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I saw that you were from Northern Virginia. I moved out to Colorado a few years ago and sure miss mud and soft dirt. Have a lot of fond memories of those rides.
If you go to almost any privately owned bike shop you can pick up a Colorado Springs Trail Map. It’s got a lot of stuff besides Palmer on there that make for really good rides. I got mine at Boulder Running Company. Also, your best bet may to go to Palmer and park at the Paseo Rd. Parking Area. Its off of N. Circle on the west side near Mark Reyner Stables. For mountain biking stick with blue squares. Green circles are tow paths and black diamonds are pretty intense (at least for me ).
Welcome to the Springs…eventually. Its a very special place. No one can drive (which I am discovering it’s every where in the country) and theres almost as many walmarts as churches. But the best part is: there’s a ton of trails and everyone that I’ve run into has been totally cool. You can ask for directions or advice and always get a good response. Im sure now that Ive mentioned it you’ll get nothing but ass hats.
As for trails. A couple of good beginner trails are Palmer if you stay up top on the Yucca trail. Also Ute Vally Trail in the North West springs. Not very long but has a few good technical areas and short but sweet climbs/ downhill. Give those a try to get acclimated.
Any questions give me a holler.
cgooch
Thanks for the help. Really appreciate it.
I want even interested in this topic but I have to say that this info is awesome. Now Im planning a trip. Thanks,
GoochI live Colo Springs so I mountain bike. Or jog. Or join my girlfriend in yoga if it snows (which it almost never does). When I lived in N. VA. when it rained all winter long I just sat around and got fat waiting for it to dry out enough not to bruise the trails. Then I would have to ride in tire ruts that some asshole who had no respect left. I also snowboard.
Kevin, try the other post (after work rides) or reply to this before sunday. I really want to get back into riding now that I have a job that can support me again. I can go any day of the week after 4pm. We can go to palmer park, ute valley or even red rocks. Ive only ridden the first two but hike all over the springs everyday.
Anyway hit me up, I got a gnarly (not a good thing) old hart tail fuji that I refuse to give up on.
Gooch
I can get home all next week around 4pm. Thanks to the hour change that leaves plenty of time to ride. If anyone wants to ride with an relative FNG (Im in good shape but havent been on my bike in months due to the lack of cash flow to fix it) I should be available.
Hit this forum up and I’ll get an auto response in my email. I wont be able to check my email till I get home though THANKS HOMELAND SECURITY!!!
Here’s to hope!
Gooch
If you’re looking for a new ride try Ascent cycling. Ive been there a few times to replace parts (my lab loves the taste of my camel back bite valves). The staff was totally cool and not pushy in the least. Its off of powers (powers and stetson I think).
As for trying out a new bike do Palmer Park. Try the Templeton Gap trail for something a bit more difficult. If you’ve done Palmer Park before you’ll understand why should test a bike here. It’s got a bit of everything. If you’re gonna be in town after 5 let me know. I can at least show you some spots.
gooch
I need to do some minor repairs for my bike but am totally down. Sad to say that I am also a relatively FNG. Keep me posted.
Gooch
No, but there should be. I need a good full suspension bike for cheap. Looking at a GT i-drive on amazon for $700. Wish I could get something from here though.
charlie749, thats gotta be the happiest dog ever! I take my dogs anywhere from to ten miles and they’re never satisfied.
Gooch
I moved to Colo Springs last October and just had my one year anniversary. YAY!! I still ride Palmer Park at least once a week. I still haven’t had enough money to buy a full suspension. I still haven’t ridden every trail there but that is what makes Palmer so cool.
Let me impart some advice to you which took me months to learn. There’s about 10 different trail heads. Try each one. Some are impossible (double black diamonds, at least to me) and some are just fire road entrances.
Since you’re just starting out try parking up top in the dog run section. Ride the Yucca Trail from there. Tight, short strips of single track with an occasional dog walker.
Also there’s a great trail that circles the outside of the northwest portion of the park. Try parking near the horse farm.
Also avoid the Edna Mae Bennet and Templeton Gap trails. Hike them first to see why.
Stay strong,
GoochIve got two dogs that go with me almost every time I bike. My older one, a 6 year old black lab, has been my riding buddy since I first got on a bike. She’s got seperation anxiety so she never gets more than a few feet from me. My puppy, a black year old mut, gets a little excited and distracted. She’s likes other dogs and attacking my lab randomly.
To train your dog, this is how I am training my puppy, get a 10′ piece of rope and ride along a sidewalk or empty trail. Hold the rope loosely in your hand or you might get yanked off your bike.
A bit of advice, give them breaks, bring water and a bowl, and DONT GO DURING RUSH HOURS!! I made that mistake ONCE at Palmer park. Everyone hated me. I felt like a jerk.
Gooch
Im semi familar with the area closer to monument. I’m wondering if you started one closer to mount herman. I hear there is some really good riding there. Sounds like a great idea. Keep me posted.
Gooch
Michelin XTR A/T. I’ve only spun out a few times on sandy spots (mostly due to inexperience). I bought them back in VA for the muddy season but they do a great job out here in dry Colorado Springs.
Gooch
I’ve been here since October from VA. I’ve been riding only around town (Ute Vally, Palmer Park) since then. I only got a front suspension and a crappy shifter so I’m pretty limited until I get in much better shape. Send me a PM if you wanna go for a ride around town. Im also unemployed so Ive got a lot time to kill.
