In the late spring and summer, Colorado serves up some of the most breathtakingly beautiful bike tours in the country, literally, with some at 10,000-feet and higher. Since most of these gems sell out way in advance, consider this list a courtesy reminder. You don’t want to be stuck scavenging for a slot on Craigslist at the last minute.
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
May 28 • Durango
Now in it’s 40th year, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic pits 1,300 cyclists against a coal-powered giant that’s been chugging the tracks from Durango to Silverton since 1881. In order to beat the train, riders need to cover 50 miles through two mountain passes in less than 3 hours and 30 minutes.
ironhorsebicycleclassic.com
Ride the Rockies
June 11-18 • Grand Junction to Salida
Last year, over 4,000 applicants vied for 2,000 spots in this weeklong bike tour, now in it’s 25th year. The route changes annually, with 532 miles planned for 2011, ascending four mountain passes, traveling the Molas Divide and passing two natural wonders: the Colorado National Monument and the Grand Mesa.
ridetherockies.com
Denver Century Ride
June 12 • Denver
In its second year, this newbie is destined to become a classic. Starting and ending
at Invesco Field, the ride follows city streets, highways and bike paths. But that doesn’t mean it’s gentrified—expect at least 4,000 feet in elevation gain, including the 25-minute balls-to-the-wall sprint up Lookout Mountain.
denvercenturyride.com
Bicycle Tour of Colorado
June 19-25 • Estes Park-Steamboat Springs-Frisco
Only 1,500 lucky cyclists get to partake in this 16-year-old tour, known for its well-stocked aid stations, grueling ascents and 50+ mph descents. The 2011 route includes some previously unexplored territory.
bicycletourcolorado.com
Triple Bypass
July 9-10 • Evergreen-Vail-Avon
As the name indicates, this race is not for the faint of heart, climbing three mountain passes in 120-lung busting miles. We’re not sure if anyone has died in the ride’s 22 years, but this year’s new “double” option, offering the regular TBP on Saturday and a reverse route on Sunday, definitely ups the probability.
teamevergreen.org/triple
Tour de Steamboat
July 19 • Steamboat Springs
Now in its 7th year, this century ride (originally a race in the late 70s) starts and ends in Steamboat giving riders glimpses of some of Northwest Colorado’s most spectacular scenery. This year, participants can opt for the standard 110-mile route, or one of two shorter courses instead. With only 500 riders, the event has a refreshingly chill vibe.
tourdesteamboat.com
Copper Triangle
August 6 • Copper Mountain-Leadville-Vail
It’s no Triple Bypass at “only” 78 miles, but the Copper Triangle still manages to hurt so good, cresting three 10,000+ foot mountain passes through three ski areas with a total elevation gain of nearly 6,000 feet. Limited to 3,000 riders. coppertriangle.com
Quiznos is Coming
The inaugural Quiznos Pro Challenge Stage Race will be held August. 22–28, 2011, welcoming the sport of professional cycling back to Colorado for the first time in 23 years (the Coors Classic ran for 10 years, ending in 1988). The race will bring over 120 pros to the state to traverse 600 miles of Colorado terrain over a mix of mountain, sprint and downtown stages. Check quiznosprochallenge.com for the latest updates, and plan to catch a stage or two:
August 22: Prologue — Colorado Springs
August 23: Stage 1 — Salida to Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte
August 24: Stage 2 — Gunnison to Aspen
August 25: Stage 3 — Vail (Individual Time Trial)
August 26: Stage 4 — Avon to Steamboat Springs
August 27: Stage 5 — Steamboat Springs to Breckenridge
August 28: Stage 6 —Golden to Denver
