One of the advantages to being a cyclist in Colorado Springs is that, with a few wintry exceptions, we can ride year round. Of course, if you are new to the area, or to the sport for that matter, you might be wondering just where to ride. You’ve probably noticed that Colorado Springs is full of cyclists, ranging from sponsored elite riders that think nothing of heading out for a hundred-mile ride to homeless folks that use their bicycles for transportation, to all levels in between. In the meantime, you’re just looking for a place to pedal, be it after work or on a weekend.
One ride to consider is the popular Pikes Peak Greenway Trail (PPGT.) The PPGT runs north/south for 16 miles, from the Air Force Academy boundary in the north to the Colorado Springs Youth Sports Complex just south of Circle Dr. The majority of the trail is easy – the section between Woodmen Rd. and the AFA is somewhat hilly, otherwise, the trail is a steady, gentle, false flat-climb as you ride north. The trail runs the gamut from dirt and gravel to concrete to asphalt in various sections, so you’ll want to make sure you ride a bike you feel comfortable taking on the different surfaces; a mountain bike, hybrid/comfort bike, or a cyclocross bike will probably be most suitable for the variety of terrain. A round trip on the PPGT provides plenty of opportunity to get some quality pedaling into your legs, and for those wanting additional mileage, the trail links to the New Santa Fe Trail in the north and the Fountain Creek Trail in the south, as well as the east/west bound Templeton Gap Trail.
There are several places from which to access the trail, including Edmondson Trailhead just off Woodmen Rd, Monument Valley Park near downtown Colorado Springs, and Dorchester Park near South Nevada Ave and I-25.
Part of the appeal of riding the PPGT is the scenery. The path runs alongside both Monument and Fountain Creeks, which means lots of trees and foliage to enhance your ride. Pikes Peak and her ever-present sisters are also seemingly right on top of you to the west, providing further beauty for your spin. And while it’s a fantastic trail for putting in a fast-paced, high-cadence ride, the more leisurely-minded cyclist or family will enjoy grassy rest stops at the Goose Gossage Sports Complex, Roswell Park, Monument Valley Park, or Dorchester Park – in other words, packing a lunch can’t hurt. The trail also offers access to downtown Colorado Springs via South Monument Valley Park – one can easily lock their bike up at one of the many city-provided bike racks and spend some time hanging out in the heart of the city.
If you plan on riding the entire length of the trail, I’d recommend riding north first. Doing so allows you to get your climbing out of the way while your legs are fresh – sure, it’s a gentle, easy climb, but it is a climb, a lengthy, steady climb. You’ll also be amazed at just how fast you can ride on the return trip since you’re now heading back down the false flat. Make sure you bring enough water – there’s a small fountain alongside the trail in Monument Valley Park, but other than that, you’re pretty much on your own. Nibbling an energy bar as you ride can’t hurt, either. In an emergency, Criterium Bike Shop is located right next to the path between Garden of the Gods Rd and Woodmen, and they do sell drinks/bars as well as perform repairs.
The Pikes Peak Greenway Trail is a fun, popular trail in Colorado Springs. It offers cyclists a chance to get in some good mileage, and can be ridden year round (although the dirt sections can become quite muddy after a good rain or snow, and some shady sections might be icy during the winter months.) The trail is also very popular with walkers and runners – and north of Woodmen, equestrians – so be sure to use proper trail etiquette. In the meantime, it’s out there, just waiting for you and your bike to go take a ride on it.
