The ground has thawed, spring is creeping up through the mulch and that wonderful sleeping “willow” on the break is about to bloom – this can only mean one thing: Mountain Bike season is here!
It’s
been a mild winter by Colorado standards and today I look out my office window
and nothing but bright sun and blue skies.
I often tinker on my toys and in between wheel
swaps and my Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny squabble with my rear derailleur I managed
to get a ride in. It’s
been a couple of months since my last post so some may be wondering “What’s Up
Doc?” Well, Dirt Life is expanding
northward and waypoints are pointing towards the Fort. No, not that special place made up of cardboard,
scrap wood and trash can lids, but Fort Collins, Colorado.
Earlier
this month on a cloudy, sunny, cloudy afternoon I got my first taste of
northern Colorado single-track. The Blue Sky Trail trailhead is just west of the south end of Horsetooth Reservoir and for a daily
fee of $6 you’ll be thoroughly entertained.
This low impact trail is hard pack single-track and very well maintained. There is a split right around the 3.50 mile mark and this day I chose to go right and descend down the slope. There is a section of service road about 4 miles in which is great for groups to catch up or maybe a chance just to look around and soak in the Rocky Mountain flavor. The climbs and descents make for a perfect early season warm up and the mild terrain is ideal for all skill levels. Exposure is full so don’t forget your favorite SPF. Obstacles are few but often enough to keep your eyes on the trail. Over my route I only encountered one challenging descent/climb at 3.50/7.55 miles. The good news is that it is short and completely smooth but at an 11% grade it could prove to be quite a challenge for the beginner.
This low impact trail is hard pack single-track and very well maintained. There is a split right around the 3.50 mile mark and this day I chose to go right and descend down the slope. There is a section of service road about 4 miles in which is great for groups to catch up or maybe a chance just to look around and soak in the Rocky Mountain flavor. The climbs and descents make for a perfect early season warm up and the mild terrain is ideal for all skill levels. Exposure is full so don’t forget your favorite SPF. Obstacles are few but often enough to keep your eyes on the trail. Over my route I only encountered one challenging descent/climb at 3.50/7.55 miles. The good news is that it is short and completely smooth but at an 11% grade it could prove to be quite a challenge for the beginner.
The
first miles of Fort Collins have been mapped and I’m excited about exploring this
new terrain. Click here for mileage
and elevation info and check back often for more raves and routes. The Blue Sky Trail extends all the way down to the Devil's Backbone in Loveland and with good weather, this trail should keep you rolling all day.
Thanks for clicking in and I hope to see you on the trail.
Dirt Life
Thanks for clicking in and I hope to see you on the trail.
Dirt Life
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