This route is brought to you by Thad Eby, who is an adventure seeker and gravel bikepacker that enjoys testing his limits on the bike. He is a master at creating multi-day routes through remote terrain and his latest creation, "Wild West Gravel", is open to anyone who wants to saddle up and join in the fun!
The 2024 Wild West Gravel Bikepacking epic is a 3-day, 2-night bikepacking event that will take you through the stunning and rugged landscapes of Colorado and Wyoming. Think incredible riding, live music, camping under the stars, and a true sense of community.
Go to www.wildwestgravel.com to find out more and register for this years event happening September 6th-8th, 2024.
Use the code 'gravelbikeadventures' when you sign up for 10% off- however, you only have till 4/15/24 to get this discount!
The Medicine Bow National Forest and the Snowy Range Mountains provide breathtaking views throughout the ride. The pristine wilderness, rugged terrain, and diverse landscapes create a truly special and memorable experience for any gravel cyclist.
Especially impressive is Medicine Bow Peak and Mirror Lake. (Medicine Bow Peak, standing at an impressive 12,013 feet, is a sight of historical significance and natural beauty. The peak was the site of the tragic United Airlines Flight 409 crash in 1955, which claimed the lives of all 66 passengers and crew on board. The crash remains a poignant reminder of the challenges and risks associated with taking a short cut and undershooting a mountain.)
Riding along the historic Medicine Bow Rail Trail is a unique and enriching experience. The trail offers a glimpse into the area's early 20th-century railroad heritage while providing a smooth, hard-packed gravel surface that is perfect for gravel bikes. The gentle grades and curves make this portion accessible for riders of varying skill levels.
The Rob Roy Reservoir is a stunning 500-acre lake that offers a perfect spot to take a break, enjoy the scenery, and even go for a swim. The adjacent campground provides a great option for those looking to extend their adventure with an overnight stay. The campground's amenities and proximity to the reservoir make it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts.
The descent from Medicine Bow Peak to Centennial is a real highlight of the route! After conquering the challenging climb up to Medicine Bow Peak, riders are rewarded with an exhilarating descent towards the charming town of Centennial. The well-earned downhill offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
This gravel route is not suitable for novice riders due to its challenging terrain, which includes steep climbs, rocky descents, and loose gravel. Riders should be prepared to encounter sections where they may need to dismount and hike-a-bike, especially on the ascent to Medicine Bow Peak.
Given the high elevation and remote location of the route, weather conditions can be unpredictable and change rapidly, with the possibility of strong winds, sudden thunderstorms, or even snow. It's crucial to check weather forecasts before embarking on the ride and to be ready to adapt plans if conditions deteriorate.
Due to the extreme remote nature of the route, riders will encounter limited opportunities for resupply and services along the way. Riders should carry sufficient supplies to ensure they can sustain themselves throughout the journey- including food, water, water filter and some basic tools for bike/wheel repairs.
Do this ride if you're an experienced gravel cyclist looking for a rewarding and historical alpine loop that combines physical challenge, natural beauty, and a sense of adventure.
The start and finish of this route is from Woods Landing Resort, a historic roadside retreat, near the Wyoming/Colorado border which has rustic cabins, private guest houses, and RV sites, plus a general store, post office and a bar and restaurant that is open on the weekends. (Call ahead to ensure the restaurant is open during the time/date you are visiting.)
You'll find ample parking and a place to get a few supplies and use the bathroom here.
The road surface will vary from the most unbelievable to a few sections of hike a bike. Thad recommends a tire width of at least 38 for this terrain. (He ran 42 and had no issues.)
You can filter water at Rob Roy (approximately mile 29-30), but there will be no services between Woods Landing and Centennial. You can find vault toilets in the Rob Roy Campground.
The town of Centennial (approximately mile 55) has a few restaurants & bars to stop and refuel. Two noteworthy places include: Bear Bottom Grill which has a great outdoor music venue and good food. Friendly Store & Motel which has a mercantile and attached bar. (Great tap list and service.)
Don't forget to bring layers that can adapt for cold weather. (At 12,000 ft the weather can change suddenly!)
We also recommend wearing comfortable shoes suitable to some hike-a-bike.
This route was curated by Thad, but he used several sources and websites, include the National Forest and heidiridesbikes.com.
Guest: Thad Eby
Hi, I'm Thad Eby, an adventure seeker and technology CEO.
My love for cycling began in my teenage years, riding the MS150 with my father. Since then, I've immersed myself in various disciplines, from mountain biking (including racing at Leadville) to road cycling and gravel grinding. Gravel bikepacking has captured my heart, challenging me to plan multi-day routes through remote terrain and push my limits.
