By Bill Plock
Moose can run up to 35mph and trot a comfortable 20mph as witnessed by this video of cyclists at this past weekend’s Crooked Gravel ride in Winter Park. Kris Thompson, founder of 303cycling trailed this moose for quite a while as riders stacked up hoping the moose would trot into the woods.
Said Kris, “Not sure if passing a moose was the best choice that is why I stayed behind until it left the road.  Near the end the moose was probably leading out about 20 riders. This is in my top 3 craziest things I have seen on a bike.”
The Crooked gravel takes riders into some notorious wildlife areas southwest of Fraser. In the fall this area beams with colors and is a popular Elk hunting area. The loop takes riders between Fraser on gravel roads eventually connecting with US 40 just east of Hot Sulphur Springs after passing Williams Fork reservoir. This event offered 93 and 65 mile option. There are many options in this area to make loops of various distances and elevation gains.
To learn more about this event for consideration next year go HERE. Also held at the same time is the Sunrise to Sunset mountain bike race, click HERE for information on that. Both events are held by Roll Massif and utilize the park in downtown Winter Park complete with music and lots of festivities.
Passing a moose? Yes, they should ban weed from cycling races.