Howdy, all!
This week's route will take us to Raymond with a bonus climb on the way back up Blue Mountain! We'll roll from the shop through Hygiene, west along Hygiene Road to the 36 (I'm from California—yes, I say "the" before any highway name), and into Lyons. From there, we'll head further west and up the 7, climbing to the Raymond Store—be sure to take the left turn onto Riverside Drive—at whatever pace works for you. After regrouping at the top, we'll descend back down St. Vrain Canyon into Lyons. From there, anyone who wants to head back to Longmont will have the option; for others who have some more climbing in their legs, we'll continue north to Apple Valley Road and follow that until the pavement turns to dirt at the top of Blue Mountain Road. From there, we'll turn it around, proceed back along Apple Valley into Lyons, take the 66 all the way back to Francis, and return to the shop.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55032530
This will be a largely Zone 2-3ish pace. If you want to push the pace, please wait until the two "attack segments": (1) from the Hall Ranch Trailhead to the Raymond Store, and (2) from Blue Mountain Road/US-36 to the dirt (County Road 37E). We'll regroup at the top and bottom of both climbs/descents.
While we'll plan to stick together, please bring adequate food, supplies, and water to take care of yourself in case you peel off from the group. There is a restroom at the Raymond Store; I'm not sure if the store itself is yet open for the season.
Hope to see you out there!
