Jason Sumner was on his way to becoming a pro sports reporter when he happened to cover a bike race. It changed his life. He writes, Becoming a cyclist meant exploring my home state in ways I never had before. Fifteen years and thousands of miles later, I get to share that state with you. We're both lucky. Colorado is a great place to ride bikes." This guide is intended for everyone, from novice to expert bicyclists. It's accessible, friendly, and fun, highlighting truly classic rides rated from easy to epic. Some crawl up mighty peaks. Others carve through towering red rock canyons. A few amble along rippling rivers. Two traverse National Parks. Another crosses a 1,200-foot high bridge. Many simply roll easily, availing time to feel the breeze in your face and the sun on your skin. It's cliche to say, but there really is something for everyone. 75 CLASSIC RIDES This popular cycling series, launched with guides to Washington and Oregon in 2012 and Northern California in 2014, is modeled after our bestselling "100 Classic Hikes" series. The guides feature a larger format, color throughout, quality photographs, and coverage of the best, most challenging, and/or most popular cycling routes (primary roads, back roads, and cycle paths) in the given state. While the bulk of rides are typically near population centers, each guide is a full-state guide and also covers key riding destinations and overlooked or more remote areas. Out of 75 rides, the majority are doable as one- or two-day outings; however, a few rides might be more of the "dreamer" ride, hence our inclusion of at least one cross-state route in every book. The idea is to inform and inspire! Each and every ride in these guides includes the following: o Difficulty level o Distance round-trip o Average Time it takes to complete the route o Elevation Gain over whole course o High Point on the route o Best Season to ride o Maps/Info for reference, including land managers o Brief overview of ride, noting general nature of experience and any highlights o Directions to start of route (from nearest major town, intersection, or other landmark) o Full narrative description of ride: overall nature of the ride, sights along the way, best towns along the route for food/refueling, dangers, info on road shoulders/bike lanes, etc. o Variations/Alternate Routes details if applicable o Mileage log o Elevation profile o Photograph o Map of route o And a DOWNLOADABLE cue sheet, accessed once the book is purchased!"