Colorado Trail Recap: Day 2

Our first night is over and it's time to get the weirdest day of riding out of the way. This day included a ride-around of the Lost Creek Wilderness area, where bikes are not allowed. It was a 70 mile route made up of well manicured gravel and some pavement. The roads hid a surprising amount of elevation gain. Our target was the Tarryall Reservoir. 

We got a nice start, filtering water right by the campsite and getting on the road. Moving a little slow after a tough day 1, but eager to get some miles behind us. 

Loading up for Day 2

Early on we rode by Wellington Lake and campground. The ride here was a lot of up and down, and the road was in pretty good shape, and the lake was really pretty.

Wellington Lake

Taking a breather in the shade

Ralphie, maybe

The last part of the dirt road section was a lot more exposed, and had some really pretty views of the surrounding area.

Big wide road!

Stopped for a little lunch picnic in the shade

One of the many rolling hills

All the climbing along the road ended up adding to be a lot of climbing. Luckily, there were not a lot of real sustained climbs, so after a few miles, we had a rest. It was also really pretty which was a nice distraction from the climbing.

Pretty great rocks out here

Lots of room for 3 abreast riding

we stopped at this awesome little creek and filtered water and had a snack. the water was really cold and we all soaked our jerseys. The rain clouds were coming in, and we were trying to get off the dirt before it got too wet.

Filtering more water

Lucky for us, the afternoon rain held off until we hit pavement. But when it started, it was intense! We rode another 18 miles or so on the pavement until we got to the Reservoir. 

Then the rain came

Finally stopped raining

The waterfall at the end of the reservoir was very underwhelming, but it was a good place to filter and look for a place to stay. The problem was that it started raining again.

Last water filter for the day

The Res had these day use shelters and even though they said no camping, the rain forced us to hunker down as long as we could. While we were cooking dinner where it got pretty cold, but thankfully the shelter kept us dry and then decided to just sleep under the shelter.

Our spot for the night

I cooked up some pretty tasty mac and cheese, and then was still hungry and broke into the emergency ramen. It was great to have some extra food for this part. The long day paired with the cold weather really took it out of me. I would actually have the best night sleep this night (including the hotel on night 4). 

Cooking dinner (note warm clothes)

It was a pretty spectacular sunset, and it finally stopped raining. It was too dark to relocate, so we tried not to feel bad about breaking the rules and sleeping int he picnic shelter. 

This day was a bit of a drag because it wasn't any singletrack, but it was a pretty cool area to ride through, and ended up being a great place to spend the night. 

 

Map

Elevation

Stats

Colorado Trail Recap: Day 1

 OK Team, we did it: 5 glorious days on the Colorado Trail - camping, biking, suffering. Not everything went to plan, but everything was amazing. I'll take a few posts here to break things down by day, including some fun stories and pictures!

Day one started in the parking lot of a Safeway where we got the traditional Safeway burritos, and then we were off. Three of us would leave from here, and meet Isaac on night one.

The first 6 miles or so were up Waterton Canyon Road, where it was just a gentle gravel road climb. We rode past the Strontia Springs Dam, and even saw some mountain goats. This road was fine on a bike, but I imagine it would be a silly way to start a hike. We did see more hikers this day than any other (except maybe right at Kenosha Pass).

Strontia Springs Dam

Mountain Goats chilling in the shade

At the top of the road we got onto some fun singletrack with some switchbacks and a bit of hiking. Saw a lot of bikes out for day rides and a few thru hikers. It was nice to be in the shade for this bit.

First of the HAB

After climbing the first big climb, we rode down a pretty fun and fast descent to the Bear Creek crossing. Here we were happy to refill with water in preparation for what would be a long hot climb back out of the valley and into the Buffalo Creek trail system. 

See the horse?

The Buffalo Creek part of the trail took us through Hayman Fire burn of 2002 scar, and it was remarkable. This fire burned 138,000 acres and it is still recovering.

Smiles and sun protection

There was some fun rolly trails here, and a lot of kitty litter type sand that was a drag. By the end we were pretty wiped. We also had a bit of a challenge with Jesse's rear brake so we fired off texts, voicemails, and emails to Isaac to get some small parts and pushed on.

Saw some amazing rock formations

Jesse on the trail

Looked at a map

While we were wrapping up our day, Isaac was working on meeting us at the Buffalo Creek Campground from the north. 

Isaac's ride

Once we got together, we didn't waste and time (or sunlight) getting Jesse's bike sorted out. Lucky Isaac brought exactly what we needed and we were fine for the rest of the ride. 

There's no maintenance like trailside maintenance

Isaac surprised us with end-of-the-day beers, which was one of the top 5 beers of my life. Threw sleeping bags on the ground and got a pretty average night's sleep!

Cheers

All in all, a beautiful but pretty tough day between the climbing and the heat. I think day one is always tough adjusting to the time on the bike and calorie and water needs. Every other day felt better after getting this out of the way. That is why I wanted to do this trail so bad though - the suffering was part of the adventure, and I am 100% in for it. 

Map

Elevation

Stats

Map Breakdown: Day 4

This is the breakdown of day 4, the final day of our adventure! This day starts in Breckenridge, where we'll no doubt wake up bleary eyed and dehydrated (the way God intended). This day is a brief 12 miles, but a horrendous 3100 feet of climbing. Check out the map here.

We'll start with a road climb up the Peak Nine Access Road, and then rejoin the CO Trail about 8 miles in. The ride up the Peak Nine Access Road is an alternative route. The original route swung north and rejoined the CO Trail off HWY 9. While this would put us back on the CO Trail sooner, it also subjects us to, "4 hours of hike a bike" according to other users. In the interest of less suffering, we're going to take a service road.

Original Route

Updated Route

Elevation Profile

Part 1: Miles 0-6 - We start off with the Peak Nine Access Trail, which is a service road up to the top of Peak Nine (as the name suggests). This is rideable, and saves us quite a bit of hassle hiking up the much harder official option.

Part 1

Peak Nine Access Road

Part 2: Miles 7 - 8: Back on single track! We don't actually rejoin right onto the CO Trail, we spend a short time on Wheeler Trail, which then connects to the CO Trail. The elev tops out on this trail, and we descend down a couple hundred feet before connecting.

Part 2

Satellite View

Wheeler Trail

Part 3: Miles 9-13: After finally rejoining the CO Trail, it is an apparent technical descent down to highway 91 and a short hop across to Copper and some delicious Mexican food!

Part 3

Dropping into Copper

This will be the last part of the trip, and by now we'll surely be hungry and ready for an ice cold margarita!

Map Breakdown: Day 3

Day three is just a classic day with 41 miles and 5600 climbing. We have two passes and end in a town with a shower and bed! Check out the map here.

Route and Waypoints

Elevation Profile

This route is four parts - two passes, a descent, and a bike path into Breckenridge.

Part 1: Miles 0-7 - right out of the gate we're climbing! We'll be headed up to the top of Georgia Pass, the first of two for the day. This looks to be a fin trail, not as wide and beaten in as some parts. Once we crest the pass, we will have a somewhat steep descent that crosses a couple water supplies, and into the valley between Georgia and the second unnamed ridge. 

Part 1

Georgia Pass

There is an interesting option here as well - at the bottom of the hill between Georgia Pass and the next unnamed hill there is a bailout that takes a 7 mile detour around the unnamed pass and down to the bike path. 

Detour

We'll see how the legs are feeling on day three!

Part 2: Back to climbing! We're gearing up for our second pass of the day. This one is doesn't seem to have a name, but it's 1200 feet over 4 miles. Short and sweet, this will put us in good position to finish the day strong.

Part 2

Georgia Pass

Part 3: The last part is about a 9 mile downhill that winds through the trees as we approach the bike path on highway 9. On the map this looks fun and easy, but I'm guessing we'll be THRILLED that is is over by the bottom. 

Part 3

 Other Pass

Part 4: The last part of this is a great four mile ride up the bike path into Breckenridge. What I'd love to do is find an ice cold beer to drink as a roadie on the way to the hotel here, but dang if the map shows nothing at all! Well have to get creative to earn today's reward.

Part 4

Bike Path into Breckenridge

With this day over, we'll be showering up in a regular hotel, soaking the legs in the river, then the hot tub, and preparing for the last day!