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Take
a Break in Phillipsburg
By Rick Russon
If you have
ridden Deer Creek Canyon, you are probably familiar with the small metropolis of
Phillipsburg. The town has a permanent place in history as the last home of the
alleged Colorado Cannibal, Alfred Packer.
Cyclists know
Phillipsburg as the intersection for the turn up High Grade road. From the
Wadsworth parking area, High Grade offers a climb of 3,240 feet in 14 miles. If
you continue straight to the top of Deer Creek Canyon, the gain is 1,700 feet
over seven miles.
Like all
Colorado cities, Phillipsburg is exploding with growth. What was once a
sleepy, dirt parking lot next to a modest ranch home is now a bustling rest stop,
which also has a motor home and a catering trailer. Long time resident and
proprietor, Vanessa, hopes this will become a favorite place for hungry cyclists
to take a snack break.
Vanessa offers
all the amenities usually reserved for more upscale resort destinations.
There is a public outhouse with a payphone nearby. In the catering trailer
is a variety of snack fare from freshly cooked burgers ($2) and hot dogs
($1) to pre-packaged Luna and Power Bars. The trailer, outhouse, and picnic
tables with umbrellas are clean and comfortable. Finally, self-serve water
and Gatorade are available in an ice chest. (Donations are highly
recommended).
So for those of
you who have been hesitant about riding Deer Creek Canyon because of the lack of
watering holes between Littleton and Tiny Town, head for the hills and enjoy a
great burger with chips, bratwurst, and more. Just resist the urge to chow down
on one of your cycling buddies! | 