Copper Mountain - Colorado's Road Biking Mecca

This summer Copper will emerge as the nation’s newest road biking mecca. Itscentral location and endless riding options naturally put Copper at the center of Colorado’s biking scene. Hundreds of miles of road biking terrain - much of it on the state’s most scenic mountain byways and paved bike paths - are accessible from the resort.

Bikers wanting to explore Summit County can take the bike path over to Frisco and cruise around Lake Dillon while others head up Vail Pass to give their quads a warm up. Experienced cyclists can opt for the 85-mile Copper Triangle (Copper – Fremont Pass – Leadville – Minturn –Vail – Copper) or try their legs on the notorious Triple Bypass, a 130-mile ride that takes riders over three mountain passes - all over 10,000 feet in elevation.

Weekly group rides are scheduled throughout the summer to give cyclists an opportunity to explore the roads around Copper with other cycling enthusiasts. Crank & Jam sessions - held on select Saturdays from noon – 2 p.m. - allow riders time for a two-hour ride before returning to the resort to enjoy Music in the Mountains in Burning Stones Plaza. Sunday mornings, early risers can catch the Rhythm Rides session from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Rides finish at Bongo Billy’s Coffee Shop in time to relax with a café au lait and Morning Melodies. Both Crank and Jams and Rhythm Rides are free to the public and meet at the new Team Manager’s Bicycle Shop in The Village at Copper.

Additionally, three themed bike weekends will debut this summer, making it easy (and fun) to experience Copper’s ever-growing road biking scene. All weekend cycling packages include a Friday night cocktail party and route review, continental breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings and a supported road ride including a sag wagon, medical personnel, bike mechanics and aid stations. Aid stations will be situated approximately 20 miles apart offering water, energy drinks, fresh fruit and pastries. Each weekend features special activities unique to the specified theme.

Tour de France Weekend (French theme) July 25 – 27, 2003
Difficulty rating: Expert riders with the ability to ride 100 high altitude miles.
Price: Packages start at $290 per person, based on quad occupancy. Restrictions apply.

Tour de Summit Weekend (Colorado theme) August 1 – 3, 2003
Difficulty rating: Cyclists of intermediate ability and above (able to ride 50 easy miles or more).
Price: Packages start at $265 per person, based on quad occupancy. Restrictions apply.

Tour de Femme Weekend (Sorry guys, women only) September 5 –7, 2003
Difficulty rating: Women of beginner to intermediate ability (able to ride 20-25 miles).
Price: Packages start at $285 per person, based on quad occupancy. Restrictions apply.

For more information on road biking at Copper, call (800) 458-8386 ext. 4INFO, or visit www.coppercolorado.com. To make reservations call (888) 263-5302.