A nice ride with lots of twisties that heads SSW from Colorado Springs across the Arkansas Valley and up through Hardscrabble Canyon in the San Isabel National Forest to the town of Westcliffe.  There’s an awesome view of the Sagre de Cristo Mountains in the distance as you start down into the Wet Mountain Valley and Westcliffe.  Westcliffe has a few interesting places to have lunch, and don’t forget to fuel up before heading out.  The second half of the ride travels north through the Wet Mountain Valley and meets up with the Arkansas River; then goes through the rolling hills west of Cripple Creek and through the Florissant Fossil Beds Memorial Monument to Florissant.  From there, it’s due East back to Colorado Springs.

Take a trip into yesteryear.  This ride initially takes you through beautiful Pike National Forest, where you can see remnants of the famous Hayman fire of 2002; the largest fire in Colorado history.  You encounter many twisties along the way as you head for lunch at the Bucksnort Saloon in Sphinx Park, CO; the main feature of this ride.  The Bucksnort is tucked 1½ miles up a narrow, dirt road canyon east of Pine, CO; the ride is worth it, believe me!  This colorful mountain bar has great atmosphere, food and beer; a popular stop for bikers.  The building is built on a rock pile overlooking a creek.  In the early 1900’s this was a popular getaway for the elite.  After lunch, the rest of the ride takes you over 4 Colorado mountain passes ranging from 9,165 ft. to 10,001 ft. in elevation in a giant counter-clockwise loop back to Colorado Springs.

Total distance = approximately 200 miles.

A simple counter-clockwise loop through the Colorado high country and the Arkansas River valley.  It has its fair share of twisties and rolling hills.  The main features of this ride are the 3 mountain passes ranging from 9,165 ft. to 9,507 ft. in elevation that you go over on your way west, and a nice twisty ride along the Arkansas River valley on the way back east.  If you’re looking for a nice leisurely ride and also enjoy the scenery at the same time, this is a good one.

Total distance = approximately 220 miles.