The best road cycling routes around Lyons

There are several road cycling routes around Lyons, with komoot featuring 8 distinct tours. These routes offer a mix of moderate and challenging options for cyclists.

Yes, for those seeking an easier ride, the Oley loop from Oley is a great option. This 25.1 km route features a manageable 149 meters of elevation gain, making it suitable for beginners or a relaxed ride.

Experienced riders looking for a challenge can tackle routes with significant elevation gain. The Kutz Mill Covered Bridge – Haas Hill loop from Kutztown Train Station is a difficult 78.6 km route with nearly 1000 meters of ascent, popular with those seeking a demanding ride. Additionally, the region west of Lyons, towards the Rocky Mountains, offers climbs like the ascent up Highway 7 (South St. Vrain Canyon) with approximately 3000 feet of elevation gain.

Yes, many routes in the area are designed as loops, offering varied scenery without retracing your path. Examples include the Ontelaunee Reading Watershed loop, a moderate 59.4 km ride, and the Crystal Cave loop from Kutztown Train Station, which covers 63.4 km through diverse landscapes.

Road cycling around Lyons offers diverse terrain. To the west, you'll find challenging mountain ascents and scenic canyons, such as those along Highway 7 leading towards the Peak-to-Peak Highway. To the east, routes transition to rolling plains and low-traffic farm roads, providing views of the foothills and the Continental Divide.

Absolutely. The routes heading west from Lyons into the canyons, like those along Highway 7 (South St. Vrain Canyon), offer breathtaking mountain vistas. To the east, routes on the plains provide amazing views of the foothills and the distant Continental Divide, especially on clear days.

The best season for road biking in Lyons, Colorado, is typically spring through fall (late April to October), when the weather is mild and roads are clear of snow. Summer offers warm temperatures, while spring and fall provide cooler rides and beautiful foliage. Winter cycling is possible but requires appropriate gear due to colder temperatures and potential snow or ice, especially at higher elevations.

Lyons is a bike-friendly town, and many routes start or end near downtown, where you can find cafes and businesses offering refreshments. The Stone Cup coffee shop, for instance, is known for its versatile bike tool station and is a popular stop for cyclists. While specific routes aren't listed with cafes, planning your ride to pass through or end in Lyons will provide ample opportunities for stops.

Parking is generally available in and around Lyons, especially near popular starting points for routes. Many cyclists begin their rides from the town center or designated parking areas that provide access to the main roads leading out of town, such as those heading towards the canyons or the eastern plains. Specific parking details for individual routes can often be found on komoot tour pages or local cycling resources.

Road cyclists frequently praise the diverse terrain and stunning natural beauty of the Lyons area. The ability to choose between challenging mountain climbs and scenic, rolling plains routes is a major draw. Many appreciate the town's bike-friendly amenities and the access it provides to both the Rocky Mountains and the expansive views of the foothills.

Yes, Lyons is a popular training ground for professional athletes. Sections of local bike rides, such as US 36 to Lyons, have been part of the official Iron Man Boulder bike course. The ascent up St. Vrain Canyon towards the Peak-to-Peak Highway is also a classic climb favored by professional cyclists for its significant elevation gain.

The duration of road cycling routes around Lyons varies significantly based on distance and difficulty. For example, a moderate route like the Ontelaunee Reading Watershed loop (59.4 km) typically takes around 3 hours and 8 minutes. More challenging routes, such as the Kutz Mill Covered Bridge – Haas Hill loop from Kutztown Train Station (78.6 km), can take closer to 4 hours due to greater distance and elevation.