Rides with hills??

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2009-06-23 9:11 AM

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Extreme Veteran
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Denver, CO
Subject: Rides with hills??
So, I did the Boulder Sprint on Sunday and decided to drive the Boulder Peak bike route. I've heard rumors of Old Stage Rd. being one heck of a climb. Let's just say I'm a little worried about how I'll handle that hill in the race!!!

So, I'm wondering if any of you know of some good bike routes that have some good climbs in them?? I live in SE Denver and usually ride around Cherry Creek State Park or on the C-470 trail...but neither of those really have any climbs! I definitely need to practice climbing a hill similar to the Peak before the race...if anything just to see how it feels and how I do! Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Aimee


2009-06-23 9:24 AM
in reply to: #2236482

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2009-06-23 9:48 AM
in reply to: #2236482

Pro
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Parker, CO
Subject: RE: Rides with hills??

Old Stage is a pretty steep grade but it's not too long.  I live SE also and while there are no nearby mountains there are some pretty good hills around the Pinery and the south on Flintwood towards Franktown.  If you want to carry your bike to Golden, Lookout Mountain would be great hill training.  Also, Deer Creek from Chatfied is a good climb.  I would recommend Lookout...it will be a great confidence builder!

2009-06-23 9:49 AM
in reply to: #2236482

Master
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Highlands Ranch
Subject: RE: Rides with hills??

Deer Creek Canyon  (across Wadsworth from Chatfield State Park) is a fun one.  It'll definitely fulfill your climbing requirement.

2009-06-23 10:20 AM
in reply to: #2236482

Regular
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100
Fort Myers, Florida
Subject: RE: Rides with hills??
You can't go wrong with deer creek, or highgrade is my favorite, just take a left about 6 miles in from chatfield, its a 14 mile climb total but the grade isn't too bad.  Lookout is shorter but a good challenge as well, perhaps a little steeper...one of these days I need to hit mt. evans but need to gain some more fitness first
2009-06-23 2:18 PM
in reply to: #2236482

Veteran
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Rocky Mountains
Subject: RE: Rides with hills??

I 2nd Deer Creek to High Grade.

Or Deer Creek, down the other side up Parmalee, Down to Morrison, up to Golden, up Lookout and back.  Or variations there of. 

The thing about High Grade is, it's really steep for a short period of time.

On the bright side, in that super short section, you'll get the feeling of Alpe D'Huez while people are screaming cheering, and running with you on the steep part.



Edited by odanelli 2009-06-23 2:19 PM

2009-06-23 3:24 PM
in reply to: #2236482

Veteran
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Colorado Springs
Subject: RE: Rides with hills??
If you are willing to drive down to Colorado Springs, you can bike on the Air Force Academy. There is a really nice 14 mile loop with lots of hills.
I"m doing the Peak this year also, so I've been trying to ride that loop frequently.
2009-06-23 6:12 PM
in reply to: #2236482

Extreme Veteran
582
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Denver, CO
Subject: RE: Rides with hills??
Thanks everyone for your replies! I think I'll try out Deer Creek first, then try to tackle Lookout Mt.!
2009-06-26 4:20 PM
in reply to: #2236482

Member
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Denver, CO
Subject: RE: Rides with hills??
2009-06-26 4:44 PM
in reply to: #2236482

Expert
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Lakeville, MN
Subject: RE: Rides with hills??
I'll echo what another poster said: why not just climb up Old Stage? If you can get up it once, you should be fine. Old Stage has a grade steeper than anything Deer Creek/High Grade throws at you. That loop is great for overall hill fitness. However, it probably won't hurt to see what it feels like on your setup when the grade pushes past 15%, which is what Stage is going to do. It is short, but alot of first timers on a grade like that burn up to quickly trying to push the wrong gears to slow or don't come up out of the saddle if needed.
2009-06-26 4:48 PM
in reply to: #2236482

Regular
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Denver
Subject: RE: Rides with hills??
The 470 trail has a pretty good climb from Chatfield to Morrison.  Then go from Morrison to Evergreen on 74 for a great climb.

2009-06-27 10:54 PM
in reply to: #2236482

Extreme Veteran
582
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Denver, CO
Subject: RE: Rides with hills??
Thanks again for your posts. I would love to be able to ride the actual course, but unfortunately, it's just too hard to coordinate the time for driving/biking with my 2 boys and my husband's schedules! So...I'll have to try the local rides out and hope that they ease my fears!
2009-07-02 1:11 PM
in reply to: #2236482


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Subject: RE: Rides with hills??
You could ride the c470 trail to Red Rocks...it's really short but the loop around red rocks gets is about 13% grade in a few places, I think (at least according to map my ride)
2009-07-02 6:06 PM
in reply to: #2236482

Master
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Straight outta Compton
Subject: RE: Rides with hills??
I also recommend Monarch Pass in the Highlands Ranch/Castle Pines area.  The climbs are challenging, but not monsters.  If you live southeast, it's pretty easy to get to.  You can park at Monarch H.S, the views are breathtaking.  The downhills are a real blast too.
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