Poudre River Trail near Greeley, CO

As always, I started the day feeling rushed.

A fall bike ride on the Poudre River Trail that runs
between Windsor, Colorado & Greeley, CO

I don't have time for a trail ride." I thought.

But then, I did a little survey of the things I "had" to get done for the day.

Other than a few quick chores all of them could wait.

On the other hand, it's almost November, and we're not going to get many more nice trail days. So I said, "What the heck," or something like that, and loaded my bike on the car.

I had biked the Poudre River Trail, starting in Greeley, Colorado back in the spring, but I didn't finish the ride due to trail construction delays.

After about an hour drive, I started my ride near Windsor, Colorado. Once I was on the trail, I was glad I decided to go for a ride. There were just enough other folks on the trail for an occasional friendly greeting, but not enough to feel rushed or crowded. The weather was cool but not cold. Half the time I wore long sleeves, then I shed them and enjoyed the light breeze.

This time, I started my ride in Windsor, Colorado and rode east. It was a terrific ride, and now I can't wait until they get the eastern portion of the trail connected to the western portion that now runs through part of Fort Collins, Colorado.

Let me know what your last great ride for the fall is. Winter is almost here, so let's share our final trail stories.

Poudre River Trail near Greeley, CO

Black Hawk Bike Ride

Ooooooooohhh!!!  I stuck it to the man today.

Okay, it was an extremely minor "stick it to the man," but a SITTM nonetheless.

As I've mentioned before in this blog, there's a ban on bicycle riding in Black Hawk, Colorado.

Well guess where I rode my bike today. Woooo Wooooo!

Actually I started my ride in Black Hawk, CO (take that, MAN) and ended in Louisville, CO. Door to door, it was about a 50 mile ride. No biggy for some of you hard cores out there, but a borderline butt-kickin' ride for me.

I don't normally like riding on the road. If I had my druthers, I'd stick to all trails. But every once in a while, I've got to see how the other half of bikers live.

There was a super wide shoulder on highway 119. Then, I took Gap Road which was mostly gravel, not a great idea on a road bike, but not too bad. If you want a good workout, I suggest both hwy 119 coming out of Black Hawk (uphill big time) and Gap Road. Gap Road is steep up, then down, then up, then....

Once I got to Twin Spruce Road, it was mostly downhill.

Then I got to highway 72. It's a busy road on weekends and there's no shoulder. Rushing Roulette we'll call it.

Highway 93 doesn't have much of a shoulder either and it's extremely busy all the time.

Why am I sharing all this? Maybe just to show all you road bikers that I'm willing to risk my life on your roads. Now it's your turn to try some epic trails. After my experience today, I can't imagine you going back to roads.

Black Hawk Bike Ride

Groupon offers great deal on Rocky Mountain National Park

Today's Groupon deal was an awesome one.

For $85, they're offering an overnight trip to Rocky Mountain National Park that includes 3 meals, a guided hike up Long's Peak (a fourteener), and transportation to the park/trailhead. This would normally cost $284. It's quite a deal.

I'm not a huge mountain climber, and I'm crunched for time this next couple months, but I think I'll sign up for it.

Groupon offers great deal on Rocky Mountain National Park

Poudre River Trail closing

It's Greeley Stampede time which means rodeo, corn dogs, carnival rides and ....

...trail closings. The east end of the Poudre River Trail, in Greeley, Colorado, is closed for two reasons.

First, the annual Greeley Stampede takes place right at the eastern terminus of the trail. So there's a big ol' gate at the very beginning of the trail.

Then, if you think you're clever and find a way around the gate (easy if you go through the dirt parking lot), you'll be stopped by another barricade a couple miles up the trail. And this one is serious. Oh the barricade is easy enough to get around, but the demolished trail over a ditch is another matter.

Bottom line ... If you're going for a bike ride or hike on the Poudre River Trail, start at the west end in Windsor, CO or start at the Rover Run Dog Park off of F Street in Greeley, CO.

Poudre River Trail closing

Amtrak Train delayed by over 8 hours

We were scheduled to leave Denver @ 8:05 am to take an Amtrak train to Glenwood Springs. It has now been moved back to 4:00 pm.

I was hoping to ride the Rio Grande Trail on Sunday.

Yikes!!

How come trains are scheduled to the minute in Europe and are always on time and U.S. trains are notoriously and horrendously late?

Five of us planned a fun weekend enjoying the strawberry festival, riding bikes, and soaking in the hot springs. Now are plans will have to be drastically altered.

My first disappointment was when I found out Amtrak (on the Chicago to California route anyway) doesn't transport bikes (w/out a big hassle & extra $). Now the late train. How much do you want a bet they won't be willing to refund our fare?

Amtrak Train delayed by over 8 hours

Brewery Trails?

What's up with all the trails that lead to breweries?

Seriously. Let's take a look some of them:

The Clear Creek Trail that runs from Denver, CO to Golden, CO also leads to the Coors Brewery in Golden. Talk about your pot of gold at the end of the trail.

The Tammany Trace Bike Trail near New Orleans, Louisiana is interrupted by a stop at the Abita Brewery in Abita Springs/Covington, LA. And if you're there @ 2:00, you get to taste 14 different beers and a root beer... for free. And you get a brewery tour, to boot.

And I'm told the Poudre River Trail near Fort Collins, CO goes near the New Belgium Brewery. I believe all of these breweries offer tours and tastings.

So if you're into biking & beer, you'll more than likely enjoy these trails and the little side trips to the breweries.

Brewery Trails?

Caribou cross-country ski trail

I know most of my posts are about bike trails.

Well this post is different... or is it?

I had the good fortune to help lead a group of girl scouts on a nordic ski trip to Caribou, Colorado. Caribou is a ghost town near Nederland, CO. I had just skied this trail a couple weeks ago, and it was mediocre and deteriorating fast.

Not this weekend. It was fantastic. There was just enough new snow to make it enjoyable. And it snowed lightly (heavily for a very short while as you can see in the accompanying picture) for about half the trip. It was a winter wonderland ... in spring.

For those of you who are disappointed that this isn't a bike trail blog post, I've got good news. In the summer, this trail is a mountain bike trail. You share the trail with 4WD vehicles, but if you go up on the weekdays, you may not have to share it with anyone.

To check out my  review of the Caribou Trail near Nederland, Colorado, visit trailsnet.com.

Caribou cross-country ski trail

Bear Creek Trail near Morrison, Colorado

Spring is around the corner. We've had a tough winter. February averaged nine degrees colder than usual this year. When I was working full time as a teacher, I averaged a couple days of biking per week. This year, as a retiree who works from home, I only made it out two or three times all winter. It's been either too cold, too snowy, or too icy.
Well it's warm out today, and my thoughts turn to a good biking trip. I'm thinking the Bear Creek Trail that goes through parts of Morrison, Arvada, Westminster & Denver, Colorado would be a good trail to hit pretty soon.
The nice thing about the Bear Creek Trail is that I can start by having breakfast in Morrison and end by having lunch in Denver. It also makes a pretty good loop trail when tied in with the Platte River Trail and the C470 Trail.
If you are interested in any of those trails, feel free to visit the links above for more trail information and photos.

Bear Creek Trail near Morrison, Colorado