Photos: Ten Best of Denver bike rides

By Michael Roberts Fri., Sep. 14 2012 at 7:59 AM

8: Dakota Ridge, Jefferson County

Some "rides" on the Front Range are so grueling that they are little more than paths for you to walk your bike on. We're talking rides that, with enough skill, sweat and stupidity, are still possible to navigate. Dakota Ridge begins on the east side of Route 26 outside of Morrison, and traces the hogback separating Rt. 470 from Red Rocks. Climb the path on the north side of the ridge, a challenging but technically simple ride. About halfway along the ridge, though, you'll hit plenty of rocks and enough technical terrain to threaten your equilibrium and dome. Wear a helmet and prepare to rip your shoes out of their clips.

Best mountain-bike ride on which to break your neck -- 2000

7: Confluence Park

Heading northwest on the Cherry Creek Bike Path out of the Denver Country Club area, you'll dodge bums, baby strollers and bicyclists, then tackle the impressive rise leading to Confluence Park. Take a moment to catch your breath and enjoy the view -- which often includes several neophyte kayakers rolling over onto their heads in the South Platte, as well as all the mind-blowing construction in the Platte Valley. Now head across the bridge and over to the Starbucks at REI: You've earned your latte grande.

Best Spot on the Cherry Creek Bike Path -- 2003

Continue to see more of our ten Best of Denver bike rides.

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Best of Denver, bike rides, Colorado

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Juan_Leg topcommenter

Being now crippled , I can't touch the surface of explaining how much I miss being able to ride .

This is about all I can say about the matter before having to excuse myself , due to my failing to keep the emotions under control when faced w/ the subject .

I walk Clyde at least 6 miles per day & if you've ridden North Denver or around Pierce and Wads , you have certainly seen the 1-legged man & is HUGE Rottie named Clyde . I watch w/ envy and sadness as everyone rides by , most at least wave . More appreciated than they could ever know. I miss it FAR more than driving !

jawnross

@denverwestword Makes me want to ride right now!

Matt_in_Boulder

When I first started reading this, I thought the title "Ten Best of Denver bike rides" was a bit of a stretch. Front Range would have been a better description of the geographic area. But then the Monarch Crest trail threw the whole thing out of whack. That trail (great though it is) is not even close to Denver or the Front Range!

BTW - that picture of Left Hand Canyon is clearly not the road ride up Left Hand. I would like to know where it is though because it looks pretty sweet...