OFF THE COUCH Townie Trails Locals’ favorite rides

We all know the biking here is Steamboat-licious. So we canvassed a few longtime locals for their favorite rides. (Just don’t tell them we sent you.)

Caroline Lalive, Downhill/SuperG Olympian, 1998, 2002

“I love Larry’s Trail on Emerald Mountain, finishing with a quick trip across Prayer Flag Meadow. It reminds of a giant slalom ski race, with its sweeping, banked turns. The meadow feels like my own private oasis. I often stop and marvel at this hidden spot in the middle of town. It’s one of my favorite places in Steamboat.”

Corey Piscopo, Founder, Steamboat Stage Race

“The climb up Buff Pass. It’s on dirt and takes you to some incredible spots. You can ride to it from town and be out in remote wilderness with incredible views pretty quickly. It’s great when the gates are closed, restricting cars and leaving the road entirely to bikers. Plus, it climbs 3,100 feet in 10.5 miles, so it’s solid training.”

Nelson Carmichael, Olympic Bronze Medalist, Moguls, 1992

“The climb up Mount Werner. It’s arduous but has a great payoff. It’s 3,400 vertical feet to the summit, and possibly that many calories burned. Thankfully, it’s all downhill from there. It has everything — tough climbs, smooth singletrack, tight corners, fast rollers, jumps, boulders, logs, aspens, pines, open meadows and great views.”

Kelly Boniface, Professional Mountain Bike Racer

“No question — Emerald Mountain is my favorite place to ride in the whole valley. I can coast down from my house and be riding fantastic singletrack in just five minutes. I can ride up there all day and never do the same trail twice. It’s a gem right in our backyard.”

Bill Gamber, President, Big Agnes

“My favorite ride is right behind my house off Strawberry Park Road, involving various routes up and down Two-track, Upper and Lower Bear, the Elk Park Road and Hot Springs Trail. It’s all great singletrack in a wilderness setting, with everything from open meadows to forests of aspen and pine. Plus, you can soak in the hot springs after your ride.”

Chad Fleischer, Olympian, President, Fleischer Sport

“I like the Divide Trail starting from Dumont Lake on top of Rabbit Ears Pass. It has all the elements of a fantastic ride — scenery, little traffic, rolling terrain, limited climbing, singletrack and a few easy technical aspects. You can ride it fast and go for it or take it easy with a lakeside lunch stop along the way.”

Jon Cariveau, Marketing Director, Moots

“I like Coal Mine-Trout Creek, a mix of dirt and pavement perfect for my cross bike, taking Twentymile Road to County Road # 29 along Trout Creek and into Oak Creek, then south on Highway 131 to the Stagecoach turn-off, the dam and down through Pleasant Valley, taking River Road back to town. Total mileage: 65. Best shared with friends.”