April 18, 2025 - Front Range Epic (Part 1 of 3)

PART 1 OF 3: This ride is Day 1 of our epic 3-day Front Range Bikepacking Adventure (April 18-20). 

Join us for the full weekend journey or just this segment! The complete adventure spans 190+ miles with 11,000+ feet of climbing through Colorado's most stunning terrain.

ROUTE DETAILS

Distance: 35.5 miles
Elevation: +2,327 ft / -1,426 ft
Ride Time: Approximately 2:06 hours (plus stops)
Terrain: Mixed road & urban trails
Average Grade: 7.9% (max climbing) / -10.4% (max descent)
Ride with GPS: April 2025 - Day 1 Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49859511

DAY 1 JOURNEY: Grave Adventure from Wash Perk to Castle Rock
We kick off our Front Range Epic with an urban escape from Denver, working our way south via quiet roads and well-maintained trails. This warm-up day features a gradual climb as we gain elevation toward Castle Rock, with the final miles offering spectacular Front Range views and an exciting push into the vibrant town of Castle Rock.
Route Highlights:

Denver Urban Trails: Navigating through Denver's finest bike infrastructure
Centennial Passages: Rolling through suburban landscapes with mountain views
Final Climb: The gradual ascent into Castle Rock with rewarding vistas

ITINERARY

2:30 PM: Meet at Wash Perk Coffee (853 E Ohio Ave, Denver)

Get caffeinated for the journey ahead
Final bike check and route briefing


3:00 PM: Wheels rolling south

Perfect timing to avoid rush hour traffic
Ideal afternoon light for photos


~5:30 PM: Estimated arrival in Castle Rock

Check in at Best Western Plus Castle Rock
Secure bike storage available


7:00 PM: Group dinner & beers at Burly Brewing Company

Craft beer selection and hearty food
Share stories and prepare for Day 2's adventure



WHAT TO BRING
Essential Gear:

Overnight bag(s) attached to your bike
2 water bottles
Wallet, ID, credit card
Phone & portable charger
Bike tools & spare tube
Light jacket (temps drop after sunset)
Casual clothes for evening
Toiletries
Front & rear lights (we'll finish before dusk, but safety first!)

Bike Preparation:

Tires: Recommend 28-32mm for best handling
Fresh tune-up recommended
Fenders optional (weather dependent)

LOGISTICS

Food & Hydration:

Water available at Wash Perk before departure
Group dinner in Castle Rock & Brewery Visits

Return Options (if only riding Day 1):

RTD Light Rail from Castle Rock to Denver
Uber/Lyft (~$60-80)
Ride share with another participant

IMPORTANT NOTES

This Friday afternoon departure minimizes traffic and maximizes weekend enjoyment
No sag support - this is self-supported bikepacking
Castle Rock has several bike shops if needed for emergency repairs
Pack smartly - you'll be carrying everything on your bike
Hotel laundry available

As always, please make sure:

Your bike is in good working order
You have appropriate clothing
You have food, water, and anything you may need
You're ready for an incredible Front Range experience!

Weather Policy: Go/no-go decision made 48 hours before departure
Questions? Contact Thad

Looking forward to kicking off this amazing Front Range adventure with you!

FRONT RANGE EPIC: 3-DAY COLORADO BIKEPACKING ADVENTURE - DAY 1: DENVER TO CASTLE ROCK

Welcome to the wild world of gravel, pardners! This here's the virtual hideout for all you history-hugging, dust-eating cyclists who live for discovering backcountry beauties along the loneliest roads. Whether you're a dyed-in-the-chamois bikepack-and-bivvyer or just getting rowdy on grits and grinds after the 9-to-5 grind, we'll take all breeds in this club.
From credit card tours to full-on sleep systems under heavenly Western starscapes, we celebrate the entire gravel spectrum here. Spin tales of epic routes along ghosttowns and stagecoach trails. Yeehaw and grab a saddle!

Top Sports

FRONT RANGE EPIC: 3-DAY COLORADO BIKEPACKING ADVENTURE - DAY 1: DENVER TO CASTLE ROCK

Event Discussion

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