Cycling Options Abound In Colorado For USA Pro Challenge Spectators

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Jul 30, 2013, 03:35 ET

DENVER, July 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The USA Pro Cycling Challenge, starting August 19 and ending August 25, 2013, offers more than spectating for visitors, as each stage boasts a variety of biking options. Below is a sampling of cruiser, mountain and road biking routes in each Pro Challenge host city. For additional information, visit the Colorado Tourism Office at COLORADO.com and www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com.

Aspen/Snowmass:

Rio Grande Trail is a popular eight-mile cruising route that follows the river, where bikers can view waterfalls and rapids.
Valhalla thrills seasoned riders with its challenging vertical drop, jumps, rainbows and more.
The 11-mile trek to the iconic Maroon Bells is best for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Breckenridge:

Visitors can cruise through town via bike lanes and enjoy a picnic along the Picnic Loop.
The French Gulch offers a glimpse into Breckenridge's mining past via short loops that accommodate every skill level.
Swan Mountain Road's intermediate ride, and part of the Pro Challenge, takes bikers high above Lake Dillon.

Steamboat Springs:

The Yampa River Core Trail is a seven-mile cruise through town passing lush parks.
Bikers can head up Bluffs Loop topping out at the quarry on this moderate ride.
Coal Mine Loop is a 53-mile tour towards Stagecoach Reservoir. Pro Challenge riders will take this route as they leave on the Queen Stage.

Beaver Creek:

The Village shuttle takes visitors to Beaver Creek Recreation Path, the mountain's best cruising path.
Village-to-Village Trail meanders for three miles through Beaver Creek's main mountain.
Roadies can experience a portion of Stage 4 by riding the Colorado River Route from Beaver Creek to Bachelor Gulch.

Vail:

Vail Recreation Path is ideal for cruisers, stretching 15 miles and surrounding 350,000 acres of national forest.
Grand Traverse is an intermediate, five-mile trail that starts out easy and becomes increasingly difficult as it wraps around Sun Down Bowl.
Vail Pass is a challenging 38-mile route, mirroring the Pro Challenge stage.

Loveland:

Loveland Recreation Trail is a network of paved paths leading to parks, lakes and downtown.
Pole Hill Road is three miles of climbs averaging an eight percent grade. The descent back is full of fast corners and straightaways.
Carter Lake Road hugs the eastern shore of Carter Lake, with challenging climbs on the north and south approach.

Fort Collins:

Poudre River Trail is 21 miles of paved pathway passing historical signs on this ultimate cruiser experience.
Horsetooth Mountain Park offers 29 miles of mountain biking on a variety of trails, perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Reservoir Road's steep climbs put avid cyclists to the test and will prove decisive in Stage 6.

Denver:

Greenway Trail, a perfect cruising path, follows the South Platte River for 30 miles, passing many landmarks and historic signs.
Bear Creek Bike Trail is a 20-mile route leading to the iconic Red Rocks.
Cherry Creek Bike Path passes Cherry Creek Shopping District and Cherry Creek State Recreation Area on this 40-mile ride.

Roland Alonzi, 646-442-6765, [email protected]

SOURCE Colorado Tourism Office