I grew up in Golden, stone's throw from Coors....July-August is the time to go, even though you will have to put up with the daily 1-3 thunderstorm. If it were me, I would make Grand Lake your base and ride from there. Great camping spots and the town is fun. From there, you can do the Trail Ridge road to Estes park run, always a great ride. Also, you could head straight west through Kremmling and end up in Steamboat Springs. I always liked Grand county better than Summit (I-70 corridor) Summit is just too glitzy and expensive, Vail and all....get ready for a major change in performance, a bunch of us went to Cyclefest in Copper last year, about 9500'. My sea level busa was not happy. Ran like crap. After about 30 minutes, the ecm was able to correct things as far as it could, and it would at least idle. I just could not believe the power difference. If I lived at that altitude, I would have to have a turbo busa. Coming from Houston you'll know what I mean. However, Vail pass at 150+ was a gas! The air was so thin a guy almost didn't have to tuck, at least not tight. No issues with the wildlife (4 legged type) as long as you practice common sense, no food left out, etc. There was, however, a huge problem with the two legged types....always trying to mount the busa...at times had to beat them off with a stick. Especially around Vail and Copper Mountain. Pesky things, they are! Another thing, going later in the summer assures the gravel and sand from the winter will be cleaned off the roads. Have a great trip!
