April 19, 2025 - Front Range Epic (Part 2 of 3)

PART 2 OF 3: This ride is Day 2 of our epic 3-day Front Range Bikepacking Adventure (April 18-20). 

Day 1 took us from Denver to Castle Rock, and after today's journey to Colorado Springs, we'll tackle the monster Day 3 return to Denver via Woodland Park & Deckers. Join us for the remaining journey or just this segment!

ROUTE DETAILS

Distance: 53.7 miles
Elevation: +2,731 ft / -2,903 ft
Ride Time: Approximately 3:00 hours (plus stops)
Terrain: Mixed road with scenic byways
Average Grade: 12.5% (max climbing) / -11.6% (max descent)
Ride with GPS: April 2025 - Day 2 Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49859557

DAY 2 JOURNEY: Adventure to Downtown Colorado Springs

After a good night's rest in Castle Rock, we'll enjoy a more relaxed morning before embarking on our southward journey to Colorado Springs. Today's route features some beautiful descents and rolling terrain as we make our way through the picturesque landscape between these two significant Front Range cities. The highlight of today's adventure is our scenic detour through the magnificent Garden of the Gods with its towering red rock formations.

Route Highlights:

Palmer Divide: Rolling through this significant watershed divide
USAFA Overlook: Stunning views of the Air Force Academy grounds
Garden of the Gods: Weaving through spectacular red rock formations
Downtown Finish: Cruising into the heart of Colorado Springs

ITINERARY

8:00 AM: Continental breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for the day
Pack bags for departure


10:00 AM: Departure from Castle Rock

Later start allows for ideal temperatures
Group photo before departure


~12:30 PM: Lunch stop (location TBD)

Quick refuel and regroup


~2:00 PM: Arrive at Garden of the Gods

Scenic loop through this natural wonder
Photo opportunities abound


3:30 PM: Arrive in downtown Colorado Springs

Time to freshen up and relax


6:00 PM: Downtown Colorado Springs exploration

Dinner at Lost Friend Brewing Co.
Craft beers and local food scene
Evening social time

WHAT TO BRING
Essential Gear:

Same overnight setup as Day 1
2-3 water bottles (slightly longer day)
Sunscreen (high exposure day)
Camera (Garden of the Gods is spectacular)
Light jacket for morning start

Bike Preparation:

Check brakes after Day 1
Ensure tires are properly inflated
Lube chain if needed

LOGISTICS

Food & Hydration:

Breakfast at Castle Rock hotel
Lunch stop approximately halfway
Plenty of water refill options along route
Group dinner in Colorado Springs (individual tabs)

Laundry:

Hotel laundry available in Colorado Springs
Perfect opportunity to refresh kit for Day 3

IMPORTANT NOTES

Garden of the Gods can be busy - we'll ride as a respectful group
Downtown Colorado Springs is very bike-friendly
Plenty of bike shops in Colorado Springs if needed
Weather in the Springs can differ from Castle Rock - check forecast
Remember to hydrate well for Sunday's big day

As always, please make sure:

Your bike is in good working order
You have appropriate clothing (layers recommended)
You have food, water, and anything you may need
You take time to enjoy the incredible scenery!

Day 3 Preview: Sunday brings our epic finale - 101.2 miles with 6,111 ft of climbing via Woodland Park & Deckers. Rest well tonight!
Questions? Contact Thad

Garden of the Gods awaits - one of Colorado's most iconic landscapes!

FRONT RANGE EPIC: 3-DAY COLORADO BIKEPACKING ADVENTURE - DAY 2: CASTLE ROCK TO COLORADO SPRINGS

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!

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FRONT RANGE EPIC: 3-DAY COLORADO BIKEPACKING ADVENTURE - DAY 2: CASTLE ROCK TO COLORADO SPRINGS

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