Recently I wrote about the
first leg of the epic Tour de Front Rage (TdFR), which covers three major trail networks, 21 miles of trail, and 4,375 vertical feet of elevation gain. As I look back at the write up for leg one I can't help but loose my breath just thinking of the challenge.
I wish I could tell you the second leg is easier than the second leg, but that is not the case. In fact, you can expect more of the same and I do emphesize "more of."
After lunch at Matthews/Winters riders once again take to the trail. From here riders will ride through four more major trail networks on their way to the finish, including: Matthews/Winters, Green Mountain, Bear Creek, and Mount Falcon/Lair o' the Bear.
During this leg riders will pedal 34.73 miles. From this total, 14.75 miles are uphill, 17.67 downhill, and only 2.29 miles of flat riding. The good news is there is more downhill than uphill. The bad news is that the uphill will take riders another 4,958 vertical feet into the thin Colorado air. Maybe now you can see why I emphasized "more of" when talking about leg two? Without a doubt there will be more miles and more elevation gain than leg one. Ouch!
For those up to the challenge, the group will swing their leg around their bikes and make their way on Village Walk Trail at Matthews Winters. This section of trail offers a nice warm up after lunch with rolling, smooth single track. Riders then connect to Red Rocks Trail, where they dip into the valley before starting the 3rd major ascent of the TdFR. While ascending, riders take a right onto Morrison Slide Trail. The trail continues upward to the top of the mesa before descending the most technical dowhill of TdFR. Once past the technical descent of Morrison Slide, riders are once again connected to Red Rocks Trail where smooth downhill riding guides them to Highway 26. The highway is crossed and a tough single track ascent up the hogback is required.
From the top of the hogback riders connect with paved road and descend towards Green Mountain. From the western trail head at Green Mountain riders cross over C-470 via the overpass and ride towards a three way intersection. Either the center or right branch can be taken (Don't take the left branch) and the southwest corner of Green Mountain is ridden to the newly constructed water tower. Here is where it gets a bit tricky.
From here we have to weave our way through neighborhood roads on our way to Bear Creek. I leave it to your own descretion on how to get there. Follow any route you like in Bear Creek Lake Park towards the west entrance. From the entrance you are able to pick up the Bear Creek bike path towards Morrison. Follow the bike path to Highway 8 in Morrison and turn left. Follow the paved road up Highway 8, turn right on Forest Avenue, and another right on Vine to the Mount Falcon Trail head.
Once at the Mount Falcon trail head, climb the final major ascent of the TdFR by riding up Castle Trail to the upper parking lot. Having ridden this in the past, I can warn you that this is by far the hardest climb in the TdFR. By this point you will be tired, hungry, and you will likely be climbing it during the hottest part of the day. Be prepared. Castle Trail is a wide ascent that can normally be ridden with an average effort. However, given the circumstances, you will need to dig deep to get over the waterbars, and keep traction on the rocky dirt trail.
Once at the upper parking lot at Mount Falcon, riders will Once at the upper parking lot at Mount Falcon, riders will once again ride paved road down and ride Parmalee Gulch Road to Pence Park/Lair o' the Bear. From here riders will start the final descent of the TdFR.
Known as one of the best parts of the TdFR, Lair o' the Bear (LOB) will treat riders to a much deserved descent, but remember, it isn't all downhill. This twisty-turny single track does have a couple small ascents so save some gas for them. Other than a few slightly technical spots, sit back and let the tires roll, while still being respectful of the other trail users. Chances are you will be pretty whipped by this point so treat the descent with respect and ride within your impaired limit all the way to the creek. Once at the creak, ride the final flat section of trail to the LOB trail head where you connect with Highway 74. Ride Highway 74 to your shuttle in Morrison.
For those who make it this far, Congratulations! You will have accomplished the most difficult route ever ridden as the TdFR and you should be proud!
Track Distance: 15.47 miles
Total Elevation Gain/Loss: +2,380' / -2,405'
