Colorado is home to most of the highest peaks in the lower 48 states, providing stunning scenery and cooler temperatures during the hottest times of the year. It’s an amazing place to ride, and Exit Tours MC is offering three opportunities to explore some of the best Rocky Mountain rides that Colorado has to offer. They make all the arrangements for meals, places to stay, and transport of your gear while you enjoy the ride. However, unlike most tour companies that lead group rides from place to place, they instead provide GPS tracks, enabling you to explore on your own, at your own pace, and stop where and when you like. For those who don’t enjoy riding in groups, this provides all of the other benefits that come with a group ride, including not having to plan your own routes, but without riding as a group or with a strict itinerary. While these are not beginner rides, they are suitable for riders of most experience levels, with bypass routes available around some of the most difficult terrain.
Continental Divide Adventure
It’s too late to get onto this event, as it started this morning. It runs July 12 to 15, 2024, covering more than 750 miles and is suitable for all adventure bikes. This trip begins and ends in Colorado Springs and crosses the Continental Divide eleven times on both paved and dirt surfaces. Day 1 winds around the east and south side of Pikes Peak on old railroad right-of-ways, ending at a camp along the Arkansas River or a hotel in Poncha Springs or Salida. Day 2 takes you over more passes to a lunch stop in Aspen, covers parts of the Colorado BDR, and ends in Leadville. Day 3 is full of high mountain passes, including the highest unpaved mountain pass in the US, and returns to the Arkansas River or hotels from the end of Day 1. Day 4 is a 65% dirt loop back to Colorado Springs, including optional side trips through Garden of the Gods or up Pikes Peak, something I’ve done myself and would highly recommend. Maybe you can do the same, the next time Exit runs this route?
Great Sand Dunes Adventure
Rather than the mountains, this trip, running from July 26 to 28, 2024, is a shorter 500-mile trip from Colorado Springs to the Great Sand Dunes, either through a challenging route over the Medano Pass or an easier route over Pass Creek Pass and La Veta Pass to avoid the sand. Both routes bring you to Sand Dunes Hot Springs for overnight camping and access to the hot springs for a soak after a long day’s ride. Day 2 also offers a choice between easy and difficult routes, ending at the Drift In Bar & Grill and Campground on the Arkansas River. Day 3 takes you back to Colorado Springs over old railroad lines, with options to visit the Garden of the Gods or Pikes Peak along the way.
X-Roads BV
Unlike the first two point-to-point rides, the X-Roads BV from August 8 to 14, 2024, is based exclusively at River Park Mine, with stunning mountain views and private access to the Arkansas River. More than 40 routes are available, suitable for adventure bikes, dual-sports, and dedicated off-road bikes, with the Four Mile OHV Area across the street. There is plenty of room for camping, including RVs and toy haulers. You can even bring your adventure bike to ride mountain passes on some days and your off-road bike to explore the nearby trails on other days.
Registration for each of these Rocky Mountain rides is available online for $450 with a $125 deposit. The maximum number of riders is limited to ensure enough space at the campgrounds and a good time for all without overcrowding.
