Thorn

Needing to make the trip by bike in September and reversing in early October. Searching the archives, the google-recommended route of 83 is a resounding no, leaving as maybes 105 and I-25 and its frontage road. But none of my search results were written within the last 5 years. Around my parts, 5 years can make a huge difference....so, dear bikeforums is 105 doable these days or should we stick to the I-25 corridor?

If it matters to your recommendations we're flatlanders, but year round, northern climate bike commuters who have ridden interstate thru Arizona so I-25 doesn't scare us conceptually.

Thanks in advance for any inputs.

velotech

Yes, 105 is doable, but people do drive fast on the road. You can pick up the bike trail in Palmer Lake and ride it down to the Springs.

Thorn

Responding to myself (for anyone who might find this via search)....105 was a lovely road. We road it on a Saturday and the stretch from outside Castle Rock to Palmer was fine. Traffic was cooperative and not very heavy. As we were on road bikes, taking the trail from Palmer was a non-starter (rough gravel). That left us riding city roads from the north side of greater Colorado Springs area (Monument) to the south side (Manitou Springs). That stretch, however, was not so pleasant. Busy commercial districts and a few close passes. Once we managed to get onto the trail network life was good. So, long story, short -- 105 is fine, but stick to the trail system once you enter greater Colorado Springs.