Biking Enthusiasts Strike Gold in the Old Mining Town of Telluride. Fall is undeniably the hidden tourist season at Telluride. While the popular vacation destination is well-known for its world-class skiing in the winter and live music festivals throughout the summer, fall offers scenic delights throughout the old mining town that can be experienced at no other time of the year. Telluride’s unique location in a box canyon, which is surrounded by rugged mountains and forests, provides a breathtaking backdrop for some unforgettable cycling. After the summer crowds die down and right before the first blanket of snow covers the surrounding mountains, Telluride’s forests undergo a transformation that sets the mountainous region ablaze with brilliant red, orange and gold-colored leaves. Until the secret gets out of how fabulous Telluride is in autumn, fewer cars are expected to be on the city’s roads. Here is a quick look at the most popular road cycling destinations, where to go to get outfitted for the outdoor adventure sport and an upcoming road bike event in the area.
Where to Bike in Telluride During Fall
The ride from Telluride into Placerville runs along Highway 145, and is just under 16 miles. The course starts off flat and delivers a formidable descent at Keystone Hill. Riders arrive at Placerville ready to hit the General Store for refreshments, which they will need for the climb back up Keystone Hill on the return trip.
According to many area cyclists, the 28-mile, road cycling course from Telluride to Dallas Divide is one of the most scenic rides during the fall season. Following a descent on Keystone Hill, the course runs through Placerville and then proceeds uphill where there is room for cyclists to ride side-by-side and socialize.
The straightforward course that takes road cyclists from Telluride into Lizard Head is a challenging mix of ascents that spans about 15 miles. Riders pass markers and towns such as Heartbreak Hill, Scenic Lookout and Ophir before reaching the top of Lizard Head.
Our conceirge here at Telluride Rentals is more than happy to help you with figuring out where to ride.
Bike Rentals and Resources for Fall Road Cycling in Telluride
While mountain biking has always been a favorite attraction of Telluride, road cycling is gaining a significant following. Those who want to get out on the open road have many options and resources available to them when it comes to gearing up and taking to the open roads in Telluride. Experienced cyclists who arrive in Telluride by car can bring their own bike and cycle throughout their stay. Avid road cyclist who fly into Telluride have the option of renting bikes from knowledgeable outfitters such as Box Canyon Bicycles and Bootdoctors. While many of these shops do not rent gear such as clothing and helmets, they often sell these items in their retail shops. Besides offering well-maintained bikes and accessories, the operators of Box Canyon Bicycles and Bootdoctors are known for being excellent resources to tap about course conditions, best times to ride and refreshment stops. The Telluride Cycling Club and the Lizard Head Cycling Guides are just a couple of other great sources of information about the best fall road cycling opportunities in Telluride. They both offer cyclists opportunities to ride in groups, which increase road cycling safety and fun in Telluride.
Bike for Charity, Bike for Fun in Telluride This Fall
Participating in the annual Mountains to the Desert Bike Ride is a great way to take in the breathtaking views of the season, experience an exhilarating physical challenge and support the local community in the San Miguel Watershed region. The event, which takes place on 23 September 2017, begins at the courthouse in Telluride and ends at the Gateway Canyon Resort in Gateway, Colorado. The event is fully supported with aid stations along the way, and cyclists have the option of shortening the 100-plus mile race by departing from nearby Norwood. Cyclists finish the road race off with food, raffles and the good feeling that comes from helping underprivileged children through the Just For Kids Foundation.
Contact us here at Telluride Rentals for more biking events or inquiries about our luxury rentals!