What makes an ace road biking experience? For starters, miles of well-maintained paved trails with enough challenging terrain, opportunities for cruising and unmatched views. It’s no wonder Glenwood Springs is a crossroads for skinny-tire cycling enthusiasts.

The Rio Grande Trail alone offers over 40 miles of distance riding opportunities along a gentle railroad-grade incline from Glenwood Springs all the way to Aspen. The Glenwood Springs Recreation Path is 16 miles through Glenwood Canyon with an uphill climb and on the return trip, a fun descent near No Name. The Atkinson Trail is short and sweet, perfect for getting a quick dose of exercise and fresh air.

Other options for a training ride include more traditional black-top surfaces. Solid choices are Four-Mile Road to Sunlight, the back road from West Bank subdivision to Carbondale and County Road 114 to the Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley Campus.