rustic soak, head to Strawberry Park Hot Springs seven miles north of town on Routt County Road 36 (clothing optional

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after dark). Head east on Fish Creek Falls Road and take a left onto Amethyst Drive to connect to RCR 36. Local tip: Try the waterfall back massage.

Frisbee, softball, tennis, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes and more; have a barbecue by the play park; or hit the skate park.

“It’s a real gem of the town,” says local Olympian Nelson Carmichael.

Hang out at Howelsen That little mountain with the big ski jumps across the river from downtown is home to some of Steamboat’s best summer activities. The Howler Alpine Slide is a favorite for families; Howelsen Ice Arena offers ice skating, hockey and more; play

Play a round Golfers can hit the links at any of Steamboat’s four beautiful and varied courses. Haymaker is a hybrid links-style course set on the valley floor. continued on page 48 2015 bike Guide

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Hop off your bike saddle and saddle up to a free summer concert at Howelsen Hill.

Matt Stensland Things to do continued from page 47 Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club and the members-only Catamount Ranch & Club offer true mountain golfing at its finest.

And for a quick nine, try Steamboat Golf Club on the west side of town.

“You can play every day and not get tired of any of them,” says local Olympian and Moose’s Loose Golf Tournament founder Moose Barrows.

Tube the Yampa Tubing the Yampa River is one of Steamboat’s most popular summertime activities. You can go on your own or with one of several commercial outfitters offering tube use and transportation. Bonus: Try to make it through the C-hole by Bud Werner Memorial Library upright.

“It’s a big part of the Steamboat summer experience,” says local river guide

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Kent Vertrees. Please, no glass, littering, Styrofoam coolers, nudity, dogs or alcohol.

Free Summer Concert Series Take in a concert after your bike ride at Steamboat’s free summer concert series, all staged at the base of Howelsen Hill in the heart of downtown. This year’s line-up includes the Chris Robinson Brotherhood on June 19, the New Orleans Suspects on July 3, Jonny Lang on July 10, Ziggy Marley on Aug. 5 and the Jeff Austin Band on Aug. 15.

Presented by Budweiser, KFMU, the city of Steamboat Springs, Steamboat Today and more, the family-friendly series is a gathering for all ages and has become one of the signature family events in the valley.

Visit the Botanic Park Smell the roses and take in other

blooms at the Yampa River Botanic Park along the Core Trail. The outdoor oasis features 30 gardens and a variety of ponds and is home to a spectacular array of plants and flowers. The free park also hosts Music on the Green concerts at 12:15 p.m. every Thursday. Take a picnic and a blanket, but not your dog.

Take in Fish Creek Falls For a great stroll with the family, head to Fish Creek Falls, the iconic, cascading 283foot waterfall originally pictured on cans of Coors beer. It’s a three-mile drive from downtown and a quarter-mile walk to the bridge at the falls’ base or to an overlook above.

Fee: $5 per vehicle per day for parking.

“It’s one of the most spectacular places in Steamboat,” local rider Blair Seymour says. “It’s close to town, and you can dunk your whole body in its cool waters.”

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Fish the river The town stretch of the Yampa River carries as many as 2,000 trout per mile in the city limits (catch-and-release with flies and lures only; Colorado fishing license required for anyone 16 and older). Other hotspots include the Stagecoach tailwaters, Chuck Lewis Wildlife Areas, Elk River and Casey’s and Fetcher ponds.

“The Yampa has great public access to incredible fishing water all within city limits,” says local Olympian Johnny Spillane.

Hit local lakes Steamboat Springs has two great lakes where you can waterski, wakeboard, stand-up paddleboard or wade off sandy beaches. A half hour north of town, 1,053acre Steamboat Lake has a full-service marina and carries the Colorado Wildlife Commission’s Gold Medal rating for fishing. Camp, swim at a beach and rent everything from speedboats to houseboats.

Located 17 miles south of town, 780-acre

Stand-up paddleboarding is an emerging recreational activity on Steamboat lakes and rivers.

Stagecoach Reservoir stocks 35,000 rainbow trout and offers a swimming beach, motor boat rentals and a 10-mile trail around its perimeter.

Hit the rodeo Think your bike tumble was tough?

That’s peanuts compared to the spills you’ll see every weekend at the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series, one of the best rodeo series in the nation.

“It’s one of the best events of the

Matt Stensland

summer,” says announcer John Shipley.

Held every summer from mid-June to mid-August, the series includes everything from barrel racing and steer wrestling to bronc riding, bull riding and team roping. It also features world class rodeo acts and a calf/ram scramble for the kids.

The PRCA-sanctioned event is a past Small Outdoor Rodeo of the Year winner and is held in Brent Romick Rodeo Arena across the Yampa River from downtown Steamboat. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with barbecue dinners and libations available.

• PROFESSIONAL VIDEO GAIT ANALYSIS • PERSONALIZED SERVICE • TOP RUNNING BRANDS IN STOCK • REWARDS PROGRAM

WEEKLY THURSDAY EVENING

Beer Run

Go to twistedtrailsrunning.com for more info

601 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs, CO | 970-761-2379 | www.twistedtrailsrunning.com steamboatbiketown.com

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Devon Balet

AprÈs biking downtown After a day of biking in Bike Town USA, pedal on up to any number of bars and restaurants downtown to wet your whistle. Yampa Street, moments away from the trailheads on Emerald Mountain, is the perfect location for whatever suits your post-pedal fancy, from a cold beer by the river to a filling sandwich in the sun.

Aurum Food & Wine

Cugino’s Pizzeria

Seasonal new American fare, with a Colorado-focused craft cocktail, beer and regional wine program along the Yampa River. 970-879-9500, 811 Yampa St.

What’s not to like about pizza or calzones and beer after a long ride?

970-879-5805, 41 Eighth St.

Bamboo Market

If you’ve really worked up an appetite, head to Double Z for barbecue ribs and fries. 970-879-0849, 1124 Yampa St.

Don’t want to waste a good ride with fries and beers? Bamboo Market will refuel you with organic produce, salads, sandwiches and soups. 970-879-9992, 1110 Yampa St. Carl’s Tavern Home of comfort food and big screen TVs, Carl’s will fill your belly and entertain with great bluegrass bands. Try the Rocky Mountain Mule. 970-761-2060, 700 Yampa St.

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Double Z Bar & Bar BQ

E3 Chophouse Swing by for happy hour beers and bar food (or an all-natural, Angus beef steak), complete with a beautiful lawn and deck overlooking the river. 970-879-7167, 701 Yampa St. Eureka - Mediterranean Street Food Cap off your ride with affordable,

family-friendly Mediterranean street food served family feast style in the heart of downtown. 700 Yampa St., 970-761-2061, www.eurekasteamboat.com Sake2U Hop off your cycle straight into some sushi or cold beer. Grab a seat on the outdoor deck to view the terrain you just rode on Emerald Mountain. 970-8701019, 609 Yampa St. Sunpie’s Bistro Riverside, outdoor seating and Hurricanes that should be consumed with caution. 970-870-3360, 735 Yampa St. Sweet Pea Restaurant and Market Healthy, hearty salad sound good, as well as a cold adult beverage? Sweet Pea is your spot. 970-879-1221, 729 Yampa St.

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We hope your riding is safe and fun.

If somebody causes you an injury, we’re here to help.

Below are some Tips, Tricks, and rules for a safe ride To keep you on your Bike.

Adjusting speed with traffic. when approaching other vehicles, whether approaching them from the back or side, make sure you decrease your speed.

Making yourself visible. make sure you’re not riding in someone’s blind spot and that you are wearing reflective clothing.

Observing proper intersection safety rules. when riding your bike through an intersection it is imperative that you check to make sure all vehicles on the sides are completely stopped.

Riding defensively. never assume that a car will or can stop for you.

Following ALL the rules. as a biker, you don’t have the luxury of picking and choosing what rules to follow and which ones to ignore.

Help and Support You Need to Get Back on the Saddle

Alvin Wolff Jr. Attorney at Law 970-870-8444 steamboatbiketown.com

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of bikEs and brEWs take a brewery tour after your ride three breweries call Steamboat home, all offering a great way to sample suds after your ride with a mix of fill-your-own growlers, mug clubs, tasting rooms and more. hit up all three on your next aprèspedal adventure. bUtChErknifE brEWing Butcherknife Brewing operates a 4,000-squarefoot brewery with tap room — complete with tasting room and two garage doors opening to a patio — at 2875 elk River Road. It produces 60 kegs every 20 days, and its beer can be found in bars throughout town. hint: try the Best of the Boat-winning amputator to replenish those lost carbs from your ride. the brewery prides itself on its recipes, attention to detail and good ol’ Steamboat water.

“It’s the best water in Colorado, straight from the Continental Divide,” says co-founder Mark Fitzgerald. Co-founder Nate Johansing keeps the recipes real, earning his master’s degree in brewing from the Siebel Institute of technology and Doemens academy in Munich, Germany.

“It’s the perfect place to stop after your ride,” Fitzgerald adds.

Info: www.butcherknifebrewing.com storM PEak brEWing Co. If you ride Divide trail down from the top of the resort, it’s 3,832 vertical feet to the Storm Peak Brewing Co. tasting room at 1744 lincoln ave. the brewhouse makes its beer in a new 2,000-square-

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foot facility with tap room and bar up front. everything it makes — from crisp Golden ale to darker Black ale and seasonal styles in between — is sold on premises, meaning you can’t find it anywhere else.

“We’re focused on tap room sales and creating an atmosphere where people can enjoy our product,” co-founder Wyatt Patterson says. the brewery recently added two new fermenters and a brite tank, enabling it to store up to 42 barrels at a time.

“We’re proud to call Steamboat home and love sharing our passion for beer,” Patterspm adds.

Info: www.stormpeakbrewing.com Mahogany ridgE brEWEry & grill If you’re hitting emerald Mountain, at the end of your ride, you’ll pass right by Mahogany Ridge at 435 lincoln ave. downtown — the closest microbrewery you’ll find to any trail in town. It offers seven handcrafted beers on tap, including its famous alpenglow, Uncle Daryl’s Dunkleweizen and a variety of light, wheat, brown ale, IPa and other recipes.

“We’re a brew pub versus a micro-brewery,” says owner Charlie Noble, touting its taster sampler.

“Brewing is where my passion is, and all our offerings are great.”

Mahogany’s happy hour is also a local favorite, letting you sample a taster tray of eight, 4-ounce beers alongside the best and most affordable tapas menu in town.

Info: www.mahoganyridgesteamboat.com

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PhotoS CoURteSY oF CaSeY BaRRett / DeVoN Balet

Parting shot think mustaches went out of fashion with tom Selleck? Not in Steamboat, where the annual Mustache Ride, held the first Saturday in october, celebrates all things bicycle and follicle.

What started as a fun pub crawl among a few dozen friends has morphed into a whimsical, costumed and, most importantly,

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mustachioed charity bike ride through town benefitting the Routt County humane Society. last year’s ride included 500 riders and raised almost $12,000 in donations — as well as the eyebrows of unsuspecting bystanders.

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