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All trips are full but you can still sign up for the waitlist. 

‘Tis the season to ride your bike outside and sleep under the stars! We can’t wait to spend time outdoors doing our favorite things! Before we do that, there’s some important information needed for our upcoming bikepacking trips.

First, all of these trips are self-supported, meaning each individual is responsible for making sure they have the right gear, water, and food for the trip. As there are no resupply points on any of the routes, you need to be prepared to carry all of the supplies you need for 2-3 days, depending on the trip. Second, be comfortable with your bike and having the tools to do trail-side maintenance. Three, we will be stopping to regroup often to avoid dropping riders but ultimately these are not no-drop rides. These rides are challenging and we’ll all be pushing together, so come prepared to work!

We will be trying our best to arrange carpool options and gear sharing, but ultimately you are responsible for getting there and being ready to ride! 

 

Each trip has specific details, so make sure you look at all of the resources. Email us or chat with us on a ride if you have questions.

Trip 1: Buena Vista to Cottonwood Lake (must sign up by June 1st)

Lead: Nicole

Genders: ALL 

When: June 14th & June 15th (2 days, 1 night)

  • Leave Denver by ~7:30AM

  • Meet in Buena Vista at ~10:30AM (2 hr 40 min drive)

    • Park at McPhelemy Park or on Main Street

    • TBD meet up spot: Park, Blend at Buena Vista, or Brown Dog Coffee Company

  • Roll by 11:30-12PM

Shake out ride: Optional but encouraged on June 8 at 4:30PM 

GPS

Distance: 25.02 miles

Climbing: 2,175 ft

Gravel Ratio: 55% Gravel, 45% Road

Camping: Dispersed camping just past the official campground

Bike Recommendation: Gravel, full suspension or hard-tail. Minimum 35mm wide tires, but 38mm or more is ideal since its higher percent gravel. A full suspension bike may be too much for the amount of pavement, but dealers choice! 

Fuel Options: Bring all food needed and bring a water filter. The route stays nearby Cottonwood Creek. 

General Notes:

  • Gravel bike adventures has a review on this as a 1 day ride.

  • Beginner friendly, lots of spots to take breaks during climbs.

Trip 2: Hartman Rock

Lead: Mel​

Genders: Female & Nonbinary

When: August 16th & 17th (2 days, 1 night)

Location: Gunnison, CO (3.5 hours from Denver)

  • Parking is available in the town of Gunnison for free for 48 hours. Plenty of spots available around town. 

  • Meeting point will be in the town, but TBD on exactly where

GPS Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43491490 

Start Time:

  • Leave Denver at 7:00am

  • Arrive in Gunnison at ~11:00am

  • Begin ride by ~1:00pm

Distance: 30 miles, 15 miles each day

Climbing: 2,304ft

Camping (Dispersed or Reservation): Dispersed

Bike Rec: Gravel, hardtail, or full suspension. Minimum 35mm tire width.

Fuel Options: Bring dinner, breakfast, and snacks. No campfires, so gas stoves are necessary for cooking. Can filter water at South Beaver Creek.

General Notes:

  • Beginner friendly, but expect some hike-a-bike bits. We’ll all be in it together! 

  • Bikepacking.com did this route, and have a video!

  • Technically in bear country, so bring a bear hang kit if you’ve got one!

  • No bathroom facilities, bring a trowel and pack out your trash!!

Trip 3: Aspen Ridge

Lead: Paeyton

Genders: All

When: September 26th, 27th, and 28th (3 days, 2 nights)

GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/11062444 

Start Time:

  • Leave Denver at 7:00am

  • Arrive in Salida at 11:00am

  • Begin ride at 1:00pm

Location: Salida, CO

  • Parking - Park in Salida near Riverside Park

  • Meeting Spot - TBD

Distance: 50.8 miles

Climbing: 5,274ft

Camping: Lots of dispersed camping in the national forest

Bike Rec: Some suspension is recommended if you plan on taking advantage of the mtb trails. Otherwise, a gravel bike is good with minimum 35mm tires.

Fuel Options: Can usually find water to filter, but check as it changes seasonally. 

Other Notes:

  • Beginner friendly, but expect some hike-a-bike bits. We’ll all be in it together! 

  • Bikepacking.com did this route and has a great summary

  • High altitude, so worth spending a few hours in town. 

  • Cool mtb trails nearby, worth exploring!

  • Technically in bear country, so bring a bear hang kit if you’ve got one!

Image by Patrick Hendry

Packing List

Your list will depend on your bike, your comfort, and your preferences. This is a sample list; it is intended as a guide. Ultimately, bring what you need to maintain your body and your bike! For more information, see Bikepacking.com’s Bikepacking 101 page.

Bike
  • Bike in good working condition

  • Helmet

  • Lights (front and back)

  • Spare tube(s), sealant,  patch kit, multitool, extra chain link, tire levers

  • Bikepacking bags (frame bag, handlebar bag, seat bag, etc.)

Shelter & Cooking

Shelter:

  • Tent/hammock/bivy

  • Sleeping bag 

  • Sleeping pad

Cooking:

  • Backpacking stove

  • Fuel and lighter/matches

  • Pot with lid

  • Eating utensil

  • Mug

  • Food (bars, snacks, dehydrated meals)

  • Water

Clothing
  • Riding shorts or bibs

  • Base layer (ideally merino wool for warmth and moisture-wicking)

  • Warm layer (fleece or puffy jacket)

  • Rain jacket and pants (lightweight and packable)

  • Hat (sun hat and warm hat)

  • Socks/underwear

  • Camp clothes (t-shirt, shorts/leggings)

  • Headlamp with fresh batteries

  • Neck gaiter / buff

Hygiene / Other
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste

  • Toilet paper (pack it out in a ziplock bag)

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Trowel

  • Sunscreen

  • Sunglasses

  • Earplugs

  • First aid supplies

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