The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Roaring Fork Valley Ramble

August 14th to August 24th

Ride Director: Bob Smith
Ride Co-Director: Anne Smith
Ride Driver: Jasmin Elliott
Report by: Mike Raudenbush

Crystalline rivers, velvet forests, soaring peaks, historic hotels, generous Happy Hours, and an abundance of ride options – these all defined the ever-popular Roaring Fork Ramble of Colorado.

Our group met at the historic Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, located where the Roaring Fork River joins the mighty Colorado River, and a diverse and compatible group it was, with representatives from California, Arizona, Wisconsin, Ohio, Oklahoma, Iowa, and of course Colorado. Riding levels ranged from “what’s the hurry?” to “how many miles can I rack up today?”, and all were happy with the multitude of available rides at different levels.

On our first riding day we headed up the iconic “must do” ride on the bike path through the heartbreakingly beautiful Glenwood Canyon, a gentle grade its entire 15 mile length.

More ambitious folks added a hike up to the lovely Hanging Lake, midway along the bike trail. Those with an interest in highway engineering marveled at the spectacular “hanging Interstate”, sweeping through the canyon with nary a scar on the lovely red walls of the canyon.

Next day we were off to Redstone, 30 gentle miles away, most of it on the Rio Grande Bikeway along the Roaring Fork and Crystal Rivers, with inspiring views of Mt. Sopris as a backdrop. In Redstone we stayed at the historic Redstone Inn, built during the Great Silver Boom of the late 19th Century and lovingly renovated to preserve its 19th Century charm, while providing modern comforts. There our intrepid leaders, Bob and Anne Smith, had arranged for a local historian to provide us with a glimpse of the history of Redstone.

The third day of riding presented optional rides to either McClure Pass, with its breathtaking views of surrounding peaks, and/or the funky little town of Marble, where we enjoyed barbeque at the “Slow Groovin’”, a popular destination restaurant. That evening Bob and Anne had arranged for Happy Hour in the lovely garden of a nearby art gallery.

Next day was the 28-mile ride to Basalt, another gentle ride along the Bikeway and next to the rivers. Lodging was at the Basalt Mountain Inn, strategically located at the mouth of the Frying Pan River and near a myriad of fly fishing shops and fine restaurants (not that we really needed dinner after the huge Happy Hour spreads).

On the 5th riding day most of the group chose to ride the 15 miles up to Ruedi Reservoir, a sapphire lake set in the jade surroundings of lovely forests. The route followed the glorious Frying Pan River, world-renown for flyfishing. One of our group – an accomplished fly fisher – took the day off from cycling to try her hand on the Frying Pan.

The next day we left Basalt for Aspen on the Bikeway, another gentle ride, but with several options for side trips, including to the Maroon Bells. Several cyclists made the ‘Bells trip this day, others waited, since the ride starts at Aspen. Regardless of when they did it, Bob and Anne weren’t going to let anyone leave Colorado without seeing the Bells, the Queens of the Rockies, the most photographed mountains in Colorado and stock for just about every calendar of Colorado ever made.

Once in Aspen we were treated to a marvelous small inn, the Hearthstone, built in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright and run by a fellow cyclist. In addition to augmenting our already sumptuous Happy Hour with their own wine and cheese, the Hearthstone provided a fabulous breakfast in their spacious, sunny lounge.

We spent 3 nights at the Hearthstone, and in addition to the Maroon Bells there were several excellent and varied rides to choose from, including the ghost town of Ashcroft and the grueling but infinitely rewarding 4000 foot climb up Independence Pass on a narrow mountain road, culminating at the top of one of the finest (and highest) passes in Colorado, surrounded by 14,000 foot high peaks.

Monday, August 21, was a day few of us will forget – the solar eclipse! Aspen was not in the path of the total eclipse, but we were treated to the crescent shadows of the leaves, dimming of the bright sunlight, and a 5 degree drop in temperature! Bob Pinnick brought eclipse glasses for all of us who forgot ours – BAC members taking care of each other!

Our last night in Aspen Bob and Anne arranged for a BBQ at the Inn, a nice touch to top off 3 fabulous days in Aspen, then the next day found us on the bike path back to Glenwood Springs, a gentle 43 mile downhill run, past the famous Woody Creek Tavern, lunch at The Village Smithy in Carbondale, and a race ahead of a rain squall.

And finally, our farewell dinner at the Hotel Colorado, a fine ending to a fantastic trip in the Colorado Rockies. Hugs all around with promises to “see you on the next ride”.

Participants include Bob Smith (RD), Anne Smith (CoRD), Jasmin Elliott (Driver), Bruce Elliott, Jean Behse, Bill Thomson, Jane Maxwell, Lyn Little, Jeanne Bush, Linda Karns, Linda Hanson, Frank Karns, Linda Kimball, Roseanne & Bob Pinnick, Virginia Cottingham, Mike Raudenbush, Bob Netteland, Ken Popkin and Tricia Lee. Missing from the photos are Beverly Franks and Jim Heiser.