April 20, 2025 - Front Range Epic (Part 3 of 3)

PART 3 OF 3: The grand finale of our epic 3-day Front Range Bikepacking Adventure! 

After conquering Denver to Castle Rock and Castle Rock to Colorado Springs, we now face our most challenging and rewarding day - the mountainous return to Denver via Woodland Park and Deckers.
ROUTE DETAILS

Distance: 101.2 miles
Elevation: +6,111 ft / -6,836 ft
Ride Time: Approximately 5:59 hours (plus stops)
Terrain: Mountain roads, scenic byways, and remote stretches
Average Grade: 13.6% (max climbing) / -10.1% (max descent)
Ride with GPS: April 2025 - Day 3 Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49859642

DAY 3 JOURNEY: The Epic Mountain Return

Today is what bikepacking adventures are made of! We'll depart Colorado Springs early and immediately begin climbing toward Woodland Park. After traversing the high country, we'll descend into the scenic South Platte River valley near Deckers before tackling the final significant climbs. The route finishes with a rewarding descent back into the Denver metro area, completing our 190-mile Front Range circuit.

Route Highlights:

Pikes Peak Highway: Spectacular views of this iconic 14er
Woodland Park: Charming mountain town at 8,465 feet
Deckers: Historic town along the South Platte River
Pike National Forest: Miles of pristine Colorado wilderness
Final Descent: The rewarding return to Denver

ITINERARY

6:30 AM: Early breakfast at hotel

Critical fueling for our biggest day
Final gear check


8:00 AM: Departure from Colorado Springs

Early start essential for this long day
Group photo before the epic finale begins


~10:30 AM: Arrive in Woodland Park

Quick refuel stop
Regroup before continuing


~1:00 PM: Lunch in Deckers

Substantial meal to power the final push
Take in views of the South Platte River


4:00-5:00 PM: Estimated return to Wash Perk

Victory beers optional at Platt Park Brewing!
Celebrate completing the Front Range Epic!



WHAT TO BRING

Essential Gear:

All overnight gear
3 water bottles (remote sections with limited services)
Extra food/snacks (longer day with fewer services)
Electrolyte supplements
Pain relievers (just in case)
Warm layers (higher elevations will be cooler)
Rain jacket (mountain weather can change quickly)
Front & rear lights (essential for tunnels and safety)

Bike Preparation:

Ensure brakes are in perfect condition (lots of descending)
Fresh legs (as possible after two days of riding)
Consider slightly lower gearing if you have options

LOGISTICS
Food & Hydration:

Early breakfast at Colorado Springs hotel
Limited services between Woodland Park and Deckers
Carry more food than you think you'll need
Water available in Woodland Park and Deckers

Route Considerations:

Limited cell service in remote sections
We'll ride as a group through the most isolated stretches
Multiple bailout options available if needed
Pace will be steady but sustainable

IMPORTANT NOTES

This is a true mountain epic - respect the distance and terrain
Weather can vary dramatically across this route
No shame in taking breaks - it's a long day
Woodland Park sits at 8,465 feet - altitude affects performance
Pike National Forest offers breathtaking scenery - worth the effort!
Limited services between Woodland Park and Denver - come prepared

As always, please make sure:

Your bike is in perfect working order
You have appropriate clothing for variable mountain weather
You have abundant food, water, and anything you may need
You're mentally prepared for the challenge ahead!

Weather Policy: Go/no-go or alternate route decision made the evening before

Questions? Contact Thad

This is the day that will earn you serious bragging rights! The challenge is real, but so is the reward. Let's finish this Front Range Epic in style!

DAY 3: COLORADO SPRINGS TO DENVER VIA WOODLAND PARK & DECKERS

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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DAY 3: COLORADO SPRINGS TO DENVER VIA WOODLAND PARK & DECKERS

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