FoCo Fondo’s gravel weekend, July 19-21st, 2024, is jam-packed with activities, however it’s just the tip of the iceberg of what’s available in Fort Collins in July. An extra day...or three...would be time well-spent. Fort Collins is an outdoor-oriented, playful, and peaceful place. Here are some favorites from event-organizers Whitney & Zack Allison, all of which can be consumed car-free.
Horsetooth Rock & Reservoir
Fort Collins’ secret, not-so-secret playground awaits just west of town. This seven-mile long reservoir is the center for many recreational opportunities. Enjoy the classic Horsetooth Rock hike, ride mountain bikes or gravel bikes on the trail systems that dot around the Reservoir, or take a swim! Along the reservoir, there are also plenty of spots for a scenic sunset picnic.
Brewery hop via bike
Fort Collins has platinum-level bike infrastructure and great connectivity. It also has many breweries. Bikes and beer, a classic combo. Starting off with a brewery tour at New Belgium provides that historical context for the iconic brewery and the cultural impact it’s had in Fort Collins. From there, you can pick a direction- west, east or south, and bike to sample other brewers’ crafts. And as long as the sun is shining, you’ll find any outdoor space at the breweries loaded up with locals, taking in the sun. For example, heading east from New Belgium, you might pick from Odell, Snowbank, Horse & Dragon, and Funkwerks.
A real mixed terrain bike ride
This sort of intangible route that very few cities in the US can actually put together. It’s not road riding, it’s not gravel riding, it’s not mountain biking, it’s all of them. If you have the chance to get in a couple rides before and after FoCo Fondo, we highly recommend a truly mixed terrain loop. The roads are smooth, the gravel is mixed, the trails are fast, fun and flowy on a gravel bike. The amount of Fort Collins, landscapes, and nature you get to see on one of these rides is unlike any other type of riding.
Walk around Old Town
Old Town Fort Collins is loaded with local boutiques, restaurants, and culture. Hit up the Fort Collins Museum of Art, or the Museum of Discovery, and make it all the way down to the CSU Flower Trial Gardens. The Old Town area is loaded with independent businesses, some of our personal favorites are of course cycling-supportive Akinz, Brave New Wheel, and long-time cycling supporting Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant. There is often live music happening, whether it’s someone playing one of the many public painted pianos or music at one of the many venues around town.
