Road Biking--Advanced Trails

Vail Classic Leadville Loop: 80 miles. Begin riding west on the South Frontage Road from the Lionshead parking structure. Cyclists will continue straight on the frontage road to West Vail, riding under the interstate bridge, until the frontage road comes to a dead-end. The road then turns into the bike path along Gore Creek. Cyclists will turn left onto U.S. Highway 6 and 24 toward Minturn, Red Cliff and Leadville. The highway takes riders over Battle Mountain Pass, Camp Hale and then over Tennessee Pass (10,424 feet). At the intersection of Highway 24 and Highway 91 turn left and ride towards Copper Mountain. Riders will gradually climb over Fremont Pass (11,318 feet) before descending towards Interstate 70. At the entrance of Copper Mountain Resort turn left and follow the signs to the Vail Pass bike path. The path begins next to the horse stables. Riders will then grind their way up and over Vail Pass (10,666 feet). The descent will begin just beyond the rest area, as the route passes Black Lakes. The views of the Gore Range will be awesome as riders head down into East Vail. Continue to following the route as it changes to an old road. Ride another 2.15 miles from Gore Creek campground to the end of Bighorn Rd. Turn left onto the Gore Valley Trail and follow the paved bike path back to Vail and the start of the ride.

Directions: Drive west on Interstate 70 to Vail Exit 176. Turn right at the roundabout onto South Frontage Road to the Lionshead parking structure.

 

Bellyache Hill Climb: The Avon to Bellyache Road ride begins west of U.S. Highway 6 alongside the Eagle River. Continue along the highway past Edwards and cross under the Interstate 70 bridge toward Wolcott, at about 10 miles. If cyclists pass the Wolcott Yacht Club, they’ve gone too far.Riders should turn left at the Interstate 70 intersection at Highway 6 and continue up the road, pedaling under the bridge and past the Lazy J Ranch in Wolcott. The road turns into Bellyache Ridge Road and the climb begins. Bellyache is not for the faint of heart. The road winds uphill past Red Sky Ranch for about six miles. About five miles up riders will be able to see Eagle County at its best. On a clear day, cyclists can see all the way to Summit County.

Directions: Drive west on Interstate 70 to Avon Exit 162. Go south on Avon Road to U.S. Highway 6. Parking is available at the Beaver Creek East Day Lot.

 

Colorado Eagle River Ride: 102 miles. The Colorado Eagle River Ride (a.k.a The Burns Loop) starts at the East Beaver Creek Day lot. The first part of the 100-mile bike ride heads west along U.S. Highway 6 and the Eagle River through Edwards. About 11 miles from Edwards, riders will arrive in Wolcott. From here, turn right and head north on U.S. Highway 131 toward State Bridge. Riders will start a short climb after the railroad tracks and then descend toward 4 Eagle Ranch. From 4 Eagle Ranch, riders will gradually start another climb, culminating at Wolcott Divide. From here, the descent is fast into State Bridge. Riders then continue riding Highway 131 through McCoy, looking for a turn left onto Colorado River Road. From here, the road changes to hard-packed dirt for about 20 miles. Road bikes will not have any problems on this section. The scenery is fantastic along the road as it parallels the Colorado River. At 12.5 miles from the intersection of Highway 131, riders will come to Catamount rest stop. This is a good spot to refuel before riding to end of Colorado River Road. Continue from here for another 10 miles to the confluence of the Colorado and Eagle Rivers. Turn left on Highway 6 and ride west. The remainder of the ride is 35 miles along the Eagle River back to Avon. This ride is considered difficult due to its length. In addition, the ride can be hot along western sections of the route in the middle of summer.

Directions: Drive west on Interstate 70 to Exit 162 Avon. Turn south on Avon Road to U.S. Highway 6. Parking is available at the Beaver Creek Elk Lot.