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View Full Version : Climbing regions advice: ID, WY, CO, UT

dem
03-02-2017, 07:40 AM
Continuing with my insane plan to motorcycle around the western US (4-6 weeks), taking my gravel bike & climbing as many of the Top 100 climbs in the USA as reasonable, I have created the detailed, elaborate route plan below (clockwise to get some distance from home quickly.)

The focus of the trip being "top 100" climbs, I'm mostly looking at what is on: https://www.pjammcycling.com/u.s.-top-100.html

However, I am more than happy to also ride any "MUST SEE" climbs or routes that I should do. So, looking at my travels below, anyone in those regions have any advice?

http://www.haphazard.com/bikes/insane.png
gdw
03-02-2017, 11:32 AM
Looks like quite an adventure. If your route takes you through Eastern Utah you should try to visit Moab. Riding through Arches National Park or up to Dead Horse Point/Islands in the Sky might not offer the epic climbs that you're pursuing but the landscape and views are really impressive.
tiretrax
03-02-2017, 11:44 AM
Great idea. I've only ridden in Colorado and the Monterey Peninsula. Every climb I did in Colorado was breathtaking and worthwhile. Have a wonderful and safe journey, and post lots of pictures.
onomic
03-02-2017, 02:03 PM
Looks like a good list. In Colorado you could try the "oh my gawd" climb from Idaho springs to central city. It's dirt and has less traffic. Doing it after Mt Evans in the morning would be a huge day but you've got beer, pizza, and hot springs to enjoy as you recover:) in western Colorado riding the Colorado national monument loop is amazingly beautiful with a great road and decent climb. It's iconic too, think red zinger/coors classic and American flyers! All the canyons out of SLC are awesome. To the south, American fork canyon over to sundance is fun as well. Sounds like an amazing trip. If you want company on any of your rides around the Denver area shoot me a pm. Have fun!
velofinds
03-02-2017, 03:26 PM
Looks like a good list. In Colorado you could try the "oh my gawd" climb from Idaho springs to central city. It's dirt and has less traffic.

Man, that sounds like fun. Is this the route?

https://goo.gl/maps/tg8kigbM3ty

Also, can that ride be done on a road bike with 27mm tires?
Gartenmeister
03-02-2017, 03:49 PM
I see you only have one in Idaho, and it is supposed to be a good one. Mt. Harrison is definitely on my to-do list.

If you want to spend a little more time in the area, I recommend Galena Pass. It is not terribly difficult but is fun and worthwhile. You could just ride from the lodge to the summit and back, or go up and over and descend the backside (and then do it all again in reverse), or for a longer ride start in Ketchum/Sun Valley. The scenery is outstanding.

https://www.strava.com/segments/1763777
choke
03-02-2017, 05:17 PM
In Wyoming, US16 from Ten Sleep to Buffalo is an awesome road and one of my all time favorites. If I was going to cycle it I'd go from Ten Sleep to Powder River Pass.

Also, US14 from Shell up through Shell Canyon is beautiful though the road is very narrow to cycle. US14A from Lovell to Burgess Jct. would be a killer climb as well. It looks like you have those two on your map, but IMO 16 is nicer.
onomic
03-02-2017, 06:07 PM
Man, that sounds like fun. Is this the route?

https://goo.gl/maps/tg8kigbM3ty

Also, can that ride be done on a road bike with 27mm tires?

You found it. Yes, it can be ridden on a road bike with 27mm tires with no problems. I used 28's and my friend used 25's. It's has great views as you get up higher.
dem
03-02-2017, 06:23 PM
This is great stuff and exactly what I'm looking for.

The "Top 100" thing is merely an excuse to go ride around and have a vague route. I'll improvise based on time, transit, interest, weather, etc.

I find the best adventures have no agenda.

I'll be taking my gravel chinabike with 700x35 Compass tires and a 30-42 low, so I can tackle most anything other than "real" mountain biking.
HenryA
03-02-2017, 10:03 PM
In Wyoming, US16 from Ten Sleep to Buffalo is an awesome road and one of my all time favorites. If I was going to cycle it I'd go from Ten Sleep to Powder River Pass.

Also, US14 from Shell up through Shell Canyon is beautiful though the road is very narrow to cycle. US14A from Lovell to Burgess Jct. would be a killer climb as well. It looks like you have those two on your map, but IMO 16 is nicer.

YES! to all the above.
And Shell Canyon is especially beautiful.

I would also look at the Beartooth Highway and Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Could be THE ride of your trip. Highly epic.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/cycling-montanas-beartooth-highway-the-most-beautiful-drive-in-america/2015/09/16/4eb9bf9c-4aa6-11e5-8ab4-c73967a143d3_story.html?utm_term=.557eb32f4e86

Should you camp near the top, be super careful about bear safety.