[freerider858]

So Im probably going to school in Colorado Springs (Colorado College if that means anything in terms of riding) and I wanted to get a feel for the riding. Im from california and ride freeride, downhill, all mountain, and pretty much anything except hardcore xc or road biking. There are obviously alot of mountains in the state but I cant find too much info on trails. If any information is secret pms are ok too. Id really appreciate any responses because I have to make my college decision in the next days. Im also an avid trail builder and wanted to see if there are alot of spots to build your own trails (not through any organization). Sorry for the broad question. Thanks alot for any responses it would help alot. Peace

 

[Beast]

What are your other choices?

 

[freerider858]

lewis and clark. Portland has really good riding thats whats making this decision hard

 

[Beast]

Ever considered collegiate racing? Lewis and Clark does not have a team, while Colorado College does. CC is part of the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Cycling Conference, which hosts several mtb races in the fall of each school year. CC has a good presence at our conference races and is always represented at Collegiate Nationals, which will be held in North Carolina this fall.

Beginning Sept 6, there will be a collegiate event every weekend through Oct 31. Almost all of them have a DH and/or 4X/DS race. Just something to ponder . . . it's certainly been a highlight during my time at college.

CO Springs is home to a ton of trails, including one of the longest shuttleable trails in Colorado (12ish miles of DH). There are also djs, some decent skateparks, and bmx tracks in the area.

You'll enjoy Colorado, trust me. Can you say 300+ sunny days a year?

 

[freerider858]

Thanks for the response. I hadnt considered racing before, but Im definatley interested in starting. 12 miles of dh sounds amazing. Do any of these trails have names or is it hush hush. I understand if you dont want to post locations but a pm would be much appreciated. Thanks again. Very helpful

 

[DHblur]

Bring a 6 inch travel trail/all mountain bike(i.e. pitch, enduro, remedy, nomad) and you'll have the time of your life. I can think of a minimum of 7 different spots to rally an all mountain bike within 15 minutes of my house. Hell, ride off of my patio, climb up the road to the top of the bluff and ride a rugged 2 minute+ downhill right onto UCCS campus and into class. Nothing like steep rock roll-ins and drifty corners on your way to class! Seriously though, if you're fine with doing some easy climbing and have an all mountain bike, I couldn't think of a better place of live.

 

[$tinkle]

ascent cycles had demo days at palmer park on saturday & i checked out some rocky mountains, and i think the slayer esx series might be the ideal bike for this region.

man, if i could get my mits on a flatline pro

 

[engineerjoe]

Colorado Springs is a great area. I'm building DJs in my back yard as we speak. There are plenty of DJ and DH spots around town, as well as some of the best shuttle runs in the country
Pipeline
Capitain Jacks (3 mile, easy access, smooth dh with whoops and berms),
Jones Downhill (pedal heavy 12 mile DH),
and if you get in with someone who knows the trails you can go from the top of pikes peak and hit all of them in one day. 6 hours of DH! Plus in the summer it's only a 1:45 drive to Keystone or a 2 hour drive to Winter Park, arguably two of the best biking resorts in the country.

I ride a hardtail on everything except pipeline and the resorts. for that my 7point3 works great

 

[jeff]

Let's be careful about posting trail names and any "features" they might have. PM the guy please. There used to be many more "features" on some of the named trails but then the word got out and the Forest Service removed them, although they knew they were there. The features really aren't a secret but at the same time they don't need any extra publicity especially on the internet.

And yes, the riding in Co Springs is great. And so many other options around the rest of the state.

 

[$tinkle]

^^^^ 2nd that. forest service are cool w/ their "don't ask / don't tell" as i found out a couple summers back. their line in the sand is doing stuff near water (reservoirs especially) or within view of other trails.

 

[NeilG]

Hey I'm in the same boat as freerider858, I'm going to school in the Springs and am looking for some good riding spots. I've been up to the Chutes, Palmer, etc. but am looking for some more downhill spots, and some dj's that are a bit better than Goose Gossage.
Feel free to PM me if ya want.

Thanks,
Neil