Other rides

-Sourdough Trail: The friendly name suggests a smooth and easy ride, but it's instead a mostly rocky undertaking. There are no long, steep climbs or descents, but a steady barrage of loose and embedded stone is a constant reminder of why suspension forks were invented for bicycles. The forest is thick and dry, lending few scenic views. An exception is a power-line road marking the highest point of the ride, at 4.1 miles. An optional return is had by riding the paved road toward Ward and catching Highway 72 south back to FR 298. This ride can also be done by parking at a lot near the entrance to Brainard Lake and heading south on the signed trail head. From Nederland, take Highway 72 north for seven miles and look for the signed road for the University of Colorado Research Station. Go west on FR 298 about a half-mile to the parking area.

-Sugarloaf Trail: This easy out-and-back ride gently climbs west, traversing south-facing slopes. At just about 8,000 feet, the wide road gets good sunlight exposure year-round. From numerous high vantage points along this route, views of distant mountain peaks and valleys are abundant. From Boulder, take Canyon 119 west. A mile after passing through a tunnel, turn right on Sugarloaf Road, 5.4 miles from Boulder. Continue climbing for five miles to Sugarloaf Mountain Road. Go right for 0.9-mile to park at the trail head. Ride the road going left.