Bike Guide

1steamboatbiketown.com 2016 bike GuideMAPS & TIPS | TRAIL & ROAD RIDES | FAMILY CRUISING

THE GUIDE TO BIKING THE BOAT!

BikeTownUSA

2016 Bike GuideSPECIAL PULL-OUTRide Guide

2016 bike Guide2 steamboatbiketown.com2016 bike Guide2 steamboatbiketown.com

3steamboatbiketown.com 2016 bike Guide

2016 bike Guide4 steamboatbiketown.com

Series Schedule

8 Race Series Featuring EPIC Cross Country, Hill Climb and Downhill Terrain! Youth / Novice / Sport / Expert / Pro / Single Speed Divisions Post Race Parties / Raffles / Series Awards

June 1 - Marabou XC (Marabou Ranch)June 15 - Bike Town Classic (Emerald Mountain)June 29 - Churn & Burn Circuit (Mt. Werner)July 13 - Emerald Envy XC (Emerald Mountain)July 27 - Storm Peak Hill Climb (Mt. Werner)August 17 - Howelsen Hammer XC (Emerald Mountain)August 31 - Sunshine Loop XC (Mt. Werner)September 10 - Coda Classic XC (Emerald Mountain)

21204048

970.871.7031 townchallenge.com


Welcome ............................................................................... 10Bike Town USA ...................................................................... 11Event Calendar ..................................................................... 12Cycling Events ...................................................................... 14Bike Week ............................................................................ 16Bicycle Friendly Community ................................................ 17Bear River Bike Park ............................................................. 19Fat Bikes ............................................................................... 20New Trails ............................................................................. 22Buff Pass Trails ..................................................................... 24

ride GUide PULL OUT SECTIONTrail ratings, tips, maps, descriptions and more for Steamboats favorite rides, from classic roadie tours to Emerald Mountain, the Steamboat Bike Park and more.

Take this special pull-out section with you on the trail for easy reference.

Routt County Riders ............................................................ 25Aprs Bike Scene .................................................................. 26Brewery Tour ........................................................................ 27Online Bike Guide ................................................................ 28Q&A with Katie Lindquist .................................................... 29Share the Road ..................................................................... 31Safe Bike Riding Tips ........................................................... 31Safe Routes to School .......................................................... 31Bike Shops ............................................................................ 32Womens Favorite Rides ...................................................... 35Womens Programs .............................................................. 35Titanium Titans .................................................................... 37Gravel Rides ......................................................................... 385 Minutes with Amy Charity ................................................ 40

2016 RIDE GUIDE 1

STEAMBOATBIKETOWN.COM

BikeTownUSA

2016 Ride GuideTHE INSIDE TRACK ON STEAMBOATS TRAILS AND ROADS

SPECIAL PULL OUT

Steamboat Bike Town USA InitiativeBoard of DirectorsChris Sias, president

David High, vice presidentlarry Mashaw, secretary

Jim Clark, treasurer

linda Corkadel, Mark Fitzgerald, Kent Foster,

liana Gregory, Trevyn Newpher, David Scully

DirectorAmy Stern

Safe Routes to School CoordinatorSally Cariveau

The 2016 Steamboat Springs Bike Guide is produced by the

Steamboat Today.

Suzanne Schlicht, COOEugene Buchanan, magazine editor

lindsay Porter, creative services manager

PhotographersCorey Kopischke, larry Pierce,

Scott Franz, Joel Reichenberger, John F. Russell, Matt Stensland, CJ

Berg, Aryeh Copa, Eric Schankerman

Advertising SalesJenni DeFouw, laura Tamucci

For advertising information, call Jenni DeFouw at 970-871-4235

1STEAMBOATBIKETOWN.COM 2016 BIKE GUIDEMAPS & TIPS | TRAIL & ROAD RIDES | FAMILY CRUISING

THE GUIDE TO BIKING THE BOAT!

BikeTownUSA

2016 Bike GuideSPECIAL PULL-OUTRide Guide

On the cover:Justin Reiter and Emily Colin head out for a classic

Steamboat ride on Emerald Mountain.

Photo by Corey Kopischke

COREY KOPISCHKE


WelcomeLet me be the first to weL-come you to bike town usA for your cycLing Adventure.

Welcome to Bike Town USA. In this guide and on the trails and roads surround-ing Steamboat Springs, youll find a huge variety of biking suitable to riders of all ages and skills. Moreover, youll find a com-munity that embraces cycling as recreation and lifestyle.

Residents recently voted to devote substantial tax revenue to improving our trails. Now, the first of many new trails are ready to ride on Emerald Mountain. No Pedaling Required (NPR) offers a moder-ate gravity line with fun features. Morning Gloria offers a gradual climb or flowing descent, with awesome views. And new projects on Buffalo Pass should be shovel ready this summer.

To assure the sustainability of these and other trails, the Trail Maintenance Endow-

ment Fund at the Yampa Valley Community Foundation was established in 2015. Dona-tions are already coming in, and, of course, more are welcome.

Road riders have great options, too. For a traditional road experience, consider Julys Tour de Steamboat, offering sup-ported rides over some of the most beauti-ful roads in the area. For gravel, meander our bucolic country roads, snaking past working ranches and river vistas. Junes Moots Ranch Rally explores some of these scenic routes.

If youre a gravity buff, give the Steam-boat Bike Park a try. Host to the Enduro X race series, it has enticing lines for all abilities, and a top-notch lesson and rental program.

Finally, dont forget the beautiful Yam-pa River Core Trail, a cycling and walking artery through the valley along the Yampa River. Cruise this seven-mile path past the Botanic Gardens and through the heart of downtown, ending with a picnic at the Bear

River Bike Park.Use this Guide as a great starting place

for your biking adventure, and reach out to the experts in our local bike shops for more suggestions and proper gear. Those of us lucky enough to call Steamboat home are proud of our trails and roads and hope you will enjoy them as much as we do.

christopher sias, steamboat bike town usA initiative board president

steamboatbiketown.com 2016 bike Guide2015 bike Guide

Move over, Ski Town USA. Theres a new moni-ker in town, emphasizing biking.

Yep, thats right. The Steamboat Bike Town USA initiative is rolling strong, thanks to a com-munity that lives and breathes cycling, volunteer organizations dedicated to the cause, and one of the most proactive trail-building programs in the country.

Voters recently approved allocating $5.1 mil-lion in lodging tax proceeds toward building more trails in the region, with the funds fruits already blooming. In the past two years, the new Morn-ing Gloria, Wild Rose and NPR trails were built on Emerald Mountain and the Ridge Trailhead was ex-panded, and this year new trails are slated for Buff Pass.

And theres far more than new trails putting Steamboat on the mountain bike map. A $33,000 grant from Bell Helmets helped build the Bear River Bike Park; IMBA recently chose Steamboat to host its World Summit (and labeled town a bronze-level Riding Center); and the league of American Bicyclists gave town its prestigious Gold Bicycle Friendly Community designation.

The school district also received a $24,000 grant for its Safe Routes to School program; town

hosted two stages of the USA Pro Challenge last year (including the overall start); and the ski area continues to invest in new trails for its world-class Steamboat Bike Park. Add a seven-mile bike path following the Yampa River, hundreds of miles of top-notch trails and roads, ride to work initiatives, a BMX track, a great local race series, two bike manufacturers and companies like Honey Stinger based in town, and events like the Tour de Steam-boat, Steamboat Stinger, Enduro-X Series and Steamboat Stage Race and its no wonder Steam-boat has so much cycling momentum.

Biking is an integral part of our community, making us a true year-round destination, says Steamboat Resort Chamber Association CEO Jim Clark, whos also an avid rider. Its hard to fi nd a community with more bicycling momentum.

Adds Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare owner Harry Martin: People are coming here now from around the country just to go biking, thanks to a ton of dif-ferent options you can do right from town.

So update your nickname vocabulary and cele-brate a new one thats taking Steamboat by storm: Bike Town USA.

Info: www.steamboatbiketown.com

bike ToWN USabikinG iS an inteGral Part oF our Community...

steaMBoat springs resort chaMBer association ceo JiM cLarK

JOHN F. RUSSEll

11

steamboatbiketown.com2016 bike Guide

may

14 Where the Hells Maybell, free, 30-mile scenic group ride from Craig to Maybell on U.S. Highway 40, www.visit-moffatcounty.com

21 2nd Annual Cog RIde, 11 a.m., Wesley Park, Hayden. 5-mile fun ride, 26-mile cog ride, optional gravel grinder, [email protected], 970-846-2333

28 SSWSC Bike Swap, Howelsen Hill, www.sswsc.orgJUNe

1 Kick-off Town Challenge Mountain Bike Race Series, www.townchal-lenge.com

9 RCR Scholarship Day benefiting Routt County Riders/Steamboat Bike Park (gondola opens), www.routtcountyriders.org

10 Gondola opens for summer season, www.steamboat.com13-19 Steamboat Bike Week! www.steamboatbiketown.com

13-19 discounted rentals and lessons at steamboat bike Park

13 & 15 moots factory tours

14 ski and bike kare womens group ride

15 bike town classic mountain bike race on Emerald Mountain, www.townchallenge.com

16 gravity girls downhill clinic at Steamboat Bike Park

16 usA bmX Local Points race, www.usabmx.com

17 steamboat cycleArt, www.steamboatbiketown.com/Cy-cleART

18 moots colorado ranch rally (50-mile, dirt/gravel non-competitive ride), www.moots.com

18 farmers market bike Polo tourna-ment, mainstreetsteamboat.com

19 bike town fathers day at Howelsen Hill, kids skills clinic, guided adult road and trail rides

25-26 Tri the Boat Triathalon at Stagecoach; www.tritheboat.com

JUly

17 Steamboat Lake Sprint Triathlon, www.withoutlimits.com23 Eriksen Tour de Steamboat (fund-raiser rides including 110-mile Gore Gruel, 40-mile Stagecoach ride and family friendly Core Trail ride), www.tourdesteam-boat.com

aUGUST

13-14 Steamboat Stinger Moun-tain Bike Race (50-mile, plus full/half trail marathons), www.steamboat-stinger.com

20 STARS Biking the Boat Charity Ride (5-, 26-, 52-, and 75-mile rides); includes apres party and T-shirt. www.steamboatstars.com

20-21 Steamboat Enduro-X Mountain Bike Series, www.Enduro-Xrace.com

21 Steamboat Triathlon At Lake Catamount (Sprint, Olympic, & Aqua Bike), www.withoutlimits.com

SepTember

3-5 Steamboat Springs Stage Race (presented by Moots Cycles), www.bikesteamboat.com

24 Quick and Chainless, Steamboat Ski Area, www.bike.steamboat.com

ocTober

1 10th Annual Steamboat Springs Mustache Ride (fundraiser for Routt County Humane Society), www.ssmustach-eride.com

bike eveNTS caleNdar

While Steamboat has miles of world-class singletrack, it has just

as many events where you can cycle, socialize and more with like-minded riders. Following are a few

to put on your riding radar.

oNGoiNG eveNTS ToWn CHALLEnGE DATES: June 1; June 15; June 29; July 13; July 27; Aug. 17; Aug. 31; Sept. 10

SSWSC STEEL CLuB RoAD TRAIn-InG RACES: May 25: Rabbit Ears Time Trial; June 8: Colorado Highway 131 Time Trial; June 22: Twentymile Time Trial; July 20: Team Time Trial; Aug. 24: Rabbit Ears Time Trial

STEAMBoAT SKI AnD BIKE KARE CLInICS:basic bicycle maintenance clinics

(free): Second Tuesday of every month. All clinics start at 7 p.m. and last an hour. Info: 970-879-9144, www.face-book.com/steamboatskiandbikekare

womens mountain bike clinics and Ride nights (free): Tuesdays, June 7 through Aug. 30. All levels welcome, 5:45 p.m. courthouse lawn; bring functioning mountain bike, water and trail tools. Clinics follow at 7 p.m. Info: www.facebook.com/skiandbikekare-women; [email protected]

GRAvITy GIRLS CLInICS, Steam-boat Ski Area, Thursdays June 16 through Aug. 21. Info: www.steam-boatbikepark.com

CApTAIn of THE BoAT SERIES: July 1, 15, 29 and Aug. 12, 26. Info: www.bike.steamboat.com

TEAM fLyInG WHEELS BMX RACE SERIES:Thursdays starting June 9 through Aug. 11. Info: 970-871-9500, [email protected]

(colorado bike-to-work month)

12


We are excited to suppor t biking in Steamboat!

Debbie ArAgon StAte FArm inSurAnce404 Oak Street Steamboat Springs, CO 970-879-1756


ToWN challeNGe moUNTaiN bike SerieS (all SUmmer)

Held on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer riding season, Steamboats Town Challenge Mountain Bike Series brings out riders of all abili-ties for everything from hill climbs to cross-country events. Kicking off Wed., June 1, at Marabou Ranch, the series of-fers 24 different categories, from pro/open to three different age groups for mens and womens expert, sport and novice divisions. It also offers kids and even single-speed categories. Points are awarded for each race, with the results tallied for top bragging rights at a rau-cous party at seasons end. Riders can register ahead of time online or at the citys Parks office, or on-site on race day. Its become more popular than ever, with more locals and visitors turning out each year, says longtime series co-or-ganizer Gretchen Sehler, adding that the races draw up to 200 riders each week.

Its a super fun time and great way to bring riders together Steamboat-style. Info: townchallenge.com.

2016 town chALLenge rAces June 1 - mArAbou Xc (mArAbou rAnch)June 15 - bike town cLAssic (em-erALd mountAin)

June 29 - churn & burn circuit (mt. werner)JuLy 13 - emerALd envy Xc (emer-ALd mountAin)JuLy 27 - storm PeAk hiLL cLimb (mt. werner)August 17 - howeLsen hAmmer Xc (emerALd mountAin)August 31 - sunshine LooP Xc (mt. werner)sePtember 10 - codA cLAssic Xc (emerALd mountAin)

STeamboaT bike Week (JUNe 13-19)

Town officially kicks off its biking season June 13-19 with its third annual Bike Week, offering fun for the whole family. Organized by Bike Town USA, the week-long series of cycling events includes womens clinics; discount les-sons and rentals at Steamboat Bike Park; the Bike Town Classic Town Challenge race on Emerald Mountain; the Steam-boat CycleART auction benefitting Bike Town USA and the Trail Maintenance Endowment Fund; the Moots Ranch Rally; a bike polo tournament; a bike-in movie at Gondola Square; guided group mountain and road bike rides; Moots factory tour; kids skills clinics; and more. It should be a lot of fun, with a lot of great bicycling related activities all week long, says Bike Town USA director Amy Stern. Itll be a great week to visit Steamboat.

Info: steamboatbiketown.com

cycliNG eveNTS

The only thing rivaling Steamboats vast singletrack

is its event line-up this cycling season. Following are a few to

keep on your riding radar.

JOEl REICHENBERGER


3rd aNNUal mooTS colorado raNch rally (JUNe 18)

An anchor ride of this years Bike Week, this third annual event features a 50-mile group gravel and dirt road ride showcasing area ranches while ben-efitting the Community Agriculture Al-liance. Culminating with an after party at local bike manufacturer Moots, the non-competitive event draws 150 rid-ers to rural dirt and gravel roads around Routt County connecting area historical ranches and farms. En route youll pass by historic Elk Mountain Cemetery and ghost town of Mystic, enjoy lunch at a working ranch and descend Deep Creek before finishing with a small climb over Fly Gulch and ending at the Moots world headquarters. It lets you see the amaz-ing countryside around Steamboat while group riding with great people, says Moots spokesperson Cathy Wiedemer, adding participants are automatically entered into a drawing to win a Moots frame. Info: moots.com

capTaiN of The boaT SerieS (JUly 1, 15, 29; aUG. 12, 26)

The Captain of the Boat Series re-turns to the Steamboat Bike Park on Friday nights this summer, providing a competitive gravity opportunity for rid-ers of all ages and abilities. This years series starts July 1 and continues every other week until the final race on Aug. 26. With the focus on fun, experienced racers can test their skills against the best in the Boat while newbies can en-joy a relaxed introduction to competitive mountain biking. To become this years Captain of the Boat, youll need to beat last years mens winner Marlo Ross-Bry-ant, who wrapped up with 2120 points, and two-time womens champ Yvonne Delaunty, who tallied a perfect 2,400. Info: bike.steamboat.com.

erikSeN ToUr de STeamboaT (JUly 23)

When mountain bike hall-of-famer Kent Eriksen first concocted the Tour de Steamboat in the 1980s, a motley crew of 80 riders pedaled a 50-mile loop to Oak Creek and back. Now, the event

draws up to 1,000 riders each year, all while benefitting local nonprofit organi-zations, including Routt County Riders. The non-competitive event offers rides of four distances, including a 26-mile loop out to Sydney Peak Ranch (963-foot gain), a 46-mile Stagecoach out-and-back (2,200-foot gain), and the infamous 116-mile Gore Gruel (8,000-foot gain), which takes riders from Steamboat over Rab-bit Ears and Gore passes and back (with plenty of aid stations en route). New this year is the addition of the 66-mile Yampa loop (3,100-foot gain) to Stagecoach, Phippsburg and Yampa along the Flat Tops mountain range. Its a great event for a great cause, says Eriksen. These routes offer a fun and challenging day for all members of your group or family and showcase northwest Colorados beautiful mountains, forests, rivers, ranch land and historic communities, says co-organizer Kent Eriksen. Its one of the marquee cycling events of the season. Sponsored by Kent Eriksen Cycles and Shimano, this years 15th annual event will be held July 23. Info: tourdesteamboat.com

STeamboaT STiNGer (aUG. 13-14)

This year marks the sixth running of the locally organized Steamboat Stinger race, hosted by Steamboats own Honey Stinger. Serving up a healthy dose of punishment Emerald Mountain-style, this years event will lure 500 mountain bikers to town to race 50 miles up and over Emerald Mountain not once but twice, in a two-loop circuit. Billed as epic fun with western flair, this years event will again offer solo and duo divi-sions, as well as half and full marathon trail races. Racing is in our DNA, so this is a great way to promote our local, world-class trail system, says Honey Stingers len Zanni. Its become a high-light of the summer riding season and gives people a great reason to come to Steamboat. Eat plenty of Honey Stinger if you hope to beat the course record of 4:07:58, and even more to earn the coveted King Sting and Queen Bee cat-egories, awarded to those who both ride and run. Info: honeystinger.com.

STeamboaT eNdUro-X moUN-TaiN bike race (aUG. 20-21)

Enduro-X riding returns with the four-stage Enduro-X race at the Steam-boat Bike Park. Open to riders 14 and older and benefitting Routt County Rid-ers and Bike Town USA, the downhill extravaganza features descents of 2,000 feet or more. Kicking off with a prac-tice, race check-In and BBQ, the event also offers a Kids Pump Track Jam and Strider Challenge for the youngsters. If youre going to step up, be prepared to beat last years top pro mens finisher Trevyn Newpher, and top womens pro category winner Yvonne Delaunty. Info: Enduro-Xrace.com

STeamboaT STaGe race (SepT. 3-5)

The idea for the Steamboat Stage Race started when founder Corey Pis-copo moved to town in 2008 and saw an opportunity for a new event draw-ing road racers from around the state. The events uniqueness stems from its stage race format, similar to the Tour de France, requiring racers to compete all three days, including a time trial, road race and criterium. It also offers 10 dif-ferent racing categories for men and women, based on age and ability, with equal prize money for the pro men and women. This years eighth annual race is slated for Sept. 3-5. Its great because you get pro riders racing right along-side locals, Piscopo says, adding that this years event should draw nearly 400 competitors. Its a Colorado classic for pro-am racing. Info: bikesteamboat.com.

2016 bike Guide16

if you visit steAmboAt sPrings for Just one week this summer, mAke it June 13-19, when town kicks off its biking seAson with its third AnnuAL bike week.

Organized by Bike Town USA, the week-long series of fun-filled cycling events includes womens ride clinics; dis-count lessons and rentals at Steamboat Bike Park; the Bike Town Classic Moun-tain Bike Race; Steamboat CycleART, an art auction benefitting Bike Town USA and the Trail Maintenance Endowment Fund; the Moots Colorado Ranch Rally;

a bike polo tournament; a bike-in movie

at Steamboat Bike Park; guided group

mountain and road bike rides; tours of

the Moots factory; kids skills clinics;

and more. And, of course, its all held in

beautiful Steamboat Springs, where any

spare time can be spent riding the areas

world-class trails and roads.

Bike Week has something for every-

one, says Bike Town USA director Amy

Stern. Its a great chance to discover all

the two-wheeled adventures Steamboat

has to offer, and to kick off our beautiful

summer biking season.

Info: steamboatbiketown.com

STeamboaTbike WeekJUNe 13-19

eveNTS aT a GlaNceMon.-Sun., June 13-19: discount lessons and rentals at steamboat bike Park

Mon., June 13: moots factory tour

Tues., June 14: steamboat ski and bike kare womens group ride

Wed., June 15: bike town classic mountain bike race on emerald mountain; moots factory tour

Thurs., June 16: usA bmX Local Points race; gravity girls downhill womens clinic at steamboat bike Park

fri., June 17: steamboat cycleArt (art auction featuring cycling-inspired art, benefitting Bike Town USA and trail maintenance endowment fund)

Sat., June 18: moots ranch rally; farmers market bike Polo tournament; bike-in movie night at steamboat bike Park

Sun., June 19: bike town fathers day at howelsen hill - steamboat springs winter sports club kids skills clinic; routt county riders guided road and mountain bike rides; refreshments and swag at howelsen hill

lARRY PIERCE

17

the AccoLAdes continue to roLL in for bike town usA. the LeAgue of AmericAn bicycLists recentLy AwArded steAmboAt its Presti-gious goLd-LeveL stAtus As A bike friendLy community.

Its a huge honor, says Bike Town USA di-rector Amy Stern. Not many towns have that distinction.

Assessed through a voluntary application process, to qualify towns have to score high on a bike towns five Es:

Engineering: Creating safe and convenient places to ride;

Education: Giving people of all ages and abilities the skills and confidence to ride;

Encouragement: Creating a strong bike cul-ture that welcomes and celebrates bicycling;

Enforcement: Ensuring safe roads for all users;Evaluation & Planning: Planning for bicy-

cling as a safe and viable transportation option.To date, there are only 24 gold-level Bicy-

cle Friendly Communities in all 50 states, with Steamboat now one of the elite cities bestowed with the honor. Were inspired when we see places like Steamboat making bicycling safer and more accessible, says the associations com-muncations director liz Murphy. It helps set the bar for other communities investing in bicycling. We know that investment will be returned many times over in health, environmental, transporta-tion and quality of life benefits of a thriving, at-tractive community.

This honor follows several other milestones

for Steamboat. In 2014, the International Moun-tain Bicycling Association selected Steamboat to host its 2014 World Summit, the first time the event has ever taken place in Colorado. It brought Steamboat was a natural choice for the event, says IMBA merketing director Mark Eller, adding that the event drew nearly 500 mountain bikers and industry personnel to town. It has ev-erything a mountain biker could wish for, from an in-town bike park and gravity-fueled resort rid-ing to incredile cross-country riding and a great cycling community.

IMBA also labeled Steamboat a bronze-level Ride Center, making it the first Ride Center in Colorado and one of only 17 in the world. Af-firming towns marketing efforts toward biking, IMBA bills Ride Centers as destination-worthy riding hot spots, where people can ride for an entire week. locations are judged on everything from trail experience, where Steamboat scored high, to services, community involvement and marketing. There are currently 37 gold-, silver- and bronze-level Ride Centers across the world. Its recognition of all the hard work weve been doing and carries a lot of weight, says Bike Town USA co-founder Grant Fenton. A lot of riders will see that label and want to come ride in Steamboat.

The Bike Town USA initiative is also ramp-ing up Steamboats Bicycle Friendly Business Program, offering coaching and free application to businesses who are sponsors of Bike Town. It plans to submit the first round of applications to the league of American Bicyclists in summer 2016.

aWardS coNTiNUe To roll iN

Steamboat earnS Gold-level bike Friendly Community StatuS

steamboatbiketown.com


the new beAr river bike PArk, LocAted neXt to the skAte PArk At the western end of the core trAiL, hAs Proven A resounding suc-cess, offering fun for the whoLe fAmiLy.

Funded by IMBA, Bell Helmets, Routt County Riders and the

City of Steamboat Springs, the park is as suitable for families as

it is high fl iers, featuring two pump-track loops with everything

from smooth, kid-friendly berms to big, pro-caliber airs for top

level riders. Its a huge asset to this community, letting riders

test themselves on a full lineup of pro level jumps, says Routt

County Riders Eric Meyer. Kids can also get into the action with

progressive terrain, from a small pump track to a gradually build-

ing lineup of berms and jumps. Its truly a world-class bike park.

Plans are also underway for the addition of a new skills area

to the park.

bike park SoariNGJumpin Jimminy: A high- ying rider at Bear River BIke Park.

ERIC SCHANKERMAN


Where To GoLake Catamount Touring Cen-ter: Open to fat bikes with restric-tions; trail fee required and rentals available.

Steamboat Ski Area: Open to fat bikes with restrictions; closed during normal hours of operations; use only routes identified by the resort.

Howelsen Hill nordic Center: Open to fat bikes with restrictions; trail fee required; trails closed to fat bikes from 2 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and during Nordic events.

Elsewhere: Fat bikes are allowed on all other city trails not groomed for Nordic skiing. Hotspots include Blackmere Drive and the mountain bike trails of Emerald Mountain.

faT bikeS flUrryiNG

with the new rAge of fAt bikes sweePing town, biking in steAmboAt isnt Just for summertime Anymore.

Countless new snow riding options are now available for fat tire aficionados, letting wheels replace skis as a great way to get in shape and tour the local terrain.

Steamboats perfect for fat bike riding, says local Robert Orr, a two-time finisher of Idahos 200-km-long Fat Pursuit Race through Yellowstone. We get great snow and have great terrain for it thats not too steep or rocky.

Fat bike retailers like Orange Peel Bicycle Service, Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare, Ski Haus and Wheels reported record sales and rentals over the winter, with local bike manufacturer Moots also hot on the trend. Its fun and different, says Moots presi-dent Butch Boucher. A lot of our employees like to ride the singletrack they ride in the summer. Plus, its super accessible the equipment is great; five-inch-wide tires work great in the snow.

A lot of the credit goes to Routt County Riders, whose snowmobile-towed trail-groomer is now regularly used to create flow trails on Emerald Mountain. This year the group also groomed the new No Pedaling Required trail on Emerald. That trail is great for it, says Orange Peel owner Brock Webster, who reports record rentals and sales over the winter. Its super smooth and flowy, with great ramps.

Other popular riding spots include the city-owned Nordic trails at Howelsen Hill, which are groomed regularly, as well as a series of snowmobile trails groomed by Routt Power Riders on Rabbit Ears Pass.

Its certainly a growing trend, especially with RCR packing out NPR and the Prayer Flag trails this year, says the citys parks and trails manager Craig Robinson, who also oversees fat bike riding on the citys Nordic trails.

Adds Webster: Since fat bikes came out, weve seen a phenomenal difference in winter traffic in the store. It keeps people interested in biking.

Several local events have also put fat biking in the limelight. Hahns Peak Road-house in North Routt hosted a fat bike race around Steamboat lake in March; this years inaugural Cool Dual race at Steamboat Ski Area, sponsored by Monster Energy, GoPro and Bud light, had a fat bike category; and Catamount Ranch & Club, in con-junction with Ski Haus, held its Pleasant Valley Race-Ride-Tour series to terrific turnout. Included were two full moon fat bike races and two fat bike/Nordic combos.

The turn-out was great, says organizer Kevin Kopischke, adding the event drew everyone from hardcore fat tire riders to novices. We had way more people com-pete than we have in the past. In all, more than 100 riders showed up for the four, 15-km-long events, which included sections of singletrack and Nordic trail riding and all ended with burgers and beer. As further testament to the growing trend, he adds fat bike rentals were up three times over last season.

People arent asking Whats that? when they see them anymore, he says. Ev-eryone knows about them now and wants to try it.

PeoPle arent aSkinG WhatS that? When they See them anymore...they

all Want to ride them. Kevin KopischKe

dos aNd doNTs Dont ride groomed trails if: 1) youre leaving a tire rut deeper than 1 inch or cannot ride in a straight line; 2) your bike tires are narrower than 3.7 inches and tire pressure is greater than 10 psi. Also, dont ride in classic tracks.Do: yield to all other users; ride in control; and ride on the most firm part of the track.

reNTalSOrange Peel Bicycle Service,

Wheels Bike Shop, lake Catamount Touring Center, Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare and Ski Haus have bikes available for rent and/or purchase.


faT bike eTiqUeTTe Purchase a Howelsen Ticket or Pass from the Conces-

sion stand at the Lodge. tickets are required to be on groomed trails.

Bikes yield to all other users. Skiers dont have brakes, you do.

Fat bike lane ride on the most fi rm part of the track.

Leave room for skiers to pass.

Do not ride in the classic ski tracks.

Stay to the right side of the trail around corners and look for oncoming traffi c.

Allow the track time to set-up after grooming and before riding.

Dont ride any old mountain bike out there purpose built fat bike only.

Spread the word about fat biking make it fun, keep it safe.

Be an ambassador for the sport stay polite, educate other bikers, discourage bad behavior, follow the rules.

BRAD BINGHAM

2016 bike Guide steamboatbiketown.com

STeamboaT earmarkS

$5.1 millioN for NeW TrailS

22

JOHN F. RUSSEll

steamboatbiketown.com 2016 bike Guide

nEW TRAIL RounDupmorning gLoriA

this 4.2-mile trail on the south side of Emerald Mountain was the first trail funded by the lodging tax. great to ride up or down, it offers sweeping views of steamboat and mount werner as well as the flat tops to the south. with 848 feet of vertical and 35 switchbacks (yes, we counted), and built with routt coun-ty riders new trail-building machine, it provides a more accessible route to the top of emerald. bonus: its also acces-sible to hand cyclists.

ridge trAiLheAdthe city has created a better park-

ing lot in the popular access area on the west side of emerald mountain off routt county road 45, serving the ridge and rotary trails. the area really needed it, says the citys winnie del-

liQuadri. Accessing three great trails, the parking lot got full all the time. the enhanced access includes a new park-ing area and restrooms.

Lower sPring creek At Amethyst

this project added an enhanced pedestrian crossing on Amethyst drive to better connect the spring creek trail to downtown. the spring creek trail is heavily utilized by tourists who seek an easy, more level ride out of downtown, and this project gets them there more easily, says trails committee member harry martin.

wiLd rosethis 1.5-mile trail features an aver-

age grade of 3 percent and provides a direct connection the beall and ridge upper trailhead from the front side of emerald. Perfect for riding up or down,

it also takes pressure off the popular stairway to heaven trail and give riders a pure single track option to access the back side of emerald. Plus, it puts you in one of the best aspen groves in town.

no PedALing reQuired (nPr)This flowy, rampy and jumpy one-way

trail down emerald between blackmere drive and the emP property line lives up to its name, reducing conflicts between trail users while giving cyclists a better route to the bottom of emerald. if you like smooth, man-made berms and table tops (that you dont have to air out), this trails for you the city has awarded the how-elsen directional design/build project to rcr trail builders. this continuation of the nPr trail will have a beginner and in-termediate line along the east side of mile run and should be complete and open to the public by mid July.

cALL it A windfALL for trAiL users Thats the best way to describe voters allocation of $5.1 mil-

lion in lodging tax proceeds for 46 trail-related projects within 30 miles of town, with the project entering year three of its 10-year spending cycle. The funding comes from a 1 percent lodg-ing tax created to help finance projects increasing Steamboats appeal as a world-class destination.

local organizers have made quick work of the bounty. Spear-headed by Routt County Riders, the funds first year led to the new 4.2-mile Morning Gloria trail on Emerald Mountain, a re-route of lower Spring Creek Trail, and the installation of several road crossing signals. last years projects included expanding the Ridge Trailhead on the backside of Emerald Mountain and building the new NPR downhill directional trail (co-funded by GoCo lottery funds) and Wild Rose trail on Emerald Mountain. This years projects will eventually lead to the addition of 20.7 miles of new trails on pubic land on Buffalo Pass. The city has

awarded the Howelsen directional design/build project to RCR Trail Builders. This continuation of the NPR trail will have a be-ginner and intermediate line along the east side of Mile Run and should be complete and open to the public by mid-July.

Its the largest local funding commitment to this type of project Ive seen, says Routt County Riders Eric Meyer, adding that such magazines as Bicycling and Mountain Flyer have re-ported on the trail-funding effort. It will add even more world-class trails to our already great system.

While Meyer says it will take a few years for riders to feel the true effects of the funding, the bulk of the new trails will be on U.S. Forest Service-managed lands. In particular comes this years new trail network on Buffalo Pass.

Its an amazing opportunity to create an interconnected trail system rivaling anything in the country, says committee member Nate Bird. The sky is the limit as to what we can pull off.

Info: www.steamboatspringstrails.com

SpoTLIGHT: KEnT foSTER

theres a new cycling ringleader in town when it comes to trail building. kent foster, the u.s. forest services former recreation Program manager for the hahns Peak/bears ears district, has taken on a new title as recreation specialist, whose job is developing new trails on public lands. its an entirely new and unique position, he says. for the next few years my primary focus will be on working on these new trails,

and continuing to develop partnerships resulting in sustainable and unique op-portunities.

the move follows steamboats un-precedented trail-building commit-ment, from voters approving $5.1 mil-lion in trail building funds from local lodging tax proceeds to various non-profit groups dedicated to the cause. normally, the forest service doesnt get involved in building new trails un-less it has strong local partnerships, says foster. it takes a village, which is exactly what steamboat is doing.

23


LAst seAson, steAmboAt-AreA riders enJoyed A sLew of new trAiLs on emerALd mountAin. this seAson, towns trAiL-buiLding efforts Are turned towArd buffALo PAss.

its our third year of using lodging tax proceeds to build new trails, and now our focus area is on buff Pass, says the citys winnie delliQuadri.

in all, 20.7 miles of new trails are planned for the pass this year, with more than 40 miles of new trails on track over the next two years. included are the 4.5-mile grouse trail, 1.9-mile btr trail, 9.5-mile soda mountain trail, 1.2-mile dry Lake south trail, and 3.1-mile soda creek Loop trail. Also in the works is a new 6.2-mile trail leading up the south side of buff Pass road from dry Lake to the start of grouse, allowing users to climb up the pass while avoiding the road. A singletrack trail open to motorcycles is also being planned, as well as an alternate Spring Creek trail, reducing two-way traffi c on the popular multi-use trail.

we have enough work to keep us busy for the next several years, says u.s. forest service recreation specialist kent foster, adding that one goal is to give bikers and motorcycle riders an option to the main road. were hustling to get all the planning done, and this summer were looking to fi nish the btr trail, and maybe grouse. People can also still ride the existing trails as they are.

open to hikers and horseback riders as well as mountain bikers, fos-ter adds that the new trails will be a little rougher and in a more natural state than their smooth counterparts on emerald mountain. thats what we learned from our public comment process, so thats how theyre being developed, he says. they should be a great complement to the offerings on emerald.

Trail maiNTeNaNce eNdoWmeNT fUNd

Building new trails is one thing; maintaining them quite another. Thats the reason for a new trail maintenance endowment fund managed by Steam-boats Yampa Valley Community Foun-dation, whose goal is to keep towns trails in tip-top shape for years to come.

Designed to pay for maintaining trails on public lands, the endowment fund will help keep trails built on Na-tional Forest and other public lands in good shape.

Its a unique approach to solving the maintenance problem, says U.S. Forest Service recreation specialist Kent Foster. Building new trails is cool and sexy, but ensuring you have the means to maintain them is far more diffi cult. Having the foresight to address that in perpetuity is a big part of the equation and a testament to Steamboats commit-ment to its trails. It will help ensure we have great trails for years to come.

Winnie DelliQuadri, the citys gov-ernment programs manager, says the fund has a goal of raising $100,000 per year over the next 10 years. Spending decisions will be made by a fi ve-member board with representation from the city, Forest Service, Bureau of land Manage-ment, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association. Each year, well take a look at which entity and trail needs the main-tenance most, says Foster. land man-agers will then partner with such entities as Routt County Riders Trail Builders division, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, contractors, internal crews or others to perform the trail maintenance.

This bucks the nationwide trend of closing trails and reducing recreation, says DelliQuadri. Building trails on public lands requires an environmental clearance process, which involves sus-tainability and proof that you can main-tain them.

DelliQuadri adds that with the com-munity earmarking $5.1 million toward building new trails, the bulk will be built on public lands. And the towns lodging tax funds cant be used for maintenance. This is a way to ensure their success well into the future, she says.

TrailS for bUff paSS

2016 ride Guide 1steamboatbiketown.com

BikeTownUSA


SPECIAL PULL-OUT

2016 ride Guide2 steamboatbiketown.com

Steamboat Bike Town USA InitiativeBoard of DirectorsChris Sias, president

David High, vice presidentlarry Mashaw, secretary

Jim Clark, treasurer

linda Corkadel, Mark Fitzgerald, Kent Foster,

liana Gregory, Trevyn Newpher, David Scully

DirectorAmy Stern

Safe Routes to School CoordinatorSally Cariveau

The 2015 Steamboat Springs Bike Guide is produced by the

Steamboat Today.

Suzanne Schlicht, COOEugene Buchanan, magazine editor

lindsay Porter, creative services manager

PhotographersCorey Kopischke, larry Pierce,

Scott Franz, Joel Reichenberger, John F. Russell, Matt Stensland, CJ

Berg, Aryeh Copa, Eric Schankerman

For advertising information, call Jenni DeFouw at 970-871-4235

2016 RIDE GUIDE 1STEAMBOATBIKETOWN.COM

BikeTownUSA


SPECIAL PULL OUT

On the cover:Emily Colin cranks through an aspen grove on Emer-ald Mountain.

Photo by Corey Kopischke

Using this Guide ...................................................................... 3Riding right ............................................................................ 3

SafeTy .................................................................................. 4Riding with animals ................................................................ 4Road safety ............................................................................ 4Trail safety .............................................................................. 4Taking your bike on the bus ................................................... 4

mUNicipal map ................................................................ 6

family rideS ...................................................................... 5Cycling State Parks ................................................................. 8

reSorT rideS ...................................................................... 9

bmX ..................................................................................... 10Pump Tracks ......................................................................... 10Bear River Bike Park ............................................................. 10

ToWN / moUNTaiN rideS ............................................ 11Howelsen / Emerald Mountain ............................................. 11Rotary Trail ........................................................................... 12Beall / Ridge Trails ................................................................ 13Morning Gloria Trail ............................................................. 14New trails NPR and Wild Rose ........................................ 15Emerald Mountain Map ....................................................... 18Spring Creek Trail ................................................................ 20Lower Bear ........................................................................... 21Hot Springs Trail ................................................................... 22

SoUTh roUTT / rabbiT earS rideS .......................... 23Divide Trail ........................................................................... 23Lynx Pass .............................................................................. 24

NorTh roUTT rideS ....................................................... 25Seedhouse Area ................................................................... 25Big Red Park ......................................................................... 26Nipple Peak .......................................................................... 26

epic rideS .......................................................................... 27

lUNch loopS .................................................................. 27

road / miXed SUrface rideS ..................................... 28

Mountain ride elevation profi les courtesy of MTB

Project. Check out MTBProject.com, or look for the app

for your iPhone or Android.


This guide includes a sampling of the world-class riding around Steamboat Springs.

distAnceThe length of the highlighted trail or

route.

eLevAtionGraphic depicting the elevation

changes on trail or route.

rAtingBased on the Trail Difficulty Rating

System published by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. This sys-tem focuses on the trails technical chal-lenge, not the physical exertion required to enjoy them. The ratings provide a gen-eral idea of the difficulty of each region;

local trails are rated relative to each other and not necessarily relative to trails in oth-er towns. All backcountry trails may have natural and manmade obstacles such as rocks, logs, stream crossings, ledges and bridges. Easy trails have a firm and stable surface. More difficult trails have some variability in the riding surface and usu-ally include steep terrain changes. Diffi-cult trails have a widely variable surface with significant rough terrain and many obstacles and include long, steep climbs. Consult local bike shops if you are unsure of your riding abilities.

seAson

Typical timeframe of when the ride is free of snow and dry enough to ride with-out harming trails.

USiNG ThiS GUideridiNG riGhT

ride only on open trails.

dont use trails when wet, or short-cut switchbacks.

Leave no trace (ride or carry through, rather than around, obstacles like mud puddles).

Avoid locking your brakes and skidding down steeps.

Always control your bicycle.

Always yield to uphill traffic.

never scare animals (wild or domestic).

601 Lincoln Avenue, Steamboat Springs, CO | 970-761-2379 | www.twistedtrailsrunning.com

PROFESSIONAL VIDEO GAIT ANALYSIS

PERSONALIZED SERVICE

MENS AND WOMENS FITNESS APPAREL

WEEKLY THURSDAY EVENING Beer Run

Go totwistedtrailsrunning.com

for more info

2016 ride Guide steamboatbiketown.com

road SafeTy

Colorado has specific laws concern-ing bicycling on public roads please visit http://bicyclecolorado.org/learn/rules-of-road/ for a summary and the statues. Always practice the following rules of the road for safe riding:

Always wear a helmet, be visible, be aware and ride friendly. in routt county we share the road!

dont use headphones or cell phones while biking

show respect for everything on the road: drivers, other bikers, pedestri-ans, parked cars, agricultural opera-tions and animals

when stopping move off the pave-ment, remain visible in both directions to other users, particularly on curves and hills, look for driveways and wide shoulder areas

use correct hand signals to show your movements

Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals, and never ride against traffic

ride in the right lane, except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn or avoiding hazards (ride on paved shoulders and bike lanes when possible)

ride no more than two abreast, returning to single-file if impeding the flow of traffic (play it saferide single-file on curving, narrow roads and blind hill crests)

riding at night legally requires a white headlight and a red tail light or reflec-tor. Wear bright or reflective clothing

never assume motorists see you or that you have the right-of-way

carry yoUr bike oN The bUS

taking your bike on the free bus is a great way to get back to your lodg-ing property after a day of riding. All steamboat springs buses are equipped with a bike rack that holds two bikes. instructions for use are on the rack. if the rack is full, please wait for the next bus.

SafeTy WiTh aNimalS

Approach slowly and quietly. cattle will move away given the opportunity but become unpredictable when stressed by noises and movement.

dont get between a cow or calf and the herd. stop and stay still and the animal will go around you to return to the herd. dont try to get around it or chase it back to the herd.

move to one side when approaching a cow from behind. this will cause them to move off the trail. Also, ease your speed. if they get far enough ahead, theyll look for an escape.

heed the herd. when encountering a herd, stop, step to one side and stand still until it passes. dont hurry the herds passing with noises and arm movements. if you come up behind a herd, take cues from the horseback riders they might lead you through the herd or ask you to wait.

bike SafeTy

SCOTT FRANZ

4

SHANNON lUKENS


JOEl REICHENBERGER

roTary park To WhiSTler park

Starting point: U.S. Highway 40 and Mount Werner Road, Rotary Park parking lot, located at southwest corner of Mount Werner Road exit. Port-o-let restroom at parking lot.

Ride: Head south on the Core Trail (toward Rabbit Ears Pass). Continue past the Walton Creek Road intersection and take a left at the split in the trail to cross under U.S. 40. Take a right at the next intersection to cross the bridge. Ride past pond and turn left at Stone lane. Ride about two blocks to Whistler Road, turn right onto the sidewalk/bike path and veer right after one block to the Whistler Park entrance, where theres a playground and restrooms. For a longer variation, start from the Core Trail downtown.

bear river SkaTe aNd dirT JUmp park

Starting point: little Toots Park at 11th and Yampa streets. Parking, food and restrooms can be found in the Bud Werner Memorial library.

Ride: Head past the park toward the library, ride under Twentymile Road (13th Street), follow the Core Trail to bridge and turn left to cross the Yampa River. Turn right and continue on the Core Trail. Across the second bridge, the Community Center offers a park and playground with restrooms. Continue to the T-intersection at Shield Drive. Stay on the Core Trail and follow signage to Bear River Skate Park. The dirt jump/pump track is located on the far side of skate park, complete with beginner lines and berms. Fun game: Time riders around the beginner loop.

Ski Time SqUare pUmp Track

Starting point: Ski Time Square.

Ride: This newly re-designed pump track is located at the upper end of Ski Time Square Road, on the lefthand side. The track is smaller and great for young kids. Ride from the pump track down the access road next to Torian Condos to the Slopeside Grill restaurant for food, bev-erages and restrooms. Continue down the Promenade to Gondola Square for a kids activity center and more restaurants. You can ride to Ski Time Square from the Core Trail intersection of the Mount Wer-ner Road exit, but the hill can challenge young riders.

bUTcherkNife creek To STraWberry park elemeNTary playGroUNd

Starting point: Downtown, from Yampa Street/Core Trail, or Howelsen Hill parking lot.

Ride: From downtown, cross lincoln Avenue and head north two blocks to Pine Street. Follow Pine Street to Seventh Street and turn north to a three-way intersection at Missouri Street. Turn right onto Missouri Street and ride four blocks to Stehley Park. Follow the gravel bike path (Butcherknife Trail) along the creek through Butcherknife Canyon to a split in trail (short steep hill at intersection). Turn left and cruise down to the middle school track. Veer left and follow the trail to the middle school parking lot. Ride across the parking lot to the playground to the right of the school. End the ride with an ice cream or shake from lyons Drug Store (Ninth and lincoln Avenue) or Johnny B. Goods Diner (lincoln Avenue between Seventh and Eighth streets).

Note: The Howelsen Hill parking lot is a great starting point for this ride if

continued on page 8

family rideStheSe little riPPer rideS Can be done in 30 to 60 minuteS,

or uP to halF-day adventureS in Fun-Filled City ParkS and PlayGroundS.


cycliNG STaTe parkSSTaGecoach STaTe park

Eightmiles of trails await at Stage-coach state Park. two trails skirt the lake in a scenic, easy-to-ride dirt track. on the north side is the two-mile Lakeside trail and on the south shore is the 6-mile elk run trail from the inlet to the dam. Join the two for an 8-mile ride, or complete the loop by riding on routt county road 18 before taking a refreshing plunge into the lake. stagecoach Lake offers camping, showers and restroom facil-ities. from steamboat springs, travel four miles south on u.s. highway 40, then 5 miles south on colorado highway 131 to routt county road 14. drive seven miles south on rcr 14 to the park entrance.

STeamboaT lake STaTe park

steamboat Lake state Park offers easy, scenic biking for the whole family, with views of the Zirkel wil-derness Area. ride the willow creek trail from the dutch hill marina 3.8 miles to the sage flats day use area, or try the 1.1-mile Poverty bar trail, which highlights the areas gold min-ing history (access from the visitors center). the park also offers camp-ing, beaches, boat rentals and more. from steamboat, head west of town on u.s. highway 40 and take a right on routt county road 129. drive 25 miles north to the park entrance.

pearl lake STaTe park

Pearl Lake offers beautifully shaded trails and a great access point to coulton creek trail. this easy ride is less than a mile toward the dam, paralleling the lake. continue on for a more difficult route through the routt county national forest. to reach Pearl Lake, drive west on u.s. highway 40 to routt county road 129. drive north until just before the steamboat Lake turnoff and look for the park entrance signs.

stagecoach, steamboat Lake and Pearl Lake state parks require a day use park pass for $7 per day or a valid colorado state Park season pass. convenient parking, picnic areas and restrooms are available at all three parks. info: 800-678-2267, www.parks.state.co.us

family rideS continued from page 5 one parent wants to mountain bike on Emerald Mountain while the other takes the kids to the playground.

yampa river core Trail

A block off lincoln Avenue lies Steamboats true summer Main Street the Yampa River Core Trail a seven-mile, multi-use pathway that parallels the Yampa River from Walton Creek Road on the east to the Bear River Bike Park on the west. Hit it on foot, bike or skateboard for a fun-filled excursion for the whole family. Its also the best ride in town for cruiser bikes. Abundant parking is available at Rotary Park at 1600 Mount Werner Road. Hint: Ring your bell when passing pedestrians.

roTary Trail

The Rotary Trail on the backside of Emerald Mountain is well worth the short drive. Featuring easy climbs, smooth banks and a wide and smooth, user-friendly trail, the 4-mile loop is accessed by riding 0.65 mile and 125 vertical feet of

the Ridge Trail. From there, it climbs 1.5 miles and 210 vertical feet to the summit before another 1.5 miles of roller-coaster fun followed by a mile ride back to the trail head. To get there, cross the river at the library and head west on 13th Street (also Twentymile Road/Routt County Road 33) for approximately 7 miles.Turn left on Cow Creek Road (Routt County Road 45) and go 1 mile.Two parking areas are available on the left.

SpriNG creek

This gem of a downtown ride follows a dirt road for a half mile up to two ponds perfect for fishing, before continuing on as a creekside two-track for another 2 miles. From there, you can continue up the singletrack of Spring Creek Trail proper for as long as your troopers legs last, or return the way you came, with a leisurely stop at the ponds. To get there, take Fish Creek Falls Road (off Third Street) up the hill and take a left on Amethyst Drive. The parking area is a dirt road to your right across from the high school. To bike there, take the new bike underpass leading north from the upper parking lot of the Old Town Hot Springs.

ARYEH COPA


whiLe winter is whAt brought most steAmboAt residents to the yAmPA vAL-Ley, summer is whAt keePs them here.

When the Champagne Powder snow melts at Ski Town USA, another world is revealed involving wheels instead of skis.

The Steamboat Bike Park is an ex-traordinary bike park offering nearly 2,200 vertical feet of lift-served gravity-fed and downhill flow trails, covering nearly 20 miles. The trail crew utilized ev-ery inch of the natural topography ensur-ing a thrilling ride that highlights the best of the resorts natural features, includ-ing rocks, bridges, rollers, drops, berms, banks and man-made jumps; all while providing exciting terrain for all ability lev-els. For beginners, the green trails feature dirt berms, banked turns and wooden slat

and ladder bridges.This summer, the freeride momentum

continues with new trails Cowpoke, las-so, lickity Split and Gunsmoke; a remod-eled Steamboat Pump Track in Ski Time Square; and the unveiling of the new Pio-neer Trail in Pioneer Ridge which features more than 600 feet of bridges and elevat-ed pathways. The Steamboat Bike Shop has also expanded its rental line and includes Demo and Premium options, boasting top-of-the-line components and the latest in downhill technology. These new bikes provide an exceptional bike park experience and are available for purchase.

Twilight Bike Park access offers eve-ning riding on Thursday and Friday nights from 4-7 p.m. New this fall, twilight riding extends every Friday night through Sept. 25. The downhill action heats up with the Captain of the Boat Downhill series, held

every other Friday evening in July and August. The resorts trails open as condi-tions permit (please stay off closed trails). Say hello to our professional bike patrol and friendly guides who are available all season with lesson programs to help you improve your skills no matter what your level.

The action is just as hot off the hill with the free Steamboat Mountain Music Se-ries, free Coca-Cola Movies on the Moun-tain, Sunset Happy Hour, Korbel Sunday Brunch, Coca-Cola Adventure Zone and a number of tantalizing culinary experi-ences. Unique mountain events round out the season, including Bike Week, Town Challenge, Enduro-X races, STARS Char-ity Rides and much, much more.

Discover Steamboat Ski Town USAs other sizzling season. Info: www.steam-boat.com, 800-922-2722

STeamboaT bike park

lARRY PIERCE


The bmX Track

located near the base of Howelsen Hill, Steamboats newly redesigned BMX track is free and bike-friendly for all ages and riders. The 950-foot, profes-sionally designed track is a top-tier facil-ity for the Rocky Mountain region.

Its a technical, professional course, co-designer Brian Deem says. Its varied and requires more than just one skill to ride well. It teaches kids how to jump, but its also a very competitive track.

Five years in the making, the track came about from Steamboats BMX club, Team Flying Wheels, aligning with the National Bicycle league. Donations came from SSX Excavating, Wagner Rents, Prestige Property Detailing, pri-vate donors and more. The track turns back on itself for four straight shots, each littered with rollers, mounds and berms designed to challenge experts and beginners alike. It also features start-ing gates, lights and a public address sys-tem for a 10-race BMX summer series rac-ing circuit, open to kids and adults.

Info: Team Flying Wheels, 970-871-9500

The pUmp Track

Maintained by Steamboat Ski & Re-sort Corp., the Pump Track, located in Ski Time Square just north of the base of Steamboat Ski Area, is the latest addition to Steamboats quick and easy riding op-tions, taking riders on a bank-filled, ped-al-less course at the base of Mount Wer-ner. Designed to allow riders to cruise the

entire course without pedaling, relying on pumping up and down to take advan-tage of gravity and momentum, the track is a partnership between the Steamboat Ski Resort, the city and the Atira Group. The Pump Track is a great skill-building tool, and is open and free to riders of all ages and ability.

Info: www.steamboatbikepark.com

The bear river bike park

Thanks to Routt County Riders receiv-ing a $33,000 grant from Bell Helmets, as well as additional in-kind donations from RCR, the city and local excavating com-panies, the newly renovated Bear River Bike Park offers something fun for riders

of all abilities. Built by the International Mountain Bicycling Association and Flow-line Trail Design, the large pump track, located on the west side of town along the Yampa River, can be ridden numerous ways, with a multitude of jump options. It offers professionally built small, medium and large jump lines, each progressively built so that the last jump of each line re-sembles the first jump of the next, letting riders work their way up from small table tops to pro level gaps in a safe and pro-gressive manner.

And bring along your skateboard, too; the Bear River Bike Park is also home to the Bear River Skate Park, making it a great stop for families cruising the Core Trail.

bear river park, bmX & pUmp Track

10

Want a PlaCe Where you and your kidS Can Work on your PumP, Park and bmX SkillS? Steamboat haS three

loCationS, oFFerinG ramP-Filled Fun For the Whole Family.

ARYEH COPA

2016 ride Guidesteamboatbiketown.com

aboUT emerald

Oh, Emerald Mountain, how do we Steamboat riders love thee? let us count the ways.

Across the valley from Mount Wer-ner lies the towns mountain biking crown jewel, Emerald Mountain. Acces-sible from the heart of downtown via the Yampa River Core Trail, Emerald offers a range of rides with more than 4,000 acres of public land and miles of con-nected natural surface trails. Known for its smooth, tacky singletrack through wildflower-filled meadows and groves of aspen, shrub oak and pine, this is Steam-boats true local gem and a must for ev-ery rider visiting town. For longer rides, tie in a loop on the Ridge and Beall trails off the backside of Emerald. Also check out the new Morning Gloria, No Mo Bluez, Wild Rose and NPR trails.

Season: late May through OctoberKnow before you go: The trails can

get crowded during lunch and after work, so ride with respect for other users, in-cluding those on horseback and hikers. A bell can come in handy.

Rating: Varies intermediate to ad-vanced (fair amount of climbing)

Mileage: It all depends on your route and what trails you decide to link together on any given ride. Go directisimo up the front side, down Ridge, up Beall and back and youre looking at 25 miles or so of uber-buff singletrack. Stay front side and link lupine-Blair Witch-Quarry Mountain-Root Canal-No Mo Bluez-MGM and youre clocking nearly 10 miles.

TrailheadS aNd parkiNG

Three main trailheads serve the nu-merous riding options on Emerald Moun-tain.

Parking is available at the rodeo sta-bles, at Howelsen lodge and at Black-mere Drive. There are public restrooms at Howelsen lodge. Parking gets tight during Triple Crown baseball and softball events, which occur throughout the sum-mer, so ride from your accommodations as a nice warm-up.

Rodeo Stables Trailhead: For a local favorite try the twisty lupine trail, which is accessed via the Bluff loops. The trail-head is located next to the stables and restrooms behind the Rodeo grounds.

Mile Run Trailhead: A ski run in win-ter, this wide trail provides a moderate grade to access the higher riding options. The trailhead sign is located by the winter tubing building between the white pavil-ion and northernmost baseball field at the base of Howelsen Hill. To find it, veer right along the base of the Nordic ski jumps. The trail heads south before winding northwest and then cutting behind How-elsen Hill. While it starts out steep, the gradient lessens after the first switchback.

Blackmere Trailhead: Blackmere provides the most forgiving riding option to the Quarry overlook. Head down the Core Trail and take a left at 13th Street at the Bud Werner Memorial library. Follow 13th over the bridge and take your first left on Gilpin Street (or look for a short-cut singletrack on your left). Take a left onto Saratoga Avenue and a right onto Routt Street, which ends at a parking area and the trailhead. Note: The first pitch is a grunt, so dont be afraid to put it in granny.

loopS

Bluffs Loop: Short climb to big views of the Yampa Valley. Access the trail at the Rodeo Stables Trailhead. Climb a short pitch on the Bluffs trail and then take a broad gentle loop through sage-covered hillsides with views of town, the Yampa River and the Steamboat Ski Area.

Quarry Loop: A moderate climb to the Quarry overlook through aspen groves with a twisty, fun descent. Ac-cess the trailhead at the Rodeo Stables then ride up the Bluffs loops-Howelsen Meadows-Rickys Ridge-lupine-Emerald Meadows-larrys-Prayer Flag Road-An-gry Grouse-Blair Witch. Stop and enjoy the views of Mount Werner and town at the Quarry overlook then head down lit-tle Moab to either the new NPR direction-al trail or lupine back to the Bluffs loop.

Stinger Loop: Sting or bee stung. Follow the famed Honey Stinger race route for 25 miles of Emerald glory, from the Howelsen base up and over Emerald Mountain. At top, head down the Ridge Trail to Cow Creek Road, where youll take a left to the Beall Trailhead. Ride the Beall Trail back up and then head back down however you like (hint: try the new Wild Rose trail) back to the rodeo grounds.

hoWelSeN & emerald moUNTaiN park

JOEl REICHENBERGER

11


Season: Early May through early November (one of the first trails to open each season due to its low elevation and western aspect)

Know before you go: Built by the local Rotary Club, this loop includes wide and smooth trails that wind smoothly through trees and down ridge lines with large berms and dirt rollers that can be pumped or doubled. This loop is designed to be exciting for the expert rider when ridden fast, yet easy for family riding.

Parking: From the library, head west on 13th Street for approximately 7 miles (Twentymile Road/Routt Coun-ty Road 33). Turn left on Cow Creek Road (Routt County Road 45) and go 1 mile. Two parking areas are available on the left.

Rating: More difficult (Ridge)/ easy (Rotary)Description: The Rotary Trail is accessed by riding up

.65 miles and 125 vertical feet of the Ridge Trail. The Rota-ry Trail turns left off Ridge Trail and continues to climb 1.5 miles and 210 vertical feet to the summit. With 400 vertical feet of drop, the next 1.5 miles are a roller coaster. From there, its a mile back to the trailhead on a gradual up-and-down, smooth trail that gains 65 vertical feet back to the trailhead. You can also access it by continuing farther up the Ridge Trail to an alternate access (veer left at the fork if climbing); or as an alternate downhill option when descending Ridge Trail from the top of Emerald Mountain. However you get there, be prepared for berm- and bank-filled fun.

roTary TrailJOEl REICHENBERGER

trail: 3.3 milesAscent: 327 feetdescent: 435 feet

highest point: 7,171 feetAverage grade: 4 percentmax grade: 17 percent


beall & ridGe TrailS

beall Trail

Know before you go: The Beall trail recognizes the efforts of Ben Beall, the 13-year chairman of the Emerald Mountain Partnership who was instrumental in negotiat-ing the land exchange between the State land Board and the BlM in 2007. The negotiations yielded the largest land swap in Colorado history, adding 4,193 acres of public land called the Special Recreation Area on Emerald Mountain.

Parking and trailheads: You can access the Beall Trail from two places the top of Emerald Mountain or via Routt County Road 45 (Cow Creek Road). From downtown, head north to 13th Street. Follow 13th as it becomes Routt County Road 33 (Twentymile Road). Take a left off the pavement onto RCR 45 at the bottom of the hill. RCR 45 is dirt, but it is well maintained. The first parking area you will pass accesses the Ridge and Rotary trails. Just a short drive past this trailhead you will see parking for the Beall Trail.

Rating: More difficultDescription: The most popular option is to link the

Beall Trail as part of a larger loop ride. The easiest option is the Emerald backside loop. Most riders choose to park at the Beall Trailhead, ride up Beall and then descend the Ridge Trail. At the Ridge Trail, it is only a short ride up Cow Creek Road to your car. For the most difficult option, ride the Stinger loop, which begins at the base of Howelsen Hill climbing to the top of Emerald Mountain, then descend-ing the Ridge Trail, climbing up the Beall Trail and then de-scending back down the front side of Emerald.

The Beall Trail offers views of Rabbit Ears Pass, the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and surrounding ranch land. Youll meander through open meadows, pine forests, as-pen groves and the beautiful gamble oak forest that is so prevalent on Emerald Mountain. The trail is non-technical singletrack with a gentle grade.

13

ridGe Trail

Know before you go: The Ridge Trail is another recent ad-dition to the amazing network of trails on Emerald Mountain. lo-cated on the backside of Emerald, it offers stunning views and smooth, tacky riding, with the options to link longer rides, via ei-ther the Rotary Trail toward the bottom, or Beall Trail.

Parking: Parking is available at Howelsen lodge or on Cow Creek Road (Routt County Road 45).

Rating: More difficultDescription: To get to the trailhead at Cow Creek, head out

Routt County Road 33 (Twentymile Road) and turn left on Cow Creek (RCR 45). Youll find the trailhead about a mile down on your left.

From the Emerald/downtown side, you have the option of rid-ing up a number of trails to the summit of Emerald Mountain. At the top, follow the two-track along the ridge. To access the trail-head, continue down and to the left just before the closure gate.

trail: 6.63 milesAscent: 1,385 feetdescent: 308 feet


trail: 5.0 milesAscent: 31 feetdescent: 1,379 feet


Note: Both the Ridge and Beall trails can be linked togeth-er from their respective trailheads on Cow Creek Road for a 13-mile loop, 11.5 of which are on great singletrack. For the easiest climbing, head up Beall and down Ridge. You can also add in the Rotary Trail for an additional loop.


Season: Mid-May through mid-Oc-tober

Know before you go: With its 35 switchbacks, this two-directional trail built just last summer with proceeds from the citys trail-building funds from the towns voter-approved accommodations tax provides one of the easiest, most gradual routes up to the top of Emerald Mountain. The trail can get crowded dur-ing lunch and after work, so ride with re-spect for other users and yield to uphill traffic. A bell can come in handy.

Parking: Access Morning Gloria from the three main trailheads serving the numerous riding options on Emerald Mountain. Parking is available at the ro-deo stables, at Howelsen lodge and at Blackmere Drive. There are public rest-rooms at Howelsen lodge.

Rating: More difficult Description: With its whopping 35

switchbacks, or one for every 0.12 miles, this 4.25-mile has become an instant Steamboat classic whose quad-friendly gradient makes it one of the easiest ways up to the top of Emerald Mountain. (Note: It was built in just two months thanks to Routt Country Riders new $100,000 trail-building machine.) Access it by riding up lower lupine, and then taking a left at the well-marked trailhead sign. Traversing the east side of Em-erald Mountain, its silk-smooth single-track leads 848 vertical feet up through arching scrub oak caverns, platoons of pine trees and fern-filled aspen groves marred by bear claws back and forth up Emerald Mountain. Upon reaching the top at the junction of the Quarry Moun-tain and Root Canal trails, you can turn around and enjoy the smooth, flowy and fern-filled ride back down or ride any number of alternate routes back down Emerald Mountain. lts also become a favorite way to access longer rides up and over Emerald on the Ridge and Beall trails.

morNiNG Gloriatrail: 4 milesAscent: 28 feetdescent: 848 feet


JOHN F. RUSSEll


Joining Morning Gloria and an expanded Ridge Trail park-ing lot on the west side of Emerald Mountain, two new trails were also built on the front side of Emerald Mountain last year, offering even more great singletrack options for riders.

The new 1.5-mile Wild Rose trail features an average grade of 3 percent and provides a direct connection to the Beall and Ridge Upper trailhead from the front side of Emerald. Riding up, access it about a third of the way up No Mo Bluez from the bottom of the Stairway to Heaven climb. From the top, access it just north of the two-track across from the Ridge and Beall trail junction. Perfect for riding up or down, it gives riders a pure singletrack option to access the back side of Emerald. Plus, it puts you in one of the best aspen groves in town.

No Pedaling Required (NPR) is another great addition

to frontside riding on Emerald. This fl owy, rampy and jumpy one-way trail down Emerald between Blackmere Drive and the Orton property line lives up to its name, letting you coast the entire way once you have it wired. It also reduces confl icts between trail users while giving cyclists a better route to the bottom of Emerald. It has four distinct sections: 1) the stretch from its start just up Blackmere Drive from the bottom of lit-tle Moab to Prayer Flag Road; 2) the longest stretch between Prayer Flag Road and Blackmere; 3) a section leading from Blackmere across from the start of larrys Trail to the roads saddle near the start of lower lupine; and 4) a fi nal shorter, lower section leading to near the top of Howelsen Ski Area. If you like smooth, man-made berms and table tops (that you dont necessarily have to air out), this trails for you.

NeW TrailS:Npr & Wild roSe

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Season: Mid-May through mid-OctoberKnow before you go: This classic from downtown is a local

favorite. The trail weaves back and forth over Spring Creek and through aspen forests with about a dozen bridge crossings. It can be done as an up and back down, or a loop connecting Buffalo Pass Road (Routt County Road 38).

Parking: From downtown Steamboat Springs, head north under Fish Creek Falls Road from the Old Town Hotsprings parking lot. Follow the dirt path to where it intersects Amethyst Drive. The trail, which starts as a dirt road (Routt County Road 34), is directly across the street. If driving, you can park your car here.

Rating: More diffi cult Description: Begin pedaling up the dirt road (keep an eye out

for cars, stay to the right). The road will turn to a doubletrack in about .5 miles. Follow this doubletrack up above Spring Creek Park (featuring two reservoir ponds and gazebo). The fi rst bridge cross-ing will be in about one-half mile. Stay on this doubletrack for an-other mile until the trailhead sign. At the sign, climb up a short steep hill to the left and take the immediate right. This is the beginning of the singletrack and the offi cial beginning of the Spring Creek Trail.

From here on, there are no other trails off the wide singletrack. The trail will cross back and forth over the creek until reaching the summit at Dry lake, approximately 5 miles later. The terrain is mostly hard-packed dirt but does have sections of rocks, roots and gravel. It is a continuous climb with many short, steep pitches. The trail is not very technical in nature, but the climbs require physical fi tness. There is a total elevation gain of 1,200 feet.

Upon reaching the top, turn around and enjoy the beautiful ride back down. Be careful, this trail is one of the most popular in Steamboat, so encounters with other riders, hikers, dog walkers and equestrians are inevitable.

Note: The upper trail is closed Dec 1 April 15 due to winter range closure.

SpriNG creek Trailtrail: 10.4 milesAscent: 1,435 feetdescent: 1,435 feet


COURTESY OF BIKE TOWN USA

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Season: Early June through OctoberKnow before you go: This trail is a beauty, and one of

the fi rst high-elevation trails in the Steamboat area to dry out each spring due to its southern exposure. It can also be linked in with several other trails in the area, including Hot Springs Trail, for a great half road/half trail loop from town. As an out and back from lower Bear Trailhead to the summit overlook, expect roughly 4 miles of pedaling with an elevation rise of 1,353 feet.

Parking: The trail starts on the right about a half mile before you reach Strawberry Park Hot Springs on Routt County Road 36 (Hot Springs Road). Park at the pull-out for the lower Bear Trail on the right and look for the singletrack trail heading north from its far end.

Rating: More diffi cultDescription: Break out your energy bar. This Forest Ser-

vice trail starts out with a bang, without much warm up. Be-ginning at an elevation of roughly 7,600 feet, the trail heads north at fi rst, before turning east and climbing the scrub oak-fi lled hillside with a series of switchbacks. After 1.6 miles, or about half an hour, youll reach the old Two-Track Trail, which

is even steeper. Turn left and climb another 0.4 miles (2 miles from trailhead) to the overlook at the top of a saddle and a commanding vista of the Yampa Valley. From there, the trail rolls northeast before contouring across a rocky outcrop and descending to its junction with 4WD Elk Park Road at mile 2.9. The trail ends at a meadow called Elk Park. Turn right on the road and you can descend all the way back to Strawberry Park Road at mile 4.8, where a right turn and short road climb takes you back to your car. You can also head back the way you came on lower Bear, whose smooth, Buff Trail is pure butter to descend.

loWer bear

trail: 2.8 milesAscent: 956 feetdescent: 236 feet


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Season: Early May through OctoberKnow before you go: With southern exposure

and quickly draining granitic soils, the hot springs area trails dry out early and offer the longest riding season of all the trails in town. Mad Creek is popular with hikers and their dogs. Please ride carefully and remember to yield the trail to hikers. Also be aware of horse use in this area during the early riding and hunting seasons. Please yield the trail to horses. The Red Dirt Trail has some north-facing slopes and does not melt out as early as the rest of the trail system. Do not ride into the Mount Zirkel Wilderness area, or you could be ticketed.

Parking: Ample parking is available about 5 miles up Routt County Road 129 at the Mad Creek Trail-head and another half mile beyond at the Red Dirt Trailhead (you can also ride RCR 129 directly to each trailhead). The other option is to ride the Strawberry Park Hot Springs Road (Routt County Road 36) to the Hot Springs Trail. Ride this trail down to RCR 129 and then turn right and go 0.25 miles to the trailhead.

Rating: More diffi cult (Mad Creek)/very diffi cult (Red Dirt)

hoT SpriNGS area

hiGhliGhTed Trail

Mad Creek/Red Dirt Loop: This loop climbs from the Mad Creek parking area up to the historic barn. look for the Swamp Park Trailhead sign on your left. Climb through aspen and lodgepole forests before descending the steep and tech-nical Red Dirt Trail. A short spin along the road returns riders to the trailhead.

These trails all link up essentially at the top of the Mad Creek trail, and offer a little something for everyone. From here, riders can follow the meandering trail by the historic barn and bordering a gorgeous alpine meadow to the Mount Zirkel Wilderness boundary, over to the Red Dirt Trail (see above), or across Mad Creek onto double track and loop back to either the Hot Springs Trail or the Mad Creek trailhead parking lot. No matter your route, youll likely see birds of prey, deer or elk, fox and other wildlife. Youll also encounter other trail users, so ride under control. The long locals ride starts in town, rides out Strawberry Park Road to the Straw-berry Park Hot Springs, down the Hot Springs Trail, up Mad Creek, down Red Dirt, then back up Hot Springs (for a post-ride soak) and fi nally back into town. Note: The Forest Service and Routt County Riders recently fi nished a re-route of a por-tion of the Hot Springs Trail to fi x an erosion problem.

Note: Mandatory winter closure for trail and parking lot Dec. 1 April 15 to protect winter range habitat.

trail: 10.2 milesAscent: 1,298 feetdescent: 1,325 feet


22

JOEl REICHENBERGER

YIElD TO


Season: late July through mid-OctoberKnow before you go: If you have time for one high alpine

ride in Steamboat, make it this one. This rolling, scenic trail, once the route for Ride4Yellow, is a classic Steamboat epic, with mod-erate technical sections, buff singletrack and sweeping views. This trail is referred to by three different names (Wyoming Trail, Divide Trail and Trail 1101). Dont be confused they all lead to the same great place. You will need two cars or a shuttle driver. Your car will be left at Dumont lake, with the ride ending back in Steamboat. Check with local bike shops for trail conditions, and be aware of early season snow and/or fallen trees.

Parking: From Steamboat, take U.S. Highway 40 east for 20 miles over Rabbit Ears Pass.Turn left toward Dumont lake.Pass the campground entrances then turn left toward Base Camp (there is a large boulder in the middle of the road with a plaque on it). Park your car 300 yards up Base Camp Road on the right hand side.

Rating: More difficult+Description: look for the start of the trail on the opposite

side of Base Camp Road. You will quickly come out onto the campground road.Continue straight on the campground road until you take slight right onto Trail 1101 (Wyoming/Divide Trail). Initially, the trail follows an old roadbed along an irrigation ditch. Head left after crossing a small creek and begin your first steep climb. The trail will roll along, cross another creek, and 4 miles from the start, you will come out on Base Camp Road. Turn left on Base Camp Road and climb for about half a mile to Base Camp Trailhead. (Option:You can ride or drive Base Camp Road to this point to avoid 4 miles of singletrack).

At the Base Camp Trailhead, begin a fun, twisty descent over many water bars.After the descent, youll cross a creek and a climb up to Fishhook lake (a good spot for a snack). After riding along the east side of the lake, look for a left turn to continue on Trail 1101 (dont go to lost lake). More rolling terrain with a few rocky sections will take you past lake Elmo and to an obvious four-way intersection, which is another great spot for a snack or to regroup.

Turn left onto Fish Creek Falls Trail (1102), which rolls down-hill toward long lake. Stay right as you first approach the lake and then continue onto Trail 1102 (dont go to Fish Creek Reser-voir).Another 0.8 fairly flat miles later, turn left and begin climbing Mountain View Trail (1032). The trail climbs a few loose switch-backs then rolls through the forest, then climbs again. At the top, youre rewarded with gorgeous views across Rabbit Ears Pass and a nice spot for a break.A couple more miles of rolling terrain take you to Steamboat Ski Resort. Head left on the resorts dirt road to connect with Petes Wicked Trail to begin the descent.

The best route down is Petes Wicked Trail, right on Cathys Cut off, right onto Sunshine Trail, and left on the dirt road. From there, take any number of Steamboat Bike Park trails down to the base of the resort, where the ride ends with a cold beverage.

oTher Trail opTioNS iN The area

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