Aspen HighLights

September 6, 7-10, 2012                Aspen, Colorado

250-350miles/4 days

$535/$300 deposit                           Rating: I21-A69

 

Full registration fee due  August 1, 2012                                                                    

                                

Aspen summers and winters are stunning.  But our favorite time is September! Imagine breathtaking views in every direction and biking along gorgeous mountain creeks and through exhilarating meadows.  Enjoy Colorado blue skies and awesome days.  There will be riding choices for both intermediate and advanced and the more casual riders, for those who want to ride all day and for those who want to split up their days with other excellent choices in Aspen. See www.aspenchamber.org for more information.

 

There will be a fixed based rides starting in Aspen every day at 7890 feet above sea level.  We will be staying at a lodge just a few blocks from the very vibrant core of Aspen offering appealing post ride community, entertainment, dining, shopping and hanging out choices. Non-riding partners and those who may want to be more casual riders and simply enjoy HeartCycle camaraderie are encouraged to join us.  Add your own additional days in Aspen by taking advantage of HeartCycle’s very favorable lodging rates.

 

Thursday, September 6   Arrive at the Aspen Mountain Lodge, www.aspenmountainlodge.com, for the group orientation meeting at 9PM.

 

Friday, September 7   21 Miles/1807” Vertical   (+ Optional 21 Miles/1846 Vertical)   Climb steadily through the majestic Maroon Creek Valley, unaccompanied by cars, to the breath taking Maroon Bells that some claim to be the most beautiful spot in America.  See www.wilderness.net. Non-riders can hitch a ride to the Maroon Bells on an Aspen city bus. A heavenly downhill ride that takes you back to Aspen or optionally to the beginning of a very similar and awesome steady climb up Castle Creek with a picnic above the ghost town of Ashcroft.  Non-riders and those who choose not to ride up Castle Creek can converge at the picnic location by enjoying a scenic drive to the top. 

 

Saturday, September 8  40 Miles/ 3950’ Vertical   (+ Optional 35 Miles/3442 Miles)   Climb along the impressive Roaring Fork River valley past the ghost town of Independence to the top of Independence Pass at 12,095.  For more climbing, continue over the summit to Twin Lakes and climb back up again.  On the return, we will be following one of the most challenging stages of the 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge. From the summit, the downhill into Aspen offers numerous hairpin turns and scenic overlooks.

 

Sunday, September 9 69 Miles/4413” Vertical  (+Optional 22 Miles/1724 Vertical)   To start the day, we bike mostly downhill through the panoramic Roaring Fork valley to Basalt a popular café stop.   Following refreshments we begin a mild climb up the peaceful and stunning Frying Pan River, arriving at Reudi Reservoir. There you will have a choice to return down hill to Basalt and begin the steady climb back to Aspen or arrange a ride back to Aspen. For those wanting more miles, keep riding around Reudi Reservoir and then back to Aspen.  All good choices.

 

Monday, September 10   24 Miles/2381’ Vertical   Superlatives continue with an awesome ride up Owl Creek to Snowmass Village, www.snowmassvillage.com, for brunch taking in breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding Snowmass. 

There are some ups and down making this relatively short ride a great morning workout getting you back to Aspen in time for a leisurely drive back to Denver over Independence Pass or through Glenwood Canyon.

  No HeartCycle souvenir clothing will be provided for this weekend tour.

For further information contact Karl Friedman at karl.m.friedman@gmail.com or (303) 783-9701or Brad James at bradbjames@earthlink.net or (303)-941-7240