2005 has been a very odd year for Denver weather. In contrast to 2004 when I did 0 in the winter months, I have been on about 8 bike rides already this year. This weekend was another warm one, and there was no excuse to sit at home and watcht the clouds go by. Brandon and I decided to go ride the loop at Dakota Ridge.

Climbing Zoro!

We ascended the Zorro Trail which is a generally smooth trail that links Green Mountain with Dakota Ridge so you can do a continuous loop between those trails as well as allowing access on the far side to Matthews-Winters park and its fine trail system.

At the top!

At the top of Dakota Ridge, I’ve taken to the ritual of shooting my bike in this pose each time I pass through here. Just seemed like a cool place to snap a picture, with the highway directly behind and below – with Green Mountain on the other side…

I70 and Matthews-Winters Park

This is from the top of Dakota Ridge, looking down on Matthews-Winters, as well as giving a good view of Interstate 70 as it gets ready to go into the mountains.

Matthews-Winters Park

Despite being overall a dry day, there were a few slick spots left in the shade.

Coming out of MW Park

Complementary picture leaving Matthews-Winters.

Leaving Red Rocks

Final look at Red Rocks as we leave the Matthews-Winters area. The climb back on to Dakota Ridge begins…

Top of Dakota

Dakota Ridge looking back down on the Red Rocks area.

Falling down the stairs

The final descent before reaching the Zorro Trail. These steps were insanely slick!

Looking at ice on the stairs

We finally had to walk in the snow, as the trail was a frozen mess. Now, looking back up we can see just how dangerous it truly was. We proceeded back down Zorro and back to the Green Mtn parking lot, closing out another excellent trip.