This ride is a fixed-base or semi-fixed-base ride, please read the ride description for more details.
† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $50 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.
OVERVIEW:
Get some exercise, view the aspen color changes and relax in the Roaring Fork Valley of the western slope of Colorado. This is a fixed base ride in Carbondale, Colorado (30 miles from Aspen). We will be staying all 7 nights at the Days Inn in Carbondale, Colorado which has a 2019 trip advisor certificate of Excellence, with many amenities including heated pool, continental breakfast and a great location near the bus system. Rooms are the deluxe version with a lot of room to spread out for your stay.
The town is located in the Roaring Fork Valley, downstream from Aspen and upstream from the mouth of the Roaring Fork River at Glenwood Springs. The town proper sits on the south bank of the river at the confluence of the Crystal River. The scenery is spectacular and this is during leaf change peak season. Carbondale's horizon is dominated by the 12,953 ft. (3,952 m) tall Mount Sopris several miles to the south of town. The base altitude is 6100 ft. so flatlanders may want to arrive a few days early to acclimate.
LOGISTICS:
Carbondale is located 3 to 4 hours from Denver, 50 minutes from Aspen, 20 minutes from Glenwood springs. There are several airports: Aspen (ASE) , Eagle Vail (EGE) , Grand Junction (GJT) or Denver (DEN). There are services to arrive in Carbondale from those destinations, including limo shuttles.
There is also an Amtrak train to Glenwood Springs. Easiest flights would be Aspen and then the public bus to Carbondale (RFTA), taxi, Uber, or car rental.
Each day will be a recommended road ride and a choice of many other rides to suit your fitness level. There will also be a hike to Thomas Lakes at the base of Mt. Sopris, which is labeled moderate. This area is also a Mountain Bike Mecca and there are countless rides close by. You may want to take a day or two off and explore this area on your own. There’s fishing, rafting, hot springs, gourmet restaurants in every direction including the famous town of Aspen.
RIDE RATING:
We have listed the ride rating as 2B, which translates to a distance of 35-50 miles per day, with 1500 to 2500 ft. elevation. Because of the fixed base there will always be something for everyone, more difficult or easier.
Best choice for local bike rentals is Basalt Bike & Ski which has a local Carbondale store - phone 970-963-0128. http://www.basaltbikeandski.com/the-carbondale-store-is-now-open/ It would be advisable to make reservations far in advance. They currently have 15 road bike rentals available.
Riding is on everything from bike paths to roads with shoulders. Rides included are Missouri Heights, Frying Pan, Redstone and Marble, Woody Creek and Aspen, Spring Gulch, Sunlight, Ascroft and Maroon Bells. Tandems and e-bikes are welcome. E-bike riders should be experienced with riding an e-bike and with the "rules of the road" and be prepared to ride in a group setting.
The weather for Carbondale at that time is low 70’s and high 60’s. Days Inn allows free parking and storage of your bike in your room or a storage closet.
COST & ADMINISTRATION:
In addition to the $50 non-refundable BAC fee, the estimated tour cost of the ride is $1055 based on double occupancy, and includes 7 nights lodging, 7 breakfasts, 7 BAC happy hours, and 3 group dinners. Also included are cue sheets, route maps, and GPS tracks. It is assumed that the individual participants have operational knowledge of their respective GPS units. The minimum number of paid riders is 14 and the maximum is 20. A deposit of $575 will be due when you sign up, and the remaining $480 will be due on March 25, 2020. Solo supplements will be available for $575.
SINGLES & SOLOS POLICY:
It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until (insert date) to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC fee and payment processing fee) or pay the $575 solo supplement and stay on the ride. If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary. The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride. Solo supplement payments need to be sent to the BAC office. Checks should be made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check. They should be mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193. Due date is March 25, 2020.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
The BAC ride registration fee and payment processing fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the cancelling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the cancelling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.
RIDE PARTICIPANT POLICY:
To submit a request to join this ride use the "links" displayed above this Ride Description. When you are accepted, the Ride Leader will move you from the Waitlist to the Pending List. At this time you will receive an email notification to login to the BAC website to sign the release of liability form and pay the non-refundable BAC ride registration fee and the initial tour deposit $575 by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. To contact the Ride Leader, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description.
SIGN-UP:
To submit a request to join this ride use the "links" displayed above this Ride Description. When you are accepted, the Ride Leader will move you from the Waitlist to the Pending List. At this time you will receive an email notification to login to the BAC website to sign the release of liability form and pay the non-refundable BAC ride registration fee and the initial tour deposit of $575 by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. To contact the Ride Leader, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description.
Bicycle Adventure Club
PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193
Telephone (858) 715-9510 office@bicycleadventureclub.org