Come join us for a fixed-base ride in beautiful Aspen, Colorado, located at an elevation of 8000 ft. in the heart of the White River National Forest in the Rocky Mountains. Aspen is a historic silver mining town surrounded by mountains where opportunities for cycling and hiking are plentiful. Late September is a spectacular season when the aspen leaves turn their golden color and the scrub oak turns red against the clear blue sky; the days are typically warm and sunny, and evenings are cool and crisp. We are hopeful this will be the peak week for the Aspen colors. The locals especially love this time of year, as off-season approaches and they have the town to themselves. Rating for this tour is 2A to 3C. Since rides are out and back, distances can be as short or as long as you choose. We will ride mostly on paved roads with light traffic and paved biking trails. We meet on Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 4:30 PM at the cozy Hearthstone House in downtown Aspen. The last riding day is Friday, September 29, with a farewell dinner that evening and departure on Saturday, September 30. Fees include: 6 nights lodging, daily afternoon social hours, 2 dinners, 6 extended continental breakfasts, and 1 lunch. Bikes will be stored in racks in the lodge courtyard, along the front of the building, under a lighted overhang. Go to www.hearthstonehouse.com to view this area. We will cover the bikes with tarps. We will not have a van. Maps and route sheets will be provided for 5 days of riding, including local favorites Maroon Creek (el. gain 1580 ft. in 10 miles) with its famous view of the Maroon Bells and Lake, and Castle Creek Road, a succession of hills with level stretches and even an occasional short downhill past the historic town of Ashcroft (el. gain 1730 ft. in 11 miles) where riders can lunch at the popular Pine Creek Cookhouse; a ride over Owl Creek to the Snowmass Ski Area; down valley on an old railroad right of way past the Woody Creek tavern, famed Hunter Thompson hangout, to Basalt (20 miles), where we can take the 14 mile, 1000 ft. climb following the Frying Pan River, up past the majestic Seven Castles to Ruedi Reservoir or keep going to the end of the road; continue further down valley on back roads past farms and ranches to Carbondale. The highlight of the week will be a ride up Independence Pass (4000 ft. climb over 20 miles) for breathtaking views of the Continental Divide. The Pass provides a challenge for riders of every level - a rider can tackle part of it or go further and top out at 12,093 feet. Other activities include hiking, Gondola ride (weekends only), mine tour, mountain biking, golfing, shopping, art galleries, fly fishing, fine dining, museums, paragliding, hot air balloons, and more. Or, just take time to relax in the outdoor Jacuzzi or indoor steam room at the lodge. For information on tourism in Aspen, go to www.aspensnowmass.com or www.aspenchamber.org. Accommodations range in price from $99 to $129 double occupancy, plus tax, based on us booking 10 rooms. Single supplement is as low as $300. Room reservations are made through the ride directors and room choice is on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants may extend their stay at the same rates. Aspen can be reached via the Aspen airport (3 miles from town via taxi or free bus), Denver International Airport (220 mi.), or Eagle Airport (70 mi.), Grand Junction Walker Field (125 mi.), and Colorado Springs Airport (270 mi.). Travel information: www.stayaspensnowmass.com. Participants are to arrange own transportation to lodge. Ride coordination is via email. Minimum is 23 participants. The Ride Directors are Jackie Mastrangelo, Perry Pollock and Dusty Hamrick. To assure a swift reply, send messages to both: jackiemast@cs.com and theduster@sopris.net. Mail deposits of $250 ($350 single supplement) to Jackie Mastrangelo, PO Box 950, Aspen, CO 81612. Deposit includes $50.00 nonrefundable BAC Ride Registration Fee. Please contact the Ride Directors before sending deposit.