Hello,
Looking to relocate to a mountain locale for both skiing and cycling. I’ve skied most of the resorts in north america so have a pretty good idea how the skiing is. I assume the mtb biking around telluride is phenomenal but wondering about the road options? Obviously the roads in/out are limited. Are there jeep roads open in summer that I could ride my cross bike on? Group rides, races, events? Any insight is appreciated.
I live just over the pass now but did live in Telluride for a time…Road riding is limited. Telluride is a great place. The best thing about it is, it’s along way from everything. But the worst thing about it is, it’s along way from everything. There are a couple races down in the four corners or “D” town, but otherwise it’s just VERY, VERY small local BS.
I found it to be a very lonely place in the summer…it’s really a hard place for normal people to live (IE cost of living, $hitty jobs and the LONG cold winters) If you’re super rich, a loner or maybe look to just Powder Ski of a season or two it’s prefect.
Would I live there again? No. Would I go there on vacation? Yes.
I’ve been there for longer rides, yes. I can’t imagine there are shorter 20-40 mile loops. Side Story: While there, that summer on this long tour I had had no problem on the roads at all. I brought my mountain bike, too, and took off up the ski area access road. First, I am from the Midwest and live at 300 ft. above see level. Second, Mtn bike trail climbs are a maximum of 300 ft. of climbing in my area. I was not acclimated yet and after 800-1000 yards up that access road I had to stop and catch my breath. I started again and passed two gals walking up the same trail. I made it another 1000 yds and had to stop again, and again. Repeat that 4x and that was when the two gals walked past me. Whoah, it was time to HTFU. I started again and soon found a rhythm and made it to the top. On the way back I found a cross trail and stumbled across some Mtn Bike trails with ramps, jumps, bridges, etc. They went straight down the mountain. Steep mountain. I was waay too chicken to try any of that stuff. Intimidated wasn’t a strong enough word. I still shake my head thinking about that trail. I have a new found respect for the nerve of the athletes that ride those trails. I headed back to the Midwest and have virtually put my mountain bike in the closet and left it there. Okay time to concentrate on Tri’s.
Lonely in Summer? Telluride must be much different then Crested Butte. Summer’s are insane, and far busier then Winter. The only lonely periods we experience are the off-season breaks we get in November and April. October and May can also be slow, but the mountain bike riding is awesome around here in October if the snow holds off. And May… the weather can be perfect some years, cold, wet and muddy other years. To beat the blues on those miserable years, we just head to Moab, Grand Junction or Fruita for a bit of heat and some fun mountain/road biking.
As for riding, I’ve never road biked the area but I would think heading out 145 to Delores would be a fun ride. You could even stretch it to Cortez. There is also 145 to 62 to Ridgway and off to Montrose on 550 or head south to Ouray and back to Telluride. I’ve seen some folks on that route. Your options are going to more limited but as any mountain area you will also have jeep track which can be done on Mtn Bike or Cross. We’ve been in the Crested Butte for 5 years after living in the Denver area for over a decade. I loved the training options on the Front Range but there is nothing like living in the mountains. Of course Crested Butte may be very different then Telluride. There is a sense of community here, and even down in Gunnison that you don’t find in all mountain areas.
If you have the ability to make a living by owning your own business, or earning your income from home telecommuting your in and I would suggest you pick your town and move. If you are going to rely on the area to get you enough money to live get used to being broke and working multiple service jobs.
The Butt and Telluride are two very different worlds…
But Gunni? ouch next to Fraser it’s F’n COLD in the winter (check out those lows) and like Telluride unless you like riding on the state hwy.s the road ride is “0”
