Keystone to Frisco
Summary
This segment's main obstacle is Swan Mountain. It's unexceptional except for a short, hard climb right before the top. Be prepared to get out of the saddle here. It might feel hard—your legs are probably a bit toasted by now.
Swan Mountain Road is open to traffic, its shoulders are narrow and crumbling, and the surface is full of potholes. Also, be mindful of cars and heavy trucks. Despite being out of the way, it receives heavy use as a shortcut to avoid rounding north of Dillon Reservoir.
Once over the top, the descent is not especially technical except for a sweeping left bend that transitions directly into a sharp right turn after mile 75, near the bottom. Feather your brakes early.
Upon reaching the bottom, you'll cross Route 9 and join a bike trail leading you to Frisco. It's a pleasant, scenic ride, but you'll hit a few undulating sections that’ll hurt tired legs. Once past them, it's a gentle, flat ride into town, giving a brief reprieve before starting the gradual ascent to Vail Pass.