LINK TO COLORFUL FLYER => OOT2026_vineyardvoyage.final.pdf
VINEYARD VOYAGE
OCT 4-10
$1,300 per person
Plus a $50 fee paid directly to DBTC
Led by Cyndy Klepinger and Cynthia Withers Includes:
Six nights lodging
Five breakfasts
Two lunches
Two dinners
Happy Hours
Maps and RidewithGPS files
Arrival and Glenwood Springs Recreation Trail
We will stop at Grizzly Creek for a picnic lunch, then begin our journey on the 16.3-mile Glenwood Springs Recreation Trail. This scenic path is nestled between the Colorado River and Interstate 70, winding through the picturesque Glenwood Canyon. As this is an out-and-back trail, you have the flexibility to turn around whenever you wish, making it suitable for all experience levels. And the fall foliage should be at its peak.
Relaxation at Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge
After a day of cycling, we will unwind with a night’s stay at the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge. Here, you’ll have free access to the world’s largest hot springs pool, offering the perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. The renovated historic hotel offers free parking, free internet, free breakfast and more!
Exploring the Rio Grande Trail
The following morning, we will ride along the Rio Grande Trail, which runs beside the Roaring Fork River and stretches south to Aspen. This trail connects Glenwood Springs to several communities, including Carbondale, El Jebel, and Basalt. Spanning 42 miles one-way and gaining approximately 2,100 feet in elevation, the route offers a pleasant cycling experience for riders of all skill levels. Along the way, keep an eye out for eagles and hawks soaring above the river, as well as deer and elk grazing in open meadows. The majestic Mount Sopris, historic barns, and other scenic highlights are visible throughout the ride. There will be an option to ride to Maroon Bells. If you prefer a shorter route, you can transport your bike to Basalt using the bus or personal car to access the trail. The choice is yours, allowing you to customize your cycling adventure.
Palisade and Wine Country Experience
The next morning, we will transfer ourselves and our bikes to Palisade, which is just a 70-mile drive west. We will stay at the Wine Country Inn, located in the heart of Colorado’s wine region. Surrounded by 21 acres of vineyards, the Inn provides an authentic wine country experience. Guests can enjoy complimentary afternoon tastings of the Inn’s private label wines and a complimentary Breakfast. Amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool and a year-round hot tub spa.
Scenic Cycling Routes in Palisade
Over the next four days, we will explore picturesque routes through vineyards and orchards along the Colorado River, as well as ride through the striking red rocks of the Colorado National Monument.
Colorado Riverfront Trail
We start our vineyard voyage with a ride along the Colorado Riverfront Trail. This paved 28-mile path winds through the valley alongside the river, offering a relaxing and scenic ride.
Colorado National Monument
We will tackle the Colorado National Monument. Choose between a demanding 29-mile ride featuring significant elevation gain and breathtaking canyon views or drive to the top and start your ride from the Visitor’s Center to enjoy the scenic vistas. After admiring the views, we will have a picnic lunch. If you have a national park pass, do not forget to bring it, or you will have to pay an entrance fee.
Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway
Today offers two options for a ride from the hotel: a leisurely 23-mile ride along the Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway or a more challenging 58-mile course that includes a loop up and over Reeder Mesa. This evening, we will enjoy a group dinner at our hotel.
Fruita Farms Loop
We will drive a short distance to Fruita for the Fruita Farms Loop. This route offers a 37- to 55-mile ride through rural agricultural landscapes, providing a unique glimpse into the region’s farming heritage.
Day 5: Denver (optional stop in Frisco)
We will say our farewells this morning and start the trek back to Denver. You may want to make an optional unsupported stop in Frisco and do the Loop around Dillon Reservoir (Lake Dillon). There is a significant climb up Swan Mountain Road, but the view at Sapphire Point makes it worth the rock star effort. This route is 18 miles and 1,100 feet of climbing.
Registration
To register, please mail a $600 deposit check payable to Cyndy Klepinger along with DBTC liability waiver and registration/medical form (found on the DBTC website) to: Cyndy Klepinger, 5401 East Dakota Ave #9, Denver, CO 80246. Final payment of $700 will be due no later than August 1, 2026. After receiving your registration, you will receive an invoice for $50 from DBTC. No single supplement available as the cost of the tour is based on double occupancy (two people per room). If you don’t have a roommate, we will try to find you a roommate, but there are no guarantees. Remember that registration funds are non-refundable but may be transferable. You may also want to purchase travel insurance. You will be invoiced the $50 DBTC fee separately. Direct questions to: Cyndy Klepinger, matilda8@msn.com, 303-725-1565 Cynthia Withers, cynthia8300@gmail.com, 720-480-4766 This is a DBTC-sponsored event.
