For some reason, Sugarloaf Road is the red headed stepchild of our cycling routes. When deciding on a ride we rarely through it out as an option, and when someone does the response is usually a mix of groans and eye rolling. Sugarloaf is the pain in the ass ride that we all know exists, rarely want to deal with and prefer to avoid for more promising options (we apologize if you actually are a red headed stepchild. We think you are amazing. We love you. More than your parents do).
However, as the red headed stepchild is often the swan of the children, Sugarloaf has a combination of elements that make it one of the better out and backs in Boulder. The ride is scenic, has very little traffic, a lot of great climbing and the descent can be incredibly fast. So why don't we usually consider it as a viable option? It is a pain in the ass to get to; requiring a somewhat lengthy ride up Boulder Canyon Drive/CO-119, where peace loving Boulderites turn into Subaru encased missiles. The narrow shoulders and rough pavement make heading up Canyon Drive more daunting than getting to rides like Sunshine or Flagstaff, but once on Sugarloaf Road, the near miss of the 18-Wheeler quickly fades from memory (unless you pooped your pants, then it sort of stays with you until the end).
Sugarloaf starts steep, quickly gaining altitude as it climbs up to a cool little valley that provides decent shade during the summer months. The road levels out in the valley before turning into a long gradual climb that eventually works it way into a long sustained climb that lasts for about 1 mile. This section of the road is also where some of us have reached our fastest descending speeds (Fat guy, spandex, missile like exhaust. Awesome). We typically turn around at the intersection of Sugarloaf and Boulder View Road, about 9.14 miles from the start. However, the road remains paved for a couple more miles before turning to dirt, and will eventually link up to the Peak to Peak Highway/CO-72.
Distance: 9.14 miles from start (9th and Pearl Street). 18.28 miles roundtrip
Directions: Sugarloaf is the next road after Magnolia. From 9th and Pearl head South on 9th and hop on the Boulder Creek Path. Take the path West until it dead ends at Boulder Canyon Drive (there is some dirt riding involved). Head left up Boulder Canyon Drive for 2.3 miles. Sugarloaf Road will be on your right.
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Monday, July 21, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Sunshine Canyon - Boulder, CO
Boulder gets ridiculously hot during the summer. Like, melt your face hot. Combined with the unrelenting sun, the weather makes outside activities more arduous than usual and increases the likelihood of a painful death by rapid dehydration. No one likes to pee salt, so we suggest working out in the mornings.
Our favorite morning ride these days is Sunshine Canyon, located almost right next to downtown Boulder. The canyon is great for a morning ride because it houses a commuter community, therefore all of the traffic is going the opposite way, and its sheltered from most of the sun's death rays. The ride starts as a gradual climb, before quickly gaining altitude through a series of elongated switchbacks. Once through the steep sections, the ride turns back into a more gradual ascent, with short hills and descents. This ride contains one of the steepest sections we have found in town. You'll know it when you see it. We typically end the ride where the asphalt turns into dirt, but continuing on the dirt part will allow you to connect to Four Mile Canyon through the Four Mile/Sunshine Loop.
We like this ride because it's one of the most easily accessible from downtown Boulder, and provides a great workout in itself (steep!), or a good warm up for a longer ride. Riding back into town before most people are up and about is a great feeling, and lets you score the best spots in the coffee shops. We often see deer along the rode here, so make sure when you are descending to watch out, as to avoid painful death by deer collision.
Distance: 6.50 miles from start (9th and Pearl Street), 13 miles round trip
Directions: From 9th and Pearl, head West on Pearl and take a right on 4th Street which will end at Spruce Street. Take a left on Spruce and then your first right back on to 4th. Head north and take your first left at Mapleton Ave., which turns into Sunshine Canyon Drive.
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Our favorite morning ride these days is Sunshine Canyon, located almost right next to downtown Boulder. The canyon is great for a morning ride because it houses a commuter community, therefore all of the traffic is going the opposite way, and its sheltered from most of the sun's death rays. The ride starts as a gradual climb, before quickly gaining altitude through a series of elongated switchbacks. Once through the steep sections, the ride turns back into a more gradual ascent, with short hills and descents. This ride contains one of the steepest sections we have found in town. You'll know it when you see it. We typically end the ride where the asphalt turns into dirt, but continuing on the dirt part will allow you to connect to Four Mile Canyon through the Four Mile/Sunshine Loop.
We like this ride because it's one of the most easily accessible from downtown Boulder, and provides a great workout in itself (steep!), or a good warm up for a longer ride. Riding back into town before most people are up and about is a great feeling, and lets you score the best spots in the coffee shops. We often see deer along the rode here, so make sure when you are descending to watch out, as to avoid painful death by deer collision.
Distance: 6.50 miles from start (9th and Pearl Street), 13 miles round trip
Directions: From 9th and Pearl, head West on Pearl and take a right on 4th Street which will end at Spruce Street. Take a left on Spruce and then your first right back on to 4th. Head north and take your first left at Mapleton Ave., which turns into Sunshine Canyon Drive.
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Saturday, July 12, 2008
Flagstaff - Boulder, CO
The skyline of Boulder is dominated by the Flatirons; a series of almost vertical stone faces that frame the southwest skyline, and provide the typical background for the typical Boulder postcards. They also hide one of my favorite rides, which we simply refer to as "Flagstaff."
The ride runs up Flagstaff Road, which is what Baseline Road turns into once it runs past Chautauqua Park. The defining features of the ride are the amazing views of Boulder, the numerous switchbacks, and the sudden increase in grade around mile 4. The road also houses one of the best restaurants I've ever eaten at; the Flagstaff House. We like this ride because it's quickly accessible from downtown, and is a great workout that can be done in about 45 minutes. We often pair this ride with 4 Mile or the NCAR climb if we want to do something longer.
During rush hour, traffic up the road is fairly heavy, but there is a wide shoulder and because it's Boulder, everyone is usually aware and cautious of the bikers. However, because of its views, the road is also a drawing point for a lot out newcomers and out of town folks, who either have never seen a biker before and don't know what to do, or are so amazed by the random deer that they neglect to pay attention. Either way, caution is advised, especially on the switchback turns and the descent.
Distance: 6.30 miles to summit (intersection of Flagstaff Road and Bison Drive), 12.60 miles round trip.
Directions: Starting at 9th Street and Pearl, take 9th south, climbing up the Hill towards the Flatirons. At Baseline Road take a right. Baseline will turn into Flagstaff Road, winding up above the Flatirons. We usually turn at the intersection with Bison Drive, but the road continues for another couple of miles before ending near Gross Reservoir.
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The ride runs up Flagstaff Road, which is what Baseline Road turns into once it runs past Chautauqua Park. The defining features of the ride are the amazing views of Boulder, the numerous switchbacks, and the sudden increase in grade around mile 4. The road also houses one of the best restaurants I've ever eaten at; the Flagstaff House. We like this ride because it's quickly accessible from downtown, and is a great workout that can be done in about 45 minutes. We often pair this ride with 4 Mile or the NCAR climb if we want to do something longer.
During rush hour, traffic up the road is fairly heavy, but there is a wide shoulder and because it's Boulder, everyone is usually aware and cautious of the bikers. However, because of its views, the road is also a drawing point for a lot out newcomers and out of town folks, who either have never seen a biker before and don't know what to do, or are so amazed by the random deer that they neglect to pay attention. Either way, caution is advised, especially on the switchback turns and the descent.
Distance: 6.30 miles to summit (intersection of Flagstaff Road and Bison Drive), 12.60 miles round trip.
Directions: Starting at 9th Street and Pearl, take 9th south, climbing up the Hill towards the Flatirons. At Baseline Road take a right. Baseline will turn into Flagstaff Road, winding up above the Flatirons. We usually turn at the intersection with Bison Drive, but the road continues for another couple of miles before ending near Gross Reservoir.
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Thursday, June 19, 2008
Training Tips from Garmin Chipotle - Chicago, IL
Christian Vande Velde, a rider for the Colorado based Garmin Chipotle cycling team, provided some great advice for improving your speed on a bike in a recent NY Times article. He mainly focuses on improving power by adding intervals that require spinning in a bigger gear for segments of time. The main focus for such training is to improve wattage - a measure of power per pedal stroke.
His advice for improving climbing ability is interesting, he suggests that biking on flats into the wind is a good substitute (he trained in Chicago over the winter). The flats around Chicago, combinded with the wind, probably made this and ideal training area for this type of work. Personally, I would hate riding into the wind on a flat stretch of concrete, but whatever works I suppose. He is one of Garmin Chipotle's team members for the Tour de France this year, so we get to see how his training pays off.
His advice for improving climbing ability is interesting, he suggests that biking on flats into the wind is a good substitute (he trained in Chicago over the winter). The flats around Chicago, combinded with the wind, probably made this and ideal training area for this type of work. Personally, I would hate riding into the wind on a flat stretch of concrete, but whatever works I suppose. He is one of Garmin Chipotle's team members for the Tour de France this year, so we get to see how his training pays off.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Race for the Roses
With my subscription to Outside Magazine comes a weird predilection for trying to attempt every training program that is included. Among those recently was a half-marathon training schedule used by Olympian runner Ryan Hall's coach. The schedule has a great mix of short distance speed work mixed in with longer tempo runs. I was able to stick with most of it until the end, when Spring Break and a desire to snowboard got the better of me. I definitely got faster and more confident in my running, which was a great result.
The Race for the Roses was my ultimate training goal. I was shooting for 7:00 minute miles, and ended up somewhere in the 7:24 range. Not bad for me, and a good lesson for the next time I attempt the schedule. The Race itself is a great course with a great cause attached. Race fees go toward the Albertina Kerr Center, which provides aid to children placed in foster care, and group homes for the developmentally disabled. 93% of every dollar in fees goes toward the center.
The race runs through downtown Portland, and starts and ends at the Rose Garden. Overall the course is pretty flat, and fast. The worst part for me were the long out and backs, but you definitely get to see a lot of Portland during the race.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
UC Davis Arboretum - Davis, CA
The beauty of college towns; pretty young things. Running is so much easier when the possibility of an attractive woman (or man - for the ladies) is always just around the corner. Combine that with progressive ideas, good food (usually), and lots of fun bars, and college towns have all of the makings of paradise.
A couple of weeks ago I visited a friend in Davis, CA, home of the esteemed University of California at Davis. Davis is a great college town; super bike friendly, lots of good looking people and usually tons of fun. It also has some great opportunities for getting out and about. Make sure to check out the University Arboretum: a "living museum" of plants and trees from the area. Shaped like a warped oval, the arboretum has a dirt path that runs most its entire length, occasionally popping you out onto the street before starting again. Although narrow in areas, the path provides a great run through some amazing greenery, and is adjacent to the UCD campus in case you want to add some co-ed sightings into your run.
An interactive map is here
Distance: the loop around the arboretum is 1.8 miles in length
Directions: the Arboretum is on the South side of the UC Davis Campus, between 113 (on the West end) and B Street (on the East end).
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A couple of weeks ago I visited a friend in Davis, CA, home of the esteemed University of California at Davis. Davis is a great college town; super bike friendly, lots of good looking people and usually tons of fun. It also has some great opportunities for getting out and about. Make sure to check out the University Arboretum: a "living museum" of plants and trees from the area. Shaped like a warped oval, the arboretum has a dirt path that runs most its entire length, occasionally popping you out onto the street before starting again. Although narrow in areas, the path provides a great run through some amazing greenery, and is adjacent to the UCD campus in case you want to add some co-ed sightings into your run.
An interactive map is here
Distance: the loop around the arboretum is 1.8 miles in length
Directions: the Arboretum is on the South side of the UC Davis Campus, between 113 (on the West end) and B Street (on the East end).
View Larger Map
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Shamrock Run - Portland, OR
Portland is a great city if you love to run, and lots of people in Portland love to run. Hence, the city hosts lots of great running events throughout the year. If you are in the area around mid-March, the Shamrock Run is a race that you should definitely check out. It is one of my favorite running races, combining running, festivities and lots and lots and lots of beer.
The races comes in three flavors: a 5K, 8K or 15K. All three run through a good part of downtown and the waterfront area, so matter which one you choose you get a great urban racing experience. The crowds are typically more fun in the downtown area as well, helping to keep you motivated (or drunk). The only one I've managed to do so far is the 15K, which begins on Naito Parkway before winding through the Burnside area and then into downtown. From downtown the run heads through Portland State's urban campus and then begins a long climb up Terwilliger Blvd (one of my favorite areas to run in Portland). Terwilliger is a really amazing part of Portland; lots of forest area, great biking and running areas, the Med School Stairs and wonderful views of the Cascades and downtown.
After the Terwilliger portion, the run takes a U-turn and heads back toward the city via Barbur Blvd. This part of the run is the most monotonous - long, flat and straight sections that never seem to end. However, after working your way through this, you will wind back into downtown and to the finish, which is always packed with spectators.
The event is a great celebration of Portland's unique mix of hardcore athletes, and gonzo-urban populace. There were as many people running in costumes as there were in athletic gear. There are usually a lot of bands and street parties, and don't forget the most important part of a St. Patrick's Day themed race - the beer tents.
Distance: 5K, 8K or 15K options
Race Map: http://www.shamrockrunportland.com/map.htm
The races comes in three flavors: a 5K, 8K or 15K. All three run through a good part of downtown and the waterfront area, so matter which one you choose you get a great urban racing experience. The crowds are typically more fun in the downtown area as well, helping to keep you motivated (or drunk). The only one I've managed to do so far is the 15K, which begins on Naito Parkway before winding through the Burnside area and then into downtown. From downtown the run heads through Portland State's urban campus and then begins a long climb up Terwilliger Blvd (one of my favorite areas to run in Portland). Terwilliger is a really amazing part of Portland; lots of forest area, great biking and running areas, the Med School Stairs and wonderful views of the Cascades and downtown.
After the Terwilliger portion, the run takes a U-turn and heads back toward the city via Barbur Blvd. This part of the run is the most monotonous - long, flat and straight sections that never seem to end. However, after working your way through this, you will wind back into downtown and to the finish, which is always packed with spectators.
The event is a great celebration of Portland's unique mix of hardcore athletes, and gonzo-urban populace. There were as many people running in costumes as there were in athletic gear. There are usually a lot of bands and street parties, and don't forget the most important part of a St. Patrick's Day themed race - the beer tents.
Distance: 5K, 8K or 15K options
Race Map: http://www.shamrockrunportland.com/map.htm
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