CB Bucket List - Reno-Flag-Bear

Theres something about the riding in Crested Butte.  Something spectacular and when people come and visit, there's always a bucket list of rides that they want to do.  Fortunately, there are so many rides on the CB Classics Bucket List that people keep coming back for more.  Even for those of us who live here, it's hard to get the entire bucket list done in one summer.

So here we go with installment number one of the CB Bucket List - Reno-Flag-Bear

The Details
How to get there: Cement Creek Road 7 miles south of Crested Butte.  Drive up the dirt road for approximately 5 miles until you reach the Deadmans Trailhead and park.
Length: Approximately 19 miles
Climbing: Approximately 3,900 feet
Starting Elevation: 9,500 feet

The Ride
Start by pedaling further up Cement Creek Road until you reach the intersection of Reno Divide Road.  This is where the climbing starts in earnest as the road climbs up to nearly 11,100 feet.  It's steep, but the views of Teocalli Mountain at the top make the grunt worth it.  From here, one could either ride Reno Ridge and cut directly over to Deadmans, or continue the ride on Flag Trail.  This is also an excellent spot for a snack.

For Flag Trail, continue straight over the divide and brace yourself for 5 miles of some of the best descending you'll ever do in your life.  Flowly, smooth, big views.  Enjoy.

After 5 miles, cross the creek at the bottom and begin to climb Bear.  This single track climb will test your resolve to clear steep sections of trail but will afford you the time to enjoy the flowers in the wide open meadows.  When you hit the road, hang a left and follow it about a mile until you find the trail jutting off to the right again around 11,050 feet.  From here, it's (almost) all downhill to Deadmans Trail. This section of trail takes a while to dry out, so be prepared to deal with some mud.  The bottom half is generally dry and makes wallowing through a handful of mud pits worth it.

When the trail intersects Deadmans, swing right and follow the trail up the creek.  While this trail has the potential to not be a kick in the rear on fresh legs, I've yet to turn onto the trail without the legs groaning.  Climb back up to 11,000 feet for one last time because once you reach the top, it really is all downhill.

The descent down Deadmans is a classic with dozens of switchbacks, smooth trail, technical moves, and seemingly never ending.  I could ride it every day of my life and not get bored.  Cross the river at the bottom, climb 50 feet back up to the parking lot and you've finished one of my favorite classic Crested Butte Rides.