This Might Be the World's Most Luxurious (Socially Distanced) Bike Ride
Living in Aspen, Colorado this summer has afforded me a fair amount of experiences that would be considered, “normal” before COVID19. The idea of a leisurely bike ride with friends, culminating in an August “al-fresco” dinner seems par for the course. You agree on a place to meet, don your Tour de France helmet-to-bike shoe finest, clip in and away we go.
One of the beautiful things about Aspen is its 7,908 foot altitude (once you get accustomed to it), because from this vantage point most things are downhill. An easy, picturesque glide down the Rio Grande Trail deep into the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley. Don’t get me wrong, the uphill cycling is some of the best in the country, but I digress. My point is that a bike ride can STILL be just a bike ride, COVID-19, be damned. That is unless you want to infuse it with a little luxury...and I don’t mean the latest $8,000 German-engineered, drool-worthy carbon fiber road bike with electronic shifters and disc-brakes that would make Lance Armstrong look twice. The luxury I am referring to is revealed in both the destination AND the journey and there are few I would trust with such an experience—The Little Nell is at the top of a very short list. Already used to the proclivities of elite travelers for the past 30 years, “The Nell” knows what they are doing, and for the sixth year in a row, their exclusive “Ride and Dine” experience is one of the hottest two-wheeled tickets in town.
Having already conducted four “Ride and Dine’s” this summer, the fifth and final is September 15th. Beyond confirming your spot one only has two decisions to make, 1) what will you wear? and 2) what wines will you order? You see the Little Nell’s wine list is a 106 page tome (last I counted) on vinology and Wine Director Chris Dunaway is one of the best in the game, carefully overseeing the property’s approximately 22,000 bottle cellar. All riders order their bottles in advance, which then materialized at our destination: ~15 miles down valley at Jimmy Buffet’s Mad Dog Ranch and Recording Studio in Old Snowmass.
The three-course seasonally changing menu is prepared by The Nell’s chefs and served up al fresco on red and white table cloths, one table per group, all at least six feet apart, of course. All of this deliciousness occurs after having ample time to meet your fellow riders, change out of your biking attire in the guest house, wander the grounds, take in a live musical performance in the studio, and snack on a few hors d'oeuvres.
The coup de gras? It's a one way trip. After an evening of dining and vino, The Nell’s fleet of Audi’s and shuttles whisk your individual party back to the hotel to pick up your rides, give air hugs and elbow “high-fives” and saunter back to your residence in the warm summer night.
I suggest booking your group ASAP to not miss out.
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