The day we have been waiting for both excitedly and nervously is here: our first dip into the formidable Rocky Mountains. Gaining 2200 feet of elevation by the time we reached Idaho Springs, the mountains continued to stare back as we were stunned by their beauty both during our climbs and descents. For much of the remainder of the ride, we Illinois students and mostly natives will have nothing but amazing topography to ride by and ride through.
Ride Overview
Mileage: 47.2
Elevation: +5026’/-2836’
General Direction: Use local streets, the Boulder Creek Path, and the southbound Bear Creek Greenway to reach CO Route 93 at mile 6.5, at mile 19.2 move onto the Highway 93 bike trail, and navigate to the U.S. 6 trail at mile 21.5, turn right onto Jefferson County Parkway at 23.8 and turn right onto U.S. 40 0.9 miles later, turn right with the highway as it heads toward the mountains and follow for 5.5 miles, slight right onto the I-70 Bike Path, follow until turning right once again on U.S. 40 for the descent, at the Walstrum Quarry turn onto the Scott Lancaster Memorial Trail and use Colorado Boulevard to reach the stayover in Idaho Springs.
Points of Interest: Boulder Creek Path, Bear Creek Greenway, Highway 93 Bike Trail, U.S. 6 Bike Trail, I-70 Bike Path, Scott Lancaster Memorial Trail, Rocky Mountains, downtown Idaho Springs
Tales of the Trail
Let’s skip to the good part. A key right turn onto U.S. 40 with massive Drive Safely signs attempting to block the nearest peak began our first 10+ mile climb which brought us just shy of 8000 feet. Groups talked as a way to pass the time and minimize thinking about the exertion. Afterward, a series of fun, forested bike paths worked their way into two thrilling descents on U.S. 40 when we rejoined it again. We continued to be in awe of the mountains and the forests climbing their sides all the way. Our route followed along with I-70 as it carved through the pass, and a beautiful and partially under construction bike path over Clear Creek took us the rest of the way into Idaho Springs.
We were joined by another friend of a rider for the whole of this route: Hanna’s friend Ed Pearson, a fellow Illinois alum who graduated in 2021! We very much enjoyed riding with him and having two Eds in addition to our dual Jons and Sams.
Hanna and Ed on the I-70 Trail.
Idaho Springs is one of the most beautiful towns we’ve visited so far (and this trend will likely continue). A historic mining town in regard to the mid-1800s Gold Rush, it is very linear and sandwiched between the nearest two piney mountains. Almost immediately after arriving, and as the blue sky was overtaken with afternoon storm clouds, we went whitewater rafting! It was another first for the team and incredibly fun! Clear Creek tossed us over some awesome rapids as the day turned to evening, getting us plenty wet with cold water but smiling all the way. We showered at the Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District, our stayover for the evening, enjoyed Colorado style pizza at Beau Jo’s, and explored a bit of town. An amazing and full day with so much to come, as we cross the continental divide tomorrow to reach Frisco.
I4K Water Edition.
Learning the ropes.
On the prowl for ice cream once again.
Cyclist’s Corner
Today’s Rider: Olivia Ross
How are you today? It was a good day! I got to take to my group a lot even though we were on a big climb which was very nice. Whitewater rafting was also fun!
You’ve fundraised thousands of dollars for our cause. What has been the most impactful fundraising experience you’ve had? Seeing the random people that have been in my life that have donated. People that I hadn’t talked to in a while still donated money to me because they believed in what I was doing despite us not talking for a long time, which was really impactful to me.
What keeps you going when it gets difficult to put in all of those miles or even to get on the bike? I would say the rest of the team. Having them as a support system is really great. They are my friends and I want them to be in my life after the ride. They and their positive attitudes keep me going.
Do you have a favorite accessory to wear with your ride uniform? I’d say my bracelet that my best friend and her mom gave to me. Those two mean a lot to me and I have been wearing it for them every day since I received it.
What’s your rest stop routine? Lay down, eat Sour Patch Kids, talk to everyone because I’m usually better at talking off the bike, stay as long as I possibly can at the rest stop, repeat.
In the remaining portion of the ride, where are you looking forward to visiting the most? The Redwoods. I remember going there as a kid and it was so beautiful and I can’t wait to go back. Where we are is very beautiful too, I’m going to go sit outside after this.
Please visit the rider profiles page on the website to learn more about this year’s riders! :)
