Bike Fort Collins

PEDAL YOUR LITTLE HEART OUT!

Fort Collins is the friendliest city towards bicyclists that I have ever lived in. It is no wonder why it was awarded with the silver medal by the League of American Bicyclists for friendliest bike community. It was actually one of only twelve cities to make it on this list, let alone coming in second place. It is this admiration and appreciation for the wonder of the bicycle that has helped Fort Collins claim a spot in Outside magazines "Top Ten American Dream Towns."

And it really is a dream town. All it takes is a ride along the Spring Creek trail during the blooming spring to convince anyone of this. Whether your out for a jog, on a longboard, rollerblading, or biking, the Spring Creek Trail provides the outdoor enthusiast with a very close personal look at Fort Collins. Along the Spring Creek Trail, you will find yourself ducking under the numerous overpasses and tunnels which feel like you might hit your head but are all plenty high enough, you'll be gripping your handle bars tighter as you bounce over the many bridges crossing the creek, you'll breathe in the cool vapors of the creek serenely trickling near by, and you'll find yourself overwhelmed by the picturesque beauty that surrounds every corner of the spring creek trail.

I have been a recreational biker my entire life and have done trails in New Jersey, Massachusetts, France and Spain and I have to say, the Spring Creek Trail is one of the best I have ever done. I say this because of how much the landscape changes as you ride along the trail. Most trails are beautiful and I can appreciate that, but that initial appeal often fades after the fourth mile or so. The best thing about the Spring Creek Trail is that it is constantly changing. Depending on where you start, your in the mountains at one point, in a field the next part, on the streets after that and then you end up at the very active Edora Park. There are things to notice (like the coolest back yard ever on the east end of the trail near Edora or the

horses grazing by the creek near this same spot) and the ride itself is not very challenging. It is a leisurely ride type trail and it accomplishes that simple feat remarkably well.

There are five other trails in Fort Collins that are all worth checking out. There is the longest trail which is the Poudre Trail at 10.6 miles which travels along the edge of the Poudre River (NOTE: This trail often has a lot of insects and mosquitoes because of it's close proximity to the river, bug spray is suggested). There is also the Mason Trail, the Foothills Trail, Fossil Creek Trail and the Power Trail. You can get a detailed map of the following trails by going to the link below. Also, Fort Collins' bike maps are available at stations scattered through out the trails in town.

For a detailed map of Fort Collins Bike Trails go to this link:

http://www.ci.fort-collins.co.us/bicycling/pdf/bike-map-200711.pdf

For waay more information then I could ever provide on biking, hit up Fort Collins' extensive bike community page at http://www.bikefortcollins.org/

Tube the Poudre Dude!

The Skinny:

Probably my favorite Fort Collins past time has to be tubing on the Poudre River. It has inspired me to stay here over the summer in the past and it is something I regret missing whenever I can't. The coolest thing about Fort Collins tubing is that it gives you options. There is the Cache de la Poudre farther up Rt. 287 which features a longer ride with intense rapids but at the expense of colder water. For the person who prefers the leisurly float, there is the part of the Poudre which extends through the middle of town. It's a shorter ride with barely any rapids, but for some, that's the appeal.

That's What's Up:

For only $12 at either Big O Tires or Discount Tire Co.(both on College Ave.) you can pick yourself up an entire summer's worth of fun, a nice big round black tractor tire inner tube. Surprisingly, a lot of tire places in town don't carry the right inner tubes for the job so make sure you check these two businesses first or be prepared to waste a day just trying to find your raft. Once you've aquired your vessel, prepare to cast off on any part of the Poudre River. There are two spots which I typically go to and they both provide about an hour and a half to two hours of good tubing pleasure. Make sure that before you try either of these spots that you have the three essentials:

1.) a large inner tube or raft

2.) a pair of water moccasins or sneakers you don't mind getting wet, sandals have a tendency to fall off and get lost, same with sunglasses. The bottom of the Poudre River is extremely rocky and will cut up your feet, plus you may have to fend off some rocks while your floating along.

3.) a buddy with a car. Like any activity, you never want to tube alone in case you get hurt. Also, you're going to need at least two cars so that you can shuttle one car to your launch point and have a second car at the finish to bring you back to that first car.

Now that you've got the three essentials, here are the spots to check out.

Cache de La Poudre:

For this part of the river, which is much more extreme than the in town ride, your going to need to have your wits about you. There are boulders sticking out of the river everywhere that you could potentially hit your head on and the rapids are up to a class IV out of a class V depending upon the time of year. But if you got the cajones and seek that adrenaline rush, then this part of the river is the perfect place. Head North on College Avenue until it turns into Route 287. Turn left at the Gas Station and head up the Poudre. Leave your first car at the parking lot at Picnic Park on the left hand side of the road, its the first one you pass going up the Poudre. Throw the tubes and all the tubers in your second car and keep heading up the river. Park your second car right next to the Silo at Greystone Park(it's on the right side of the road just after the entrance to the park, you won't have to pay for parking if you don't enter the park.) Hop out and walk down the road into Greystone Park, here's where you start your journey. The hairiest rapids are in the very first bend right after you take off so get ready. After that there are plenty more rapids so be prepared. You'll see when you've reached the end (and your car) when you come up on a large rock slanting up on the right side of the river. People are usually jumping off it and you can too. The earlier in the season you go the colder the water is going to be. Its bareable at pretty much any time, but a wet suit is suggest in May through mid June because the water really is that cold!

The Fort Collins Scenic Tour (In Town Tubing):

This part of the river is much calmer and suggested for the first time tuber. Note: Your going to have to get off your raft and walk around approximately twice(depending on where you start) for this trip but its worth it. You can start tubing at pretty much any major cross street in town(Overland, Taft, Shields or College) after Vine St. (North end of town) where the road goes over the river. I personally use Shields because there is ample parking space near the bridge and you can jump off the bridge for a fun start to the trip. I always park our pick up car at the Jefferson St. Park just past the railroad tracks on Jefferson. You know you're coming up to it on the river when you pass the factory on your right. The in town river features two rope swings. There is one just past Sheilds when you start the trip and one a bit farther down (near lemay and mulberry) which marks the first place you need to get out of the river. After you pass the second rope swing, you can float for another couple of minutes but when you see the grates up ahead make sure you get out on the left hand side of the river. After this, the next place you have to get out is at the Dam. I have gone over the Dam myself and know that it is possible and actually quite fun, but you must be warned, I have heard many reports of rebarb sticking out of the concrete which could be very dangerous and hurt you severely. There will be two signs leading up to the Dam that will warn you to get out and walk around, I would advise listening to the signs. Afterwards its about another 20 -30 minute float to the factory and the end of your journey. By the end of it all, you should have had a fun and unique Fort Collins experience. So when the sun starts coming out again and the snow has melted, get your swimsuit, tube and sneakers together and get out there, but most of all, as always HAVE FUN!

*A Note About This Blog*

Quick Disclaimer:

As you've probably noticed by now, not all the suggestions on this blog are completely appropriate for the season during which they are posted, but that's not the point. This blog is designed as a resource for anyone who lives in Fort Collins to come back to when they are finding themselves at a loss for money and things to do. Unfortunately, the winter season here in Fort Collins does shut down a lot of the town's more prominent activites since so many of them are outside. Here in Colorado, winter time is ski time and that's where you are going to find many of our locals on the weekends. Still no money for the mountains? Trust me, I can understand. That's where getting innovative comes in. There are so many hills around town where you can go sledding (especially at Horsetooth) that it almost seems unnecessary to spend a whole post talking about them. Also, I don't feel like finding hills to sled on is noteworthy in this town just because this town provides so many unique outdoor activities that sledding is kind of unspectacular(just because you can do it in nearly any town). Now with that said, here are some more fair weather activities!

Clang Clang Clang went the Trolley!

Ding Ding Ding went the Bell!

History:

In 1907, the Denver and Interurban Railroad (the D&I) built a three-legged streetcar line in Fort Collins as part of their expansion along Colorado's Front Range. These three lines served to shuttle Fort Collins locals every twenty minutes to destinations all over the city. Only a few years after service had begun, the D & I cut back service on trollies and in 1918, upon arrival of automobiles, faced massive economical crisis which caused them to stop service all together. Then in 1919, Fort Collins was faced with a public transportation dilemma and left it up to the people to decide what would work best. The town ended up voting 8 to 1 in favor of restoring the old trolley system in town, making Fort Collins the smallest city in the nation to have a running Trolley system. From that point until 1951, Fort Collins Municipal Railroad system ran efficiently along the streets but the cars themselves began to become victims of ware and tare and the advent of the automobile, a commodity at that point, made public transportation virtually unnecessary. The last car to run on city streets was car 22 on June 30, 1951 and by 1952 most of the tracks in town had been paved over or torn up, all but Car 21 which sat on a small strip of track near the Fort Collins Museum(near the Fort Collins Public Library in Old Town). In 1977, a local volunteer group began restoring the original number 21 car that the entire system began with. At a value of $2.5 million dollars, the Fort Collins Municipal Railroad Society granted Fort Collins with a 1.5 mile track for the Trolley to run on at no cost to the city. The Trolley was up and running again by 1985 and has been going strong ever since.

Now for You:

Its cheap, unique, nostalgic, and an experience your not likely going to find in many other cities. While you can't ride it right now because it is the off- season, start marking your calenders because the Trolley starts running again in May. It operates every Saturday and Sunday and on holidays in May through September from noon until five P.M. It entails a three mile round trip between City Park and Howes Street. You can board the trolley at City Park next to the tennis courts, at Shields and Mountain Ave., at Loomis and Mountain, or at Howes and Mountain.

Cost:

On Mother's Day, Mom's ride for free. On Father's Day, Dad's ride for free. At anytime, children under 2 ride for free and kids 2-12 ride for only 50 cents. All other times Adults have to pay the enormous fee of one whole dollar and seniors gotta find three quarters at the bottom of their pockets to pay for their ride. Whether your new to the city or someone who has been here their whole lives, a ride on the Fort Collins Trolley is an experience that everyone must try at least once. It takes you back in the history of this town and it is one of the many key ingredients which creates this town's local charm. One way or another, its worth checking out.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Check out the Fort Collins Municipal Railway home site at

http://www.fortnet.org/trolley/

Rock Climbing at Horsetooth

The Skinny:

So as you can probably tell by the rest of my blog by now, I love Horsetooth Resevoir. It was the feature of my last blog post and it was the feature of my first blog post and here I am going to feature it again. Horsetooth Resevoir is reknowned for its Bouldering. Bouldering is rock climbing without the use of ropes or harnesses. It is typically done with a small padded mat called a crash pad, a top rope for the bigger climbs where coming down isn't an option, some good climbing shoes and some hand chalk. Sizes for the rocks to boulder can range anywhere from 10 feet to 25 feet high; although, higher traverses are only recommended for those who are experts and are completely confident in their capabilities since there is no turning back in bouldering. There are a number of cliff faces which are definetly worth checking out up at Horsetooth. Some of the most notorious and difficult faces come with names like the Mental Block and the Eliminator. There are numerous beginner rocks that might not be featured on a map, but which are good for just gaining your bearings and learning the basics. Rock climbing is a fun, healthy and rewarding experience that I highly suggest for anyone who loves the outdoors.

Directions:

I've already given the directions to get to Horsetooth Resevoir so many times in my blog that to do it again seems a bit redundant to say the least. Instead, if you are truly interested in attempting rock climbing at horsetooth. You can view an extensive map of the area and where to head at this site:

http://www.co.larimer.co.us/parks/horsetooth_map.htm

Additional Information:

If you are really serious about bouldering but worry about the dangers of doing it on a real rock your first time out, there are several rock gyms in Fort Collins which are reasonably affordable and provide ample safe space to learn a new hobby. The most well known is certaintly the Inner Strength Rock Gym located on South Mason road. You can find out more information by visiting their website:

http://www.innerstrengthrock.com/

Finally, If your really really into Rock Climbing and you just can't find enough spots to feed your insatiable desire then pick up this book Colorado Front Range Bouldering Fort Collins, Vol. 1. You can pick it up at Jax sports on the North end of town or you can buy it off of Amazon.com. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Colorado-Bouldering-Collins-Regional-Climbing/dp/093464196X

Horsetooth

Anyone who knows Fort Collins knows about Horsetooth Resevoir. It is the sustanance which helps keep this city thriving. It helps our lawns grow healthy in the summertime and it lets our butts get clean at anytime. But more than providing a basic life ingredient, it also provides the town of Fort Collins with ample recreational activity. There are cliffs to climb and trails to tredge. You can take your dogs for a walk or have a pleasant picnic with a loved one. Most of all there is one thing that everyone who embarks upon our golden pool can understand, its beauty.

Throughout my tenure in Fort Collins, I have found myself taking in Horsetooth's prestine beauty countless times and it is in this blog post that I encourage you to do the same. And if you already have, well do it again, because it is just that great.

You can get to Horsetooth Resevoir by heading West to the mountains. Its pretty much that simple. Get to Overland Road and take a right just after the football stadium before the drive - in movie theatre on road 42c. Head up the hill and just around the bend is the wonderful resevoir in all its glory and splendor. Bring a camera or just a clear head. It can be a great place to reflect because of the peacefull serene quality it holds which can take some of the anxiety from even the worst of days. Make sure to drive carefully because the turns can be extremely narrow and very hairy. Most importanly, HAVE FUN!

Set 'Em Up and Knock 'Em Down

The Skinny:

When I'm thinking good wholesome family fun, I think one thing and one thing alone. Bowling. Bowling is one of America's oldest and most enjoyable past times and its reputation doesn't seem to be heading anywhere anytime soon. What's great about bowling is that it doesn't take much physical ability, so anyone can do it! However, it can sometimes can be addicting and that can get pricy. You know how it is, you always just want to play one more game. Well for those of you like me who always need one more game or those of you who just don't want to pay high prices for shoes and games which tally up quick head to Chipper's Lane on the north end of College Ave. where you can get shoe rentals and your first game for only $2. Every game after that is also $2. Typically shoes go for around $3 and games can be just as pricey if you don't go at the right time. So check it out on Wednesday nights after 9pm. It is certaintly the best time to go anywhere in Fort Collins. SIDE NOTE: There is also a Chipper's Lanes on Horsetooth Avenue on the other side of town. That alley is slightly more expensive and doesn't have the deals that the College Avenue Chipper's has so don't hurt your wallet by making that simple mistake.

Directions:

This is a very easy place to get to. Simply head North on College Ave until you are completely out of Old Town. Continue for about another half mile and Chipper's Lanes will be on your right hand side. You can't miss it. For more information and contact info go to:http://www.bowling2u.com/centers/find_detail.asp?ID=2109

and most of all HAVE FUN!