Time to Ride the Rockies this weekend

Seamlessly blending steep climbs with postcard-worthy views, the Ride The Rockies bicycle tour has been fulfilling cycling dreams for nearly a quarter-century. The ride returns this weekend for the start of the seven-day, 380-mile two-wheel trek, which starts and ends in Glenwood Springs.

The 2,000 cyclists were chosen through a random lottery process that attracted 4,000 applications. This year’s riders represent all 50 states and nine foreign countries. The ride is non-competitive, and includes riders of all ages. The oldest registered rider is 83-year-old Dorothy Neary of Dillon, and the youngest is 7-year-old Abraham Hoffman of Denver.

Strenuous loop

Daily rides can be as short as 40 miles or as long as 80 miles. The route travels through the host communities of Hotchkiss, Gunnison, Salida, Leadville and Aspen. 

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the route this year,” said Chandler Smith, the tour’s director. “Cyclists will travel varying terrain from high alpine roads to country roads featuring some of Colorado’s finest landscapes. This year’s event includes a first time ascent of McClure Pass and a new host community in Hotchkiss.”

In addition to McClure Pass (8,775 feet), riders will climb Monarch Pass (11,312 feet) and Independence Pass (12,095), and meander through a scenic traverse of the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Host communities provide a number of services for the cyclists, including group meals, camping facilities, showers and entertainment. Ride The Rockies estimates the event generates an average of $225,000 of revenue in each of the host communities.

A staff of approximately 100 people supports the ride — they work at aid stations, provide directional signage and warn of road hazards, transport water and baggage, and drive “sag” vehicles. The tour is also accompanied by ride medics, ride officials, bicycle technicians and the Colorado State Patrol. 

Visit ridetherockies.com for more information.

Events galore

The state supported efforts to increase cyclists’ rights when Gov. Bill Ritter signed the Bicycle Safety Bill into law last month. The legislation, which goes into effect on Aug. 5, requires drivers to give cyclists three feet of clearance when passing, as well as making it a Class 2 misdemeanor to throw an object towards a cyclist.

The safety bill comes on the heels of cycling’s increased popularity in the state. A scan of organized cycling events in Colorado reveals six in the month of June alone.

Colorado has designated June as Bike Month and June 24 as Bike to Work Day.

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