Riding in Fort Collins - Visiting Family & Extraordinary Biking Infrastructure

Riding easier trails in Soapstone Prairie, just north of Fort Collins.

I went to Fort Collins in early June, primarily to visit #1 son and his girlfriend. What I didn't expect was how much I missed the high desert, the climate reminding me of Central Oregon.

Our son has always been thoughtful. He arranged a few things to do, lucking into a once a year benefit pancake breakfast in Big Thompson Canyon, which included a craft show in the firehouse.

Our days were filled with lots of riding on the extensive Fort Collins bike paths, and lots of restaurant eating, and tacos at a food truck.

Fossil Creek Trail

Fort Collins preserved land outside of the residential region, so trails snake through grasslands, along inner city creeks, into single track on the west side border. Signage is stellar so you can't get too lost. There's even a printed bike map.

I walked some everyday, tagging along with their dog, Doughnut's twice a day stroll. They live near City Park so we often checked in on the waterfowl.

Both my son and his girlfriend are cyclists, so I fit his old Peugeot (lower right photo), a bike he doesn't ride anymore. With a rag and some lube we cleaned it up and it still works remarkably well. We visited a few bike shops also.

Saw some wonderful public art.

And went to a few brew pubs. We toured the iconic New Belgium Brewery. I didn't care for any of their beers, but I liked their sour beer - first for me - probably because they're fermented in oak barrels. New Belgium has supported the bike community, holding short track series on their property and hosting many bike events throughout the year. My favorite brewery was Maxline Brewing. We went on the bingo night, had great food truck sandwich - food trucks are big in Fort Collins. Maxline also had the best IPA. 

Our son's girlfriend is into biking bigtime. We watched her in the last short track event of the season.

Early mornings were quiet. I had coffee and read my book, sniffing the sage I had found along a trail.

One day we hiked in Rocky Mountain National Park to a beautiful waterfall.

Horestooth Reservoir is a playground for hikers, boaters, and mountain bikers. I went with our son's girlfriend's group meetup, hoping for gentle trails, but due to 90F heat we rode switchbacks up a shady slope. It was too technical for me, also due to not being fully adjusted to altitude. I stopped several times, and enjoyed the scenery.

Descending was scary, but I eventually made it without mishap.

They are much easier mountain bike trails, and my son brought me to lovely Soapstone Prairie, 30+ minutes north of Fort Collins. I was in love! Manageable trails, tiny cactus, lovely wildflowers, prairie dogs, and an extensive network of hiking and bike trails through short grass prairie environment. It was fun to descend and climb though small washes.

We met up with a couple I hadn't seen in 20+ years. He's a regular bike commuter to his office downtown but for an early Sunday morning ride we met up, and did a lovely loop on low traffic roads just west of Fort Collins. We met up later in the day for dinner at their home.

To catch my return flight from Denver, my son set us up for a Fort Collins express bus (express lane) / train transfer to the airport that worked extremely well, and of course, his escort was immense help. I imagine driving would be inefficient, especially because of early weekday morning traffic. 

Fort Collins, I'll be back.

Flower Power Po Campo Handlebar Bag

Po Campo Domino handlebar bag is a welcome addition.

Needing more storage space and easier connection/removal than the cool refit of a purple bag I had previously tried on my mountain bike, the Po Campo Domino style now fits that role. The exterior pocket fits my phone; main zippered compartment is voluminous and easily accessed; and it fits snuggly with two hook and loop straps and a cinched cord lock/paracord around the fork.  The bag is just large enough to provide more space for necessities, yet allows visibility to see the trail ahead. It's a welcome addition to stem bag and small frame wedge for longer excursions. Now I have room for lock, snacks, first aid kit, wallet, phone, extra water, and a jacket. While some riders wear fanny packs, a handlebar bag is a better arrangement for me. The floral pattern makes me smile.

Musings on Solitary Bike Rides

 
I have often wondered what motivates other solitary riders to keep a regular regimen. Do they ride the same loop, day after day? Or do they not ride unless with a friend, partner, or group? 

I ride frequently - and now that it's warm - motivated by sunsets, maple creemees, sprucing up a cemetery plot, or picking up an easy dinner for a relaxing meal on a beach. Full moon nights are celebratory too. Of course, it's much easier when the weather is nice. And, I finally feel safe to eat at outdoor restaurants, pubs, and aim to explore new places again. There's a new-to-me urban trail that will be fun to explore...and hopefully a bike overnight with family soon. 

I have companions, but that requires planning, and unfortunately, I'm frustrated with their slower pace - not that I'm a speed demon  - but I need to clear the home office cobwebs. I plan to attend a few group rides too - enough to keep the solitary outings from growing old. 

Finding Motivation to Ride without a Partner - Look for Flowers!

Trillium, Hepatica, Red Trillium, mature Skunk Cabbage among fiddleheads, Wood Anemone, and Bellwort are among the many native wildflowers found in Vermont.

 
I ride daily, seeking local adventures like hunting for spring flowers. It started with the beautifully unique skunk cabbage blossoms, a distinct sign of spring in Vermont. Their purple shells emit heat and protect honey bees pollinating the plant  - who knew such a strange-looking flower was so powerful? I've been studying Mary Holland's Naturally Curious book, a local naturalist. The book provides digestible explanations, enhanced by photos, and categorized by seasons/months, so it's easy to identify common wildlife/plants.

With abundant parks with paved and dirt trails within a short ride from home, they're easy to explore.  Soon I'll be picnicking and toting painting supplies.

My biking partner is recovering from an injury so I'm attending more organized rides. I'm mostly happy doing my own thing, but working from home means socializing occasionally is important.

Get out and ride.

Outdoor Ventures Packable Jacket Review

After our Erie Canal adventure in 2023 where we encountered chilly mornings and evenings while camping, I vowed to find an affordable, packable, warm jacket for future trips. I've had good luck with Outdoor Ventures softshell jacket so I bought their synthetic Full-Zip Puffer Jacket. I prefer bike touring during the cooler months to avoid insects, humidity, and crowds, but it requires extra gear to stay warm - a trade-off that we find worth it.

I've been wearing the jacket exclusively for the past two months, cycling in windy 30-50F range, also toting the jacket on an Amtrak adventure to visit the Philly Bike Expo. The jacket is windproof for the most part; the only exception is the zipper flap extends only 3" from the top, (misleading in the website photo) so in extreme frontal blasts a little cold seeps through. Barring that, the jacket has an incredible warmth-to-weight ratio, deep pockets, an internal chest zip pocket, a high neck, and a hood. A stuff sack is provided, but the jacket packets smaller, folded inside the left pocket. No doubt, the jacket is a good value and will ensure that I stay warm on future adventures.

Tangentially, as we lighten our camping gear, most recently using a new, 3.5 lb. two-person tent, it's apparent the tent no longer provides warmth. To save weight, the tent is constructed with mesh; the rainfly is coated ripstop nylon. And with thinner poles. It's a flimsier arrangement that requires greater care when entering and exiting the abode. No longer can I dash inside and expect instant warmth!

With the addition of a warm jacket (that can also be stuffed inside my pillow case for lumpy-free head comfort), wool socks, hat, and gloves - all of which can additionally be worn inside the tent - I should be good to go on our next bicycle tour.