View Meadow Mountain line shack single track in a larger map
One of the classic mountain biking trails near Vail, Colorado

Big views going up Meadow Mountain

Cabin at the top of the loop.

Single track on the way back down to interstate 70 and Eagle Vail

The USA Pro Cycling Challenge is the most demanding bike race ever held on American soil, with racers experiencing breathless altitudes, day after day. The race is on the level of the Tour de France, bringing the high speeds, danger and adrenaline of professional biking to elevations over 2 miles high in some of the most picturesque terrain in the world—the Colorado Rocky Mountains.  August 25th is Stage 3 of the USA Cycling Challenge and is the Vail Time Trial going up the old Highway 6 road towards Vail Pass.  It starts right from Vail village.  August 26th will be Stage 4 of USA Cycling Challenge and goes from Avon Colorado to Steamboat.

Here is the ”TEAM ANTLERS” bicycling team who should be around town watching the races in August.  Come join us !

The Vail Valley offers numerous bike trails for all ages and abilities

April 20, 2011 – Vail, CO – “I was going so fast, I wondered if I’d need a runaway truck ramp like the ones they have on I-70!” a biker quipped after a thrilling ride down the Vail Mountain bike trail. With the Vail Gondola offering transport for people and bikes to the top, those who prefer downhill cruising to uphill climbing will find plenty to enjoy in and around Vail.

The Antlers at Vail hotel is a conveniently located home base – rated #1 in Vail Specialty Lodging by TripAdvisor readers – with comfortable condominiums just footsteps from the Gore Creek trail and darned close to the Vail Gondola. The Antlers knowledgeable staff can suggest trails, and nearby shops like Charter Sports, Vail Bike Tech and Bike Valet offer bicycle and helmet rentals for adults and kids. Both Vail and Beaver Creek offer summer maps for navigating the area’s 340+ miles of biking trails. Guests who reserve rooms by June 1, 2011 can save 25% to 40% off regular prices, with rates for a studio suite starting as low as $144 per night.

Riders looking for a summertime challenge can join the Antlers team for the 10^th Annual Comcast Colorado Eagle River Ride on Saturday, July 23. The tour begins in Beaver Creek and brings riders along the scenic banks of the Colorado and Eagle rivers, and riders can choose from the 100-mile, 68-mile and 42-mile routes. The fee is $90 until June 24, $100 for those who register before July 22, and $130 on the day of the event; proceeds benefit the youth nonprofit, SOS Outreach. Riders of all levels are welcome, and new riders receive a customized Antlers team jersey.

The Antlers is also a sponsor for the Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine “Pursuit” Package August 18-21, 2011. This all-inclusive weekend features celebrity hosted runs and rides plus dining at Vail’s premier restaurants, luxury lodging, activities and more. For those who enjoy watching the pros, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge features elite professional teams and athletes from around the world in Vail and Avon August 25 and 26, 2011.

Since 1972, the Antlers has offered a unique Vail lodging experience in a relaxed mountain setting. The Antlers Vail condominiums – named the ‘Green Business of the Year’ by the Vail Valley Partnership Success Awards – is also proud to be a Green Star rated business. With condominiums ranging from studio suites up to four bedrooms and plenty of space to spread out, each room at the Antlers offers all the comforts of home including fully-equipped kitchens, fireplaces, outdoor balconies, free Internet access and free parking in a heated indoor garage. The Antlers Vail is conveniently located in the Lionshead area of Vail with numerous restaurants, galleries and shops within walking distance, and the free Vail town shuttle stops just footsteps away. For more information, call 1-800-843-8245.

View Son of middle creek in a larger map

Great views over the valley.

The leaves are starting to change…

Winter arrives in 2-12 weeks depending on what happens… Get that hike and bike ride in soon.

View Two Elk Trail mountain biking trail Vail in a larger map

On the top of Benchmark overlooking the Gore Range and I-70.  Great place for a snack and a drink.

Up on top of Outer Mongolia Bowl ready to take the single track along the China Wall heading West above Vail’s Back Bowls.  We are at 11,600 feet at this point.

Looking up towards China Bowl from the Trail.  The base of the China Bowl lift is behind me.

View Lost Lake Trail to North Trail Vail in a larger map
Map of the trail

An elk we saw along the trail almost at Lost Lake (perhaps it was sleeping?)
They should call this trail “one elk”

All smiles

Nice single track section

Big hairpin turns coming down into Vail

This past Saturday the annual Triple By Pass bike race, event, excursion, whatever the participants call it, was scheduled from Evergreen, Colorado and terminated in Avon.  This is 100 miles of insufferable bike riding over 3 Colorado mountain passes.  Congratulations to the Antlers team that endured and completed the contest.  (I suppose I should name names.  Meridith, Rob, Kathy, Bert, Danny, Jimmy, Randi and Don.  Your commitment to your sport is admirable).

Now I would like to congratulate me.  The preparation to get these world class athletes in place for the days event is tireless.

First I have to get gas in the van.  Then I have to get up at 4:00 am to drive these people to the starting point in Evergreen.  Then I have to drive back. 

Mighty are the preparations for thier arrival back in Avon 10 hours later.  I have to get a spot for the gang in the picnic area.  Make sure the ice for the margaritas doesn’t melt, buy a watermelon, purchase some helium balloon’s and write countless text messages that no one answers.  I was exhausted. 

I suspect pictures will be posted soon dramatizing the day.  You will not see, however, any pictures of the “Driver”.  He simply goes about his business.  It is a thankless yet rewarding job and I am proud to be a small part of such a momentous day.

That is what a Driver is.

Greg

(This Post is filed under shamless plugs)

For just 45 bucks Charter Sports will hook you up with a comfort cruiser bike, helmet, water, and a ride to the top of the pass. It’ll take you about two and a half hours for the whole activity, depending on how much you use your brakes, and you can make an afternoon of it if you stop at bighorn park at the bottom of the pass and bbq, like we did.

View Vail Pass Bike path in a larger map

Riding up village trail, plenty of snow up on the Gore Range

Fox crossing the street

Moving so fast the picture is blurry

Deer heading into the woods (can barely see it, trust me)