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2009-07-23 8:18 AM

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Aurora, CO
Subject: Rabbit Ears Pass
I'm going to Steamboat Springs this weekend and would like to attempt to ride Rabbit Ears pass.  I'm wondering if there is a bike trail or if you are on the actual highway?  If it is on the highway, how is the shoulder?  I've never been there before, so I don't know what to expect.  I'm assuming it'll be a tough climb, but how long is the climb? I'd be greatful for any insight from someone who has done this route.


2009-07-23 8:32 AM
in reply to: #2303219

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Subject: RE: Rabbit Ears Pass

it has been a while but I have biked Rabbit Ears.  There is no bike path (at least there wasn't when i did it) but the road is pretty friendly for cyclists.  From Steamboat I think it's around 20-miles to the summit.  But your not climbing the pass the entire 20...much of it is rolling.  There is probably 7 or 8 miles of significant climbing.  I believe the summit is just under 10000 feet.  you might check some of the BT maps...I'm sure someone has probably mapped this route. Enjoy your weekend in Steamboat!

2009-07-23 9:36 AM
in reply to: #2303219

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Subject: RE: Rabbit Ears Pass
dvanders1 - 2009-07-23 7:18 AM

I'm going to Steamboat Springs this weekend and would like to attempt to ride Rabbit Ears pass.  I'm wondering if there is a bike trail or if you are on the actual highway?  If it is on the highway, how is the shoulder?  I've never been there before, so I don't know what to expect.  I'm assuming it'll be a tough climb, but how long is the climb? I'd be greatful for any insight from someone who has done this route.


You can pull up the exact climb on the BT Route section and zoom the sat view in a close as possible and see exactly what the road's shoulder looks like on the ride. You can also map the ride and you'll know exactly how long and how much climbing is involved.
2009-07-23 2:07 PM
in reply to: #2303219

Member
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Aurora, CO
Subject: RE: Rabbit Ears Pass
Thanks for the input, great suggestions!  I mapped the route and I think I'll give it a try.  Can't see the shoulders too well, but I'll go early in the morning, so hopefully less traffic- I can always go back at any time.  Thanks again!
2009-07-24 9:48 PM
in reply to: #2303219

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Subject: RE: Rabbit Ears Pass
I did it about 8 years ago when I was in high school and it was HARD!  Fun though.  I did it on a mountain bike so we rode up the pass, down the continental divide trail and then down some of the ski mountain trails to get back into town.  It was a really amazing ride.  Anyway, there's no bike lane or path.  The shoulders are decent but there were a few bridges where there was next to no shoulder and trucks passing really freaked me out.  Of course you'll probably be riding a lot faster than I was so it might be a little less frightening for you.  Drivers out there are generally very aware of cyclists and leave lots of space.   
2009-07-27 9:59 PM
in reply to: #2303219

Member
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Aurora, CO
Subject: RE: Rabbit Ears Pass
HARD is right!  It was a 7 mile continuous climb from the base to the west summit, and it was Steep!  The road signs going the other way said 7% grade and there was a run-away truck ramp...  all I know is it was slow going.  The shoulders were fine, a little narrow in a couple spots on the way up, but there were 2 lanes for traffic- really wide all the way down.  I was on the pass around 8:00 AM Sunday, and while there wasn't a ton of traffic, the cars did fly by.   I never felt unsafe.  I went a couple miles past the West summit to see what was there, rolling hills, but I turned around well before the East summit.  The scenery was AMAZING!  I went 32 miles round trip from our hotel in the ski village and it was a really fun ride.  I survived my first mountain pass!


2009-07-28 3:59 PM
in reply to: #2311632

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Subject: RE: Rabbit Ears Pass

dvanders1 - 2009-07-27 8:59 PM HARD is right!  It was a 7 mile continuous climb from the base to the west summit, and it was Steep!  The road signs going the other way said 7% grade and there was a run-away truck ramp...  all I know is it was slow going.  The shoulders were fine, a little narrow in a couple spots on the way up, but there were 2 lanes for traffic- really wide all the way down.  I was on the pass around 8:00 AM Sunday, and while there wasn't a ton of traffic, the cars did fly by.   I never felt unsafe.  I went a couple miles past the West summit to see what was there, rolling hills, but I turned around well before the East summit.  The scenery was AMAZING!  I went 32 miles round trip from our hotel in the ski village and it was a really fun ride.  I survived my first mountain pass!

you're right, the scenery is amazing over Rabbit Ears and many of the other Colorado passes.  Nice job getting it done!  I think my favorite mountain pass is Red Mountain coming into Ouray...absolutley beautiful on the descent to Ouray!  If you are ever in the San Juans you should ride Red Mountain.  Congrats on your first mountain pass!

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