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How to Plan a Bike Tour Route 

Are you hoping to get back in the saddle this summer season? There are so many great places near Colorado Springs for road cycling and mountain biking alike. If you are thinking about taking a bikepacking trip but are not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. We’ll go over how to plan a bike route, choose the right trip for your skill level, and use an online cycle route planner. 

Choosing a Bike Tour Length

The first thing to figure out is the distance you want to ride or the time frame available. If you have a weekend free or a whole week set aside, that timeline will determine approximately how many miles your planned bike route will be. Starting from the other option, if you know you want to get to a particular location or complete a route, you can work backward to figure out how many days it will take. 

Beginner bikepackers should plan for 30-40 miles per day unless you know you can do more. Keep in mind that the gear you pack will slow you down, so that day ride of 80 miles may not be a fair estimate. If you have some time before your trip, you can prepare physically with our guide on how to train for a bike tour. In addition to your fitness level, you need to consider the terrain where you will be riding. Long uphill stretches or overall elevation gain will also decrease your daily mileage, so don’t forget to cut yourself a little slack for these factors.

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

Picking a Bike Tour Location

Once you have a sense of how much time your bikepacking trip will take, you can start to look into different locations. Maybe there is an area you’ve always wanted to explore or a park that looks particularly beautiful this time of year. Wherever you are thinking about going, you will need to do a little research to confirm if it is a feasible bike route. 

First, look at the weather in that area. No one wants to spend a week biking in the rain. Make sure the forecast is generally clear wherever you are thinking of going. Next, check road or trail conditions. You don’t want to show up ready to go and realize the roads are slippery and dangerous. If it’s still early in the spring, you will certainly need to make sure trails aren’t still covered in snow. Finally, make sure there aren’t any road or campsite closures. If all the campsites in the area are closed for the season, you’ll have a hard time finding somewhere to camp overnight.

Designing a Bike Route

Once you have a general idea of where you want to bike and how long your bike route can be, it’s time to plan a route. You can create your own route, choose a pre-planned route, or a mixture of the two. 

First things first: One of the most overlooked factors is the start and finish. If your trip doesn’t end at the same place it started, you will need to get a ride back to your car! Make sure not to forget this logistical consideration. See if there are shuttles in the park or ask a friend for a lift. If not, you will know to design your bike route in a loop.

On the other hand, if you want to bike a pre-planned route, you can find a number of great resources online that have bikepacking routes other people have done with ratings and travel tips. If you want to plan your own route, you can consult guidebooks and use an online cycle route planner. You can look up trails with the Forest Service Interactive Visitor Map to find campsites along the way. Using a cycle route planner, identify campgrounds for each night of your bikepacking trip spaced out the mileage you want to accomplish each day. Make sure to account for elevation gain and check to see if there are any permit requirements.

Once your route is all laid out, be sure to download it onto your phone or GPS. Many bikepackers use a GPS device to track their progress and mileage. Pre-loading a route is another helpful feature that can give you peace of mind on your journey. With turn-by-turn directions, you’ll know you’re on the right path and never worry about getting to your destination.

Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash

Packing for a Bike Tour

If you have experience packing for a camping trip, you will mostly be good to go. The only additional gear to consider is bike-related. You will want to figure out what to include in your bike repair kit and make sure to balance necessity with weight. Your bike gear should also include lights, your helmet, and the bike packs to store everything. 

Other necessary gear includes your shelter, sleeping bag and pad, clothing, hygiene products, and a first aid kit. One of the ten essentials not to be overlooked is sun protection. You will be on the road all day biking, so be sure to bring a hat that fits under your helmet, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

In order to keep your weight down, note all of the places on your route where you can get fresh water. Most campgrounds will have a water pump, but you might need a second stopping point mid-day. Be sure to bring a water purification system in case you can’t find potable water on your trip.

Finally, when planning the proper amount of food, remember that you will be working hard. You will need a few extra calories than you consume on a normal day in order to have the energy for the trip. Find power bars and other snacks that you can eat one-handed on the bike so you have ways to fuel up without slowing down.

Final Thoughts

Once you have your bike route planned out and your bags packed, the last thing to do is make sure your bike is ready. Complete the essential steps of a pre-ride bike inspection, and you’re good to good. After all the hard work you did planning, you will be well prepared to enjoy an awesome bikepacking tour. Be safe and have fun!

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What to Include in Your Bike Repair Kit

As we enter the warmer months, you are surely excited to get back in the saddle and hit the trails. Beginner cyclists and mountain bikers need to be aware that you will need more than just a helmet and water bottle. There are a few biking tools you should carry with you at all times. A simple bike repair kit can keep you from a serious inconvenience on the trail. We’ll go over the essential bike maintenance tools so you can assemble a basic bike repair kit for your trip.

Essentials for a Bike Repair Kit

If you think about all the emergency biking maintenance you may have to do mid-ride, you can quickly pull together a list of essential biking tools. For any adjustments to the bike or to tighten a loose part, you could need an Allen wrench, a Torx wrench, or a screwdriver. For an issue with your bike chain, you could consider bringing lubricant or even a chain tool for a multi-day biking trip. The biggest problem you might face mid-ride is a flat tire. A good bike tire repair kit will certainly include a pump and might also include a spare tube, tire levers, or a patch kit.

The Beauty of a Bike Multi-Tool

The first thing to do is examine your bike (or owner’s manual) and get a sense of all its nuts and bolts, literally. One common issue mid-ride could be that you need to make a quick comfort adjustment to the seat or handlebars. If you are on a mountain biking trail, another big concern will be that you may find that some screws loosen from all the jostling the bike experiences on the course. To address these problems, you will likely find that your bike requires a couple of sizes of hex keys (also called Allen wrenches), a Torx wrench, and maybe a screwdriver.

A great way to get all of these tools in one is with a bike multi-tool. There are a ton of options on the market that will give you the tools you need in a compact and lightweight device. Most multi-tools come with 2-8mm hex wrenches, for example, but double-check what you need before you buy one. Also, keep in mind that not all multi-tools are the same. There are many price points for these because some will be more comfortable to use than others and some will be more durable. If you are a serious rider and want something that will last, consider a fully metal device with a comprehensive set of bike tools.


The Basics of Bike Tires

Getting a flat tire on a ride is such an inconvenience. It would be even worse, though, if you failed to bring a tire repair kit and needed to walk your bike out and hitch a ride home. The best way to avoid a flat tire is to inspect your tires before you head out and select a tire pressure appropriate for your ride. This is the first step of a pre-ride bike inspection and arguably the most important. 

Your bike’s tires will have a recommended range of air pressures (around 30-70 PSI for mountain bikes and 80-130 PSI for road bikes), and you can choose anything within the recommended range. If you don’t yet know your personal preference, inflate your tires to something in the middle. Less-inflated tires are great for off-road mountain biking because they can absorb more shock and get more grip on wet ground. More fully inflated tires will have less resistance and allow you to go faster, which will be better for road cyclists. 

How to Handle Mid-Ride Bike Tire Repairs

Every time you rest on a ride to get water, you should inspect your tires and see if they need a little air. In order to refill your tires, then, a pump is an absolute must for any bike repair kit. If you do get a flat, there are a few other bike tools you will want to have. A simple bike tire patch kit is an economical and lightweight option for addressing a small tire puncture mid-ride. However, patching a tire does take more time than a full replacement (waiting for glue to dry, etc.), so many riders opt to replace the tube mid-ride and patch the old tube later. 

Especially if you are on a longer mileage ride or multi-day trip, you will need to carry a spare tube and tire levers in order to fully replace a tire. This is also necessary for a larger hole, a hole near the valve stem or base, or a full blowout. While you hope this won’t happen to you, it is always possible, especially when off-road mountain biking, and better to be prepared.

Bike Chain Maintenance Tools

While a bicyclist on a simple day trip will probably not carry bike chain tools, it may be wise for a multi-day bike tour. At the very least, chain lubricant and a lubricating tool are great options for keeping your chain running smoothly. When you finish every ride, be sure to get the muck out of your bike’s chain to preserve it and prevent issues in the future. Learning how to clean your bike and take care of the chain are great skills for every bicyclist to have. If you do need to repair the chain, it will require a chain breaker or splitter, spare chain links, and a chain tool.

When to Bring Which Bike Tools

Depending on your gear, these items could be small and lightweight or add up to be a bit bulky. You might not want to bring all this gear on every ride, and it can be okay to go without some bike maintenance tools sometimes. Which of these items you bring will depend on a number of factors, including your planned mileage, whether you will be on- or off-road, and your bike’s particular needs. 

For a short day ride that is on-road only, a basic bike repair kit can be as simple as a tire pump, a tire patch kit, and a multi-tool. Before you leave, you should make sure your chain runs smoothly, check your tires for deformities, and test the brake pads. You should also be sure to check the weather and any fees or regulations if you are headed on a bike ride in a state or national park. 

If you are headed onto a mountain biking trail, a spare tube and tire repair kit are highly recommended as the chances of tire damage are much greater. A multi-day trip will require more gear so you don’t have to end the trip early due to a chain problem or worn-down brake pads. Finally, consider a guided mountain biking tour for professional instruction as you start your journey into bike ownership and maintenance. Happy riding!

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Hybrid vs Road Bikes: Which to Choose

Are you looking to get into biking in Colorado and not sure where to start? There are a lot of options to consider when you are in the market to buy your first bike. It can be hard to choose whether you want a hybrid or road bike, especially if you are not sure about the differences between them. In this article, we will break down all the important distinctions and features of both so you can make an informed decision about which is right for you.

What are Road and Hybrid Bikes for?

Before we get into the differences between road vs hybrid bikes, it is helpful to remember the goals of each. As the name implies, a road bike is used for cycling on paved roads. They tend to be sleek and lightweight, great for professional cyclists, commuters, and cycling hobbyists. If you are getting a bike for your daily commute to work or weekend rides down paved bike trails, a road bike might be right for you. 

When you hear the name hybrid bike, you are probably wondering, a hybrid of what? It is a hybrid between a road and a mountain bike, giving you some of the capabilities of a mountain bike without quite so much extra weight. Biking in Colorado offers so many opportunities to off-road, from bike paths to mountain bike courses. If you have any interest in checking out the sport of mountain biking, a hybrid bike might be your best bet. While you can certainly ride a hybrid bike around the city, you will just find that your commute takes a bit more effort than it would with a road bike. The fourth type of bike to consider is electric bikes or e-bikes, which give you extra power and can help with long commutes or tough ascents.

Photo by Alex Diffor on Unsplash

The Main Differences between Road and Hybrid Bikes

Unless you know what to look for, it is easy to confuse road and hybrid bikes. Both have similar shapes and roughly the same features. One of the most obvious differences is the tires. Where road bikes have tires that are narrow and slim, hybrid bikes have wider tires. In order to allow for off-roading, hybrid bikes have bigger tires that are puncture resistant and more durable against biking over gravel and dirt. The extra width also provides added stability and grip on potentially slippery conditions.

The other main difference you can spot between road vs. hybrid bikes is the position and shape of the handlebars. Road bikes have drop handlebars that curve down and allow the rider to adopt a more aerodynamic riding position. This more crouched body position can be harder to get used to as a beginner cyclist, but drop handlebars have some other benefits, too. They tend to be more narrow, thus fitting into smaller gaps in traffic. They also allow for three distinct hand positions, which help long-distance cyclists stay comfortable and adapt to the cycling conditions. 

Hybrid bikes, on the other hand, have the same flat handlebars as mountain bikes. These flat handlebars keep the rider upright for better stability and visibility on the rough terrain of mountain biking trails in Colorado. While this style is easier for beginners, it lacks versatility and proper positioning for faster rides.

Photo by Coen van de Broek on Unsplash

Factors to Consider with Hybrid vs. Road Bikes

Comfort of Road vs. Hybrid Bikes

Road bikes have a lot of perks, but they can also take a bit of getting used to. Because of the more crouched posture, road bikes are initially tough on the rider’s back and arms. The most comfortable and unstressed riding opportunity definitely comes from a hybrid bike. The trade-off to this is that road bikes have multiple positions, which you can switch between on a longer ride. This helps prevent stiffness and makes it easier for long-distance cyclists to adapt to a steep uphill slope or be aerodynamic to preserve speed.

Weight Differences between Hybrid and Road Bikes

Hybrid bikes are always heavier than road bikes, and this can be an important factor to you. Because of the bigger tires and a few more gear options, hybrid bikes tend to weigh around five to ten pounds more than road bikes. Road bikes are also usually carbon fiber, which is lighter but more expensive, while hybrid bikes opt for durability and the stability of added weight. If you have to haul your bike up a flight of stairs or are looking for the easiest commute to work, this difference might be a key point in favor of road bikes. Bike weights can also vary by brand and model. If your bike has added features, for example, that will mean added weight. If you are really concerned about minimizing weight, a road bike should be under twenty pounds.

Speed Potential of Road Bikes vs. Hybrid Bikes

The difference in speed possible between hybrid and road bikes is significant. This is from a lot of factors, including weight and riding position. If you are hoping to get involved in some  Colorado Springs cycling events or just want to shave a few minutes off your commute, a road bike is the way to go. You will find that a road bike is much more efficient in terms of converting your work into speed. With less weight and a more aerodynamic posture, you can make every rotation of the pedal worth your effort.

Road v.s Hybrid Bikes and Riding Terrain

If you have any interest in off-roading, you will need to opt for a hybrid bike. This would make your decision very easy, as it is not possible to go off-road with a road bike. It is, in fact, dangerous. Not only will you likely pop a tire, but road bikes are not heavy or stable enough to manage uneven terrain. If you have ever accidentally gone off-road on a road bike, you know it is not safe or comfortable. You need the wider tires, sturdier frame, and more upright posture of a hybrid or mountain bike to safely enjoy unpaved bike trails. If you are not sure if you would enjoy mountain biking or trail biking, consider trying a guided bike tour where you can hop on a mountain bike and see if cycling through nature appeals to you.

Photo by Philippe Oursel on Unsplash

Price Difference of Road vs. Hybrid Bikes

You may be surprised to find that road bikes can be more expensive than hybrid bikes. You can certainly find either at any price point, from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Because road bikes prioritize being lightweight, they are often made of carbon fiber which is lighter and more expensive than aluminum or steel frames often found on hybrid and mountain bikes. It would be best to avoid spending too much if this is your first foray into cycling in Colorado. That way, you can ride for a year, better understand what you personally need from your bike, and upgrade to a more long-term investment bike. 

Maintenance Needs of Road vs. Hybrid Bikes

As noted above, road bikes are often made with a carbon fiber body. This extra expense should be considered as a potential recurring expense, as replacement parts and maintenance can be more. On the other hand, road bikes tend to have a slightly more simple construction, offering fewer gear shifts, for example, than hybrid bikes. These extra mechanics on hybrid and mountain bikes translate to more care in terms of bike maintenance and potential added expenses. In this consideration, the specific brand and model of bike will need to be evaluated.

Final Thoughts

If this is your first bike since you were a kid, you may want to start with something less expensive to get a feel for it. While the riding is, well, just like riding a bike, you may find that you don’t like the handlebars of a road bike or the weight of a hybrid bike. You can rent a hybrid bike for the day or borrow a friend’s bike to help you make your decision. Once you know better what you are looking for, you can invest in a quality bike that will serve your needs. Please make sure to always wear a helmet and obey traffic laws. Happy riding!

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Cycling Events Near Colorado Springs this Fall 2022

If you are looking forward to hopping on your bike this fall, you’re going to want to check out these awesome cycling events near Colorado Springs. Colorado is known for its gorgeous landscape, and the fall is the absolute best time to take advantage and explore the state’s natural beauty. 

Within a couple hours of Colorado Springs, you can find tons of fun and exciting opportunities to ride with other cycling enthusiasts. There are plenty of courses available for beginnings, youngsters, and competitive riders alike. Here are just a few of the best Colorado cycling events you can enjoy this fall in 2022. 

CU Boulder Buffalo Bicycle Classic

When: Sunday, September 11, 2022

Where: Boulder, CO

Register Here

This historical ride is celebrating its 20th year this September, and now is a great time for you to try it out. There are nine different courses for riders of all ages and abilities, ranging from 14 to 100 miles, and all riders are welcome, even those with e-bikers and trailers. The longer routes head west to the foothills of the Rockies and take you to Nederland, then up to Allenspark. If you haven’t been cycling in Boulder, it is a beautiful place!

Aside from how fun the courses look, this cycling event is also the largest scholarship fundraising event in Colorado. Registration and donations support local “scholars” – Colorado residents attending CU Boulder. At less than two hours driving from Colorado Springs, this cycling event is a great opportunity to challenge yourself.

Pikes Peak APEX 

When: Thursday, September 22, 2022

Where: Colorado Springs, CO

Register Here

This epic cycling event is something you do not want to miss. It is a four-day mountain biking challenge with a total of $25,000 in prize money. The course is, on average, about 30 miles and 3,000 feet elevation per day and takes you cycling through all the must-see locations near Colorado Springs. You will get to explore Gold Camp Road, Palmer Park, Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Cañon, Royal Gorge Park (including biking over the Bridge!), and so much more. It is not too challenging on technical biking abilities, though it will certainly challenge your endurance. If you have checked out the Pikes Peak Cog Up Bike Down tour, then you might have some idea of what to expect.

There are also two options for folks looking for something a little less intense. You can sign up to cycle for just one day – either Thursday or Sunday – and complete the route without worrying about the competition. This option is perfect for beginner cyclists looking to get started in more formal events as it follows USA Cycling regulations and will give you a great feel for the spirit of the competition. If you are considering signing up, don’t wait: because of permit and preservation limitations, there are only 370 slots available, so get yours today.

Photo by Axel Brunst on Unsplash

Denver Century Ride 

When: Saturday, September 24, 2022

Where: Denver, CO

Register Here

This Colorado cycling event is a really unique opportunity. All of the courses are urban and take you through the streets of Denver. Not only is this a really cool way to explore the city, but also it will get you used to street cycling and show you all the ways the bike-safe streets of Denver connect. If you are considering commuting to work or cycling more in urban areas, this is a great way to get started and learn how to stay safe as a biker on the road.

The routes are 25 to 100 miles long and open to riders of all ages on all types of bikes: tandem, e-bikes, trailers, and more. The shorter routes take you through downtown, City Park, and the Denver Botanical Garden for what is surely a quaint, scenic ride. The longer rides will give you a tour through the greater Denver area, all the way down to Chatfield State Park and up to Golden. This supportive cycling event is a fun way to see Denver and get comfortable with cycling on urban roads. 

Gravel Locos 

When: Saturday, October 1, 2022

Where: Pueblo, CO

Register Here

The Gravel Locos cycling events happening on October 1 are epic. There are four race options, the shortest (La Pequeña) being a non-competitive 30-mile course and the longest (La Loca) a ridiculous 170-mile race with a 13,242-ft elevation gain. The three competitive, timed races will give you the chance to compete against some high-profile cyclists and see how you match up. 

Just an hour south of Colorado Springs, this event is a great day trip during a consistently beautiful time of year. You will enjoy a picturesque ride through Pueblo and the front range of the Rockies. One nice plus is that the ride is for a good cause: the event is supporting the Red Creek Volunteer Fire and Rescue to help them expand their firehouse.

The ‘Rad Dirt Fest

When: Saturday, October 8, 2022

Where: Trinidad, CO

Register Here

In a beautiful part of Southern Colorado, just two hours south of Colorado Springs, you can enjoy one of three invigorating cycling events. These races are wonderfully scenic, as you will bike past the Spanish Peaks, mesas, and plateaus and surely see some interesting wildlife. The roads are maintained but gravel and dirt, so it is definitely a different feel than biking on paved city streets.

The course options are The Frijole, at 38 miles, the Anteloop at 99 miles, and the longest Stubborn Delores at a killer 166-mile race with an 11,213-ft elevation gain. The longer two races will take you west from Trinidad toward the Spanish Peaks Wildlife Area and San Isabel National Forest. The races may be tough, but the views will surely make it worth it. 

Final Thoughts

There are so many fantastic cycling events near Colorado Springs, not just in the fall but year-round. If you are thinking about getting into cycling or mountain biking and are not sure where to start, you can check out a guided mountain biking tour. This will allow you to see if you like it, learn some helpful safety tips and techniques, and learn more about Colorado’s cycling community.