The 2016 Ride The Rockies route has been announced: Carbondale to Fort Collins, 6 days, 403 miles! The course will showcase Independence Pass, Fremont Pass, Tennessee Pass, Vail Pass and Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park.
In its 31st edition, RTR will visit one of our state’s iconic landmarks in Independence Pass, ascend Fremont, Tennessee, Vail and Ute Pass and cut through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park by way of Trail Ridge Road; the highest through-road in the country and one of America’s most scenic byways!
From the playground of the rich and famous to the Napa Valley of beer, this year’s tour has a little something for everyone; communities steeped in Colorado history, rich in cultural attractions and rooted by an abundance of recreational opportunities.
Day 1
Sunday, June 12
Carbondale to Aspen
50 Miles / 4,253′ Elev. Gain
3 Aid Stations
Carbondale to Aspen
50 Miles / 4,253′ Elev. Gain
3 Aid Stations
This year’s tour starts in the shadow of Mt. Sopris and the charming community of Carbondale; a small town with big views surrounded by ranchlands and unending Colorado sky. The 50-mile day will treat cyclists to Missouri Heights – perched on a bluff – then meander along the Rio Grande Trail en route to Aspen.
Day 2
Monday, June 13
Aspen to Copper Mountain
85 Miles / 7,655′ Elev. Gain
6 Aid Stations
Aspen to Copper Mountain
85 Miles / 7,655′ Elev. Gain
6 Aid Stations
Nothing screams Colorado quite like Independence Pass; the fourth highest paved roadway in the U.S., streaming with wildflowers and high alpine pools. The grade is tough and the road is narrow, but the views are well worth the grind. Once at the summit, cyclists will be rewarded with fast straights and brake-burning curves as they approach Twin Lakes. After touring the famous mining community of Leadville, it’s one last punch over Fremont Pass – home of the Climax Molybdenum Mine – before a fantastic descent to Copper Mountain Resort.
Day 3
Tuesday, June 14
Copper Mountain Loop
79 Miles / 6,537′ Elev. Gain
5 Aid Stations
Copper Mountain Loop
79 Miles / 6,537′ Elev. Gain
5 Aid Stations
It’s another big day in the saddle with stunning scenery and three notable climbs. This 79-mile stage, made famous by our good friends at Copper Triangle, will take cyclists back over Fremont; past the Tenth Mountain Division Memorial; across Red Cliff Bridge; with a quick and punchy climb up Battle Mountain. With Fremont and Tennessee Pass in the rearview mirror, a stroll through Minturn and Vail await; followed by a slow and steady grind over Vail Pass – a first-time feature of Ride The Rockies.
Day 4
Wednesday, June 15
Copper Mountain to Grand Lake
85 Miles / 3,939′ Elev. Gain
6 Aid Stations
Copper Mountain to Grand Lake
85 Miles / 3,939′ Elev. Gain
6 Aid Stations
The day will start fast as cyclists spin along the Summit County and Dillon Dam Rec Path from Copper Mountain to Silverthorne. Once past the reservoir, cyclists will head north en route to Ute Pass Rd.; a moderate climb with panoramic views of the Gore Mountain Range. At the bottom of the pass, cyclists will test their handling skills on a 13-mile stretch of compacted dirt as they navigate their way through the open range of Grand County. Once on US 40, cyclists will roll through Byers Canyon and Hot Sulphur Springs before finishing in Grand Lake; the Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and a first time-host community of Ride The Rockies.
Day 5
Thursday, June 16
Grand Lake to Estes Park
49 Miles / 4,636′ Elev. Gain
3 Aid Stations
Grand Lake to Estes Park
49 Miles / 4,636′ Elev. Gain
3 Aid Stations
It’s the shortest day of the week at 49 miles and the day that cyclists will fall hard; hard in love with the majestic state of Colorado. West to East, across the Continental Divide, Trail Ridge Road hugs high alpine ridges with stunning views near and far. Cyclists will be treated to 11 miles above 11,000 ft. with many scenic overlooks and beautifully maintained roads all the way to Estes Park. Rocky Mountain National Park affords the most iconic ride in our Centennial State; and one you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Day 6
Friday, June 17
Estes Park to Fort Collins
55 Miles / 2,762′ Elev. Gain
4 Aid Stations
Estes Park to Fort Collins
55 Miles / 2,762′ Elev. Gain
4 Aid Stations
On its sixth and final day, RTR will return to Northern Colorado with their eyes set on Devils Gulch and Horsetooth Reservoir; a stage originally planned for 2012 but rerouted by the High Park Fires. Cyclists will enjoy a 55-mile trek through Larimer County, touring the vibrant communities that not long ago were hammered by relentless rain and devastating floods. Now, standing tall as ever; a testament of community, will and grace; these towns are primed and ready for a parade of cyclists. The week will draw to a close as 2,000 friends – new and old –reflect and rejoice at Odell Brewing Company in a little town we fondly call Fort Fun!
'The 2016 Ride The Rockies Route has been Announced!' has no comments
Be the first to comment this post!