I will be staying at Colorado Trails Ranch a week (my daughter is working there):
I am probably going in July
I am training for IMLOU
I realize not ideal buildup but will have to make it work
I need suggestions on swimming pools, bike rentals, bike trails/routes, running routes/trails, etc.
Just anything you have is appreciated.
Thx
Trails - are you kidding me - right out your back door.
From where you are staying 240 takes you into Durango or get on county road 501 takes you from the Vallecito reservoir down to Bayfield - beautiful. Out of Durango, ride north on 550 - nice 6 foot shoulder - and a nice little climb up to the ski area and onto Col Bank and Molas Pass. Search on Iron Horse Classic route. Ride is this weekend.
Check with Fort Lewis college for swimming.
Durango is the perfect place for a buildup. Search mapmyride on Durango and Bayfield - lots of rides from fairly flat and hot down near the airport to some long climbs that you want to start early cause the thunder boombers can come in the afternoons.
I love Durango and get down from Denver 2-3 times a year.
There is also a nice Rec Center with a pool and a day rate.
I realize not ideal buildup but will have to make it work
Fixed it for you…
I’m not familiar with the CO Trails Ranch, but if you go into town, it’s convenient to park at the Rec center for a swim, and then head out on the adjacent Animas River Trail for a run. It’s paved and level for a long out/back run. Or, to prep for IMLOU, maybe out/back/look longingly at the finish/out again/then finally back?
When I lived there, I was a nervous new cyclist and rode strictly in town. The highway from Durango up to Silverton (550?) is a destination ride and always has a lot of cyclists (though shoulders are lousy). The bike shops in town likely all do rentals and can give good routes.
The altitude might be rough, but at least the July humidity (more like KS than CO) should feel familiar!