Whether you like the adrenaline of gravity pulling you through single track, the discipline of climbing out of the saddle, or cruising with a loved one, these mountain bike trails can and will keep you coming back for more. It's a mountain bikers sin to share favorite trails, for fear of over ridden single track: resulting in rutted out crowded trails. So shhhhhhh, don't let the neighbors know about any of these local mountain bike secrets. Here are ten rides to hit before summer is over:
Beaver Creek:
A great downhill ride for the young at heart. Paulie's Plunge. Working it's way down from the catwalks in Beaver Creek to the Eagle Vail residences. There is everything from optional jumps to man made log ramps. A four year old on his strider will love this adventure with his parents grateful to keep up. Ride up from Cinch and look for the red box on the right.
Looking for a way to surprise you sweetheart for an anniversary biking getaway? Take your honey to the Village to Village trail in Beaver Creek. Not only is your girl apt to get through the moderate trail system, she will love ending at the Pines Lodge for a meal and spa to recover from the mornings ride. Make the ride extra special by booking a night at the hotel.
Vail:
A good routine, daily trail ride: Up from the village to Mane Lane. It's challenging but you can get through it in less than an hour and the single track is delightful.
Son of a Middle Creek. Expert Only. The uphill alone will defeat anyone carrying an extra 5 pounds. Off of the piney lake road, it's a bit of a secret to where the trail actually begins, but once your in: be prepared for an uphill battle. The reward: a smooth single track downhill, through switch backs and aspen trees. PS. the tourists should beware of the bears.
Have you tried the new Big Mamba trail yet? Looks like a lot of fun from the top of the gondola. New this year.
Breckenridge:
One of the best downhill's in the state of Colorado goes from Breckenridge to Frisco called the Peaks Trail. You will get hooked on this trail. Enjoy the rush of the downhill sections.
Keystone:
Out by the golf course on the Westridge Loop you will find a pretty technical trail with quite a bit of climbing. Not a lot of people know of this trail, it's a locals go to ride. Go for the Keystone experience and get to a challenging ride with a great downhill.
Northstar:
Take your young ones and teens alike to Easy Rider. The trail was designed with families in mind. Enjoy a smooth and gentle downhill with hardly any climbing. A great introduction to this wonderful alpine sport.
Meander, Flameout and Woods are all advanced technical single track within the Northstar boundaries.
Kirkwood:
Kirkwood has a new mountain bike park. The lift services single tracks such as Red Cliffs, Upper Corral, Whiskey Alt, Whiskey Shots, and Vista. The park was designed for the cross country biker although you will be challenged with elevation, steeps, rocks, roots, granite slickrook and a huge man made teeter totter if you are up for a stunt.
Heavenly Valley:
The Heavenly Valley to Armstrong Pass Trail in Lake Tahoe is a must for any expert bike rider. Do not miss out on this trail. You will be slaughtered on the uphill climb. From Feel Pass all the way down you will be sufficiently rewarded by the world's best downhill section.