Rocky Mountain Adventure Ride

Located just 40 miles north of Rawhyde Colorado is historic Boreas Pass, once home to a narrow gauge railway that connected the fading mining town of Como to the growing community of Breckenridge. Sitting at 11,400 feet on the Continental Divide, the pass offers views that are nothing short of spectacular. Today’s 200 mile training-tour loops riders up and over the pass, into Breckenridge, and back on mostly unpaved country roads that wind past idyllic Colorado ranches and open mountain landscapes. Before beginning the climb, Rawhyde coaches review high altitude riding techniques, including line choice, throttle control, and safe approach strategies for narrow mountain roads. Riders then get to apply these skills in real conditions as the terrain shifts from loose gravel to hard pack and finally to pavement as we roll into Breckenridge. The contrast between Como and Breckenridge is striking. Como is shabby, weathered, and nearly a ghost town, with classic square-fronted buildings and relics of its Old West mining heritage. Breckenridge, by comparison, is the epitome of a modern ski resort town, nestled in a stunning valley surrounded by aspens and pines. This day is a perfect introduction to Colorado riding, blending old and new, dirt and pavement, and continuous real world skill development across some of the state’s most beautiful terrain.

Today’s 150 mile ride takes us south from Rawhyde on an unpaved country road toward Salida, Colorado. After fueling up in Salida, we begin the climb toward the Continental Divide at the top of Marshall Pass. Marshall Pass is absolutely stunning, with dense aspen forests, wide mountain vistas, and dramatic high alpine scenery in every direction. Words can’t truly capture how impressive this region is. It is one of Colorado’s great mountain passes. Before we begin the ascent, Rawhyde coaches review high altitude riding techniques, including traction management, proper body positioning, and safe line choice for narrow and changing mountain surfaces. Riders then apply these skills throughout the climb and descent, gaining confidence as the terrain demands real world technique. We continue down the western slope of Marshall Pass and into the rustic one horse town of Sargents before climbing back to the Continental Divide once again over historic Old Monarch Pass. This section provides another perfect opportunity for riders to refine momentum control and braking strategy on mixed dirt and rock surfaces. From Monarch, we drop into the rough and tumble town of Buena Vista for fuel before returning to camp for the evening. It is a beautiful and engaging day of riding, blending high alpine scenery with purposeful skill development across some of the finest mountain terrain in Colorado.

Today we head west toward Colorado Springs and the incredible Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak is home to the second oldest mountain climbing race in the United States and is one of the highest points you can ride a motorcycle to in the entire country. Before we begin the ascent, Rawhyde coaches review high altitude pavement techniques, including cornering posture, smooth throttle management, braking strategy, and visual scanning for steep and continuously winding mountain roads. At over 14,000 feet, Pikes Peak holds a special place in American history. It was here that Katharine Lee Bates wrote the iconic words to “America the Beautiful” in 1895. From the summit, the meaning becomes clear. The views truly capture spacious skies, purple mountain majesty, and the amber plains stretching eastward. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Kansas and the wheat fields referenced in the song. The experience is nothing short of awe inspiring. After descending Pikes Peak, we ride through Colorado Springs and continue toward the historic mining town of Cripple Creek. This is another window into Colorado’s turbulent mining era. Cripple Creek is a shadow of its former self, but rich in history, and we stop for a tour of the Molly Kathleen Gold Mine. Riders board an unusual air powered train and travel deep into the mountain for a firsthand look at life inside an 1890s gold mine. After the tour, we follow a series of scenic dirt roads back to camp. Coaches use this final stretch to reinforce dirt riding fundamentals and give riders a chance to apply skills in relaxed, varied terrain. It is an unforgettable day filled with history, high altitude landscapes, and meaningful real world training.

Today’s 160 mile loop takes you to America’s highest incorporated city, Leadville, Colorado, which sits at 10,000 feet and holds the title of the highest city in the United States. Leadville is a historic, fascinating place with deep mining roots, and it serves as our jumping-off point for one more incredible high mountain pass. From here, we ride up and over Hagerman Pass, crossing the Continental Divide again at nearly 12,000 feet. Hagerman is one of the most rugged passes on our entire circuit, and before the ascent, Rawhyde coaches review high alpine riding techniques, traction management, and safe line choice for steep, rocky climbs. From the top of Hagerman, we drop down into Aspen, one of the world’s most renowned ski resort towns. Riders get to apply downhill control, scanning techniques, and body positioning throughout the descent, building confidence on varying surfaces and elevation changes. After a stop in Aspen, we return to camp via Independence Pass, the highest paved road over the Continental Divide in the state of Colorado. Before riding this dramatic stretch of pavement, coaches reinforce proper cornering posture, braking strategy, and lane positioning for narrow, exposed mountain roads. Your ride to Aspen and back is not only visually spectacular, it is also some of the most dynamic and rewarding training-tour riding you will ever experience.

Yesterday you rode the highest paved road over the Continental Divide, and today’s loop takes you even higher. We ride the highest road in the United States, period. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America, climbing into truly rare air and delivering some of the most expansive views on the continent. Before beginning the ascent, Rawhyde coaches review high altitude pavement techniques, including cornering posture, smooth throttle application, braking strategy, and visual discipline for steep, continuous switchbacks. The climb features an unforgettable series of tight turns and exposed sections that demand focus and precision, making it an ideal environment to apply refined riding skills in real conditions. This just over 250 mile day includes an even mix of paved mountain roads and unpaved scenic backcountry routes, offering variety and constant engagement. From alpine tundra to sweeping mountain vistas, the scenery is as dramatic as the riding itself. It is a spectacular day and a fitting way to wrap up an incredible week of adventure, skill development, and high mountain riding in the Colorado Rockies.