Cycling Events and Bike Rides in Colorado 2016

2016 Colorado Bike Ride and Cycling Event Calendar List

2017 EVENT CALENDAR: Cycling Events and Bike Rides in Colorado 2017

You have discovered the comprehensive free bike event calendar in Colorado. Every year, thousands of road cyclists, gravel riders, mountain bikers, fat bike lovers and cruisers use the Pedal Dancer® bicycling event list to plan their personal cycling season. This is a fine list of bike events, organized by hard-working enthusiasts to bring you cycling events across our state; from free rides to charitable fundraisers to week-long bike tours.

There is much in store for local and visiting cyclists to Colorado in 2016. Get ready to escape on your bike in search of that next great ride. Any one of the rides listed below could change your path and expand your beliefs in what you are capable of doing both mentally and physically. What excites you about cycling in Colorado? What roads have you yet to ride? What mountain pass yet to climb, what speed yet to attain, what coffee shop yet to visit, what new friend yet to meet?

The Pedal Dancer Event Calendar List is now in it's fifth year, intending to inspire and help you plan and register for an event. Updated throughout the year, below is a calendar list of bike events in Colorado in date order with known 2016 dates and links to the cycling event website.

• If you would like to have your event added (for free) to the list, please contact me.
• For a list of bike races, please transfer to: Colorado and National Bike Race Calendar List 2016

It is never too late to be what you might have been. ~ George Eliot.
And to experience what you might otherwise have not. ~ me

© Copyright content of this post by Karen Rakestraw / Pedal Dancer® is a trademark for all online content. © All Photos by Karen Rakestraw.

The beautiful Swan Mountain bike path on route to Breckenridge. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

BIKE EVENTS

List of Colorado road cycling events, gran fondos, century rides, cruiser rides, fat bike races, randonneurs, extreme long distance bike events, hill climbs, mountain bike events, gravel rides, week-long bike tours, charity bike rides and so much more.

*Final dates will be added as published by the event organizers. This calendar will be updated throughout the year. 

2017 EVENT CALENDAR: Cycling Events and Bike Rides in Colorado 2017

Cycling EVENT RIDES and bike TOURS in Colorado in 2016:

January 3, 2016 - Resolution Ride, Parker, 20/30/40mi
January 16, 2016 - Winter Park Fat Bike Series - Frosty Fraser, Winter Park, Fat Bike
January 23, 2016 - Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series - Copper Mountain, Fat bike/MTB
February 7, 2016 - Old Man Winter Rally, Boulder, 50K/100K, gravel & paved & run
February 13, 2016 - Winter Park Fat Bike Series, Granby Ranch, Fat Bike
February 20, 2016 - Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series, Tennessee Pass Night Jam, Ski Cooper, Fat bike/MTB
January 27-31, 2016 - Fat Bike World Championships, Crested Butte, 20mi, Fat Bike
March 5, 2016 - Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series -Mineral Belt Mayhem, Leadville, Fat bike/MTB
March 12, 2016 - Winter Park Fat Bike Series -Rendezvous Rally, Winter Park, Fat Bike
March 12-15 , 2016 - Skinny Tire Festival, Moab, Utah, bike & run
April 2, 2016 - Winter Park Fat Bike Series - Granby Ranch to Snow Mtn Ranch, Fat Bike
April 2, 2016 - AntiEpic Gravel Grinder, Monument, 50/160mi, gravel
April 23, 2106 - Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series - East Side Epic, Leadville, Fat bike/MTB
April 28-May 1, 2016 - Fruita Fat Tire Festival, multi-event, MTB
April 30, 2016 - Ridgeline Rampage, Castle Rock, 16-mile circuit, MTB
April 30, 2016 - Encierro Ride (gravel), Monument, 50/100K
April 30, 2016 - Foothills Climbfest, Ken Caryl, 81mi, 8,000ft
May 1, 2016 - Rose Hill Rally, Grand Junction, 31/62mi (facebook) 
May 6-7, 2016 - 18 Hours of Fruita, Fruita, 7+mi repeated loop, MTB
May 7, 2016 - Dessert Rats Mtn Bike Classic, Kokopelli Trail CO-UT, 50/100K, MTB
May __, 2016 - Mission to Ride, Montrose, 40/60/100mi, road & MTB
May 14, 2016 - Battle The Bear, Lakewood, 10/20/30/50mi, MTB
May 20-22, 2016 - The Grand Junction Off Roa, Grand Junction (MTB)  
May 21, 2016 - Ride for the Pass, Independence Pass opening the road, Aspen, 10mi
May 21, 2016 - Triple C - Bike Ride, Broomfield, 45/62/100mi 
May 21, 2016 - Pony Xpress (gravel), Trinidad, 70/160K
May 22, 2016 - McKee Classic Bike Tour, Loveland, 5/30/37/60mi
May 22, 2016 - Santa Fe Century, Santa Fe, New Mexico 20/50/103.9mi
May 28-30, 2016 - Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Durango-Silverton, 50mi
May 28, 2016 - Boulder Fearsome Five, Boulder, 100mi, 15,000+ft
May 28, 2016 - The Half Growler, Gunnison, 32mi, MTB
May 29, 2016 - The Original (Full) Growler, Gunnison, 64mi, MTB
May 29, 2016 - Cafe Velo Tri Lakes GranFondo, Monument, 22/44/66/88/110mi
June 4, 2016 - Palisade Gran Fondo, Palisade, 40/69mi
June 4, 2016 - PV Cycle Derby, Elbert, 15/22/33/55mi, MTB 
June 4-5, 2016 - Eagle Outside Festival & Expo (Firebird 40), Eagle, 40K, MTB
June 4, 2016 - Buena Vista Bicycle Festival, Buena Vista 38/50/62/97mi
June 5, 2016 - Little Park Road Hillclimb, Grand Junction, 13.21mi, 1752.31ft
June 5, 2016 - Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival, Castle Rock, 40/62/100mi, road
June 5, 2016 - Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival, 27mi, gravel
June 9-10, 2016 - Ride The Rockies Prologue Ride (by special invite/registration)
June 11-13, 2016 - Death Ride Tour, Silverton, 225mi, 3-days
June 11-17, 2016 - The Denver Post Ride The Rockies, week-long tour
June 11, 2016 - Gran Fondo Aspen, Aspen, 54.9mi
June 11, 2016 - Pedaling for Parkinson's, Denver, 55mi
June 11, 2016 - Colorado High Country Double Century, Boulder, 207mi, 12,000ft
June 11, 2016 - Mountain Top Cycling Club Experience Ride, Woodland Park, 50/75/106mi 
June 12, 2016 - Eddy Rando - Parker, 20/40mi fast/slow, steel bikes & party 8:00am Map
June 16, 2016 - Urban Assault Ride, Boulder, obstacle challenge
June 18, 2016 - G'Night Ride, Longmont, 1/3/12mi, cruiser family ride
June 18, 2016 - Moots Colorado Ranch Rally, Steamboat Springs, 50mi, dirt road/gravel 
June 18, 2016 - Pedal 4 Possible, Louisville, 100mi 10/50/100K
June 18, 2016 - Starlight Spectacular, Garden of the Gods, night ride short ride
June 18, 2016 - Coldwell Banker Denver Century Ride, Denver, 25/50/75/100mi
June 18, 2016 - Bailey Hundo Bailey, 102.47mi, MTB
June 18, 2016 - Bailey Hundito Bailey, MTB
June 19, 2016 - Betti Bike Bash, Castle Rock, MTB, women only
June 19-25, 2016 - Bicycle Tour of Colorado, week-long tour
June 19, 2016 - Backcountry Burner, Highlands Ranch, MTB
June 25, 2016 - Sopris Century/Ride for the Child, Carbondale, 12/31/60/100mi
June 25, 2016 - Cycle to Saturn, Golden, 201mi, 20,000ft, Double Century
June 25-26, 2016 - Rough Riders 200, Angle Fire, NM, 50/100/150/200mi, 2-days 
June 25-26, 2016 - Bike MS Colorado, Fort Collins, 30-124mi options 1 or 2 days
June 16, 2016 - Urban Assault Ride, Denver, obstacle challenge
July 9, 2016 - Tour de Ladies, Parker, 30/62.5m, women only
July 9, 2016 - Colorado Classic Double Century, Boulder, 243mi, 16,000ft
July 9-10, 2016 - Triple Bypass, Evergreen-Avon, 120mi/240mi, 1 or 2 days
July 10, 2016 - Turin Retro Ride, Denver, Turin Bicycle Shop
July 16, 2016 - Bike to Build (SLV Century), Alamosa San Luis Valley, 35/60/100mi
July 16, 2016 - Breckenridge 100 Challenge 100mi, MTB
July 17, 2016 - Rapha 100 Women's Ride, Boulder, women's only ride, 100km
July 23, 2016 - Bob Cool Memorial Mt Evans Hill Climb, Idaho Springs, 28mi, 6,900ft 
July 23, 2016 - Kent Eriksen Tour de Steamboat, Steamboat Springs, 25/40/110mi
July 23-24, 2016 - Courage Classic, Summit and Eagle Counties, 3-days
July 23-30, 2016 - 109˚ West Bicycle Tour, SW Colorado, week-long tour
July 23, 2016 - SOS Outreach Colorado - Eagle River Ride, Beaver Creek, 42/68/100mi
July 23, 2016 - Bob Cook Mem'l Mt Evans Citizens Gran Fondo Hill Climb, Idaho Springs, 6630ft
July 30, 2016 - Grin & Barrett Black Canyon Buttkicker Charity Ride, Montrose, 33/50/75/115/155mi
July 30, 2016 - 155 Team Challenge Gran Fondo, Montrose
July 30, 2016 - Colorado Park to Park Challenge, Denver to Winter Park, 96mi (a challenge!)
July 30, 2016 - Circle the Summit (Bob Guthrie Memorial), Summit County, 21/45/60/100mi
July 30, 2016 - Cripple Creek Crippler, Ken Caryl, 207mi, 19,000ft, Double Century
July 31-August 6, 2016 - Colorado Rocky Mountain Bike Tour, Gunnison, 472mi, 7-days
August 6, 2016 - I-25 Kia Copper Triangle, Copper Mountain, 82mi
August 6, 2016 - Stonewall Century Bicycle Ride, Spanish Peaks, La Veta, 100mi
August 7, 2016 - Classic Velo Retro Rider, Boulder, Vecchio's at 10am
August 9-14, 2016 - Breck Epic, Breckenridge, 35-50mi a day, 6-day stage race, MTB 
August 13, 2016 - Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Leadville, 100mi, MTB
August 13, 2016 - Red Rocks Gran Fondo, Red Rocks (a hard one!), 33/50/62/100mi
August 13, 2016 - BStrong Ride, Boulder, 24/69mi
August 13, 2016 - The Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cycling Hillclimb Gran Fondo, 12.42m, ~8,000ft
August 13, 2016 - Prestige Imports Vuelta a Dillon Fondo, Dillon, 20/60/90mi
August 13, 2016 - Tour of the Valley, Grand Junction, 30/50/78/100mi
August 20, 2016 - Tour de Cure Colorado, Longmont, 10/50/62/100mi
August 20, 2016 - Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop, Golden, 200mi, 15,000ft
August 28, 2016 - Golden Gran Fondo, Golden, 20/60/90mi
August 27, 2016 - Colo Bike Law Lookout Mountain Hillclimb, Golden, 4.6mi, 1200ft
August 27, 2016 - Venus de Miles, Boulder, 33/51/100mi, women only
August 27, 2016 - CF Cycle For Life (Cystic Fibrosis), Highlands Ranch, 14/49/65mi
August 28, 2016 - Good Sam Bike Jam, Lafayette (Boulder County), 62/100mi
August 29, 2016 - Colorado Gran Fondo, Colorado Springs, 60/100mi
September 3, 2016 - The Axel Project Bicycle Classic, San Juan Mountains, 48/80mi
September 4, 2016 - West Elk Bicycle Classic, Gunnison-CB, 134mi, paved and dirt
September 9-11, 2016 - Vail Outlier, Vail, enduro, ultra XC MTB 
September 10-11, 2016 - Vapor Trail 125, Salida 125mi, midnight MTB, 1 night
September 11, 2016 - Wacky Bike Ride, Highlands Ranch, 6/45/62/100mi   
September 11, 2016 - Buffalo Bicycle Classic, Boulder, 35/50/70/100/110mi
September 15-18, 2016 - Salida Bike Fest, Salida, MTB, 4-days
September 16-18, 2016 - The Denver Post Pedal the Plains, Eastern Plains, 3-days
September 17, 2016 - Tour de Vineyards, Palisade, 25mi
September 17, 2016 - Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race, Salida 26mi, MTB
September 17, 2016 - Boulder Bike Brew Festival (by Cyclists 4 Community), Boulder
September 17, 2016 - Golden Giddy Up, Golden, Festival, MTB, Enduro
September 17-18, 2016 - Todd & Ned's Durango Dirt Fondo, Durango, 30/50mi, 2-days
September 18, 2016 - Monarch Crest Crank, Salida, 25mi, MTB
September 24, 2016 - Mountains To The Desert Bike Ride, Telluride, 70/100/103/133/200mi
September 24, 2016 - Telluride 200, Telluride, 200mi
September 24, 2016 - Bikes and Brews, Royal Gorge, Canon City, cruiser, road & MTB
September 24, 2016 - Royal Gorge Century, Royal Gorge, Canon City, 100mi
September 24, 2016 - Ride 4 Success, Greeley, family/25/50mi
September 24, 2016 - Tour de Cure Southern Colorado, Colorado Springs, 10/50/62/100mi
October 1, 2016 - Pedal 50, Monument, 55mi, gravel *free
October 1, 2016 - Moab Century Tour, Moab, Utah, 40/60/100mi
October 1, 2016 - Icon Tour of the Moon, Grand Junction, 62mi

For a growing list of mountain biking events and races, please go to: Colorado and National Bike Race Calendar List 2016.

A day of bikes, friends and swag. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

Colorado cycling EVENTS, FILMS, SUMMITS, SWAPS, PARTIES, FUNDRAISERS, and KEY REGISTRATION DATES in 2016:

List of Colorado bike swaps, special events, parties, bike meetings, award nights, key registration dates, bike camps and so much more.

December 1, 2016 - Lottery Registration opens for Leadville Trail 100, MTB, results in Jan
December 5, 2016 - Registration opens for Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
December to February 10th, 2016 - Registration for Baily Hundo 102, MTB
January 11, 2016 - Registration opens for Triple Bypass 2016
January 25-30, 2016 - Various activities Winter Bike Week, Denver
January 26, 2016 - Meetup Bikes Biz & Beer, Denver, every 2 months, (must RSVP)
January 27, 2016 - Ride Movement Winter Bike to Work Day, FREE Denver B-cycle day
January 27, 2016 - Nutrition Resolution Solutions by Caroline Smith, Giant Store, Littleton
January 27-31, 2016 - Festival Fat Bike World Championships, Crested Butte, Fat Bike
January 28, 2016 - Show and Tell Fat Bike Night, Denver
January 30, 2016 - Awards Party Bicycle Racing Association of Colorado Cross Cup 2015
January 31, 2016 - Fundraiser Trips for Kids Sundays with Fausto, Denver, 4-10pm
January 31, 2016 - Expo Colorado Custom and Vintage Bicycle Expo, Jefferson County Fairgrounds
February 6, 2016 - Route Announcement Party for Ride the Rockies 2016
February 6 - March 1, 2016 - Registration opens for Ride the Rockies 2016
February 8-9, 2016 - Meeting Colorado Bicycle Summit, Denver, Advocacy
February 18, 2016 - Movie Inspired to Ride (by Pedal of Littleton), Alamo Drafthouse, 7:15pm
February 24, 2016 - Officials Meeting BRAC 
February 24, 2016 - Cyclocross Race Directors Meeting BRAC
February 28, 2016 - Women's bike Clinic - ride your first Century, Campus Cycles Lakewood, 10-12pm
March 31, 2016 - Bike Shop fun Heels on Wheels, Denver, Women only
April 5, 2016 - Meetup Bikes Biz & Beer, Denver, every 2 months, (must RSVP)
April 21, 2016 - Bike Shop fun Heels on Wheels, Lakewood, Women only
April 29, 2016 - Fundraiser Bicycle Colorado Gala Fundraiser, Denver
April 30, 2016 - Bike Swap Colorado Springs VeloSwap, Colorado Springs, *Free buy and sell
May 4, 2016 - Ride Movement National Walk Bike to School Day
May 5, 2016 - Women's Night, WRC Women's Night Out, Wheat Ridge bike shop, 6-9pm
May 6-8, 2016 - Camp Junior Road Camp, Divide, CO, Tri Velo Series
May 8, 2016 - Ride Movement CycloFemme Day annual women's ride, check local rides
May 12, 2016 - Women's Night at Boulder Cycle Sport, 6-8pm
May 13-14, 2016 - Expo Colorado Bike Expo, Denver, 3-day outdoor event
May 16-20, 2016 - Ride Movement National Bike to Work Week
May 20, 2016 - Ride Movement National Bike to Work Day
May 22, 2016 - Meet n Greet Women Bike Colorado, Sterne Park Littleton, 1-5pm
June 12, 2016 - Ride with steel bikes! Eddy Rando, Parker with party after 8:00am Map
June 12, 2016 - Jesse Swift Benefit, Fundraiser to help. Alamo Draft House, Littleton 2:00pm
June 18, 2016 - Clinic - VIDA MTB Bike Clinic, Castle Rock, for women
June 18, 2016 - Little Bellas All Girls Bike Camp, Castle Rock (Ages 8-13 girls only)  
June 22, 2016 - Ride Movement Colorado Bike to Work Day
August 26-28, 2016 - Camp Junior CX Camp, Golden, CO, Tri Velo Series  
September 1, 2016 - Fundraiser Ride for Reading Denver Delivery 2016, Denver
October 22, 2016 - Swap Velo Swap, Denver, annual bicycle equipment swap

Dates TBD in 2016 - Camp Junior Mtn Bike Camp, Tri Velo Series

RMRC Thump Coffee race club members riding along Lake Dillon in 2015 on their way to Loveland Pass to watch the USA Pro Challenge.  ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

POPULAR CYCLING EVENT CATEGORIES

WOMEN only Cycling Events and Bike Rides/Races in Colorado in 2016:

If you enjoy the friendly atmosphere and good vibes of riding with other women - you will enjoy the show of strength and determination at these women only bike rides and races in Colorado:

March 31, 2016 - Bike Shop fun Heels on Wheels, Denver, women only night
April 21, 2016 - Bike Shop fun Heels on Wheels, Lakewood, women only night
June 19, 2016 - Betti Bike Bash, Castle Rock, MTB, women's clinic and race 
July 9, 2016 - Tour de Ladies, Parker, 30/62.5m, women's ride
July 17, 2016 - Rapha 100 Women's Ride, Boulder, 100km, women's only ride
August 27, 2016 - Venus de Miles, Boulder, 33/51/100mi, women's only ride

Colorado MULTI-DAY Event Tour Rides (2-day, 3-day, week-long tours) in 2016:

Why not vacation in Colorado in 2016? Completely relax knowing all you have to do is pedal ... for a week.

June 11-13, 2016 - Death Ride Tour, Silverton, 225mi, 3-days 
June 11-17, 2016 - The Denver Post Ride The Rockies, week-long tour
June 19-25, 2016 - Bicycle Tour of Colorado, week-long tour
June 25-26, 2016 - Rough Riders 200, Angle Fire, NM, 50/100/150/200mi, 2-days
June 25-26, 2016 - Bike MS Colorado, Fort Collins, 30-124mi options 1 or 2 days
July 9-10, 2016 - Triple Bypass, Evergreen-Avon, 120M/240mi, 1 or 2 days
July 23-24, 2016 - Courage Classic, Summit and Eagle Counties, 3-days
July 23-30, 2016 - 109˚ West Bicycle Tour, SW Colorado, week-long tour
July 31-August 6, 2016 - Colorado Rocky Mountain Bike Tour, Gunnison, 472mi, 7-days
August 9-14, 2016 - Breck Epic, Breckenridge, 35-50mi a day, 6-day stage race, MTB
September 16-18, 2016 - The Denver Post Pedal the Plains, Eastern Plains, 3-days

The love of the bike as much as the destination. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

Colorado Road CENTURY bike rides in 2016:

These century rides in Colorado promise you the option of near or greater than 100-miles on a road bike in a single day. For a list of Metric Centuries (62.137 miles), please see the complete list of events at the top of this page).

May 21, 2016 - Triple C - Bike Ride, Broomfield, 100mi
May 22, 2016 - Santa Fe Century, Santa Fe, New Mexico 103.9mi 
May 29, 2016 - Cafe Velo Tri Lakes GranFondo, Monument, 88/110mi
June 4, 2016 - Buena Vista Bicycle Festival, Buena Vista 97mi
June 5, 2016 - Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival, Castle Rock, 100mi
June 11, 2016 - Mountain Top Cycling Club Experience Ride, Woodland Park, 106mi
June 18, 2016 - Pedal 4 Possible, Louisville, 100mi
June 18, 2016 - Coldwell Banker Denver Century Ride, Denver, 100mi
June 25, 2016 - Sopris Century/Ride for the Child, Carbondale, 100mi 
June 25-26, 2016 - Rough Riders 200, Angle Fire, NM, 100/150/200mi, 2-days 
June 25-26, 2016 - Bike MS Colorado, Fort Collins, 30-124mi options 1 or 2 days
July 9-10, 2016 - Triple Bypass, Evergreen-Avon, 120mi/240mi, 1 or 2 days
July 16, 2016 - Bike to Build (SLV Century), Alamosa San Luis Valley, 100mi
July 23, 2016 - Kent Eriksen Tour de Steamboat, Steamboat Springs, 110mi
July 23, 2016 - SOS Outreach Colorado - Eagle River Ride, Beaver Creek, 100mi
July 30, 2016 - Grin & Barrett Black Canyon Buttkicke Charity Ride, Montrose, 115/155mi
July 30, 2016 - Colorado Park to Park Challenge, Denver to Winter Park, 96mi (a challenge!)
July 30, 2016 - Circle the Summit (Bob Guthrie Memorial), Summit County, 100mi
August 6, 2016 - Stonewall Century Bicycle Ride, Spanish Peaks, La Veta, 100mi
August 13, 2016 - Red Rocks Century, Red Rocks (a hard one!), 100mi
August 13, 2016 - Prestige Imports Vuelta a Dillon Fondo, Dillon, 90mi
August 13, 2016 - Tour of the Valley, Grand Junction, 30/50/78/100mi 
August 20, 2016 - Tour de Cure Colorado, Longmont, 100mi
August 28, 2016 - Golden Gran Fondo, Golden, 90mi
August 27, 2016 - Venus de Miles, Boulder, 100mi, women's ride
August 28, 2016 - Good Sam Bike Jam, Lafayette (Boulder County), 100mi
August 29, 2016 - Colorado Gran Fondo, Colorado Springs, 100mi
September 4, 2016 - West Elk Bicycle Classic, Gunnison-CB, 134mi, paved and dirt
September 11, 2016 - Wacky Bike Ride, Highlands Ranch, 100mi  
September 11, 2016 - Buffalo Bicycle Classic, Boulder, 100/110mi
September 24, 2016 - Mountains To The Desert Bike Ride, Telluride, 100/103/133/200mi
September 24, 2016 - Royal Gorge Century, Royal Gorge, Canon City, 100mi
September 24, 2016 - Tour de Cure Southern Colorado, Colorado Springs, 100mi
October 1, 2016 - Moab Century Tour, Moab, Utah, 100mi 

Colorado Gravel or Mountain Bike, 100K or 100-mile CENTURY bike rides in 2016:

These century rides in Colorado promise you the option of near or greater than 100-miles on a gravel bike or mountain bike in a single day.

February 7, 2016 - Old Man Winter Rally, Boulder, 50K/100K, gravel & paved & run
April 2, 2016 - AntiEpic Gravel Grinder, Monument, 50/160mi, gravel
April 30, 2016 - Encierro Ride (gravel), Monument, 50/100K
May 7, 2016 - Dessert Rats Mtn Bike Classic, Kokopelli Trail CO-UT, 50/100K, MTB
May 28-29, 2016 - The Original Growler, Gunnison, 32/64mi, MTB
June 12, 2016 - Eddy Rando - Parker, 20/40mi fast/slow, steel bikes & party 8:00am Map
June 18, 2016 - Bailey Hundo Bailey, 102.47mi, MTB
July 16, 2016 - Breckenridge 100 Challenge 100mi, MTB
August 13, 2016 - Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Leadville, 100mi, MTB
September 4, 2016 - West Elk Bicycle Classic, Gunnison-CB, 134mi, paved and dirt
September 10-11, 2016 - Vapor Trail 125, Salida 125mi, midnight MTB, 1 night

For an extensive list of Colorado mountain races and rides, please transfer to:  Colorado and National Bike Race Calendar List 2016

Olivia cycling. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

Colorado Triple Crown LONG DISTANCE rides in 2016:

RMCC 2016 Challenge Series / Colorado Triple Crown Series ultra distance cycling events, now number six, and includes these rides covering 80-200+ miles in a day, with over 11,000-16,000ft of climbing in a day, over multiple mountain passes of 11,000+ft in elevation. Many of these events are timed and awards (title) given for completing a series of rides. More information.

 Colorado Triple Crown Series

1. June 11, 2016 - Colorado High Country Double Century, Boulder, 207mi, 12,000ft 
2. June 25, 2016 - Cycle to Saturn, Golden, 201mi, 20,000ft, Double Century 
3. July 9, 2016 - Colorado Classic Double Century, Boulder, 243mi, 16,000ft
4. July 30, 2016 - Cripple Creek Crippler, Ken Caryl, 207mi, 19,000ft, Double Century
5. August 20, 2016 - Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop, Golden, 200mi, 15,000ft

Challenge Series Short-Course Events

1. April 30, 2016 - Foothills Climbfest, Ken Caryl, 81mi, 8,000ft
2. May 28, 2016 - Boulder Fearsome Five, Boulder, 100mi, 15,000+ft

Cycling Lifestyle. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

Randonneurring - EXTREME LONG DISTANCE cycling events in Colorado in 2016

There are more than 10,000 members of Randonneurs USA, find more information at www.rusa.org/. Randonneurring is long distance (200-1200+ mile) self-supported cycling. Brevets are randonneuring events. The events have time constraints and speed goals averaged whether still or moving. You'll find plenty of awards or certificates and incredible challenges, including the ultimate event, the Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur (every four years; next race August 2017) in France. A Populaire is a brevet-format ride shorter than 200km (100km-199km). To learn more randonneur blog. For a list of brevets in Colorado, please see Rocky Mountain Cycling Club. To seach the list of randonneur rides in the United States, please search by state at: Rondonneur Events.

• Brevet Schedule 2016 -  17 Randonneur events in Colorado, Brevet and Populaires (RMCC) 

Cruising.  ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

Colorado CRUISER rides in 2016

Short social bike rides around town, sometimes involving costumes, always involving rowdy fun.

Denver Cruiser Ride Denver Bike Nights - every Wednesday night, late spring to early fall, May to September 2016, typically near downtown Denver.
Longmont Bike Night - every Wednesday night, late spring to early fall, May to September 2016, near downtown Longmont.
Pueblo Cruiser Bike Rides - every Friday night, late spring to early fall, May to September 2016, near downtown Pueblo.
Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride, Boulder - every Thursday night, late spring to early fall, May to September 2016, near downtown Boulder.

Weekly Club Rides on Meetup

Rocky Mountain Cycling Club: intermediate to advanced; road, gravel, cruiser.

See more bike ride meetup groups in Colorado

Local Boulder resident Taylor Phinney surprised us all with a fantastic fast win into Steamboat Springs on Stage 1 of the 2015 USA Pro Challenge. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

Major PROFESSIONAL CYCLING RACE Events in Colorado for 2016:

USA PRO CHALLENGE 2016 is cancelled

The American Tour PRO RACE in Colorado is NOT returning for the summer of 2016. Race organizers have stated they needed more time to restructure the race and confirm new long-term race sponsorship. I had covered the race for five years at Pedal Dancer®: USA PRO CHALLENGE. It will be missed.

If you enjoy cheering on professional racers, mark your calendar for the USA cycling Pro Road Tour local race August 6, 2016 - Littleton Twilight Criterium Littleton, CO, Criterium, Men's / Women's.

South side of Loveland Pass. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

SUMMIT COUNTY cycling

If you ride in Summit County Colorado (Frisco, Dillon, Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain) you will be interested in reading my recommended rides featured on Ride with GPS.

Pedal Dancer® Rides Summit County Colorado

• 25.6 miles: Vail Pass from Frisco through Copper Mountain
• 30.8 miles: Loveland Pass from Dillon Marina through Keystone
• 36.9 miles: Montezuma from Frisco over Swan Mountain and back
• 40.7 miles: Breckenridge around Lake Dillon to Keystone loop
• 66.5 miles: Summit County East to West - Loveland Pass to Vail Pass
• 79.1 miles: Copper Triangle - Traditional Route (Vail Pass last)

Colorado CLIMBS - a list of cycling climbs in Colorado!

Please also see my magnificent online guide:
Pedal Dancer® Guide Page (description, ride reports, facts and maps): COLORADO CLIMBS

Map of 27 Pedal Dancer® recommended bike climbs in Colorado featured on this interactive map link.

Map of popular cycling climbs in Colorado by Pedal Dancer

Good luck in your quest to go higher, farther and faster (or simply to stop and smell the roses along the route) in 2016

If you would like to add your event to this page, please contact me.  Have a great year of cycling!
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. ~Lao Tzu

2017 EVENT CALENDAR: Cycling Events and Bike Rides in Colorado 2017


© Copyright content of this post by Karen Rakestraw / Pedal Dancer® is a trademark for all online content.

Elephant Rock

Riding E-Rock, a popular Colorado century ride

In Colorado, many consider the Elephant Rock Cycling Festival a marker that the cycling event season has begun, but in 2015, there are 28 earlier events listed on the Pedal Dancer® event ride list calendar. Elephant Rock, or E-Rock as it is known by it's nickname, is no longer the season-starter yet the ride remains a long tradition.

So popular is the ride (with a rider cap of 4500 for the metric and full century routes) that many "E-Rock Alternative" rides have popped up in the area. Rides organized by those who dislike this large organized event ride for some (strong) reason or another. Two years ago I joined onto one of those E-Rock alternative rides (because they promised a party afterwards) - it turned out to be a hundred miles on uninspiring inner city seamed bike paths through the ugliest industrial landscape imaginable. I renamed the ride the Bataan Death March of Bikes Rides and swore I would NEVER do that again.

I could have been out riding the rollers of the Black Forrest!

The Elephant Rock Festival is centered in Castle Rock, Colorado, almost half way between Denver and Colorado Springs. It is an early morning start with departure times of 5:30-7:00am for the century. The only two reasons that will get me up at 4:00am are a flight to Europe or a century ride. This ride is worth the early start; E-Rock has a history of rough weather with rain, wind, hail or sleet. Typically the 6-hour century rider in Colorado can expect cold starts and warm finishes.

The immediate reward for finishing this event is a nice social gathering post race on the county fairgrounds grass lawn with a mediocre (better than expected) lunch. The true reward is that wonderful post century body buzz and feeling of accomplishment.

The signature Event Jersey - some people collect these at $76 a pop.

To cut right to the matter of things, the two main positives of this ride are: good value (as long as you don't buy that jersey above which is more than the cost of registration) and a route which covers territory typically not possible to ride unassisted. Value and access matter to me. I don't like paying high prices ($125-155 for Copper Triangle, compared to $70-85 for E-Rock) for an event ride I could do any given weekend on my own by utilizing local markets or gas stations to fill my water bottles (although I do believe $150 for the Triple Bypass is a fine deal).

If you register by February 28th, Elephant Rock is $70 (with a $4.90 registration fee). The amount goes up slightly by increments prior to the ride. Register here.

A clear sign you are at a cycling event. At Elephant Rock 2012. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

I enjoy the rolling terrain of the Black Forest included in the Elephant Rock Century. I also remember courteous enthusiastic riders with a pleasant overall feel to the event (except for the local farmers splashing the road with cow dung). The century and metric century routes take cyclists along roads not possible to ride contiguously without aid stations or sag support. New this year, is a brand new course utilizing farm roads previously unpaved or unconnected. The route should be a nice change and the event is on my personal calendar.

June 7, 2015 - Suburu Elephant Rock Cycling Festival, Castle Rock, Colorado
Route options: kids / 8 / 27 / 40 / 62 / 101.3 miles
You may join 7 different charity teams for fundraising

Elephant Rock Century Route: 101.3 miles, +5705 / -5703

Elephant Rock new route course for 2015. Ride With GPS interactive course map.

Castle Rock is 35 minutes south of Denver, along the Front Range of Colorado.

The best part of attempting a century ride in early June is that it gets me out riding in March, April and May! Elephant Rock is a moderate century with climbing limited to 5705 feet over the distance. A good preparation for the big climbing routes later in the season which tend to be greater than 10,000+ feet of climbing in the same distance.

Did you know there are 32 century rides listed on the Pedal Dancer 2015 Colorado Cycling Events and Bike Rides calendar list.

Some century ride tips I have learned over the years and I hope to repeat again this year:

• Pick up your registration packet prior to ride day.
• Set out all your gear ahead of time, the night before, and pack your bags. Pack one bag with all the items to put on pre-ride or put in your jersey pockets (when the bag is empty on ride morning you know you have everything you need). Pack a second bag with your after ride clothing. 
• Pack all your ride food the night before. I place extra drink mix measured into a small plastic bag to bring with me in my jersey pocket, accounting for a bottle every 45-minutes of my estimated ride time. I cut up bars into pieces and place them in a baggie for my jersey pocket.
• Know your drink mix calorie and food calorie needs. A replacement mix that is fine for 45 miles, might need more supplemental food for 100 miles of continuous effort.
• Remember to bring a bike pump in your car. I've seen people getting flats pre-ride by rolling over parking lot crap. I always pump my tires prior to every ride.
• Absolutely wear a three pocket jersey, you will need it for your extra clothing layers and food.
• Get a good nights sleep the night before.
• Eat your regular pre-ride breakfast.
• Start early.
• Wear arm and knee warmers and a vest (or light jacket depending on the weather forecast).
• On the ride, within 30-45 minutes, begin eating small amounts at regular intervals. I reach into that baggie of bar cubes open in my back pocket and pop one into my mouth while riding. I do not only eat at rest stops.
• Consider passing by the first rest station, if possible. It is typically the most crowded and will take up the most of your time. 
• Don't eat any food or drink any mix you are not accustomed to fueling your ride. Don't try out any new gear on ride day.
• I admit I typically only ride with one bottle full of water (but carry two bottles in case). The rest stops are so frequent you do not need two full bottles every ~14 miles, unless you ride 8mph. It adds weight and is simply more fuss than necessary.
• Some people skip aid stations all together, I like to stop as the ride progresses simply to mark the distance traveled and enjoy the mood of the event, but I strongly recommend not stopping for long (!!) at each rest stop, keep moving! Weather moves in during the afternoons in Colorado.
• Ride safely, and stay out of the big pelotons that pass in mass unless you know all of the riders in them, or have been asked to join in.
• Ride consistently and finish strong. Keep your heart and nerves as steady as possible to conserve energy. It is much more fun to race the last 12 miles than it is to suffer the last 12 miles.
• Bring clothes to change into immediately after the ride, before lunch. Change in your car. Bring a jacket in case it is cold, bring shorts/skirt in case it is warm. 
• Go back to the finish line to cheer on your friends as they finish, well after your time! 
• Don't hesitate to ride a century on your own, you will never truly be riding alone. My bet is that you might finish with some of the same people you started with.

One year on the Elephant Rock (I think I have done it 6 or 7 times), I was riding with a good friend, who proclaimed, at mile marker 33, that she was not feeling the love that day. Although we had planned to complete the century ride, we diverged at the cut-off to the 65-mile route. I decided to go with her. Suddenly both of our moods lifted and we glided over those last remaining miles. I also experienced the elation of removing the paper wrapping off the porta pottie toilet paper rolls - I gotta say there is something to be said for arriving at rest stations first (and I think that is better goal than any STRAVA record). I never had a better, more fun ride. I learned spontaneity is just fine, even on a planned event ride.

Read more from one of my years on route: 100 miles on a bike

View of 14,114 foot Pikes Peak from the route of the Elephant Rock Century ride. Photo by Karen Rakestraw while riding the event in 2010.The morning light from a bike saddle is fantastic in Colorado.

Banff Film Festival and the Galibier

Soaring Above the Mountain

The Banff Mountain Film Festival is an annual traveling show featuring adventure films that expand my world. The festival is a collection of set films on given dates, often exposing me to sports I would normally not see on the big screen: kayaking, extreme skiing, ice climbing, travel adventure and more. This year a special gem starts off the film festival, in Denver, Colorado on Thursday night, featuring the Col du Galibier.

Once I heard the Galibier would be featured - I rushed to buy my ticket. 

The dates of the festival were brought to my attention by a fellow American blogger and frequent traveler/cyclist to France (Suze). She too has ridden the Galibier and recently shared having seen the film on her blog. Immediately I went to look up dates in hopes that I had not missed my opportunity to witness aerial views of the mighty Galibier. Luckily I had not missed out, my ticket now sits waiting on my dining room table for Thursday night's viewing.

The FAQs:
Banff Film Festival Website: Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival
Dates in Denver, Colorado: Thursday, February 26th, 2015 and Friday 27th (Friday sold out!)
Location: Paramount Theater, downtown Denver
Denver sponsor: Colorado Mountain Club
Films featured in 2015: film schedule for Denver
Tour schedule and dates: USA Locations,  Canada Locations,  International Locations
Colorado cities remaining on the tour for February and March 2015 include: Aspen, Crested Butte, Colorado Springs, Durango, (Boulder today and tomorrow!) - get your tickets.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival was founded in 1976. You may attend the complete 9-day festival in Banff, Alberta, Canada every year in November. Approximately 840 traveling screenings of selected films are seen in locations around the globe after the initial festival in Banff. More than 5000 films have been submitted to the festival over the years. This Thursday night I will sit for over 3 hours and watch 8 films.

2015 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

Every year that I have attended the Banff Film Festival, I have been glad I made the time to see the work and play of these adventurous film makers. This year I will watch an 88-year old extreme skier, footage of the Empty Quarter desert on the Arabian Peninsula, free climbing Cerro Torre in Patagonia, and stories of a slack liner, a stand-up paddle boarder, mountain bikers, and big mountain skiers. Plus I will get to see the aerial footage of Col du Galibier, Santorini in Greece, and the Aiguille du Midi above Chamonix all in one film.

If you have been on the Col du Galibier yourself, without a doubt, you know that part of that mountain stays with you for the rest of your life. The achievement of riding both sides of the mountain is enormous. The Galibier is grand and epic and majestic and awesome beyond words. It is by far one of the deepest triumphs I have felt (probably because I fought through a bonk to summit it the second time in the day). I can still feel that climb in the memory of my cells. That says a lot.

I can't wait to see this film on the big screen with a room full of other adventurous souls. Some things should be brought back to the forefront of our memory.

Read more: My ride up the Col du Galibier

Head down (that's me hurting) or looking around (that's my brother enjoying the view), all I remember is it was hard and it was glorious!  (Riding the Col du Galibier with my brother Mike)

I can't wait to experience the feeling of being back on that mountain this Thursday night!

p.s. update: The Film Festival was absolutely wonderful. I plan to go to both nights next year.

Route of 2015 Bicycle Tour of Colorado

BTC Route Announced Tonight

Continental Divide Loop
Dates: Sunday, June 21, 2015 - Saturday, June 27, 2015
420-441 mile loop beginning and ending in Breckenridge, Colorado.

The organizers of the annual (now in it's 21st year) Bicycle Tour of Colorado (BTC) held their first ever announcement party this evening in Lakewood, Colorado. I stopped by for a quick visit to hear about the route, see some familiar faces and meet some new ones.

Event Organizers have a great route planned for the tour in 2015, which will include some of the best of the best mountain passes in Colorado: Fremont, Independence, McClure, Kebler, Cottonwood, Hoosier. 

If you want to really get fit for summer riding - do the Bicycle Tour of Colorado in June. A week of high altitude long distance climbing will really get your legs in shape. This year BTC takes place the week after Ride The Rockies; in fact if you really want to get is shape (on the verge of total exhaustion) you can pedal for 14-days in a row and complete both of the week-long tours.

As a special feature this year, Day 2 will include a KOM challenge award for the fastest mens and womens time to the top of Independence Pass. There might also be additional routes options available.

This evening I was told that nearly 40% of the riders who take part in the BTC challenge every year, travel from out of state or out of country. BTC brings 1,500 riders as cycling tourists in and out of some of the most scenic towns in Colorado. Even for locals, this year's route is a beauty.

Where the tour will take you in 2015

June 20, 2015 - Check-in times (2-6pm) in Breckenridge Recreation Center

June 21, 2015 - Day 1: Breckenridge (over Fremont Pass) to Leadville, 39 miles; (optional 21 Turquoise Lake loop for 60 miles total)

June 22, 2015 - Day 2: Leadville (over Independence Pass, through Aspen) to Carbondale, 88 miles

June 23, 2015 - Day 3: Carbondale (over McClure Pass, partial gravel) to Hotchkiss, 64 miles

June 24, 2015 - Day 4: Hotchkiss (over Kebler Pass, partial gravel) to Crested Butte, 54 miles

June 25, 2015 - Rest Day in Crested Butte

June 26, 2015 - Day 5: Crested Butte (over Cottonwood Pass) to Salida, 96 miles

June 27 2015 - Day 6 Salida (over Hoosier Pass) to Breckenridge, 79 miles

Route of 2015 Bicycle Tour of Colorado, June bike tour in Colorado

BTC profile maps, 2015.

2015 BTC Brochure

Distances ranges from 39-96 miles a day. All you have to do on your vacation is ride, eat, and sleep (rest and walk around town).  The profile maps will be published tomorrow on the official bicycletourcolorado.com website.

Cost: registration
Does include aid stations, tshirt, maps, medical, 2 bag baggage transfer, outdoor camping with shower.
Does not include hotels, shuttleguy camping, meals, bike box sotrage, parking, jersey.

• January: $470
• February: $475
• March: $480
• April: $485
• May: $490
• June (through June 20th, Tour Check-In): $495

I did a similar route to this in 2009 with two girlfriends. We had a good time and thought the Shuttleguy camping services fine (they set up and tear down your tent for you), get your own tent! I have used their service at both Ragbrai and BTC, they have morning coffee and a place to charge your devices. We would loudly recommend getting a hotel in Crested Butte for the two nights, this is on top of the camping fee. You will be very pleased to have the space indoors to reorganize your gear, do your laundry on the rest day, and get two good nights of sleep.

This is a loop route for 2015. Breckenridge is a 1 hour 30 minute drive from Denver (add 30 minutes to the airport) without traffic. There are shuttle van services from the airport to this mountain ski town, Summit Express. Plenty of accommodations and restaurants are available in town (see link below) with other good bike rides near by as a warm up if you arrive early.

Recommendations: Don't worry about the gravel roads over Kebler Pass and Cottonwood Pass, they are actually quite enjoyable (and doable) rides. However, absolutely carry cold weather gear with you every day: arm warmers, knee warmers, vest, jacket, gloves. Pack a hat, long finger gloves, shoe covers and tights for the trip just in case. The weather in June can be warm to very cold, and even snowy with almost guaranteed afternoon rain showers and cool nights.

The riders who do Bicycle Tour of Colorado tend to be quite self-sufficient, prepared and well-trained. You definitely will want to train well in all conditions and get used to riding early morning if possible. Riders tend to depart early to avoid the afternoon weather.

I never bother with a big breakfast since I eat constantly during a ride (bring the food you are used to eating), I do however, look for food within 35 minutes of arrival (recovery is very important) and might even eat two meals (or a big snack and a dinner) once I arrive in the destination city for the day. Eating something with protein upon arrival, and getting the knickers off quickly, takes a priority over the shower, which is a second priority. I bring a baggie of my own preferred replacement drink and a recovery drink mix for after the ride. Also be sure to always remove your cycling gloves before going into any porta-potty or digging in at the aid station (you do not want to get sick on your vacation).

A few photos from cycling the magnificent roads included in this year's tour, by me, Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®:

The colorful town of Breckenridge

Independence Pass: 12,095 ft max elev., max grade 6.5%, moderate, gain 3000ft in 20.0 miles

The decent off of Independence Pass into the town of Aspen

The Village Smithy, in Carbondale, should be very busy on event day.

You will pass the coke ovens near Redstone Colorado on the way to McClure Pass

McClure Pass: 8866 ft max elev., max grade 9%, moderate, gain 3633ft in 41.98 miles
 

Love seeing any summit sign.

Looking back down the beautiful valley floor from the final kilometers up McClure Pass. That is SH 133

Kebler Pass: 10,079 ft max elev., max grade 11%, 4475 ft gain in 30.42 miles.

Kebler Pass Map My Ride link

The town of Crested Butte is the perfect place for a rest day. Lots of restaurants within a walk.

Cottonwood Pass: 12,126ft max elev., max grade 8%, 2700 ft gain in 13.5 miles.

Breckenridge will still have snow capped peaks in June. It's a beautiful mountain town.

Related Pedal Dancer Posts:
Bicycle Tour of Colorado - revisited
Recommended Road Bike Rides Near Aspen
Recommended road rides near Vail, Colorado
On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Breckenridge

Best Sportives and Gran Fondos

Favorite Citizen Event Rides

By way of CyclingTips today comes this recommended viewing video from GCN listing the top 10 Cyclosportifs and Gran Fondos in the world. I have to say I fully agree with this list. These are the events that come closest to allowing amateur cyclists to feel what the pros endure on any given stage. They are true challenges, and I am sure there is some fool out there trying to conquer all ten.

Video link : Top 10 Best Sportives And Gran Fondos To Cycle In The World. By GCN

 


What are the top cyclotourist rides - although they are more like races!

1. Etape du Tour, Annecy, France - 130km: July 7, 2013
2. Haute Route, Geneva-Nice, 7 days (with time trial) - 866km (also in Pyrenees)
3. La Marmotte, Central Alps - 174km: July 6, 2013
4. Gran Fondo Stelvio Santini, Italy - 151km: June 2, 2013
5. Paris-Roubaix, France - 212km: April 6, 2013
6. Mallorca 312, Spain - 312km:  April 27, 2013
7. Ronde van Vlaanderen Cyclo, Flanders, Belgium - 140km: March 3, 2013
8. Wiggle Dragon Ride, South Wales, UK - 216km: June 9, 2013
9. Levi's Gran Fondo, Ca1ifornia, USA - 165km: October 5, 2013
10. Scody 3 Peaks Challenge, Victoria, Australia, 235km: March 10, 2013

Whether you call them a gran fondo, cyclosportif, cyclosportive, cyclorace, citizen's ride, event ride, or just plain crazy, I think these events are amazing, so I have written before about getting out there and doing it yourself. Related reading, previous posts by Pedal Dancer:

• You too can race the cobbles
• Cyclosportives - you can do it!
• 2012 Ronde van Vlaanderen for cyclotourists 
• 2012 l'Étape du Tour Mondovelo
• L'Etape du California is back for 2012 
• Levi's GranFondo 2011
• The best climbs in Europe in the Grand Tours  
• Fast Freddie Gran Fondo, and a New Champion 2013 

Recommended reading: Gran Fondo Bucket List By Cycling Tips

The Challenge of the Ages

A high noon showdown between the old and the young

I envision the ultimate charity event. A competition between the best American pro riders - old versus  young. In two teams, racing for their chosen charity. In a vote of confidence, fans would donate to their chosen team. An additional sponsor donation would cover costs and go to the winning team's selected charity. 

The ideas is this:

Teams: 2 teams of 4-5 riders 

Team Old: George Hincapie, Levi Leipheimer, Chris Horner, Christian Van de Velde, David Zabriskie. 

Old Geezers

Team Young: Matthew Busche, Tejay Van Garderen, Taylor Phinney, Ben King, Danny Summerhill.

Young Bucks

Charity event: Each team would pick the charity of their choice. Think Ryder Cup, by age, for charity. 

Ride (not race): A 60-mile road ride (double 30-mile loop ride), and a 15-20 mile individual time trial ride. 

Winner: Combine the times of the top 3 riders in each event for the best overall team. 

Award: Event sponsors would cover team costs. All fan donations would go to each team's chosen charity.  

Donations: Fans would become Team Sponsors for the day by donating any amount to the team's charity.

Coverage: Live online video of the race by CyclingDirt.com, with pre and post race video interviews by Bicycling.com, and photography and news by VeloNews.

This is the moment in time when an event like this could actually take place. Jim Ochowicz, Jonathan Vaughters and Johan Bruyneel might need to get involved, but why not celebrate these amazing American riders while we can. And for a good cause, however unknown that cause might be at this point. With the riders choosing their charities, the result could only be good. 

We as fans vote (a kinder way of saying bet) for the team by donating to their cause. Maybe we vote for both teams! I joked with my brother, "maybe they could ride for the Colombian teams." A reference to the low budget teams in the peloton. In some regards the low-budget teams inspired this idea.

I am convinced that if the fans and community had known that the Colombian teams needed additional support while competing at the recent USA Pro Challenge, cycling fans across this nation would have donated bikes, equipment, tents, food, vehicles, masseurs, mechanics, rooms and meals. The fans could have been team sponsors.

This realization, should lead us to believe (although this was my brother's idea) there is an untapped resource here. Fans could experience being Team Sponsors for a day. Donations (votes, bets) by fans, would be placed on the team, rider, directeur sportif, mechanic, masseur, team car, or podium girl (each team also gets to select their podium girl). We as fans, could play Flavio Becca for the day, by deciding how to spend our sponsor budget (donations). This takes the virtual team concept into the real world - for a charity. What fun it could be and what a competition.

A fun way to promote the sport to an even greater number of fans. The riders, in addition to supporting their own individual event rides (as is customary), would come together for this one team format charity event. Not a race, but a charity event (the UCI can donate if they want). Jonathan Vaughters could be free to ride in a Pope mobile with roof racks and a loud speaker race radio if he wanted. 

If the event appears to border on being a race, then each team can pick 3 guest teammates of their choice. It wouldn't matter if the riders came together in the east, west, or middle coast, or in Spain, because we would be linked online voting and cheering for this one event across the nation and from Europe. Think of the possibilities. 

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