Biking this Summer in Breckenridge
Biking in Breckenridge Here’s what to bring.
10 essential items to bring on your Breckenridge bike ride
Recently I was out on a bike path ride on my mountain bike. The trails were still too wet near my house and to get back in shape I’ve been riding up to Sapphire Point at the top of Swan Mountain Road (just a few miles north of Breckenridge) from my house. It’s a casual ride so I’ve just been hopping on my bike and grinding out the 3-mile hill climb. One moment I’m cruising back down and I suddenly, I’m riding wonky. I look back and my back tire is going flat. Of course, I’m just riding the bike path casually and I don’t’ have a spare tube or patch kit so my 45-minute hill climb just became a nearly 2-hour adventure to get back.
Always ride with gear when biking This is the perfect reminder that it doesn’t matter where you are riding as soon as something goes wrong, the gear you bring is essential if you want to avoid walking back.
If you are visiting Breckenridge and planning to do some mountain biking, here is a list of essential items to bring along so your ride goes smooth.
- Water: Water is the stuff of life. A must have on any ride in Breckenridge. Breckenridge’s high mountain air causes sweat to evaporate immediately so you might not even know you are dehydrated before you are feeling it. Drink lots of water.
- Sunblock: At 9,000 feet you will be roasting to a crisp in no time if your skin is not properly protected. Make sure to use a sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Light rain coat: Everyone know the saying, “If you don’t like the weather wait 5 minutes. This certainly applies in Breckenridge. There is always the chance of a passing shower in the Rockies so make sure to have a light, compact rain coat with you.
- Spare innertube and a patch kit: By far the most common issue that will arise on a mountain biking trip is a flat tire. It does not take much to get a flat and replacing or repairing a tube is relatively easy. It’s best to have both a tube and a patch kit so you can handle multiple flats.
- Tire Pump: a small tire pump or CO2 inflator is a must on a ride. Don’t rely on your friends for this tool. There are bike pumps these days that fit in the palm of your hand.
- Tire Levers: This small light tool makes getting a tire on and off a bike wheel easy. it is a simple technique that is easy to learn so don’t forget this tool.
- Phone: Besides taking pictures of the mountain scenery and good times on a ride, having a phone is a great asset in the event of an accident. If you are not in cell phone range someone will be able to ride to cell phone range and alert authorities if necessary.
- First Aid Kit: A small first aid kit is a must have on any mountain bike ride. Mountain biking is a safe and fun activity but a good first aid kit can be a real asset for many common injuries that can happen during a ride.
- Multi Tool: A good idea is to have a small multi tool with common tools that are used on bikes. Multi tools come in handy for small repairs that happen when on the trail.
- Chain Pull: A chain break is a surprisingly common mishap on a trail ride. A simple chain pull tool makes it easy to put a chain back together or pop a link if necessary.
With hundreds of miles of single-track trails and bike paths, Breckenridge is one of the top destinations in the west for riding. With rides of all levels Breckenridge is the perfect place to try mountain biking. If you are visiting Breckenridge and want to ride but don’t have gear no worries! There are a whole lot of bike shops that rent and sell gear in Breckenridge. One of our favorites is Epic Mountain Gear Rentals because you can book rentals on line, ahead of time. Just make your reservation and pick up your rental at Breck Sports which offers a full selection of the latest gear you will need to make you ride a success.
If you are thinking of visiting Breck, check out deals on Breckenridge lodging here.
The Best Happy Hours in Breck: A Local’s Guide
After a long day of skiing, nothing sounds better than to sit back, relax, kick off your boots, and enjoy a cold one (or two). So where are the best places in Breckenridge to go for happy hour? Who has the best deals?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
Here’s the inside scoop on the hot spots in Breckenridge. We asked some locals about their favorite happy hours in Breck. Here’s what they had to say…
Aurum Food & Wine | 209 S Ridge St
Price: $$
Gluten-Free Menu: No, but gluten-free options are available.
Happy Hour: Considered the best happy hour spot in Breck right now. 4-6 pm daily.
The Deals: Half-priced apps, half-priced wines by the glass, $3 draft beer and $7 classic cocktails!
The Cherry on Top: The food is to-die-for, the atmosphere is lovely, and the bartenders/servers are super friendly and accommodating!
Local’s Guide: Since this place is so awesome, you will most likely be battling for a seat at the bar. Get there early! Also, we recommend wetting your whistle with the “Corpse Reviver” or the “Bees Knees.” Then top it off with the signature House Rolls and the French Onion Burger (the best burger in Breckenridge – in our humble opinion. :))
Modis | 113 S Main St
Price: $$$
Gluten-Free Menu: No, but gluten-free options are available.
Happy Hour: Modis has TWO daily happy hours as well! From 3-6 pm & 10-midnight daily.
The Deals: Appetizers for under $10, reduced price on cocktails, and wine pours.
The Cherry on Top: One of the original owners Eric, was feeding his son dinner one night. His son kept saying, “mo dis” (as in, I want “more of this”)… and that is how the name “Modis” was born.
Local’s Guide: Try “The Implication” if you’re a bourbon lover, or the “Powder-Hound Sour” if you want to try something truly unique and delicious.
The Blue River Bistro | 305 N Main St
Price: $$
Gluten-Free Menu: No, but gluten-free options are available.
Happy Hour: The Blue River actually has TWO happy hours every day! From 3-6 pm & 9-midnight daily.
The Deals: Two-for-one appetizer menu, two-for-one martinis and $2 off drafts.
The Cherry on Top: Live music to groove to from 5-10 pm.
Local’s Guide: Try a martini! They have an extensive and diverse list of different types of martinis. Check out the “Paloma Martini” with Espolon tequila, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, Cappelletti Aperitivo, ruby red grapefruit, and muddled cucumber.
Ember | 106 E Adams Ave
Price: $$
Gluten-Free Menu: Yes
Happy Hour: Scratch that. At Ember, it’s called Euphoric Hour! From 4-6 pm daily.
The Deals: Reduced drink prices, great wines for $5/pour, and $5 appetizers.
The Cherry on Top: This place has a great atmosphere, everyone is friendly, and the bar is curved which makes it easy to chat with your neighbor.
Local’s Guide: The selection of appetizers is the best part, and the quality of the food is fantastic for the prices. Try the “Sexy Woman” with jalapeño infused vodka, passion fruit, and lime.
Motherloaded Tavern | 103 S Main St
Price: $$
Gluten-Free Menu: No, but gluten-free options are available.
Happy Hour: 3-6 pm daily.
The Deals: $1 off beer and wine, $2 off house infusions (shots, mixed drinks, mason jar cocktails, and hot drinks), and $5 food specials.
The Cherry on Top: Live music every Friday and Saturday. Football specials on Sunday and Monday night. Trivia Tuesdays: 9-midnight. Whiskey Wednesdays: $3 whiskey drinks. Thirsty Thursdays: happy hour drinks all day and night! There is always something going on here!
Local’s Guide: Motherloaded has a laidback vibe, with friendly and attentive staff. Everything they make is from scratch; try their infused vodka, the Mac & Cheese Egg Rolls, Disco Tots, or the Sweet Pepper Applewood Bacon (candied magical bacon deliciousness) and then toast marshmallows right at your own table!
Mi Casa | 600 S Park Ave
Price: $
Gluten-Free Menu: Yes
Happy Hour: 3-6 pm daily.
The Deals: Enjoy great drink specials, discounted tacos, and wings.
The Cherry on Top: Mi Casa has been a locals’ choice for après ski since 1981, so why not check it out for yourself? They have an impressive selection of Mexican cervezas and the largest tequila list in Summit County with over 100 selections!
Local’s Guide: There are also free chips and salsa and FREE NACHOS during happy hour! Check out their Specialty Margaritas with freshly squeezed lime juice and your choice of tequila!
Hearthstone | 130 S Ridge St
Price: $$
Gluten-Free Menu: Yes
Happy Hour: 4-6 pm daily.
The Deals: $5 small plates, $2.50-3.50 beers, $6 house-crafted cocktails, and $5 wine by the glass.
The Cherry on Top: The Hearthstone is the perfect destination for a romantic date night!
Local’s Guide: Head upstairs for a small, secluded bar with phenomenal views of the town and mountains. Try the “Strawberry Serrano Martini” or the “Moscow Mule.”
Cheers!