Winter Park Chainsaw Loop Intermediate

This is a popular intermediate ride that starts in the Fraser Experimental Forest. Since it's in a National Forest, e-bikes are not allowed; we will observe this Forest Service regulation. We'll start at the St. Louis Creek Campground winter parking lot, which is just before the actual campground. We will ride briefly on Creekside, up the north side of Chainsaw, up Broken Spade, out and back on Upper Iko, descend lower Iko, up the south side of Chainsaw, and back down the north side of Chainsaw: 12 miles, 1300 feet, 98% singletrack, and 2:00 in motion for me, technically easy but a good workout. There's a beautiful view of Byers Peak and St Louis Creek at the end of the ride.

The description does not say how beautiful and enjoyable this ride is. The trails are nicely buffed and bermed, set in a mix of lodgepoles and aspens, with many flowers and beautiful views of the Divide. Of course it climbs, but almost never steeply, and never for very long. Both the tech and aerobic requirements are solidly intermediate, a real Baby Bear gem of a ride. This is one of my favorite rides up here. Come and you'll see why. This will be a relaxed, no-drop ride, with stops as we please to regroup, eat, and enjoy the view. Faster riders will find the ride to be a little tame, but beautiful nonetheless.

I offer my apologies for making everyone drive so far, but I think you'll find it worthwhile. Please note that the Google directions send you along Eisenhower drive. This works, but there's a railroad crossing there, and you might get stuck behind a long train. To avoid this, turn left at the only stoplight in Fraser, next to the Wendy's. In about 1000 feet, drive under the railroad bridge and bear right. Drive through the big open meadow and turn left at the tee. It's a little over two miles from there to the slight left turn to the St Louis Creek Winter parking lot. My cell is 303-619-7486.

For the record, I am not a professional guide. By signing up and/or participating in this event you agree to the conditions outlined here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wmdo10r74vc0tpp/Assumption-of-Risk-and-Waivers-Oct-3-2022.pdf?dl=0