Kevin Soller, 24, has been on skis, bikes, and other outdoor apparatus for as long as he can remember, most of it–save for a brief stint in Montana–in Breckenridge, Colorado. Racing bikes since he was 13, he spent three years with the USA U23 National Team racing road bikes in Europe, and returned to mountain bike racing when he was 21. “I turned pro when I was 19 and have spent a fair amount of time on the road racing everywhere,” says Soller, who now races Pro Downhill and Pro Super D. “I love the freedom associated with skiing and biking–you can go your own pace pretty much anywhere you want. That’s why I do it.” And there’s no place he’d rather do either than Breckenridge. “This is home,” he says. “The people–it’s a real community here. Everyone is very welcoming.”

Here are a few of his favorite things about Breckenridge:

Aspect of the region in the off-season: All the activities that are right out our back door, such as hiking, fishing, rock climbing. There is always something to do and everyone who lives here seems to be on the same plan.

Place to mountain bike ride: I’d say that my favorite trails are the Flume Trails in Breckenridge. They are singletrack trails, technical, and short loops right outside of town.

Place to road ride: There’s not a lot that can beat our recreation paths, stretching from Breckenridge to Frisco, to Copper and Dillon. But if you’re up for a little harder ride, take a pedal up Loveland Pass, an 8.7-mile ride to a summit of 11,990 feet.

Place to ride with the family: The bike path to and from Frisco from Breckenridge seems to be pretty popular. If you don’t have a bike, there are plenty of places in Breck and Frisco to rent one. It’s a mellow path with great scenery. You also bike next to the Ten Mile Range.

Place to paddle (flat water): Lake Dillon, a massive lake in the center of Summit County. There are small islands in the middle to check out with the family. You can’t beat the views.

Place to paddle (whitewater): Ten Mile Canyon gets pretty rowdy in the spring runoff. It usually runs as a Class III or IV but can get a few sections of Class V rapids. The Arkansas River isn’t too far away, either.

Place to paddle with the family: I would either say a float trip in Salida or north of here on the Colorado River at Pump House. They both offer mellow water and great scenery that the whole family can enjoy.

Place to re-fuel: Before riding, hit up Cuppa Joe on Ridge in Breckenridge. It has amazing coffee and huge burritos. Afterwards, for a little older crowd, I’d say Angel’s Hollow. It’s a pretty fun environment with the two owners; just take caution before ordering a margarita. For a family I would recommend Downstairs at Eric’s for pizza, burgers, and video games, and a lot of beers on tap for the adults.

Place for a beer afterwards: My vote would be the Motherloaded Tavern. Any place that serves PBR tall boys is good in my book.

Photo courtesy Brandon J. Doza