Flat Tops Roundup July 21 – 23 2017

We’re working up something new for 2017. Traditionally an organized Rodeo ride is a Rodeo Rally, but for 2017 we want to do a couple of longer, more adventurous multi day events. Thus, the term Rodeo Roundup has been coined. We want to offer a few events big enough to attract out of town Rodeoers and non-Rodeoers alike for the sake of building community and sharing some of the gems of our state.

We’re planning our first Roundup as a three day self or supported bikepacking ride so that people can decide how much of a challenge they want to take on. We’ll have a sag vehicle for carrying supplies and gear and even the occasional exhausted rider.

Starting from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. We will spend those three days on mostly seldom ridden back roads and dirt roads in one of the most beautiful areas that Colorado has to offer.

(Routes subject to modification, but here’s a preview)

Day 1. Steamboat to Trappers Lake Lodge. 74.4 miles and 8526 feet of elevation gain take us to an absolutely beautiful and little known cluster of cabins mere feet from the Flat Tops Wilderness. We’ll ride bikes all day then enjoy dinner in the lodge and campfires under unfathomably clear skies and millions of stars, as long as Mother Nature doesn’t bring too any clouds or evening thunderstorms (which is always possible in CO). Trappers Lake Lodge has warm, comfortable, and very rustic cabins and a lodge that serves hearty meals. You can also camp outside and cook for yourself at the nearby campground.

Day 2. Trappers Lake Lodge to Deep Lake Campground. Distance: 69.8 mi Elevation: 6872.

Once again a route consisting of majority gravel roads will descend from Trappers lake to 7000′ before climbing up to rolling green plateaus at 10,000′. Deep Lake is a small lake tucked into a remote setting and should provide another great backdrop for campfires and conversation. There won’t be any lodges and kitchens on our second night so we’ll bring some campfire food and look forward to the #outsidecoffee

Day 3 is our longest day at 104 miles but starts with 30 miles of flats and descending down the wonderfully named Coffee Pot road before picking up the Colorado River for 20 meandering miles before finally beginning our first and only significant climb of the day as we hoof it over King Mountain, refuel in Yampa, and head back the final 25 miles to where we started in Steamboat Springs. We’ve got an alternate route idea to peel off and head over Lynx Pass in search of quieter gravel roads on the way back to Steamboat, but we can check on the disposition of the group before adding another 15 miles and a climb to the route.

Because this ride will be supported we will have a limited number of spots available and they will be first come first served. Costs should be quite reasonable and generally only the minimum required for covering logistics.

Bikes needs will vary. If you are going to bikepack the route then you’ll need a pretty robust machine, but if you chose to have the support car carry your gear then you could probably get away with any bike with good brakes and 30+ mm tires.

We will update this page as details firm up and we begin taking reservations, but for now just mark off the space on your calendar and make sure you begin putting in the miles so that you can complete this route under your own power.

Giddyup!

-Rodeo