Ryan's Gravel Adventure

Thornton to Firestone Gravel Ride Elapsed Time: 2:45 Average Speed: 10.9 mph Top Speed: 25.6 mph Distance: 30 miles Start/Stop Location: Springvale Park Disk Golf Course, Thornton, CO Total Ascent: 894 feet Max Positive Grade: 3.3% Max Negative Grade: -3.3% Road Surface: 30% paved, 70% gravel Hazards: A narrow shoulder with moderate traffic along Holly Street in Thornton.  Loose dogs. Description: This ride follows gravel county roads between north Thornton and the eastern flank of Fredrick and Firestone.  Hills are short with easy grades and the views are open with few obstructions to obscure oncoming traffic.  The most challenging aspect of this ride is the occasional patch of deep gravel.  The 2” wide tires on my Raleigh Stuntman handled these sections with aplomb. Beware of loose dogs.  Most homes along the way with dogs had them fenced-in but I did encounter one aggressive Chihuahua that managed to keep pace with me as I attempted to accelerate away from him.  

Poorman Road Gravel Ride Elapsed Time: 2:08 Average Speed: 10.3 mph Top Speed: 42.6 mph Distance: 22 miles Start/Stop Location: East Boulder Community Center Total Ascent: 1333 feet Max Positive Grade: 11.5% Max Negative Grade: -8.9% Road Surface: 90% paved, 10% gravel Hazards: Low bridges and blind curves on the Boulder Creek path, pedestrians, no shoulders in Four Mile Canyon, washboards in a curve on Poorman Road, steep high-speed descent with hairpin turns through Sunshine Canyon. Description: This ride combines urban trails and steep gravel for an easy ride with short sections that require serious effort. The first eight miles meander along neighborhood streets and paved recreational paths. A slow pace and cautious riding through throngs of enthusiastic cyclists, runners, and tourists dominate the landscape until the path begins its climb into Boulder Canyon. As the path leaves town, the grade increases to a moderate incline. Turning onto Four Mile Canyon doesn’t