Ride Director: Huey Hurst
Ride Co-Director: Patti Sundermann
Report by: Jeff Smith
Carbondale proved to be a wonderful home base to access a surprising number of cycling routes for all levels and abilities. A wonderful bike path provides access along the Roaring Fork River, through parts of Carbondale, and even up to Aspen. While there were options for flatter routes, many riders seemed to be interested in riding up the various canyons in the area, particularly up to Ashcroft Ghost Town and to the picturesque Maroon Bells. Riders had their breath taken away, literally, if they chose to ride up to the Continental Divide at Independence Pass with the elevation topping out a little over 12,000ft. Canyon routes involved long climbs but reasonable grades typically averaging 6-8%. Grades in excess of 8% were usually short. Routes generally had low amounts of vehicular traffic with traffic on the weekends being a little higher.
The fall leaves timed their arrival perfectly and riders were greeted with a blanket of yellow and golden colors, especially up in the various canyons.
The area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream location with plenty of non-cycling options available including hiking trails, world class fishing, off road trails, and access to Glenwood Hot Springs and Aspen amongst other small mountain towns.
Our leaders, Huey and Patty, are area residents and with Huey having been a long time UPS driver in the area (amongst many other trades), he knows it like the back of his hand. He shares his knowledge of area cycling routes, hiking trails, and the hidden gem restaurants and eateries. Ask any town residents and there is a good chance they know Huey!
Group dinners were all delicious and provided plenty of variety to please everyone. Our final dinner at an Italian restaurant that opened exclusively for our group was particularly good, executed perfectly with some of the best food I have had on any BAC tour.
Weather conditions were favorable with it often being a bit chilly in the morning, down in the mid 40s, but warming up quickly with the sun and mid-day riding found temps in the mid 50s to high 60s/low 70s depending on elevation. We only had one day I would call a rain out and that provided the perfect opportunity to visit Glenwood Hot Springs Resort or catch a viewing of Top Gun: Maverick on the big screen at the local theater.
While many routes are accessible directly from the base hotel, everyone in our group had a vehicle and for many of the popular rides, chose to ride them as a remote start. Many of the popular routes were climbing routes and riding them from the hotel would add a lot of mileage onto a route which might be a bit challenging already depending on the rider, simply due to the total elevation gain. I would highly recommend anyone looking into this trip to try and have a vehicle (which can also carry your bike) or access to a vehicle for yourself and your bike to be able to ride routes as remote starts.
Bicycle Adventure Club
PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193
Telephone (858) 715-9510 office@bicycleadventureclub.org