Day 1: Get picked up at 10am in Denver, Colorado from host hotel (arrive the day before). Bike and gear transport to the Salida, CO area. Assemble and tune bikes, and take a casual ride at 7,000 feet in altitude. Mileage: 18 miles
Day 2: After breakfast, ride through the mountains in Salida and experience your first real climb as we ascend up Poncha Pass. Get adjusted to altitude while riding at over 7,000 feet above sea level. This gentle pass will take you up 2,000 feet in elevation in seven miles. After reaching the summit we will take a lunch break in Villa Grove. Grab an espresso and burger in the cafe before we descend back into town. Scenic views and snow-capped mountains surround you. Cyclists should plan on riding 3-4 hours. Mileage: 55 miles
Day 3: Ride from Salida to Leadville, the highest incorporated town in North America! At 10,000 feet you will ride at high altitude in this former silver mining town. Enjoy the picturesque landscape in Lake County and the endless mountain views. The high alpine ride consists of 3,000 feet of elevation gain and will take approximately 4-5 hours on the bike. In the evening we will explore this National Historic Landmark District with a walking tour and then relax in a local saloon. Mileage: 60 miles
Day 4: After breakfast at the hotel, ride from Leadville to Aspen up over Independence Pass. This hilly ride is a mix of long, slow climbing and fast descending which will take you through central Colorado. The ride will start at 10,000 feet and climb up to 12,000 feet before descending down into Aspen at the end of the day. Today enjoy spectacular views of the Twin Lakes, aspen groves, and bright blue skies. Dinner in Aspen and time to soak in the pool. Mileage: 58 miles
Day 5: Today is a day off the bike so you can recover after some tough climbing. We will take a gondola ride up to the top of Snowmass Mountain. Have lunch on the deck of Elk Camp Café at 11,000 feet while soaking up views of the Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. After a relaxing lunch in the sun, hike on one of many trails on the mountain, then take the gondola back down. The day can be spent on the mountain, riding on your own, shopping on the pedestrian mall, or exploring the many quirks of Aspen. Mileage: Optional
Day 6: After breakfast, transfer to our new hotel in Vail. After settling in, ride up Vail Pass, an elevation of 10,665 feet. The ride will start on a quiet frontage road in town before it crosses under the interstate near Gore Creek. Most of the climb is closed to traffic and is on a paved trail. After crossing Polk Creek you will have a short, steep climb before reaching the summit. Ride around the Black Lakes before heading back to Vail. After refueling in a local restaurant for dinner you will be able to explore the Vail Valley. Mileage: 40 miles
Day 7: Continue riding the scenic landscape of Colorado as we make our way on another ride in the Vail Valley. Pass by streams and aspen groves and get a sense of all the beauty Colorado has to offer. Pack bikes and gear in the afternoon and enjoy final group dinner. Mileage: 50 miles
Day 8: After breakfast, a shuttle transport back to the Denver International Airport will be provided, unless you have arranged an extended stay vacation with us, or an alternate hotel drop-off.
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If you have questions please call 720-295-0758
Inclusions
- Knowledgeable guides and staff who have a passion for cycling
- Van support during group rides, stocked with snacks, sports drinks, and bottled water
- Option to ride in van when tired, instead of riding the entire route
- Mechanical Support and assistance assembling your bike
- All lodging, double occupancy
- Most dinners at fine, local eateries and pubs
- Transportation to and from the Denver International Airport
- Transportation of luggage, gear, and bikes during the tour
- Secure storage of your bike when not riding it
- Small group size to make your cycling vacation enjoyable
- Unlimited breathtaking scenery and endless photo opportunities
Exclusions
- Airfare to/from Colorado
- Gratuities for tour guides
- Single Supplement (when available)
- Miscellaneous personal expenses
Traveling With Your Bike
We recommend that you bring your own bike on vacation, however if your airline will charge you an excessive amount, or you don't have a bike box, a road bike can easily be rented in Colorado. If you are interested in this option please let us know when you sign up. Many times the rental fee will be about the same as the airlines charge to travel with your bike. If you would like us to reserve a bike for you, you will still need to bring your helmet and cycling shoes. Helmets are required on all rides.
What To Bring
Weather in the Rocky Mountains can vary quite a bit. Bring the appropriate riding gear for all weather conditions including rain, cool temperatures, and brisk winds, and even snow in the summer! Review our travel tips for advice, training tips, and a packing list for other recommendations.
Trip Insurance
Although we do not require the purchase of trip insurance, we strongly recommend it for your cycling tour. Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for any travel expenses that you have paid, and cannot obtain a refund for. If your flight is delayed and you miss your connecting flight what will you do? If you travel with your bike and the airlines damage it, what will you do? If your bike or helmet is missing and you can’t participate in the tour you signed up for, what will you do?
The right plan will also reimburse your costs for work-related cancelations and provide medical coverage anywhere in the world. Even if you have your own health insurance in the United States, you won’t be covered internationally. This alone is an excellent reason to inquire about trip insurance. For around $200 you can insure your trip and have peace of mind while traveling. If you choose not to obtain trip insurance you will need to sign a waiver that you assume any financial loss you may incur, which may be higher than your original trip fee. Call us at 720.295.0758 and we can give you a quote over the phone.
How To Register
Registration is now open for the Mountains and Altitude Cycling Tour. In order to receive the best pricing and reserve your spot, please sign up now. Click on the Book Now tab at the top of the page and fill out the short form. It's that easy! Terms and Conditions
Read the terms and conditions before signing up for your next cycling trip. Learn when payment is due, health requirements, and other important information.
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