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Summary: |
Short
Rides:
Lefthand Canyon
Ride |
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Rating:
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| Route: From Ward to Boulder via
Lefthand Canyon. |
| Features:
Slow winding mountain
roads |
| Distance: 16.9 Miles |
| Ride Time: Approximately 31 minutes |
| Season: Late April through Late
September |
| Maximum Grade: 22% estimated |
| Change in Elevation: 3,670 feet |
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Overview: |
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This motorcycle ride begins at Highway 72 in Ward, Colorado, follows Lefthand
Canyon east past Jamestown, Colorado, and exits to Highway 36, just north of
Boulder, Colorado. |
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| Directions: |
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| From US 72 (Peak to
Peak Highway) in Ward, Colorado, take Lefthand
Canyon Drive east. Follow Lefthand
Canyon Drive east and turn right as
the road forks onto Old Stage Road.
Continue on Lefthand Canyon Drive to US
Highway 36. |
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| Maps: |
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Elevation Profile:
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This motorcycle ride begins at 9,300 feet in elevation at Ward,
Colorado, and continually descents to 5600 feet at Highway 93 in
Boulder. The maximum change in slope is 22% descent. |
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Photos: |
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These first two photos were taken in Lefthand Canyon, just west of
Lickskillet Road. The first looks back toward Ward while the
second looks east, toward Boulder. |
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This photo was taken just north of Jamestown as we explored the canyon
north of the town for ride potentials. |
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Our Review: |
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This ride is calm, quiet and well shaded; perfect for a Sunday afternoon
ride back into Boulder after riding the Peak to Peak Highway. It begins
at Highway 72 in Ward, CO, and then follows Lefthand Canyon out to US
36. Ward is a very small mountain town and the road begins with a 15
mph speed limit. Please be courteous and respect the towns speed limit
and noise ordinances when traveling through Ward.
Once outside of Ward, the speed limit increases to 40 mph and the road
follows the curves of the winding canyon. The roadway is clean, the
curves well marked and predictable, lending to some fun in navigating
between the canyon walls. The roadway is tree-lined and provides a
wonderful sensation as you wind along.
The western-most section, just after passing Lee Hill Dr., is well
traveled by cyclists so beware of them as you extend through the canyon.
Boulder maintains a law that states that one cannot pass cyclists in
turns and this DOES apply to motorcycles as well. Bear this in
mind when running through the final stretch of this ride.
Give this one a ride on a lazy Sunday or weekday afternoon and tell us
what you think! |
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