Sometimes a little extra work in the evening isn’t so bad….in fact, it can be a darn good time! One such time is going out for a little 3500 foot moonlit climb up one of Colorado’s most scenic roads. I’m talking about a late night ride up the Old Fall River Road in the Rocky Mountain National Forest. It’s only possible about 4-5 times during the riding season and perhaps the last available option is September 4th, however the 5th was close enough for me and four others to enjoy the moon’s light. 
I wasn’t kidding about the work… Old Fall River Road is, well “old”, as in before pavement, and a mountain bike is the weapon of choice due to some soft spots hidden in the shadows. The fun starts at about 8,500 feet and climbs to 11,800 feet through some grades of 16%. At times, the tree cover casts some pretty good shadows on the road and riding in the dark can tend to flatten some of those grades, but the drops of sweat on the top tube tell the real story. This road is also one way so once you start…….there’s no turning back and the park ranger who asked what we were doing at the Lawn Lake Trailhead at 9:30PM made sure we knew that fact! After arriving at the Alpine Visitors Center, 11 miles away from the car, the way down involves descending Trail Ridge Road, so bring lights and red flashers. Not so fast though! The visitor’s center is at 11,800 feet and Trail Ridge tops off at 2,200 feet, so you have a bit more climbing before breaking out the warm clothes. Yes, 12,000 feet can get mighty chilly so bring a pack with some extra layers!
Now you’re ready for the fun part. If you’ve ever driven this road during the day you know how much traffic it can see. Descending it at midnight you’ll be lucky to see three vehicles on the way down but be careful when opening her up all the way… Elk are mighty big and don’t use headlights…however, they do have horns! (I know, I know, but antlers didn’t sound right!) The total mileage for this ride is 29.5 miles so that means 16 miles of it is pure adrenalin pumping downhill all the way back to the car.
Visit http://www.mapmyride.com/view_route?r=650125246420066949 for complete ride details.
Another adrenalin filled event this past weekend was the Fort Collins Tour de Fat. Each year I attend this spectacle and each year I am even more amazed at the engineering marvels and costumes that show up better than the year before. The size of the crowds both taking part in the parade and lining the streets are also hard to imagine if you haven’t experienced the event first hand. This year an estimated 10,000 characters took part in the festivities, so you better start thinking now for that original get up for next year. Check out some of the pictures from the day here – > http://www.flickr.com/photos/frenchista/sets/72157622150157735/show/
If you missed the event, or just can’t stand to put the cruiser up just yet, there is still time to sign up for the LEE’s sponsored Tapas ride. Cruise to three of the areas finest destinations for fine food and drink while dressing in your “finest” cruiser garb. Space is limited and there is a fee. Visit LEE’s more more information and registration.
Ok, I admit, I don’t always wear my helmet when riding my bike, but this weekend I witnessed countless numbers of families riding with the kids wearing helmets and parents NOT! Now you may not be riding fast with your kids, but things happen, and if you think it is possible for your child to bang his/her noggin from three feet off the ground there is a good chance mom and dad could do it from six feet of the deck. Just sayin’…..
Enjoy the sunlight while it’s here and get out and ride… just remember to put a lid on it!
Steve Lacey
