Bike – Independence Pass

Day 1: 65 miles & 5000' of climbing
Beginning From Buena Vista we'll ride north on gravel on County road 371.  After about 10 miles of riding on county road 371, we'll merge onto US hwy. 24 which will be paved with a generous 6-ft shoulder for bicycles.  We'll travel along hwy 24 for roughly 6.5 miles to the town of Granite.  At Granite we'll depart the highway and travel some gravel roads for 4 miles until we reach Colo hwy. 82 near twin lakes.  When we reach highway 82 we'll turn west towards Independence Pass.  Lunch will be in the town of twin lakes, roughly 30 miles and 1,500' of climbing into the ride.  After lunch we'll begin our ascent of Independence pass proper with ~17 miles of riding and ~3,000' of climbing.  From the Summit we'll then descend 20 miles and ~4,400' down into aspen where we'll have a hotel/condo for the evening, dinner out in town. 

Day 2: 64 miles & 2200' of climbing
Saturday Morning we will have a ride up to maroon lake sans panniers for photos and then back to Aspen to collect our touring gear, hotel check out, and brunch.  Morning ride to maroon lake and back is 20 miles and 1,800' of climbing.  From Aspen we'll then take the Rio Grande rail trail 42 miles down river to Glenwood springs where we'll then finish our ride.  From Glenwood Springs we'll take the Bustang bus back to Denver with bus frequencies of about every 45 minutes.

Denver Union Station Bustang 6:30 AM.  

As a group we'll take the CDOT Bustang bus with our bikes from Denver Union Station to Buena Vista where we'll get off, have a brunch in Buena Vista and then begin our ride.  Bus Fare $24.

At the end of our ride in Glenwood springs, we'll take the CDOT Bustang bus back to Denver Union Station.  Bus fare $28.