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Fall Boulder Gravel Adventure

by KaLynn Wood


September weather dulls the sun and sweat of the summer months, for pleasant hours on the empty gravel. I packed up my diverge, and drove out to Colorado to rack up one final gravel trip before the cold weather and ice would move in for the season.


Known primarily for its aggressive roadie scene, recent years have witnessed a rise in the Colorado gravel genre. Gravel cycling has hybridized the best aspects of mountain and road, into its own unique all-terrain beast. The versatility of the gravel bike, as well the multi-wheel-set capability, have catapulted this frenzy to the main stage of modern cycling. The diversity of gravel terrain, and the draw to the wide open and empty roads, have ignited the rise of the Colorado gravel.


Boulder offers an expanse of serene & relatively unoccupied gravel destinations, within close proximity to nearby Denver & surrounding suburbs. I arrived into town around 2:00pm pm, setting myself up with some pickles & Skratch bars for a few hours of riding at the base of the Boulder foothills. 


Parking at the Coalton trailhead, I planned to ride through the South Boulder trails for roughly 40 miles. This was a relaxing training ride at altitude, with only a couple thousand feet of climb.


Autumn in Colorado continues to impress. The weather and scenery were unmatched. Crisp air, the changing fall colors, and relatively manageable climb, made for an excellent ride. 


The extensive network of the South Boulder trails provides for no shortage of wide open spaces, only interrupted with the occasional free-roam cattle crossing. I would recommend this route for a nice introduction to Colorado gravel riding. With expansive scenery and mild terrain, the South Boulder trails at 5,000-6,000ft, are an solid way to breathe in a great ride at altitude. 


On to Leadville for my next adventure. 


Products I would recommend to have with you on your next Colorado gravel ride. You can never be too prepared. 

Check out some photos I took while on my adventure.

KaLynn's Boulder Photo 2 - Horizontal Mountain Landscape
KaLynn's Boulder Photo 2 - Vertical Nature Scene
KaLynn's Boulder Photo 3 - Horizontal Tree view from below
KaLynn's Boulder Photo 4 - Vertical Mountain top view
KaLynn's Boulder Photo 5 - Vertical Mountain and brush scene