Mountain Biking in Breckenridge – Bikenridge

MTN Town Magazine Bicycling, Breckenridge Activities, Breckenridge Stories 0

Mountain Biking, Road Biking, Gravel Biking, E-Biking: Breckenridge offers it all. Come take a ride: Bikenridge

One of the best things about mountain biking in Breckenridge is that there is something for every type of rider. There are trails for all levels, from beginner to advanced; from paved to steep and rocky.

Breckenridge’s trail system has its roots in the town’s late 19th-century mining boom, when miners created trails for accessing remote sites, transporting goods, and linking various operations. Today, the legacy of these historic trails form the backbone of Breckenridge’s extensive trail network, offering scenic routes for hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The repurposing of old mining routes into modern mountain biking trails has profoundly influenced the sport in the area, offering diverse terrain and stunning views that attract cyclists from around the world. This blend of heritage and outdoor adventure not only enhances Breckenridge’s reputation as a premier mountain biking destination but also allows riders to connect with the area’s rich history.

Today, the town of Breckenridge oversees more than 70 miles of non-motorized trails, which extend to hundreds more on county and federal public lands. The community’s strong commitment to developing excellent trails for both residents and visitors is a key attraction for those who come to explore the area. Tony Overlock, from Breckenridge’s Trails and Open Space Division, says the town’s goal is to provide trail access within a quarter mile of any location in Breckenridge.

Breckenridge is also surrounded by 70% National Forest, which is managed by the Dillon Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service. The Forest Service manages the motorized trails as well and works closely with the town to create a seamless trail system through the town and the surrounding areas. Together they maintain close to 200 miles of trails. A great many of these connect to extensive networks within other USFS districts and counties, which makes Summit County the central hub for nearly endless grand loops.

Wondering how to navigate all of these amazing trails? You’ll find a digital map available on the Town of Breckenridge’s website. It’s also a great idea to stop at the local Welcome Center and buy a wax-covered paper copy, just in case! Download the trail map directly at https://summitcountyco.maps.arcgis.com/

For the Ladies:

We’re so lucky to have an incredible local company that specializes in women-specific events and training. VNTRbirds is a women-run adventure company based in Breckenridge that specializes in empowering women and femme-identifying folks through outdoor education and exhilarating experiences. Whether you’re looking for private or group mountain bike lessons, ride-to-race programs for those with a competitive streak, or skills courses, VNTRbirds has something for every lady. Don’t miss out on their exciting “Pedals & Pints” sessions, where you can hone your mountain biking skills and then relax with a pint. Head over to https://vntrbirds.com to find classes that fit your style and skill level.

What about the guys/co-ed groups? Don’t worry, RMU has your back. Meet up on Thursdays at 5 pm for a ride that is open to anyone. Finish off the night with a beer at RMU.

For the Kiddos:

The Breckenridge Recreation Center offers summer biking classes for children of all ages. In addition to their Mountain Bike Camps, young riders can join the Mountain Bike Jr. League for a fun and engaging experience. For just $175, your child can enjoy biking every Tuesday night throughout the summer, receive a jersey, and gain free entry into the Summit Mountain Bike Series races on select Wednesday nights. New this year the Town of Breckenridge is also offering Private and Semi-Private Mountain Bike classes for kids and families (based on availability).

For more details, visit https://www.breckenridgerecreation.com.

Where to Rent:

There are many Bike Rental companies in Breckenridge that can help you and your family get on the perfect ride. Check out https://bikenridge.com for a list of some of our favorite local bike shops and what brands they carry for rentals and demos.

Races & Events:

Summit Mountain Challenge Mountain Bike Series The brainchild of long-time local Greg Guras, this race series was produced by Maverick Sports Jeff “Westy” Westcott for a number of years before being formally adopted by the Town of Breckenridge. The Race Breck Summit Mountain Challenge is one of the oldest Mountain Bike series in the country and is held bi-weekly throughout the summer between May 22 and August 24. Each event features a different course. For more information go to https://www.breckenridgerecreation.com/races/summit-mountain-challenge

The Firecracker 50 mountain bike race on the 4th of July is quite a spectacle. Kicking off the Fourth of July Parade, 800+ bikers take off from Main Street to race 50 miles (2 loops) either individually or as a team throughout the amazing trails of Breckenridge and Summit County. Carter Park hosts a mini-festival where you can listen to music, peruse the vendor tents, and cheer on the racers who pass through either to switch partners or continue on to their second loop.

The 3rd week in August marks the biggest biking extravaganza in Breckenridge, Breck Bike Week, which includes the insane, 6-day 230+ mile Breck EPIC. 400 bass-a** mountain bikers compete in this 6-stage event, starting and ending each day within a mile of downtown Breckenridge. Epic’s courses loop out over 10,000-foot peaks, where riders encounter the most amazing views of Colorado. The weather is mostly good, but it can get a little sketchy too! Stories of riders getting caught in the sleet or even snow have become legendary. Finalists receive the coveted BMF belt buckle and bragging rights that they survived one of the most grueling mountain bike races in the US. If you are into watching more than racing; this year we will have the largest Epic Women’s Pro Bike Race ever, with 60 of the best female riders competing.

The notorious Intergalactic Pond Crossing is back this year during Breck Bike Week, where contestants attempt to bike across the pond in downtown Breckenridge over a very narrow plank. The consequences of not finishing are a very frigid dip into the pond!

Don’t worry if you’re one of us mere mortals. There are loads of other bike-related activities happening during the week including group bike rides from town, tech and skills clinics, and morning yoga. There will be a festival where you can test out the latest and greatest gear. Additionally, during this week, you can catch some thrilling films at the MTB Film Festival, held at the state-of-the-art Riverwalk Center, located right in the heart of town.

Breck Epic & Women’s Cycling Summit

The Breck Epic also hosts a 4-day event-within-the-event called the Women’s Cycling Summit. It includes classes on how to fix and maintain your bike, what to pack on a multi-week-long self-supported road ride, and lessons on sponsorship and ambassadorship for women racers.

Itching to get out there? Mountain Biking in Breckenridge typically starts in June and lasts until the snow flies sometime in October (we hope!). The weather in the summer is cool and sunny on most days. To find out all of the bike-related happenings in town, make sure you check out our community blog and website, https://bikenridge.com. Here, you can find out all the cool events that are happening while you are in town and read blogs about the locals’ favorite trails. This website is managed by me, a self-proclaimed recreational rider, and my husband, one of those insane BMF racers. So, you will find something interesting no matter where you fall on the biking spectrum.

We look forward to seeing you on the trails!

~ Courtney, Bikenridge.com

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