as told to Barb Blakley Millott

Denver’s High Line Canal (HLC) was completed in 1883 after just two years of construction. The canal was built to irrigate more than 20,000 acres of farming land to help the development of agriculture in the greater Denver area. The canal runs 71 miles from the South Platte River south of Denver, meandering north and east through the suburbs of Denver. A dirt lined canal however is not an efficient delivery means for water due to seepage and evaporation and the canal now rarely actively carries water. Its construction included an adjacent trail which was closed to the public until 1970. Since that time, Denver Water and the various communities the canal runs through have converted the canal to a recreational trail.

A combination of paved and crushed gravel trail, it’s perfect for dog walks, family strolls and in a year where getting out on the bike has been challenging, an end to end ride on my new Moots Routt 45. I took delivery of the Routt 45 frame in January and had Base Camp Cyclery build it out with SRAM Force AXS components and custom wheels comprised of Chris King Hubs, HED Belgium rims and Maxxis Rambler 38C tires. I could not be happier with the build and quality of the bike and it has become my go to bike for outdoor riding so far this year. It feels fast and was the perfect ride for this urban gravel mini adventure.

I set off early and the combination of Sunday morning and that pesky Stay at Home order meant traffic was light as I made my way to the east end of the trail, riding down the typically less than ideal route of Colfax Avenue. Colfax Avenue, once a main thoroughfare running East to West through Denver, fell into disrepair after I-70 was constructed. It is now home to a seedier - yet rapidly gentrifying - side of Denver. But it took me to the start of the HLC at the confusing Triple Creek Trailhead and I headed off on what I thought was the start of the HLC but ended up being the Sand Creek Regional Greenway. No matter, they connect a little down the trail and after taking a left when I should have turn right then doing a U-turn, I was on my way for what would ultimately be a 5 hour journey “up” the HLC (+100 feet in 50 miles….).

The first half of the trail is paved but often contains a small dirt section next to the trail which I used for most sections. I followed the trail as it weaves around the suburbs of Denver, finding myself in familiar areas but getting there in an unfamiliar way. I have found riding the perfect way to explore new areas and it was how I experienced most of the Catskills, Los Angeles and am now getting to explore more of Denver and the front range. There is an incredible network of bike paths in Denver and I’ve really taken advantage of it, even riding to Boulder and back on mostly bike paths (including a stop for an Aussie meat pie on the way back).

Midway through I hit our local section of the trail which I knew well. By this point the morning walkers, runners and other cyclists were joining me on the trail, but a quick ring of my Spurcycle bell kept other trail users aware of my presence and in any case, the trail is relatively wide. One of the most beautiful sights in Denver is when the trees give way to a perfect view of the nearby foothills and the distant snow-capped mountains. With pollution levels down, a clear sky and spring weather finally allowing the grass to green, today’s views were especially delightful. The elevated positioning of the trail ensures views across the Platte River valley to perfect viewpoints.

Towards the west end of the trail, the canal disappeared onto private property and I found myself at the end of the road with no further way forward. My options were a detour on a main highway or ride across a field that appeared to lead to the continuation of the trail at its other end. I lifted my bike over the rusted barbed wire fence and headed across the field. After pedaling across the field, I realized that to get to the trail I had to cross a river. I searched for a suitable cross location but found none and instead waded into swiftly flowing but only calf deep spring runoff. I found the trail on the other side and gently pedaled the last mile to the trailhead.

As I pedaled home along the South Platte River trail to complete my ride, I reflected on how happy I am with my Moots. Comfortable like a gravel bike should be, there was nothing I would change with the bike or the build. Five hours in the saddle went by effortlessly. It’s a smooth ride that gives me confidence on loose surfaces. The bike likes to turn and I feel smoother and quicker when the trail becomes squiggly. AXS electronic shifting is a luxury for sure, but it’s a luxury worth having in my opinion and makes for much cleaner looking build. The reliability of electronic shifting with a quick tap of the lever is something that once you have it, you don’t want to go back. The internal cable routing for the rear brake line helps complete the clean build. I decided on the two-by set up for extra versatility. While I didn’t need the small ring on this ride, if offers greater versatility when needed. My plans for this bike this year include the Ramble Ride and the Steamboat Gravel Race both of which have enough climbing for me that warrant the two-by set up.

I met up with Barb on the way home. I had close to 90 miles in my legs and it was my longest ride of the year to date. I was still happy to be riding. She asked me how the ride went. ‘I gotta say it was a good day.’

Moots Routt Build Notes

• Moots Routt 45

• SRAM Force eTAP AXS Group

• Chris King Headset & Bottom Bracket

• Chris King R45 Center Lock Hubs

• HED Belgium Plus Disc Rims

• Maxxis Rambler 38C EXO/TR Tires

• Zipp Service Course Seatpost

• Zipp Service Course Stem (110mm)

• Fizik Arione Classic Saddle

• Brooks Rubber Bar Tape

• Silca Sicuro Titanium Bottle Cages