Post-Ride: Grand Junction, Colorado

Like its Lunch Loops trail system, downtown Grand Junction feels like it's for the locals without feeling like it's locals-only. At the coffee shops, cafes and microbreweries that dot every block, visitors rub elbows and toast shot glasses with residents out for an after-work meal. And, as with the trails, it doesn't take long to feel like a local yourself.

Dining & Drinks

The murals and sculptures (nearly one hundred-fifty in total) that front the historic brick buildings of downtown Grand Junction reflect the accommodations inside: creative yet unpretentious.

At Roots Gastrohub, located in Grassroots Cycles, dial your bike and body before a morning rip at Lunch Loops. On the edge of the downtown core, Copeka Coffee serves up caffeine and breakfast in a charmingly retro setting--picture the Jetsons crash-landing in grandma’s rec room. The house-made biscuits and gravy feature a vegan sausage gravy that will make you forget the real thing.

After the ride, grab a beer and burger at Trail Life Brewing, where the locally sourced ingredients complement the local people-watching from its sidewalk dining area. Both locals and local flavors come together at Tacoparty, which feature a small, seasonally rotating cast of tacos in addition to cocktails and soft serve. Tacoparty is one of a constellation of Grand Junction eateries by local dining icon Josh Niernberg, and it's wildly popular; during peak hours, the line to order at the counter stretches out the door. Meanwhile, Jojo's Dinette, another Niernberg property, does for Southwest-inspired diner fare what Tacoparty does for the low-key taqueria: elevates it to an art form, with unique takes using local ingredients. The fried chicken sandwich will satisfy even after the biggest rides.

Lodging

Located on the banks of the Colorado River, next to a paved bike path and not far from a skills park, Camp Eddy's modern tiny homes and vintage Airstream trailers are perfect for a couple or small group to stretch out. Camp Eddy also has spacious spots for van-lifers and trailer-towers.

Bike Shops

Bike shops have graced Grand Junction's downtown since the era of wooden sidewalks and dirt streets. In addition to running a full-service shop, Brown Cycle proprietor Chris Brown highlights that history; his book Bicycle Junction has an exhaustively researched timeline of two-tired history in the community. Ruby Canyon Cycles carries a full slate of retail and rental bikes perfectly suited for the uniquely technical riding of Lunch Loops, including boutique brands such as Forbidden Bike Company. Naked Bike Works & Suspension provides pick-up and drop-off bike service. Or hang out out on the couch, grab a drink from the fridge, and chat with proprietors Tegan and Brandon while they wrench and provide ride recommendations. They might even join you.

Guides and Shuttles

Grand Junction-based Boneshaker Adventures has raised a generation of junior shredders in its after-school and summer-vacation bike camps, but their services extend to adults too. The company's private and small-group instruction sessions take advantage of the technical test pieces of the Lunch Loops in its backyard to hone rider skills; guide services will ensure visitors maximize their time and enjoyment in the trail system.

Advocacy Organization

The Grand Valley Trails chapter of the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) led the charge to legitimize early trail-building at Lunch Loops, and the organization continues to advocate for and maintain that trail system in addition to those around nearby Palisade and Fruita. As with all good Lunch spots, leave a tip.

Related: Read More - Ride Guide: Grand Junction, Colorado