Coming this Summer: Steamboat’s Biking “Revolution”

The Steamboat Springs Stage Race returns Labor Day weekend

If you haven’t been to Steamboat Springs in the summer for biking in a while you are in for a treat.  Just as the wheels on your bike turn and you gain momentum with every pedal stroke, Steamboat’s biking community having a revolution that is gaining speed.

Steamboat has long been considered a great biking destination, but the local bike club, Routt County Riders, wants more trails, safer roads and more events to really put Steamboat on the map. Their belief, “If we are Ski Town, USA, we can also be Bike Town, USA!”

Steamboat adds more trails every year

It’s not so much a revolt as it is a coming full circle, to extend its spokes into what is new and forthcoming: downhill and freeride biking trails, while also expanding its options for cross-country.  At the same time, the club is working with local government to make the miles of county road riding more safe for cyclists and motorists.

Here’s the lowdown:

Cross-country mountain biking is alive and growing on Emerald Mountain. Routt County Riders added the new Quarry Mountain trail as a fun and less demanding alternative for reaching the top.  The Ridge Trail built in 2008 was also riding great all last summer. In 2010, thanks to a couple of grants and heaps of volunteers, two more trails will be added to create a loop system from the Ridge Trail back to Emerald Mountain.

Downhill trails are in the works

Downhill and freeride are the fastest growing segments of mountain biking, and the local riders are helping to bring the rest of Steamboat up to speed.  The Steamboat Ski Area is working closely with the US Forest Service, local riders and Routt County Riders to develop a new master plan for its on mountain trail system. The proposed plan includes dividing the mountain into zones so downhill only trails can be built separately from existing hiking and cross-country trails.

Road biking in Routt County received a boost at the end of last season with the inaugural Steamboat Springs Stage Race. A four-day event that took place in Steamboat over Labor Day weekend. Riders, spectators and organizers agreed, the event was a huge success! The road stage was described as EPIC, but we already knew that. The “Twentymile loop” (more than 20 miles) is one of the county’s most popular routes among local riders. Between the event’s success and a new committee working on widening roads and improving surfaces, the rides will just get more buff!

Events: In addition to the Steamboat Springs Stage Race, September 3-6, 2010, there are monthly biking events on the calendar.

Steamboat is a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community

May 8 - Spring Bike Festival: Includes bike swap, food, drinks, games for kids, bike safety, a bike shop expo, music and much more!

June through Sept: Steamboat Springs Mountain Bike Town Challenge Series: This 7 race series highlights some of the premier trails in the area and is open to all ages and ability levels.  From the youngest kids to local pros there is an age and ability group for all and visitors are welcome to join the 250 locals who show up every two weeks throughout the summer to have fun and go fast.

June 21-25 - Bike to Work Week: Don’t let the word “work” fool you. This week will be filled with fun, bike-related activities every evening while also encouraging locals to bike to work.  A great chance to mingle with local cyclists and learn more about Steamboat’s biking culture.

July 17 - Eriksen Tour de Steamboat: A benefit road bike ride for the Sunshine Kids, the Eriksen Tour de Steamboat is a revival of Kent Eriksen’s races in the ’70s. Now riders have the choice of a 110-mile loop, a 40-miles out-and-back ride or a family fun ride on the Yampa River Core Trail. A benefit dinner will feature keynote speaker and Colorado road cyclist Andy Hampsten.  There is also a post-ride picnic for all riders.

August 8 - Steamboat Ride 4 Yellow: A mountain biking event, the Steamboat Ride 4 Yellow benefits both the Lance Armstrong LIVESTRONG Foundation and local cancer related services. The event features three rides: The Divide Ride and two Mt. Werner Challenge events for cross country and free-riders. The Divide Ride takes bikers across the Continental Divide from Rabbit Ears Pass to the Steamboat Ski Area via the Divide and Mountain View Trails. This ride is limited to 200 riders each of whom must raise at least $500 in donations.

Fore more information about rides and biking/cycling events visit Routt County Rider’s website.