The Copper Triangle bike ride is a popular cycling route in Summit County, Colorado. Each summer the “official” event is held at Copper Mountain Ski Resort. The “triangle” goes from Copper Mountain to Leadville to Vail and then back to Copper Mountain, covering 80 miles and 6,500 ft of climbing. A big logistic bonus is that it starts and ends in the same place – without an out-and-back!
We did this ride on our own over the July 4th holiday weekend. We stayed at Copper Mountain so it was an easy start (other than finding a flat tire 5 minutes before we were going to start which caused a trip to Frisco and a 2 hour delay)!
Here is our experience on the Copper Triangle bike ride!
Side One: Copper Mountain to Leadville [mile 1-24] along Hwy 91
The ride to Leadville is a gradual and kind climb with a decent shoulder (after the first few miles) along Highway 91 up to Freemont Pass Summit [11,318’] and then a nice ride down into Leadville. There is a gas station at the turning point but we ventured into town to find a rest stop with restrooms and water on main street. Downtown Leadville is super cute with several cafes, shops and bars; I could have stayed there longer and explored the highest city in the US!
Side Two: Leadville to Vail [mile 24-57] along Hwy 24
There were so many sections of “side two”. It covered the most miles and was much more than a single side of the “triangle”. First, we had a ten mile gradual climb to Tennessee Pass [10,424’] along the Continental Divide where we were met with some rain showers. Luckily the showers didn’t last long nor slow us down!
Second, we had a long descent along a crappy road with rumble strips around the corners – not fun on a bike and caused my chain to come off! However, the highlight of this section was the Red Cliff Bridge and the scenery around it. So cool and my favorite section of the entire ride!
Third, we had our way to Vail on the bike path. Luckily there was a lot of action, cars, walkers, cyclists, to keep us focused as we were hungry and ready for some “real food” in Vail. Oh Vail! Our dabble into this village was too short but definitely made us want to visit again. It reminded us of the European ski village we saw in France!
Side Three: Vail to Copper Mountain [57-82]
After fueling up in Vail, we headed up Vail Pass [10,666’] via a service road along Interstate 70 and then on a bike path along I-70. The sky threatened its common mid-afternoon mountain thunderstorms but we had a few drops. Soon it was hot and sunny and ready to be done! After taking a photo at the Vail Pass sign, we were looking forward to the final descent of the ride. The descent is on a bike path that splits I-70; definitely an unique experience. We were excited and exhausted to ride into Copper Mountain and complete the Copper Triangle!
Overall, it was a great route and training ride for the upcoming Triple Bypass. I would do it again, maybe an annual summer event, yet would consider doing it in reverse as my favorite [and worst roads] part was along the Red Cliff Bridge where I was dissenting fast and couldn’t take in the beautiful scenery.
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