Vail to Avon
Summary
You did it! It’s the home stretch! Tuck in and empty the tank on this long, (mostly) straight, (slightly) downhill segment. Your mind and body will be a little tired exhausted by this point, so it’s especially important to remain mindful of a few considerations along the way. Luckily, we’ve all the details you’ll need.
First, you’ll be rejoining open roads. Those peaceful, closed roads you had all to yourself (and fellow riders) are far behind you. And, like the frontage road through Vail, US Route 6 is heavily trafficked. You’ll join the main road as shown below. Fortunately, a broad shoulder provides ample safety for cyclists, eventually becoming a dedicated bike lane.
Second, it can be easy to lose the course. After you leave the Gore Valley Trail, the official route briefly puts you back on a bike path shortly before the Interstate 70 overpass, shown below. If you’re comfortable riding in traffic, don’t worry (too much) if you miss the path. You’re still on course to the finish! There’ll be a short stretch of narrow shoulder to negotiate that soon widens.
Once you arrive at Riverside Road, you’ll rejoin US Route 6. While it seems counterintuitive to leave the safety of the bike path, we recommend rejoining the road!
Soon after, you’ll reach the first (of two) traffic circles heading into Avon. As shown below, you’d need to join traffic from a pedestrian sidewalk if you’re not already on the road. Use the second exit to proceed straight through this traffic circle.
Third (and finally), pay extra attention to the next (and final) traffic circle and the left turn immediately afterward. The two views below show the turns you need to make: take the first exit out of the traffic circle onto Avon Road, then the next left turn onto Riverfront Lane (you’ll see a sign for Riverfront Village). Numerous road marshalls, including Avon’s finest, will help direct you (and cars) through these intersections!
Congratulations! That’s it! From here, Riverfront Lane brings you straight to the Triple Bypass finish line. Smile for the cameras! Then go collect your well-earned medal, beer, and food.
