Our Guide to The Best Bike Trails in Golden, Colorado

May 12, 2016
Peak Cycles/Bikeparts.com cyclists enjoy the evening views off Lookout Mountain

Peak Cycles/Bikeparts.com cyclists enjoy the evening views off Lookout Mountain

Are you new in town? Or maybe you are just getting into mountain biking? If you are in the Golden area, you are in for a treat. We have a broad variety of trails that cater to a range of skill and athletic abilities. The mountain views will take your breath away (as well as some of the hills) and we can guarantee you’ll be coming back for more.

All of Golden’s trails can be found on the City of Golden website. For your convenience, however, we thought we would highlight some of our favorite cycling trails.

Chimney Gulch Trail

Skill Level: Moderate – Advanced

Not too far away from downtown Golden, Chimney Gulch is a visitor and local favorite because it ascends the well-known Golden landmark — Lookout Mountain. Chimney Gulch is mostly an uphill climb which winds through the Golden foothills and emerges at the top of Lookout Mountain. At the summit, you can park your bike to enjoy gorgeous mountain and city overlooks or visit the Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve. And the way down is all downhill!

Apex Trail

Skill Level: Moderate – Advanced

Similar to (but less popular than) the Chimney Gulch Trail, the Apex Trail winds up and up into Golden’s western foothills. For much of the way, the track is surrounded by pine forests, giving you a feeling that you are far away from the bustle of city life. The Chimney Gulch and Apex trails can actually be connected for an extended ride up one and down the other. If you are combining the trails, you may want to consider stopping at Buffalo Bill’s grave at the top of Lookout Mountain.

North and South Table Mountain

Skill Level: Easy – Moderate

Both North and South Table Mountain (located on the east side of Golden) offer a unique mountain biking experience. The flat-top mesa makes for relatively easy cycling, which gives riders the chance to enjoy the open prairie. Both mesas have multiple access points and extensive trails that weave on top and along the side of the mountains, just out of reach of urban Golden. We find that morning and evening light glancing off the prairies make for an especially special ride on these trails.

White Ranch Trail

Skill Level: Moderate

If you are looking for solitude, this is one of your best bets. On the north end of Golden, the White Ranch Park offers a different type of beauty from the rest of town and encompasses meadows, pine forests, views of buttes, and unique rock formations. It has about 20 miles of trails that wind through both rugged and gentle terrain.

Before taking your mountain bike for a spin, it’s important to be prepared. Having plenty of water, food and nutrition, extra tire tubes, and repair kits, as well as the right tires and maps will ensure you have an enjoyable and stress free experience.

If you need a bike, we have a large selection of rental bikes at our store – Peak Cycles in downtown Golden. Don’t hesitate to stop in to ask questions, take a bike for a spin, or peruse our array of bikes, bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel.

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Your Complete Summer Guide to 2014 Colorado Cycling Events, Rides, and Bike Races

May 28, 2014

954850_462221050538424_1088116634_nColorado has some of the greatest road bike rides and mountain bike trails in the country.   And, it’s host to one of the world’s favorite bike races – the US ProCycling Challenge.  While some cycling enthusiast plan to visit Colorado for the 7 day stage race, others come to ride and race more frequently in Colorado.

Knowing where and when to ride is half of the trick to enjoyable riding in Colorado.  Whereas being prepared is the other half. The first step in your trip or cycling preparation is selecting the road rides or mountain bike trails you want to ride.  As you’ll soon see from the links below, some rides are shorter, convenient rides whereas others offer steeper, longer climbs and extended distances. Locals and vacationers alike welcome the challenge of pushing the limits while taking in breathtaking views that only Colorado has to offer.  Look through the options and choose your favorites.

Next in your planning preparations, you’ll want to gather road ride or trail intelligence.  Meaning, there are key elements you should know before heading out on any unfamiliar route:

  • Know the profile – How much climbing and descending should you expect?
  • Know the route – Where is the start or the trailhead? How long is the route? What is the technical difficulty? What type of terrain will you be riding? And, What are the current trail conditions if opting for a mountain bike ride?
  • Know the weather conditions before, during, and soon after you expect to ride. Colorado weather changes quickly and sometimes, radically. Be prepared.
  • Know what cycling apparel to wear.  Being over or under dressed makes for an uncomfortable ride.
  • Know which bike parts and components are best for the terrain type and the right mountain bike tire to use.

Finally, there’s a checklist of essential items to carry with you.

The next big question is which bike to ride?   Of course, you can ship or bring your own bike. Our shop, Peak Cycles Bike Shop offers rental bikes and all the bike accessories you may have forgotten to pack.  Or, opt to buy a new bike!  Embark on its inaugural rides here in Golden and ship it home. Finally, have you dialed in which cycling events or races are for you?

Not sure yet?  Well, stop by the Peak Cycling Bike Shop for help or visit us at bikeparts.com for maps, information, or general bike components that you may need for your next big event.  And, as a little teaser to whet your appetite for Colorado’s finest, enjoy the cycling videos, pics, and trail reviews.  Happy Riding!

 

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Posted by staffwriter8

Video View of North Table Mountain, South Table Mountain, and Green Mountain

May 23, 2013

Spring is finally here!  The sun is shining, the temperatures are warmer, and the trails are dry!  The Peak Cycle Bicycle Shop is buzzing with activity. Folks are stopping by to select new jerseys, replace old bike parts and schedule bike maintenance.  Now is the time to get your ride ready!

What’s stopping you from getting out there on your mountain bike and riding?  If our great weather isn’t enough inspiration to get you out pedaling, then check out our video featuring a sneak peak of North Table Mountain, South Table Mountain, and Green Mountain.  Fun trails for families, recreational riders, and competitive cyclist alike.

We’re centrally located to all of these trails so remember to stop by the shop to pick up any last minute necessities like bike nutrition (bars, gels, drinks), sunscreen, lube, big air, or tubes.  Or, swing by to say hi.  Happy Trails!  

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Colorado Summer Vacations: 2013 Travelers Guide To Golden, Colorado Mountain Biking

May 2, 2013

BikeParts.com Team Rider Sam Dolzani shredding the season-opener Boulder Short Track RacePlanning a trip to Colorado? Why not explore the Front Range from the seat of a mountain bike?

Colorado’s Front Range includes countless mountain bike trails offering an abundance of steep, rocky and sandy terrain with exposed terrain, an abundance of climbing, as well as easy, smooth single track.  Sounds like a mountain biker’s dream – and it is.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with your family, or in a large group, the trick to enjoying the Front Range Single Track is being prepared.

The first step in your trip preparation is selecting the trails you want to ride.  Golden, located just outside of Denver, Colorado offers world class mountain bike riding.  Some of the popular Front Range trails include:

  • White Ranch Trail
  • Dakota Ridge and Red Rocks Trail
  • North Table Mountain
  • Green Mountain Park
  • South Table Mountain
  • Chimney Gulch Trail
  • Apex Park Trail
  • Golden Gate Canyon State Park
  • Lair O’ the Bear

Next, you’ll want to gather trail intelligence.  Meaning, there are key elements you should know before heading out on any unfamiliar trail:

  • Know the profile – How much climbing and descending should you expect?
  • Know the route – Where  is the trailhead?  How long is the route?  What is the technical difficulty?  What type of terrain will you be riding?  And, What are the current trail conditions?
  • Know the weather conditions before, during, and soon after you expect to ride.  Colorado weather changes quickly and sometimes, radically.  Be prepared.
  • Know what cycling apparel to wear.  Being over or under dressed makes for an uncomfortable ride.
  • Know which bike components are best for the terrain type and the right mountain bike tire to use.

Finally, there’s a checklist of essential items to carry with you.

The big question is what to ride?   Of course, you can ship or bring your own bike. Our shop, Peak Cycles Bike Shop offers rental bikes and all the bike accessories you may have forgotten to pack.  Or, opt to buy a new bike!  Embark on its inaugural rides here in Golden and ship it home.

Which bikes would we suggest for Front Range riding?  One option is a hard tail Stump Jumper or Giant XTC Composite  hard tail.  If you don’t mind a little extra weight but want a more comfortable ride, the Epic Carbon Expert is a good choice or the Giant Anthem. Both are full suspension bikes.  Whether you go the hard tail option or with a full suspension bike, having the right bike parts and mtb parts is going to make a difference over the long haul in terms of performance and comfort.

Enjoy Colorado’s Front Range mountain bike trails. Stop by our Peak Cycles Bike Shop for trail information, to pick up a map, or visit us online at BikeParts.com to get trail information as you’re planning your trip!  Happy Riding!

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Posted by staffwriter8