31 July 2014

Did you see the Tour de France?

I hope you did. I bet you did. I did.

Here are some of my favorite or most memorable videos and photos from the 2014 Tour de France, if you missed any of these - take a look ....

Mark Cavendish's nervous ride in the OPQS team car during Stage 16. It takes nerves of steel to be inside one of the cars on course: #OPQS #TDF: Cav in the Team Car!

Kevin Reza takes a fan's camera for a ride (the story is Marcel Seiberg elbowed a fan's helmet cam to the ground, Reza did a polo sweep and picked it up, filming inside the peloton before handing it into his team car, the fan later contacted Kevin Reza via Twitter and the helmet cam was returned via post): Kevin Reza swipes a fan's camera

Global Cycling Networks imitation of 10 riders. I am a true bike geek because I recognized each rider imitated. not sure if that is good or bad (as in I need a life): GCN Top 10 Rider Impersonations

Orica GreenEDGE Backstage Pass for the final Stage 21, includes scenes from the womens La Course race and giving unsuspecting fans 100 free grandstand passes! Tour de France 2014 - Stage 21

The Guardian's Best Photos of the 2014 Tour de France: Best of the Tour de France 2014 – in pictures

Break Through Medias photo collection from the 2014 Tour de France -their whimsical Charlie on Tour album

Remembering the fun and silliness of the Tour de France. Photo by moi!

30 July 2014

On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Vail

Visiting Vail, Colorado

Vail is one of the top tourist destinations in Colorado. Vail can be fun during all four seasons but especially fun when there is a reason to go - skiing, concert, hut trip, golf, etc. This year the USA Pro Challenge returns to Vail on August 23, 2014 for a third time to challenge riders with a 10-mile individual time trial course up Vail Pass to 9663 feet above sea level.

Vail Pass, Colorado - a local favorite bike ride

A Rocky Mountain Ski Village

Most Coloradans know Vail for its world class skiing, but Vail becomes quite active during summer special events. Vail Village and Vail Pass will be very busy come race day. Why not come enjoy the mountain atmosphere? The time trial is scheduled on the final Saturday of the professional cycling stage race, making it a convenient day to visit Vail from surrounding Colorado cities.

The mountain ski village of Vail, Colorado.  ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®
Visiting Vail

Vail is nice town to grab a cup of coffee and roam around, people watch or look at the newly revamped mountain architecture. There are separate Village areas in Vail centered around the main ski lifts. To make reservations for accommodations or restaurants, it is best to know the village names and locations (see map below), as it is sometimes not an easy walk in between villages.

Location and names of the villages that comprise Vail. The USA Pro Challenge will be centered in Vail Village (click map to enlarge)
Vail Village proper is the largest and best and that is where the USA Pro Challenge will be based. It has been greatly improved in recent years through a facelift giving the Village a much more interesting architectural style. The big I-70 freeway divides the town and adds a constant hum to the valley. There are large Parking lots available for a quick visit, in fact you might find that some of these lots will double as your hotel parking.

Vail - public parking map
The Fords and Vail

The superb Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is located in town inside the Gerald R. Ford Park and is a beautiful walk through the highest botanical gardens in the United States. Vail also hosts many concerts and special events in the Gerald R. Ford amphitheater. A list of events may be found here: Vail & Beaver Creek Special Events Calendar.

Former President Gerald Ford called Vail home, buying his first condominium there with his wife Betty in 1970. They later bought a larger home in nearby Beaver Creek. There are good hiking trails to the Gore Range, and an 18-hole golf course in summer, which becomes cross-country ski tracks and snowshoe trails in winter. Nearby are four different 10th Mountain Division Huts, reachable in summer and winter months.

Ford Park, gardens and amphitheater.  Photo© By Karen at Pedal Dancer®
History of Vail 

To understand Vail Valley is to understand its historical link to World War II. Veterans of this war trained in nearby Camp Hale to learn winter warfare, skiing (ski troopers) and mountain climbing. Strong bonds were formed between the men and with the local mountains before they were deployed to Italy to fight in the Battle of Riva Ridge and other battles of the war. These men of the infamous 10th Mountain division, returned to Colorado and founded many of the local ski resorts, including Vail.

Vail Pass was named after Charles Vail, the highway engineer who routed the highway in 1940. Vail Ski Resort first opened in 1962 founded by 10th Mountain Division Veteran Pete Seibert and local rancher Earl Eaton. Vail is the third largest ski resort in North America. Later the city of Vail was created in 1966. Today Vail has a population of 5400 and is 4.5 sq mi (11.7km2) in size.

Walters Hut near Vail, one of the 10th Mtn division huts. I absolutely love the hut system and have been to about 12 huts across Colorado.  Photo© By Karen at Pedal Dancer®
Camp Hale is located south along Hwy 24 past Minturn and Red Cliff. Camp Hale was used for military training as late as 1965. There remains unexploded ordnance on the site, it now houses a youth development training center. Numerous campsites and hiking trails are in the area as well as access to even more 10th Mountain Division Huts.

10th mtn division troops in Camp Hale.  Photo from www.Snowbrains.com
Staying near Vail

There are numerous hotels and condos available for rent in Eagle County. You may stay in Vail, or in nearby Avon, Beaver Creek, or Edwards (a town with plentiful restaurants). East over Vail Pass into Summit County are the ski village of Copper Mountain (often deserted in summer time) and a little further away - Frisco or Silverthorne, where you may find more hotels and lots of restaurants.

As usual, consult Trip Adviser Vail accommodations for ratings, or Vail.com accommodations to make reservations.  For restaurants, always go where the crowds are, if there is a line that means it is worth it. Typically in ski villages you will do fine with Italian food or a hamburger.
Walking around Vail, Colorado  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®
Camping, Hiking, Mountain Biking and Fishing near Vail

Fishing: What would Jens Do? Go Fishing recommended fishing areas along the route of the USA Pro Challenge.

Mountain Biking: Mountain Biking near the route of the USA Pro Challenge

Camping/ RV: List of Vail Campgrounds in the White River National Forest.  Good Sam RV travel guide near Vail

Hiking: List of 10 good hiking trails near Vail, Colorado

Located on Vail Pass.  Photo© By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

USA Pro Challenge race day in Vail

SATURDAY, STAGE 6 : 10 miles Stage Map PDF  Stage Profile PDF
Individual Time Trial up Vail Pass bike path (same route as previous years).
The route will be fully closed to cars.

Race Begins: Approximately 1:05 p.m.
Race Ends: Approximately 3:50 p.m.
State Highways Impacted: I-70

Stage 6 Timetable.pdf

Route map of Stage 6 departing Vail Village - ITT start area.
There are no cars allowed on this section - this is FAN territory. Walk or ride your bike. Map by Pedal Dancer

Race Day Facts:
Start: 1:05pm
Start Location: Solaris Plaza, Vail. Meadow Drive and Willow Bridge Road, Vail Village
Finish time: 3:45pm approximate last rider; 4:15pm podium presentation
Finish Location of race: west side of Vail Pass (not at the summit)
Start ramp and Finish Podium: Solaris Plaza, Vail Village, Vail
Route: Vail to Vail Pass (bike path juncture)
Stage 6 ITT : Stage 6 Map PDF  |  Stage 6 Profile PDF
Distance: 10-miles
Climb: 1,694ft
Elevation: Vail 8,150 feet (2484 m)
Vail Spectator Guide to Stage 6, parking , transit, closures.
Vail VIP tickets, $300 each: Buy VIP tickets for Vail ITT
Volunteer: Sign-up to help out at the race for Stage 6 in Vail.

Team cars will follow the riders up the pass and return to Vail via the dirt service road (runaway truck ramp on I-70) using one (closed) lane of I-70.

Watching the steady stream of cyclists arriving on the pass before the race began. ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®
The Race of Truth

Le contre-la-montre (race against the clock), the individual time trial is an opportunity to see fast legs and tremendous effort. It is guaranteed entertainment for two to three hours standing along a roadside or watching the start ramp or finish line action. Fans can stroll through the expo area, or ride up Vail Pass to watch the final kilometers of action. Be sure to get up on the pass before they close the road.

Tejay Van Garderen holds the record for fastest climb up Vail Pass from Vail Village (West Side) in a time of 25:01. Tejay won by just 4 seconds over Andrew Talansky in 2013, 46 seconds faster than the previous race best time in 2011 (the first time the race had included this ITT route). This time trial course was inspired by the Coors Classic route, raced upon the same road in 1988.

There will be an amateur time trial run on the course before the pros race, so be aware of cyclists coming through on the road 12-1:00pm. (Price: $1500 each, space is limited, register).

Andrew Talansky on Vail Pass ITT 2013
A suggested itinerary for the USA Pro Challenge

Friday: see the finish of Stage 5 in Breckenridge and either stay near Breckenridge (Summit County), or come to Vail the night before the Time Trial starts.

Saturday: Arrive into town about 8:30-10:00am, park and walk around. Have coffee and a breakfast burrito and stroll around town watching the workers set up the time trial start ramp and podium while saying hi to friends and fellow fans. Visit the Expo Area (12-6pm). Watch as the mechanics (and sometimes the riders themselves) bring their TT bikes to the officials to be weighed pre race near the start ramp.

How to watch the individual time trial on race day in Vail:

View the ITT on Vail Pass by bike: 10:45am get on your bike and begin riding up Vail Pass. Stop at the secondary team bus and vendor area on your way to the pass (off to the right side just outside the village). Watch the race on the pass. If you stand near the end of the corral, you should be able to hear race times announced, or use your Tour Tracker App. You will have time to descend (very) quickly and see the podium presentation (4:15pm) in the center of Vail Village. Chances are you might be descending into town with some of the pro riders.

View the ITT on Vail Pass by foot: Shuttle buses will be running from the main transportation center(main desk in parking lot) in Vail Village every 20 minutes to the east end of Vail, from the drop-off point be prepared to walk up the hill. Shuttles will be available (at capacity) to bring you back into town after the race. Don't expect to make the podium presentation.

View the ITT in Vail Village: There will be a holding pen just behind the start ramp where riders will queue and wait for their exact start times (in reverse order of the General Classification after Stage 5, to be announced Friday evening). This is a quiet area and talking to the riders or asking for autographs is not respectful of their preparation for a very hard effort. This is the start location for the race and you will hear the count down and see the nervous riders roll down the ramp.

VIP Tickets in Vail

View the ITT in Vail Village: VIP pass holders will have a good view of the time trial start ramp. The other side is left open to the general public (limited space). VIP tickets in Vail Village Individual Time Trial: Buy tickets, $300 each. 

Trek Factory Racing Fan Club Meeting - celebrate Jens Voigt's retirement, party in Vail at Bol Vail near the start ramp in Solaris Plaza. Saturday, August 23rd, 12:30-5:00pm. Organized by Trek Travel, buy tickets in advance, $50 each, more information: Buy tickets

Visiting from out of town or out of State?

If you are visiting from out of state, a weekend of seeing the finish in Breckenridge/Hoosier Pass (Friday), the individual time trial in Vail (Saturday, 2 hour drive from Denver) and the two laps in Golden (Sunday) would make a great weekend.
Transportation, Traffic and Parking:

*Traffic: Get to the area early for prime parking. I-70 westbound will be reduced to 1-lane and will cause slowing over the pass. The team cars will use the right hand lane to circle back off the pass into town. Some off-ramps will also be closed, a complete list of local road closures & parking for Vail Valley for the USA Pro Challenge on August 23, 2014. Expect +50 minute delays along 1-70 near Idaho Springs where a new tunnel is being built.

Shuttle buses are available "all-day" from the Transportation Center to the east Vail where you can walk up the (closed to cars) road. Shuttle buses run every twenty minutes. There are plenty of public parking lots in Vail, look for the blue P signs, only once all lots fill up can you park on the service road under instruction.

How to get home: I-70 is experiencing major tunnel construction near Idaho Springs, traffic east bound into Denver/Boulder will be very heavy on Saturday evening until well past 7pm. If at all possible, spend your time having dinner in Vail (or Frisco/Dillon) after the stage (you will spend the same amount of time going 5-15 mph in your car).

General Timing for the day:

10:00-6pm - One lane of I-70 westbound closed, and other local roads. Expect delays.
10-11:00am - Arrive in Vail, use Exit 173. Exit 180 closed 11:00-5:00pm.
11:30-5:00pm - Expect full road Closures
11:30am - Be on Vail Pass
11:30-4pm - More temporary or full road closures
12:00-6pm - Festival (Expo) in Vail
12:00pm - Amateur Time Trial Begins
1:05pm - Race Start (1st rider)
3:45pm - Race Finish (approximate)
4:15 (approx.) - Podium awards 30-minutes after finish in Vail Village

Vail Village is the site of the start ramp, festival and podium.
The parking lot east of the village is the location for the team buses.
Riders will be warming up near the buses, at hotels, or along the service road to Vail Pass. 

Get there early to practice your podium poses. ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®
A great excuse to be a tourist for the day in Vail.  ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®
Layout of Vail Time Trial and event expo area.  Map by Pedal Dancer
Setting up the ITT start ramp in Vail. ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®
On your way to the pass stop for a drink.  In 2013 Rapha was located here with there espresso maker. ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®

Being a fan in Vail

Bring food and water, and wear your casual shorts, tshirts (rain jacket just in case, late afternoon storms are common) sunscreen and comfy shoes. You will spend far more time hanging around than you will walking to or riding to this stage. Be on the pass around 11:30-12:00pm. Racing action is from 1:05-3:45pm. Please do no paint on the road, only chalk. Please do not run next to the riders.

At the Finish area on Vail Pass, close enough to hear the final times announced of each rider. ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®
Fans on Vail Pass©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®

Our bikes and jackets resting along the road while we watched the pros race, in 2013.  Photo© By Karen at Pedal Dancer®
Having fun with friends on the pass and watching Peter Sagan race (in green). Photo© By Karen at Pedal Dancer®
Close to the action and Tejay. Photo© By Karen at Pedal Dancer®
Watch the Podium presentation in the Village after the stage (Andrew Talansky, Tejay Van Garderen and Tom Danielson in 2013). Photo© By Karen at Pedal Dancer®
Cycling near Vail

I recently wrote a post listing 7 recommended road bike rides in or near Vail: Recommended road rides near Vail, Colorado
  1. Vail to Vail Pass
  2. Vail to Frisco and back
  3. Vail to Loveland Pass and back
  4. Copper Triangle traditional
  5. Copper Triangle reverse
  6. Vail to Beaver Creek Resort
  7. Bike Path Neighborhoods of Vail
Traffic and Road Closures in and near Vail

Complete road closure schedule for State Highways Stage 6 Vail Village to Vail Pass (bike path). CDOT Colorado Department of Transportation advisory: USA Pro Challenge Road Closures 2014 - Stage 6

Delays on westbound I-70 beginning at 10:00am.
Overweight and oversize vehicles held 8:00am-6:00pm
Exit 180 east and west bound closed 11:00-5:00pm

Expect heavy traffic eastbound to Denver/Boulder after the stage.

More information 

About the race at the Pedal Dancer guide page: USA PRO CHALLENGE
Official Vail Spectator Guide to Stage 6
More information about Vail at www.vail.com

Also read:
On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Aspen
On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Colorado Springs
On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Breckenridge
On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Golden
On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Denver

Stage 6 Vail commemorative jersey

Recommended road rides near Vail, Colorado

Bike Routes over or near Vail Pass

Vail, Colorado is known for it's world class skiing; regularly playing host to both professional ski races and happy ski tourists. But Vail also has some excellent high altitude cycling across and over its local mountains.

Incorporated as a city in 1966, Vail is small in size, squeezing 5400 of its population into only 4.5 sq mi (11.7 km2).  Tourists swarm the place during the winter ski season and again during the changing fall foliage season. This town can either seem very busy or nearly abandoned.

This August the USA Pro Challenge, professional cycling stage race, will return once again (3rd time) to race from the center of Vail Village up Vail Pass. An individual time trial will be held on Saturday, August 23rd. Last year, the pros reached average speeds of 22mph for 10-miles up this pass. You can go at it slowly or try your best to match their pace.

Summer months see a steady stream of cyclists over Vail Pass. The bike path, fully paved, is closed to cars for sections, making it a wonderful experience for cyclists wanting to enjoy the views along the deceivingly tough false flat or narrow and steep bike path to the summit.

If you are in the area, take the time to enjoy these seven rides near Vail. 

Location of Vail, Colorado
Bikes in Vail Village.  Photo© By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Where to ride a bike in Vail, Colorado

There is more to ride in the area than just Vail Pass. Here are seven recommended road bike rides in or near Vail, Colorado:
  1. Vail to Vail Pass
  2. Vail to Frisco
  3. Vail Village - Vail Pass - Swan Mountain - Loveland Pass
  4. Copper Triangle traditional
  5. Copper Triangle reverse
  6. Vail to Beaver Creek Resort
  7. Bike Path Neighborhoods of Vail
Vail Pass, Colorado.  Photo© By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Vail to Vail Pass
Distance in miles: 31.76 miles
Altitude gain: 3044 ft
Start Elevation: 8187 ft
Max elevation: 10,620 ft
Description: Vail Village center to top of Vail Pass (west side)
Stops along the way: Sim's market in East Vail, Vail Pass rest station at the top of the pass.
Link to Map My Ride route map: Vail to Vail Pass Bike Ride route map and profile

*Tejay Van Garderen holds the record for fastest climb up Vail Pass from Vail Village (West Side) in a time of 25:01. The ITT route of the USA Pro Challenge does not go all the way to the summit.


Vail to Frisco and back
Distance in miles: 55.91 miles
Altitude gain: 5018 ft
Start Elevation: 8187 ft
Max elevation: 10620 ft
Description: Vail Village to Frisco Marina by bike over Vail Pass (both sides)
Stops along the way: Sim's market in East Vail; Vail Pass rest stop at the top of the pass, Copper Mountain Resort (quiet in summer), Starbucks just past Copper Mountain, Frisco Main Street, Frisco Marina (return).
Link to Map My Ride route map: Vail Village to Frisco bike Ride route map and profile


Vail Village - Vail Pass - Swan Mountain - Loveland Pass (return)
Distance in miles: 96.56 miles
Altitude gain: 9506 ft
Start Elevation: 8187 ft
Max elevation: 11971 ft
Description: Vail Village over Vail Pass to Frisco, over Swan Mountain Rd past Keystone, to Loveland Pass and return back around Lake Dillon over Vail Pass again to Vail Village.
Stops along the way: Sim's market in East Vail; Vail Pass rest stop at the top of the pass, Copper Mountain Resort (quiet in summer), Starbucks just past Copper Mountain, Frisco Main Street, Keystone Ski Resort (return).
Link to Map My Ride route map: Vail to Loveland Pass route map and profile



Copper Triangle from Vail (east loop/ traditional)
Distance in miles: 78.7 miles
Altitude gain: 7515 ft
Start Elevation: 8187 ft 
Max elevation: 11353 ft
Description: Vail Village - Copper Triangle Loop road bike ride, traditional east loop
Stops along the way: Sim's market in East Vail, Vail Pass rest stop at the top of the pass, Copper Mountain Resort (quiet in summer), Starbucks at the juncture with Copper Mountain, Leadville, Minturn, West Vail rest stop at Dawg Park.
Link to Map My Ride route map: Vail Copper Triangle route map and profile


Copper Triangle from Vail (west loop/reverse)
Distance in miles: 79.9 miles
Altitude gain: 7485 ft
Start Elevation: 8187 ft 
Max elevation: 11351 ft
Description: Vail Village - Copper Triangle Loop road bike ride, reverse west loop
Stops along the way: West Vail rest stop at Dawg Park, Minturn, Leadville, Starbucks at the juncture with Copper Mountain, Copper Mountain Resort (quiet in summer), Vail Pass rest stop at the top of the pass, Sim's market in East Vail. 
Link to Map My Ride route map: Vail Copper Triangle route map and profile


Vail to Beaver Creek Resort
Distance in miles: 26.61 miles
Altitude gain: 2405 ft
Start Elevation: 8187 ft 
Max elevation: 8672 ft
Description: Vail Village to Beaver Creek Resort short hillclimb. May extend this ride to Edwards.
Stops along the way: West Vail rest stop at Dawg Park, Avon, Beaver Creek Resort (quiet in summer), return.
Link to Map My Ride route map: Vail Village to Beaver Creek route map and profile


Bike Path neighborhoods of Vail
Distance in miles: 15.68 miles
Altitude gain: 1274 ft
Start Elevation: 8187 ft 
Max elevation: 8822 ft
Description: Casual bike ride near Vail; local roads and Gore Creek bike path loop ride
Stops along the way: Vail Village and Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Link to Map My Ride route map: Vail Village local and bike path ride map and profile


High altitude cycling

It rains most afternoons on Vail Pass so come prepared.  On the "false flat old Rd 6 over Vail Pass. Photo© By Karen at Pedal Dancer®
The Gore Creek bike path in Vail Valley. Photo© By Karen at Pedal Dancer®
The smaller bike path over Vail Pass from Copper Mountain/Frisco.  Photo© By Karen at Pedal Dancer®
Up and over Vail Pass at 16,662ft elevation (3,250m).  Photo© By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Pro Race in Colorado

If you are planning on attending the USA Pro Challenge race on August 23, 2014 in Vail, Colorado, please read this post: On the path of the USA Pro Challenge - Vail

Michael Rogers racing in the USA Pro Challenge in 2013 up Vail Pass. Photo© By Karen at Pedal Dancer®
SATURDAY, STAGE 6 : 10 miles Stage Map PDF  Stage Profile PDF
Individual Time Trial up Vail Pass bike path (same route as previous years)

The Pro's route from Vail Village to the end of the road up Vail Pass (just past where the narrow bike path begins)


More recommended bike rides in Colorado at: COLORADO CYCLING
Related posts: Recommended Road Bike Rides Near Aspen