Colorado is becoming increasingly popular with UK cyclists looking for a holiday where they can indulge their love of cycling. The physical challenge of the altitude combines with amazing alpine views for a road-biker’s dream destination.
During the summer, many of Colorado’s road-bike races and mountain-bike races cater to serious competitors, but they also have shorter and less intense routes for more casual cyclists – and you’ll get fresh mountain air and a loud cheer at the finish line, no matter the length of the ride.
Powderhorn Mountain (powderhorn.com) will debut two new mountain bike trails in summer 2016. The bike trails will be serviced by the newly built high-speed quad. Powderhorn is also working with local area bike shops to build and grow a downhill bike series.
Also new for summer 2016, the Viceroy Snowmass (viceroyhotelsandresorts.com) will offer a cycling programme led by former pro cyclist Will Frischkorn (Tour de France competitor for Garmin). The experience is entirely customisable and can include activities such as a just over 40km ride to Sustainable Settings Farm followed by a true farm-to-table dinner prepared by Viceroy’s Executive Chef, Will Nolan. Or take a ride to the Maroon Bells and Castle Creek/Ashcroft followed by a massage at the hotel.
In addition, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre (redrocksonline.com) is a naturally formed, world-famous outdoor music venue just 24km west of Denver and is the only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world. It’s well known in certain circles for U2’s performance there in 1983.
Throughout 2016, the amphitheatre will celebrate its 75th anniversary with special concerts and events. Red Rocks is recognised for its star-studded concert roster, natural acoustics and ambience, as well as its awe-inspiring hiking and biking trails. colorado.com