This ride takes you South from Fort Collins to Carter Lake State Park, west of Loveland and Berthoud. I'll describe this ride clockwise, but it can be ridden, obviously in either direction with lots of variations. Start in Fort Collins (A) and head South on US 287 through Loveland to the intersection of US 287 and CO Highway 256, just west of the town of Berthoud (C). Turn west here and follow Highway 256 for 2 miles (This area is heavily patrolled). Turn West on Co Rd 8e (D) towards Carter Lake State Park. Unless you are planning on stopping in the State Park, it is not necessary to obtain a Park Pass. If you do plan on stopping for a picnic, etc., you must go to the entrance station and obtain a day-use pass for $6 per motorcycle. Otherwise follow Rd 8e past the entrance station and past one hairpin turn. Turn right on Co Rd 31 (E). Follow Co Rd 31 over a couple dams and along the east side of Carter Lake. Continue past the lake and back down the hill to where Co Rd 31 T's into Co Rd 18e (F). Turn right on 18e to where this road T's into Co Rd 29 (G). Turn North on Co Rd 29 to the intersection of US Highway 34 (H). At this point you can head East on US 34 back into Loveland and find your way back to Fort Collins, or continue North on Co Rd 29, a longer more scenic route. If you continue on Co Rd 29, follow it to where you must cross over the Big Thompson River or go straight on gravel (I). Go across the little bridge and continue to follow Co Rd 29 to where it T's into Buckhorn Rd (J). NOTE: The stop sign for this T comes up quick, so keep a sharp lookout. At the T at Buckhorn Rd, turn left or north and follow this road to the T in the "center" of Masonville (K), smack dab in front of Nostalgic West Leather. Turn right here onto Co Rd 38e and follow it into the SW part of Fort Collins where it becomes Harmony Rd at JJ's (L).
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