Steamboat Springs: Bike-Town USA!

As we exit the season of Champagne Powder it is amazing how ready Ski Town USA is to become Bike Town USA. Bike season starts long before the spring skiers roll out of town.

A few hardy souls ride every day of the year commuting on studded tires but by March the rest of us are dusting off our road bikes and waiting for a sunny day where the roads

Routt County offers an abundance of uncrowded an scenic rides

are dry enough to spin a few miles. By the middle of the month the “Tuesday Night Worlds”, Steamboat’s perrenial Tuesday Night ride, typically kicks off - depending on how bike-friendly the weather gods are feeling.

By April its unusual if you haven’t talked to someone who’s just back from a mountain bike mecca like Moab or Fruita (3 - 5 hours away).  Even more surprising if you don’t have a trip already under your belt or planned for mud-season.  Bike shops are busy servicing a vast inventory of bikes or trading those that had a good winter into their next dream ride.

Over a hundred miles of bike trails for all levels of ability

In May The local bike club, Routt County Riders, holds it’s annual bike swap and as the trails begin to dry the first great rides of the summer begin.  RCR provides regular updates on Facebook and Twitter (RCRbikeclub) as trail openings occur.

In June the 7-race Town Challenge Mountain Bike Series kicks off offering the chance to compete against the locals - resident pros or Olympic skiers doing a little summer training or some of the 200+ locals that enjoy mountain goat heritage and legs like Lance. Out of town riders are welcome to join in - Novice, Sport, Expert and Pro racers are grouped by age, so the racing is as competitive as possible.  If you are in town for Bike to Work Week starting June 21st there’s something going on every day including free breakfast on the courthouse lawn for all bike commuters on Bike To Work day : June 24th.

Steamboat was recognized as a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community (by the League of American Cyclists) in 2007.  Mountain bike trails on Howelson Hill, Steamboat ski mountain and around the town are complimented by connections to bike trails, bike routes and bike lanes in downtown, making it a great place to bike with friends and family in our “other” favorite season.

July offers you a fabulous opportunity to ride the Tour de Steamboat, a tour of classic climbs up Rabbit Ears Pass, Gore Pass and Yellow Jacket Pass riding 112 miles in a day on a fully supported non-competitive ride.

Steamboat Springs stage race will draw a large entry of bike racers from around the country

August includes a bike-in movie event on the 26th at Howelson Hill and the Labor Day Weekend will see the three-day Steamboat Springs Stage Race with racers from around the state attending.

If you are a real bike geek you will also know that Steamboat Springs is home to two custom bike manufacturers: Eriksen Cycles and Moots Cycles and a factory tour is considered a must.  These are some of he most beautifully handcrafted pieces of equipment you will ever see.  Who says “it’s not about the bike?”

Eriksen: A work of bicycle art

So, come ride in Steamboat - there’s something for everyone; scenic road rides, mountain bike trails galore and a summer-long program of bike events.

Moving Mountains can offer you bike-friendly private home rentals and will dial you in with where to ride, bike rentals and other local biking knowledge.