by Marcus Brooks

Created on: July 02, 2007

For those who don't wish to fly(due to threat levels), I know an excellent, bike-riding destination just in western America. Take your friends and family to Colorado. Try Colorado Springs and Durango region, which includes Castle Rock and Pueblo.

If you're a leisure-rider or a Ragbrai-type (Iowa's bike marathon)rider, there are many miles of paved, bike roads for your pleasure. You had better break-in your bike before making this trip! On your journey, take a glimpse of the gorgeous, mountain sunsets. Romance poems have been scripted on things less beautiful. Don't worry about danger traveling on highways. Most of them have a lane provided for cyclists. Wear light-colored clothing and SPF to keep from flash sun-burn. When night-riding, wear bright-colored clothing and a light-affixed helmet. You can have all the reflective lights on your bike, but truckers need to see you too.

For the rugged riders, take advantage of Colorado's mountains and hills. Bring the thick-tread wheeled, custom bike and try your luck at endurance! Be warned. Colorado's red dirt and rocks could chew your spokes up. You can bounce on ridges and speed on plateaus. Man versus Nature in a test of wills! You may get "saddle-sore" from skipping from ridge to ridge and up and down canyon floors. The Grand Canyon, which sits in this area, will punish your two-wheeler. The rocks are sharp. The paths are skinny and dangerous. If you want thrills and chills, take her on buddy!

All you need to get here is a round-trip full of gas, safety equipment, your bike and some guts. Forget the airplane food! Bring some granola bars and Gatorade!

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