Biking

Cycle the Summit with Copper this summer. A central location and endless riding options naturally put Copper at the center of Colorado's biking scene. Hundreds of miles of road biking terrain - much of it on the state's most scenic mountain by-ways and paved bike paths - are accessible from the resort. From a spin around Lake Dillon on the bike path to the local's favorite "Copper Triangle" ride, the riding and scenery can't be beat.

Courage Classic - 7/25-7/27/09

The 20th Annual Children's Hospital Courage Classic returns to Copper for three consecutive, fun-filled days of cycling over three Rocky Mountain passes at the height of summer. Thousands of riders hit the roads from Leadville to Summit County and back, for a 157-mile ride, encompassing backcountry roads, challenging climbs and as always, picturesque views, all in an effort to raise money for the Children's Hospital in Denver. www.couragetours.com

 

Copper Triangle - 8/1/09

The famous Copper Triangle has long been considered one of Colorado's classic alpine road rides. Graced with 78 miles of breathtaking scenery, gorgeous roads and three challenging climbs (including Fremont Pass, Tennessee Pass and Vail Pass), the Copper Triangle exemplifies cycling in the Colorado Rockies. The 2009 ride works in partnership with the Davis Phinney Foundation to raise funds for Parkinson's disease research. www.coppertriangle.com

 

Copper Cup - 8/28-8/30/09

The Copper Cup is a part of the Mountain States Cup Championship Series, which is a NORBA (National Off-Road Bicycle Association) and USAC (USA Cycling) sanctioned series. The Mountain States Cup (MSC) is the largest full-discipline (endurance and gravity) race series in the country. It is rider owned and operated and is nationally recognized for its strong junior and beginner programs. It also draws World-Cup caliber athletes that are drawn to the challenging courses and great Colorado atmosphere. Copper Cup Website

 

Copper Criteriums and Fall Colors Ride - 9/11 - 9/13/09

Come enjoy a weekend of criterium cycling racing at Copper and festivities that includes a pro night criterium, amateur races and a fall colors ride consisting of a poker run format around Summit County. This weekend will also include a sponsor expo and free entertainment.  www.americancycling.org

Wolcott (45 miles)
Start at the Village at Copper and take the bike path up Vail Pass then to Vail. Proceed through Vail on frontage road. Get on bike path at the west end of Vail. Continue to Avon on highway 6 at Dowd Junction and follow to Wolcott.

Copper Triangle (85 miles)
Ride up Highway 91 going south from Copper Mountain over Fremont Pass. Take a right on Highway 24 heading north just before reaching Leadville. Ride over Tennessee Pass and Battle Mountain Pass. Just past Minturn take a right onto the bike path heading towards Vail. Ride over Vail Pass via the bike path back to Copper Mountain.

Heeney Loop (63 miles)
Take the bike path from Copper to Frisco. Take the bike path through Frisco and across the Dillon Dam Road (highway 9). Follow highway 9 north through Silverthorne to Heeney exit. Follow road around Green Mountain Reservoir back onto highway 9.

Ute Pass (55 miles)
Take the bike path from Copper to Frisco. Take the bike path through Frisco and across the Dillon Dam Road (highway 9). Follow highway 9 north through Silverthorne to road 15. Follow to the top of Ute Pass (beautiful scenery).

Montezuma (48 miles)
Take the bike path from Copper to Frisco. Follow bike path along highway 9 towards Breckenridge. Take a left onto Swan Mountain Road to highway 6. Ride past Keystone to road 5 and follow to the old mining town of Montezuma.

Winter Park Loop (140 miles)
This is usually done as a two-day tour. Take the bike path from Copper to Frisco. Take the bike path through Frisco and across the Dillon Dam Road (highway 9). Follow highway 9 north through Silverthorne to Green Mtn. Reservoir and to Kremmling. Go right on Highway 40 to Hot Sulpher Springs and Grandby. Continue to Winter Park (a great place to stay overnight). Ride over Berthoud Pass to I-70. Get onto Highway 6 (frontage road) and proceed to Bakerville. After Frontage Road ends ride I-70 several miles (watch out for cars) to Loveland Pass (highway 6). Proceed over Loveland Pass to Swan Mountain Road (left turn). Get on bike path to Frisco where Swan Mountain intersects with Highway 9. Ride bike path back to Copper.

Triple Bypass (130 miles)
Leave Bergen Park on highway 103 over Squaw and Juniper Pass into Idaho Springs. Take Highway 6 (frontage road) to Bakerville. After Frontage Road ends ride I-70 several miles (watch out for cars) to Loveland Pass (highway 6). Proceed over Loveland Pass to Swan Mountain Road (left turn). Get on bike path to Frisco where Swan Mountain intersects with Highway 9 behind the high school. Ride to Copper. Stay on bike path through the Village at Copper and up Vail Pass. Proceed through Vail on frontage road. Get on bike path at the west end of Vail. Continue to Avon on highway 6 at Dowd Junction and the finish at Nottingham Lake.

Loveland Pass (48 miles)
Take the bike path from Copper to Frisco. Follow bike path along highway 9 towards Breckenridge. Take a left onto Swan Mountain Road to highway 6. Follow to the top of Loveland Pass.

Turquoise Lake (86 miles)
Ride up Highway 91 going south from Copper Mountain over Fremont Pass. Ride into Leadville and take a right on Turquoise Lake Road. Follow around Turquois Lake.