This would be a decently long trail run as well, with 100% packed trail, covering fire road, double track, and single track. I've considered doing this as a run, but doing the ride just seems like way more fun.
(Preparing for battle)
Getting There:
You can use these coordinates to find the trail head: 39.37904, -105.09973
There's not a whole lot to be found at the trail head. There's a large pit style toilet, and rumor has it there's running water around the same area, but I would be prepared to bring in everything you need. There's also horse camping here (stables and all) as well as tent/trailer camping. We've stayed here before to camp, and it's a nice enough area, but not very many spots are available. Come early if you plan to stay.
(parking lot)
On the way to the ride you'll likely pass through the little town of Sedalia, there's an ice cream shop there if you need to wet your whistle before, or more likely, after your ride.
Parking in this area comes at a cost of $6/day and they accept cash or check. You can park up the road a bit for free, but it's a small price to pay to be able to use a toilet, and support your local wilderness.
Trail Head:
You can find the trail head just across from the pit toilet. This will be labeled as the 800 trial. Keep that in mind, when all else fails follow signs to the 800 trial. There is a decent amount of parking, but horse trailers and sunny days can pack things up a bit. I've never had a problem finding a place to park.
The Ride:
(In Miles)
0.0 Get started across from the pit toilet. The first bit throws you right in with some low gear climbing. You likely won't die here, but you will breathe heavily. This area is what single track should all be like. Smooth, flowy, and climbs here and there. Watch out for fallen trees, especially after storms.
(trail head)
(a sustained climb on the way up)
(keep chugging)
(don't forget to breathe)
1.5 You'll reach a clearing where several trail options will present themselves. As mentioned previously, stay on the 800 trail (left) towards the fire road. There is a single track trail you can take here as well (towards the right/straight) that will take you all the way into Roxborough, with some beefy climbing on the way back up. Be sure to stop for a drink and a picture, the view to the south is great.
(follow signs for the 800 trail)
(descend down fire road. watch for horses)
Descend the long fire road. Watch out for horseback riders. They don't travel quite as quickly as us bikers and are easy to spook.
3.6 Prepare for a short brutal climb, with a couple of water bars for a moment of ease. If you're about to vomit it means you've gone the right direction.
4.3 You'll move from double track back to single track. Follow the sign for the Indian Creek trial. There are also some power lines here that act as a good trail marker. After this point you'll descend into some more pristine single track with quite a few switchbacks. Hold on and enjoy.
(descend through more fun single track)
5.4 You'll hit an intersection, go left/downhill. This is a fun section for about a mile (give or take), you'll have to do virtually zero pedaling, and will hit a number of small roller jumps. It's easy to get carried too far on these if you're not ready for them, but this is one of the highlights of the ride in my opinion.
6.4 Continue following signs towards Waterton/Colorado Trail.
You'll run into the Fields of Elysium after the Roxsborough section. I've named these myself as this is what heaven must look like if you eat it on your mountain bike.
After this things get tough as you begin the slog back up the mountain from whence you came. Be sure to eat and drink plenty, you've got a lot of climbing to do.
At about 8.2 miles you'll have the option to head to Waterton, or follow the Colorado trail. I would consider this a bailout point to Waterton, you'll end up on the other side of the mountain, but at the Waterton trail head which is well traveled. If you're hurt, hungry, or otherwise this will likely be easier to get to than back to the trailhead you started from.
9.6 Don't feel bad if you have to walk, and if you don't have to, you are a beast.
10.3 Keep following signs to the 800 trail. You'll hit a Y in the trail around here. To the left follows the 800 trail (this is marked), to the right will take you back to Waterton via a different path.
After another series of climbs you'll end up adjacent to Bear Creek. This is a refreshing way to cool off and lets you know you're going the right direction. You'll cross the creek a couple of times on your way back up the mountain.
13.0 The climb is nearly over. You'll climb up relatively smooth single track to get back to the equestrian camping area, after that you only have about 1/3 of a mile back to the car. The site of horse trailers here is blissful relief.
This is a great ride overall, but not for the novice. You need some conditioning, some middle level handling skills. Don't be fooled by the distance, this can be a loooong ride if you're not prepared. Make sure you've got a full bladder (3L for me, and I ran out with about a mile to go), food, and plenty of daylight. While I've done this on my own, I'm not sure I'd recommend it, there are times where there is very little traffic to save your behind if you get in trouble. On that note, be as nice as you can to the horseback riders out there, they're the ones who will save you if you break your butt on the trail.
Trail Stats:
14.3 Miles
2370 feet of climbing
Time to Beat:
3h26
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