Leadville, Aspen, Snowmass, Breckenridge, Mount Evans. Ride them.

Two ride options today. The first: a cruise through the stunning Garden of the Gods National Natural Landmark. Picture towering sandstone rock spires against brilliant blue skies and the backdrop of snowcapped Pikes Peak. Continue along Bearcreek Road and through the (reportedly haunted) tunnels of Gold Camp Road.

After pedaling a solid 60 miles from Colorado Springs to a great swimming hole on the Arkansas River (with time for a dip) we'll hop into the van for a 1-hour shuttle to Salida, hailed by Outside Magazine as one of '20 Dream Towns + Adventure Hideouts.'

Take a 100-mile jaunt from Salida into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Fire it off with a 10-mile climb of more than 3,500 vertical feet - up to the 11,315-foot summit of Monarch Pass. Then it's 40 breezy miles of [mostly] downhill to Gunnison. Gear up! The final 30-miler from Gunnison up to Crested Butte isn't for the faint of heart.

Today's ride: all 130 miles are above 7,700 feet with two high passes at over 12,000 feet of elevation - Cottonwood Pass (12,126') and Independence Pass (12,095') - and a 13-mile section of dirt road. Definitely one for the books.

Maroon Bells-Snowmass, in the White River National Forest, is one of the most popular wilderness areas in the country. Its185,000 incredibly scenic acres of mountains and old-growth forest are home to herds of elk and deer.
The Castle Creek Valley lies to the south of Aspen between two ski areas. At the head of the valley lies 14,000-foot Castle Peak, while the lower end of the valley is dominated by views of Hayden Peak. It's a good day for the binoculars.

The day starts off with a morning shuttle to Wolcott, Colorado (you can sleep in the van - you don't want to miss this ride!) Today you'll tackle a 100-miler from Wolcott to Leadville via Tennessee Pass. Too much? Try the optional Copper Triangle Loop instead - it's an 80-mile version via Fremont Pass, Tennessee Pass, and Vail Pass.

Bike from Vail to Breckenridge via Vail Pass - a mere 52 miles. This afternoon we'll do a tasting and tour at the original Breckenridge Brewery and Pub. 

From Breckenridge, you'll ride 50 miles to Idaho Springs via Loveland Pass and the Continental Divide. Afterward, we'll shuttle you from Idaho Springs to Denver to catch your homeward flight. OR - stay on for the KOM Stage, below:

OPTIONAL TOUR EXTENSION ($250 add'l): Stay Sunday night in Idaho Springs...and ride the highest paved road in the United States - Mount Evans - on Monday. This 30-mile route (60 miles round-trip) involves an elevation gain of 6,724 feet. If you take this route, don't be fooled by the first 7 (easy) miles! You'll need at least 3 - 4 hours to complete the trip to the summit at 14,127 feet of Way Up There.