Climb Mt. Evans from Idaho Springs (I-70), or from Bergen Park via Squaw & Juniper Passes.

X2

Hard to beat that for the views and bragging rights. I prefer starting in Idaho Springs.

Just be sure to check the weather and start early.

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Formerly DrD

How about a "Super Epic" ride??

https://www.strava.com/activities/676247759

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Kevin

http://kevinmetcalfe.dreamhosters.com
My Strava

Mt Evans

Positives:
1. You get to say you rode your bike up a 14er.
2. It's not a difficult climb (4% grade for 30+ miles)

Negatives:
1. It is the worst descent in the history of riding bikes. There are concrete expansion cracks every 20 feet for miles. And you're cold, because you never bring enough clothes. And there are cars so you're trying to slow down. And the road is basically straight so that bumpy, cold descent is boring. For an hour.

In all honesty there are much better rides to truly enjoy Colorado cycling.
Many of them have been talked about. If you have a particular area (e.g. Boulder, Golden, Evergreen) than search for those places and tack onto existing threads.

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I talk a lot - Give it a listen: http://www.fasttalklabs.com/category/fast-talk
I also give Training Advice via http://www.ForeverEndurance.com

The above poster has eschewed traditional employment and is currently undertaking the ill-conceived task of launching his own hardgoods company. Statements are not made on behalf of nor reflective of anything in any manner... unless they're good, then they count.
http://www.AGNCYINNOVATION.com

A bit of a drive from Denver - but the Copper Triangle is one of my favorite routes - a fabulous 78 mile route - and I always prefer to do the route Counter Clockwise -so you can scream down the pass - got 64 MPH last year -- woo hoo.


http://www.coppertriangle.com/course/

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Graham Wilson
USAT Level III Elite Coach
http://www.thewilsongroup.biz

If you wanted to ride from Boulder AND you were down with riding your road bike on dirt at times (bumpy brown pavement) this would be a fun ride.

https://www.strava.com/routes/8879275

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I talk a lot - Give it a listen: http://www.fasttalklabs.com/category/fast-talk
I also give Training Advice via http://www.ForeverEndurance.com

The above poster has eschewed traditional employment and is currently undertaking the ill-conceived task of launching his own hardgoods company. Statements are not made on behalf of nor reflective of anything in any manner... unless they're good, then they count.
http://www.AGNCYINNOVATION.com

There is the Deer Creek Century route that is 100 miles with 10,000 ft of elevation grade and some steep sections at that. I can't remember the exact route, but if you ride from Denver down to Deer Creek Canyon.. then turn left onto high grade, at the top there should be a little cycling rest area (if its still there... I hope it is because its awesome). There you can grab a cookie, gatorade.. and make a donation if you have a couple bucks on you. There is a map there I believe of the route. You will have done part of it already so just continue on.

Other option. Start in Denver, head up bear creek (74 I believe.. ) until you get to Evergreen. Then take a right until you get to squaw pass. That is a fun 2 hour climb all by itself.

or.

Do option #2 and just continue onto Mt Evans. You'll get 56 miles from Denver to the top of mount evans and it will be about 9500 ft of elevation. Then its 56 miles of downhill back (as the other poster said.. the decent off Evans isn't fun. numb hands, expansion cracks, and probably wind). If you're looking for epic.. this is the one. Here is a strava link: https://www.strava.com/activities/62186488

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COROS Sports Science

The rest stop is still there and almost always has water, but it's hit or miss on the cookies. Edit: Here's a link to the Deer Creek Challenge century route map. https://coloradobikemaps.files.wordpress.com/.../deer-creek-2012.jpg

Another possible option, if you don't mind crowds, and if you'll be there the weekend after Independence Day is the Triple Bypass ride. It's a great route from Bergen Park in Evergreen all the way to Avon, CO, which is out past Vail. I believe it's around 120 miles. If you can do the supported ride, and if it isn't sold out, you can even do both days - Day One from Evergreen to Avon, and Day Two back the same way for a total of 240ish miles. Although it's the same route, the rides are very different depending on which direction you go. Even if you don't do the supported ride, you can ride the route, as it is pretty easy to follow the map that is provided online. You get to go over Squaw Pass, Loveland Pass, and Vail Pass, all great fun.

Here's the route from Day 2 perspective. https://www.strava.com/activities/636972397

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''The enemy isn't conservatism. The enemy isn't liberalism. The enemy is bulls**t.''

—Lars-Erik Nelson

When I took my bike to visit family in Denver a few years ago, I found a link on the CO tourism website for a cycling map. It had all of the small, paved roads, recommended cycling routes, elevations, and was color-coded for traffic density. If you can find it, it is a great map. I used it for about 300 miles of riding in one week with no repeat roads.

I'd do Mt Evans. I'm new to Colorado, but it's a fun ride, you'll have an elevation that's hard to top on Strava, and your family could do it with you. They could check out Georgetown, then drive up the mountain to see you finish, then you can all ride down together.

Another vote for Mt. Evans. Not too steep but definitely a long climb. I believe it's the highest paved road in america?

If you're going to climb Mt. Evans and will be in town for the weekend of July 15, this is a good way to do it without dodging cars. http://bicyclerace.com/...e-bike/registration/