Photo for the Day - Hautacam

Hautacam

The green hills and ski lifts of the Hautacam.  click to enlarge  2010 Photo by Karen Rakestraw at Pedal Dancer®

I woke up this morning thinking about what will be the last major climb of the 2014 Tour de France. The Hautacam is a 13.6 km climb (or 14.5 depending on your starting location) that many people would have a tough time placing on a map. That is because the climb to Hautacam is not on a mountain peak or a pass, the climb instead leads to a local ski resort in the Lavendan Valley of the Pyrenees.

The Hautacam is located down-valley from the grand majestic Col du Tourmalet, and up-valley from the oddly religious city of Lourdes. But just because the Hautacam wraps itself across a plush green hillside don't discount the impact this climb will have in the outcome of this year's race.

The Hautacam is one of my favorite climbs. Perhaps not as epic as other climbs in the area, but for an open road bike rider it is just right. The grade changes as you climb, and that means a refreshing almost inspiring change of gears. Don't let those 8% signs fool you, the signs seem to announce 8% every time you spot one, even when your legs are telling you they must be under-averaging. Actually the official average places the total climb at 7.8% (some say 7.5%), but that doesn't mean you wont feel those 13-15% sections.

Come on! give me a 10% sign! I know I am climbing at least 10%!   Photo by Karen Rakestraw at Pedal Dancer® 2010

You'll begin to wonder why they even bothered posting yet another tormenting 8% sign because the gradient is not the full story of this climb. The real joy is to be found in the numerous turns and twists as you rise higher and higher up the hillside. You'll get a real sense that you are climbing as you watch the lovely valley recede below. It does not matter that the climb to Hautacam basically leads nowhere (to a ski parking lot), because the smile on your face and the aticipation of the excellent descent will tell you the climb was well worth it.

The not so glorious top of the Hautacam.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw at Pedal Dancer® 2008

We could look at the climb of the Hautacam this way

But I think it best to look at it this way - the Hautacam wraps up that hillside.

Photo by Karen Rakestraw at Pedal Dancer® 2012

And to look at it this way - bend after ascending bend

On a beautiful green slope

Photo by Karen Rakestraw at Pedal Dancer® 2010

This is the view from the Hautacam across the Lavendan Valley, quintessential Pyrenees, and your reward for climbing the Hautacam (on a nice day).

Photo by Karen Rakestraw at Pedal Dancer® 2010

During this year's Tour de France, the peloton will not get to enjoy the scenery of this very nice climb, fans will line every bend of the road screaming and yelling at them to go, go. The riders will however feel the clever attacks as the road varies in steepness to the finish line. The Hautacam is well-deserving of being called hard.

The Hautacam is a pleasant low-traffic climb on any day other than Tour day. On this year's Tour day, it should be an active ride or walk up and a fine place to spend hours sitting on a hillside waiting for the arrival of the best climbers in the world (as long as the weather is good because it can get very cold on this hillside). The Hautacam might not appear as epic as the Col du Tourmalet, but you have to ride the Hautacam to truly know it.

Map of route from the city of Pau to the climb of Hautacam.  Map from pyreneesmultisport.com

This year the 22nd edition of L'Etape du Tour takes on Stage 18 of the Tour de France. The lucky participants will get to challenge themselves on this exact stage, read more: L’Étape du Tour, July 20th (it sold out quickly this year, but some limited spaces are still available through a couple tour companies.)

Right in the middle of the Pyrenees.  click google map to enlarge

I once had a nice stay at a cycling lodge just across the valley. I woke up to a view of the Hautacam every morning. No I wasn't still dreaming, it was real. (La Lanterne Rouge, Saint-Savin, France).

If you are in the area also climb the Col du Tourmalet, Col d'Aubique, Col du Soulor, Cirque du Litor, Col de Spandelles, and Luz Ardiden. For more information on the Hautacam, the best description is by Velopeloton. I imagine Paddy, the author, will be watching a number of the pros train on this climb in spring/summer, he can see the Hautacam from his home in Saint-Savin, lucky guy.

Related posts by Pedal Dancer: Undulating, Unrelenting, Underdressed (my ride up the Hautacam in 2010), and I'm back at La Lanterne Rouge (in 2012) and Route of the 2014 Tour de France

Photo for the Day - Robbie McEwen

Photo for the Day Series

I am inspired to share some random photos I have taken over the years. And so begins the Photo for the Day Series, which will run for 76 days, ending appropriately on April 6, 2014, 4-years after this blog first began (first inspired by the Paris-Roubaix classic bike race in France). My photo series will feature one main photo and sometimes a couple extra bonus shots when appropriate.

Photo for the Day #1

In honor of the Tour Down Under which begins tomorrow in Adelaide, Australia, which to me marks the start of the 2014 road bike racing season, here is a photo of the great sprinter Aussie Robbie McEwan (born in Brisbane), on his final day(s) of retirement.

Robbie McEwen is no longer technical adviser to team Orica-GreenEDGE, instead he will be assisting Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen with race commentary for this week's 2014 Tour Down Under. You can also follow Robbie on Twitter @mcewenrobbie.

Robbie McEwen will be running a 10-day VIP trip to the Giro d'Italia this year in case you have an extra $9,890 AUD ($8,723 USD) in cash burning a hole in your pocket. He will also continue operating his clothing and chamois creme line, and doing more freelance commentary.  I suppose he has to get out there before Jens Voigt retires and snatches up all the commentary jobs. Read more at VeloNation: End of McEwen’s role with Orica GreenEdge.     click any image to enlarge

Robbie McEwen's final podium at the Amgen Tour of California in 2012.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw at Pedal Dancer

And more ...

Robbie McEwen scanned the crowd from the podium and knew it was his last.  Photo by Karen Rakestraw at Pedal Dancer

Robbie's farewell wave to the crowd from the sign-in stage before his last race.  Photo by Willie Richenstein for Pedal Dancer

Robbie's last call up for his final stage departing Beverly Hills, CA in May 2012. Photo by Willie Richenstein for Pedal Dancer

Perhaps that moment Robbie knew his retirement two days later would be welcomed. Photo by Willie Richenstein for Pedal Dancer

For news on the Tour Down Under: Tour Down Under Official Website or Steephill Tour Down Under page

Also read The Great Australian Road Trip, a journey 2000 miles from Brisbane to Adelaide, just to attend a bike race.

This week, everyone is talking about the newest Australian sprinting marvel - Caleb Ewan:  Tour Down Under: Caleb Ewan earmarked for greatness

The Changing World of Photography

I love being a photographer

I have spent a busy month co-developing a new collective site for photographers. The site, RacerShots.com, is a timely development in the changing world of sports photography. In an age when everyone is a photographer or videographer and recording every step of our life is efficient and prevalent, what does the flood of visual images mean for a photographer who has worked hard to etch their niche in the already competitive world of photography?

Change

Change and adaptation is what it means. Bike races are not what they were even three years ago. Pro Teams are their own PR production studios; fans post images instantly on twitter, facebook, instagram, vimeo and youtube; cycling news sources are fed the same news blasts and reproduce similar sentence structure within minutes. With everyone clambering for views and followers, in the wake of the haste, some quality is sacrificed.

Quality

I believe there is still joy to be found in a quality professional photograph or a well-crafted story. Please support those sources that you value knowing full well imminent changes are coming fast. Rapidly we will witness continuing changes in how cycling news and promotion is farmed and distributed.

Cooperation

The joining of forces by photographers is a growing trend. By doing so we gain added exposure, provide a variety of skill-sets and coverage, build a brand that circles back to grow our personal efforts and receive support from the community at large. We offer an organized approach. Cooperatives are a good idea which requires letting go of old-school approaches where photographers would cling to their contacts in an attempt to maintain exclusivity.

How can an artist be truly exclusive when Joe Fan just got the same coverage on his GoPro or iphone? Race promoters and teams freely mine and encourage outsourcing of public images for use in advertising. It's like having thousands of non-paid employees out there promoting your product. Yet I believe professionals or well-practiced amateurs with good knowledge of the sport, athletes and location offer better presentation.

Abundance

For a photographer to officially cover the sport of cycling, they are (and I believe should be) associated with a publication. Publications (magazines, newspapers, websites, blogs, mixed media account) are important to organize and distribute news. They are key to getting the sport out there to the wider population. Sure a quickly posted video is an excellent source of immediate news, allowing the viewer to feel like they were there. Instagram and Twitter speaks well only to it's respective specific sub-set of followers.

I believe there are two many photographers in ratio to publications at the races.

I feel far greater respect for the journalist or photographer from the local high school paper who shows up to cover the bike race that came to their town, than I do for the mass of photographers who simply have a facebook account and had asked their friend to get them "in." I feel the understanding that the photographer's role is not access but joint promotion, can be lost. Free advertising and spreading the word via social media is a grand idea, but it could stand to be pared down a bit for the sake of professionalism.

Partnership

Strength in refined numbers. I see photography as an important piece of the big picture through both promoting races and sponsors ahead of time and during the event. In addition, photographers can provide organizers and sponsors with good photos to circulate post event and before the next year's event. These days we all want things now and images are an exciting form of now. I believe the death of the professional photographer has not yet come, but we better adapt, and fast. Flying solo may be far less effective than joining a team and working in partnership to cover more faster.

Good Advice

When my co-creator at RacerShots, John Flora, first decided to organize some of the local photographers together onto RacerShots, I could instantly see the benefit, but I was interested in photography for use in my storytelling, I am not a pro. We experienced growing pains yet had good success in our first month with over 5,000 views while introducing our name and concept.

In the first week of our endeavor I reached out for advice from Tim Labarge, an accomplished photographer in Portland, Oregon (see his work), who had himself been part of a cooperative of photographers. Tim was open and encouraging, he even sent us a letter of good luck before we headed into our first big week of covering the 2014 USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships as a team. 

That same day, Tim LaBarge passed along this timely article about photography cooperatives and the changing world of professional photography, a valuable read and reinforcement that we were on the right track: Photography Cooperatives and  Collectives

Forever learning

My interest in photography began in my twenties when I first traveled abroad. It has grown with my interest in story-telling and need for original photographs. I continue to learn and be inspired by the best. I have my favorite cycling photographers whom I regularly follow, they include:

• Darrell Parks Photography
• Doug Pensinger 
• Jered & Ashley Gruber 
• Kristof Ramon
• Louie Traub
• O'nev Cyclismo Fotographia
• Paddy Sweeney of VeloPeloton
• and more cycling photographers listed on this page: Pedal Dancer
  Recommendations and Resources

My new pride and joy - RacerShots.com

2014 USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships Guide

Your Guide to CX Nats

Are you planning on racing or attending the cyclocross nationals in Boulder, Colorado this week? If your answer is yes, and it should be yes, here is a quick quide to attending the race. Below you will find the event schedule, course map, venue map, parking map, packet pick-up times, startlists, special events and parties, where to watch live online, plus more information to enjoy the week at Nationals. Also see the official website and list of race sponsors.

When is the race?

January 8-12, 2014. Yes there will be races beginning on Wednesday with various age groups and categories spread out across a busy week through Sunday afternoon when the really big show of Female and Male Elite racers take to a well-beaten course.

For an official schedule, please see: 2014 USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships race schedule

Here's the scene @bikevalmont yesterday, but warmer temps are predicted for the start of #CXnats on Wednesday! pic.twitter.com/soi4cjkotz
— USA Cycling (@usacycling) January 6, 2014

Highlights: (abbreviated for ease in planning)

Weds, Day 1 - morning: non-championship categories
Weds, Day 1 - afternoon: Industry Race, Mechanics Race, and Singlespeed

Thurs, Day 2 - morning: Male and Female Master 55, 60, 65, 70+
Thurs, Day 2 - afternoon: Female Master 40, 45, 50, Male Master 50

Fri, Day 3 - morning: Male 45 Cat 1/2/3, Female 30 Cat 1/2/3
Fri, Day 3 - morning/midday: Male and Female Juniors (all age categories 9-18 years)
Fri, Day 3 - afternoon (3:15pm): Collegiate Team Relay

Sat, Day 4 - morning: (9:00am) Male 40 1/2/3, Female 35 1/2/3
Sat, Day 4 - midday: Female Collegiate
Sat, Day 4 - afternoon: Male U23, Male 35 1/2/3, Male 30 1/2/3

Sun, Day 5 - morning: Male Collegiate
Sun, Day 5 - afternoon (1:30pm): Female Elite/U23/17+ Pro1/2/3
Sun, Day 5 - afternoon (2:45pm): Male Elite/19+ Pro1/2/3

Where is the race?

Boulder, Colorado - at Valmont Bike Park, 3160 Airport Rd, Boulder

Driving directions: into Boulder, Foothills parkway Hwy 137, turn east on Valmont Road, park will be on your left at Airport Rd junction.

Location of Valmont Park in Boulder CO  click to enlarge

Map of Boulder in Colorado  click to enlarge

Event Venue

There will be a large Expo at the event, along with beer tents, athlete zones, award tents, bike wash area, Shimano neutral support pit, Cycleops warm up tent, jumbotrons and plenty of porta-potties. Link to CX Nats Venue & Course Map.

As good as gold Event Venue Map (this one is worth printing out, or keeping live on your phone)

CX Nats Venue Map & Course Map   click to enlarge

Getting to the race - Event Parking and Transportation

There will be free public parking available for 2000 cars in a dirt lot north of the event site (carpooling is a good idea). Please obey the parking signs and follow the wonderful parking volunteers ready to guide you into place. There is a rider drop-off area on the west side of the park. There is also ADA parking available. Ride your bike; numerous bike paths lead to the event, also bus stops are located nearby (bus schedule).  Link to Official parking map for CX Nats (please do not park in team parking).

*There is major road work on Hwy 36 westbound from Denver into Boulder. Racers allow plenty of time for traffic as the freeway will be reduced to one-lane for miles.

Map of public parking, bus stops and bike paths to Cyclocross Nationals  click to enlarge

Now the public parking at the event is not what I would call exactly convenient, so wear good warm snow boots, and carry with you snacks and drink (there is food at the Expo area) and plenty of coats, hats and dry gloves if you are bringing children with you to the event. You will have to walk a few blocks and across fields to get to the event, allow 10-15 minutes to get in place as a fan.

If you are racing and need to collect your packet, allow plenty of time to collect your race packet from Gebhardt Volkswagen on 48th St. (see info and times below), and then park, and then warm-up, and then race. 

How can I race?

You had to register by last Friday to race, so if you didn't you will be spectating. All racers must have a 2014 annual race license through USA Cycling to compete. Read the eligibility, rules and call-up official USA Cycling rules.

This is an impressive comprehensive race/visitor guide, read it at: National CX Technical Guide

When and Where - Packet Pick-up and Registration

If you are racing, you must pick up your registration packet in advance, there is NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION. Packet pick-up location is at Gebhardt Volkswagon, 2470 49th St, Boulder, CO 80301. (get directions)

Times:
Tuesday, January 7, 2014: 2:00 pm - 6:00pm  Packet Pick-Up
Wednesday - Sunday, January 8-12, 2014: 8:00 am - 2:00pm  Packet Pick-Up 

Location of registration and packet pick-up at CX Nats - clocks away  click to enlarge

I need a Course Map

It's a doozy and guaranteed to be packed with run-ups, sand, barriers, steps, snow, frozen grass, cement, and dirt (make that mud depending on when you race). Here is the CX Nats Venue & Course Map.

Valmont Bike Park sign - there are lots of choices, but officials have laid out a fantastic course for 2014 CX Nats

Course Preview: Brandon Dwight's, of Boulder Cyclesport, course recon video.

See a video from the conditions on the course Tuesday (Jan 7th): 2014 Cyclocross Nationals Course Pre-Ride, featuring Pete Weber of Boulder Cycle Sport.

Course Set-up: They have been busy all week setting up the race course just for you.

Setup underway at @BoulderCX14. #cxnats pic.twitter.com/tctEnTJlyP
— Jason Losey (@JasonLosey) January 7, 2014

How can I spectate?

Being a fan at a cyclocross race is free. Now that you have read through that lengthy Technical Guide, I will offer some highlights:

• Practice your heckling lines
• Find a fun group to stand next to
• Wear warm shoes
• Wear gloves that enable you to hold a beer in one hand and ring a cowbell in the other
• It doesn't matter where you are when watching a CX race, but barriers or run-ups are more fun 
• The largest crowds will be on Sunday afternoon

Cheering on the racers  ©Photo by Karen Rakestrawat Pedal Dancer®

How can I watch the race?

What if you live out of state and/or you are not strong enough to endure our 4-inches of fresh new snow and cold cold temperatures? Well you can gather with your laptop and rollers in your basement, or meet some friends in front of a large screen TV and watch online: USA Cycling is offering live viewing and so is Cyclocross Magazine.

Live race viewing schedule 2014 USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships USA Cyling Livestream

• 11 a.m. MST – Juniors Men's 17-18 Race
• 1:30 p.m. MST – Elite Women's Race
• 2:45 p.m. MST – Elite Men's Race

Live streaming will also be offered by Cyclocross Magazine for the Elite Female and Elite Male races starting at 3:30 EST (1:30 MST) at cxmagazine.com

You may also follow the event on Twitter using the hashtag #CXNats or follow @BoulderCX14 or @USACycling. On Facebook follow 2014 Cyclocross Nationals, USACycling, or local bike club Boulder Cycle Sport.

Where can I read race reports and news results from CX Nats?

As I understand, Media interest has been overwhelming for this event (great city, nice location, good course, epic weather, best racers), all excellent news for growing this sport of cyclocross. You can follow the news from Boulder along with our local journalists at: VeloNews and 303Cycling.

Cyclocross Magazine has created an entire 2014 National Cyclocross Championships page to read about the event. They will be writing a report on nearly every category while offering tons of pre-race articles and advice.

Who is racing?

Startlists: View Registrants and get really intimidated.

There are 130 men registered for the Men Master 40-44 Cat 1/2/3 on Saturday at 9:00am. This is definitely a race worth watching! 120 Elite Men will line up on Sunday at 2:45pm. In a true sign of how much the sport of cyclocross continues to grow, on Wednesday, 121 men between the ages of 45 and 99 will be racing non-championships at high noon, that means for the fun of it!

Get to know the top Elite Males: Gallery: Who are the 16 elite call-ups for cyclocross nationals? By VeloNews.

Mens Elite line-up.  ©Photo by Karen Rakestrawat Pedal Dancer®

Womens CX Racers line up at Valmont Park in October 2013.  ©Photo by Karen Rakestrawat Pedal Dancer®

Katie Compton has won the National Cyclocross title every year from 2004-2010 and in 2012. Can she hold the jersey for another year? Show up on Sunday at 1:30pm to find out.

Katie Compton in the stars and stripes.  ©Photo by Karen Rakestrawat Pedal Dancer®

Can I Volunteer?

Yes volunteers are needed and you don't have to commit an entire day, some jobs are only 3-4 hours. I signed up to volunteer on Sunday (in addition to being Media). Sign up now at: Volunteer for CX Nats in Boulder

How cold will it be?

Weather forecast - hourly weather forecast link

Can I go to a party?

• Wednesday night, January 8, 2014, 7-9pm, The Dairy Center,  2590 Walnut ST. Boulder - Team CLIFF Bar Nationals Kick-Off Event
• Thursday night, January 9, 2014, 6:00-8:30pm at Boulder Cycle Sport and Amante Coffee, 4580 Broadway, Boulder  - SRAM CX Pro Night and Amy D Fundraiser
• Thursday night, January 9, 2014, 8pm at Ruben's Burger Bistro, 1800 Broadway St, Boulder - US Cyclocross Nationals Kick-Off Party p/b Shimano/Pearl Izumi
• Friday, January 10, 2014, 5:30-8:30pm at East Boulder Rec Center - Junior Cyclo-cross Celebration, pre-register.
• Friday, January 10, 2014, 6:30pm, Rocky Mounts Headquarters, 2055 26th St., Boulder - Rocky Mounts Brass Knuckles
• Saturday, January 11, 2014, 6-9pm, at Vecchios Bike Shop, 1833 Pearl St, Boulder - Moots and Vecchios Nationals Party
• Saturday, January 11, 2014, 6pm, at The Kitchen Next Door, 1035 Pearl Street, Boulder - Vermarc USA/Boulder Beer/Peloton/C4Jamestown Fundraiser, register.
• Sunday night, January 12, 2014, 7:00pm at Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St - Skratch Labs Nationals Post-Event Throw Down

Ladies Preview Clinic and Cross Skills Clinic (ages 9-99)

• Friday, January 10, 2014, 7:45-9:00am, meet at blue and orange Amy D Foundation tent - Preview Clinic, preview course with Ann. info, must register
• Sunday, January 12, 2014, 12-2:30pm, meet at blue and orange Amy D Foundation tent - Preview Clinic, technique and watch the race with Ann. info, must register

Anything else?

• Helmet policy, concussions and doping. USA Cylcing 
• Steve Tilford's Packing List for Nationals By Steve Tilford
• Countdown to Nationals – A Packing List When You’ve Given Up, By Ryan Kelly. 
• My gallery of photos from the racing in Valmont Park in October 2013: Pedal Dancer Boulder Cup CX.
• For timing of awards, please see the official schedule.
  
• See it while you can, the 2015 CX Nationals will be at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas  
• Cyclocross to be added to Winter Olympics? By Bike Radar. Maybe. And why it shouldn't be Hopping a Barrier to Entry? By Joe Lindsey.
• Technical FAQ: The inside tech scoop for cyclocross nationals, By local Leonard Zinn. 

Leonard Zinn, a local and long-time tech writer at VeloNews.  ©Photo by Karen Rakestrawat Pedal Dancer®

What is the prize?

Fame, glory, bragging rights, and a really nice red white and blue jersey to be worn for the next year, generally that sort of thing because it sure ain't cold hard cash. The prize purse for the top five elite men will be $1000 total, same for the top five elite women: The breakdown is 1st-$400, 2nd-$250, 3rd-$150, 4th-$125, 5th-$75.

What is cyclocross?

A fun poke at the sport of cyclo-cross, written by me in 2012: Colorado Cyclocross Championships

And what goes best with Colorado cyclo-cross besides snow - beer, The FrontRange Map to Breweries (zoom out a bit to see the Boulder area).

Did I mention, I really like this sport! Have a great time at the race.

2014 Colorado Cycling Events and Bike Rides

Schedule of Bike Rides and Cycling Events in Colorado for 2014


2015 update: 2015 Colorado Cycling Events and Bike Rides (new calendar list for 2015)

2015 Colorado Bike Event Rides Calendar & Bike Race Calendar

• 2015 Colorado Cycling Events and Bike Rides;
• 2015 Charity Bike Rides in Colorado
• 2015 Cycling Events in the Western United States
• 2015 Colorado and National Bike Race Calendar

2014
The sport of cycling continues to grow in the state of Colorado and once again we look to the year ahead to plan our next great challenge. Colorado is a spectacular state to get out and pedal on two wheels, no matter the speed at which you do it, participating in an event can be tons of fun. So join-in in 2014, sign-up for a bike race or event near you, or better yet - travel to a bike event in 2014. Nothing is better than loading up the bikes in the car and riding across new terrain with new scenery.

Take on Colorado from the saddle in 2014. Here is the updated calendar list of events and races for the new year including: century rides, cycling events, two-day bike tours, week-long bike tours, charity bike events, and citizen hill climbs in Colorado.

Get out and ride!

Cyclists riding Vail Pass in 2013. click to enlarge Photo© By Karen Rakestraw at Pedal Dancer®

List of cycling EVENTS and bike TOURS and dates in Colorado for the 2014 season:

February 10, 2014 - Colorado Bicyle Summit, Denver (Advocacy)
March 13, 2014 - Pedaling for St.Pat's 50K, Colorado Springs
April 17, 2014 - Trips for Kids Friendraiser, Denver
April 19-20, 2014 - MOG Sale, Bike Equipment Swap and Film Festival, Grand Junction
April 24-27, 2014 - Fruita Fat Tire Festival/18 HR of Fruita, Fruita (MTB)
April 25, 2014 - Bicycle Colorado Gala Fundraiser, Denver
May 3, 2014 - Rose Hill Rally, Grand Junction
May 4, 2014 - Cafe Velo Tri Lakes GranFondo, Colorado Springs
May 10, 2014 - Dessert Rats Mtn Bike Classic, Kokopelli Trail CO to UT
May 18, 2014 - Boulder Bicycle Swap, Boulder
May 11, 2014 - Mission to Ride, Montrose
May 17, 2014 - L'Eroica (vintage), Grand Junction to Glenwood Springs
May 17, 2014 - Triple C - Century, Broomfield
May 17, 2014 - Pony Xpress (Gravel), Trinidad 160//90/50 
May 17-18, 2014 - Eagle Outside Festival & Expo, Eagle (MTB)
May 18, 2014 - McKee Classic Bike Tour, Loveland
May 24, 2014 - The Original Growler, Gunnison (MTB)
May 24-26, 2014 - Durango-Silverton Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Durango (Sold-out)
May 31, 2014 - The Great Bicycle Carnival, Colorado Springs (MTB)
June 1, 2014 - Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival, Castle Rock
June 7, 2014 - Pedaling for Parkinson's, Denver 
June 7, 2014 - Buena Vista Bicycle Festival, Buena Vista
June 7-9, 2014 - The Colorado Death Ride Tour VI, Silverton canceled
June 7-13, 2014 - The Denver Post Ride The Rockies, (week-long tour) (route Feb 1st)
June 14, 2014 - Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic, (one 180-mile day)
June 14, 2014 - Denver Century Ride, Denver (full, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4)
June 14, 2014 - Bailey Hundo (MTB), Bailey
June 14, 2014 - G'Knight Ride, Longmont
June 14, 2014 - Starlight Spectacular, short night ride in Garden of the Gods
June 21, 2014 - Mountain Top Cycling Club Experience Ride, Woodland Park
June 21-28, 2014 - Bicycle Tour of Colorado, (week-long tour)
June 22, 2014 - Black Forest Classic Gran Fondo, Parker
June 28, 2014 - Vuelta a Keystone, Keystone 
June 28-29, 2014 - Newmont Bike MS, Fort Collins
June 29, 2014 - Golden Gran Fondo, Golden
June 29, 2014 - Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb, Colorado Springs 
July 12, 2014 - Tour de Ladies, Parker
July 12, 2014 - VR135/90 (Gravel), San Juan Mountains CO
July 12-13, 2014 - Triple Bypass, Evergreen-Avon
July 19, 2014 - Bike to Build, San Luis Valley
July 19, 2014 - Tour de Steamboat, Steamboat Springs
July 19-21, 2014 - Courage Classic, Summit and Eagle Counties
July 19-26, 2014 - 109˚ West Bicycle Tour, SW Colorado (week-long tour)
July 26, 2014 - Coco Century, Ordway
July 26, 2014 - Bob Cook Memorial/Mt Evans Hill Climb
July 26, 2014 - Cripple Creek Crippler, Ken Caryl
July 27, 2014 - Durango 100 Gran Fondo, Durango
July 12, 2014 - Breckenridge 100 Challenge (MTB)
July 26, 2014 - SOS Outreach Eagle River, Beaver Creek
August 2, 2014 - Colorado Cyclist Copper Triangle, Copper Mountain
August 3-9, 2014 - Colorado Rocky Mountain Bike Tour, (week-long tour)
August 9, 2014 - Red Rocks Century, Red Rocks (a hard one!)
August 9, 2014 - BStrong Ride, Boulder
August 9, 2014 - Stonewall Century Bicycle Ride, Spanish Peaks, La Veta
August 9, 2014 - Colorado Park to Park Challenge, Denver to Winter Park
August 10, 2014 - Pro Challenge Experience, Larimer County
August 10, 2014 - Grand Fondo Italia - Aspen-Snowmass Pitkin County
August 16, 2014 - Circle the Summit, Summit County
August 16, 2014 - Tour de Cure, Boulder
August 19, 2014 - Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop, Golden
August 23, 2014 - Cycle to Saturn Double Century, Golden
August 23, 2014 - Venus de Miles, Boulder (womens ride)
August 30, 2014 - The Axel Project Bicycle Classic, Ridgeway
August 31, 2014 - Dave Wiens West Elk Bicycle Classic, Gunnison-Crested Butte
August 31, 2014 - New Belgium Tour de Fat, Fort Collins
Aug/Sept 01, 2014 - The Coal Miner Gran Fondo, Steamboat Springs
September 4-5, 2014 - Rock 'n Road Challenge, Copper Mountain (MTB + Road)
September 6, 2014 - Tour of the Valley, Grand Junction
September 6, 2014 - Cystic Fibrosis Cycle For Life, Longmont
September 7, 2014 - Buffalo Bicycle Classic, Boulder
September 7, 2014 - New Belgium Tour de Fat, Denver
September 11-14, 2014 - Salida Bike Festival, Salida
September 13, 2014 - Ride Westcliff - High Peaks Century, Westcliff
September 14, 2014 - Monarch Crest Crank, Salida (MTB)
September 15, 2014 - Good Sam Bike Jam, Lafayette (Boulder County)
September 19-21, 2014 - The Denver Post Pedal the Plains, Wiggins, Fort Morgan, Sterling
September 20, 2014 - Bikes and Brews/ Royal Gorge Century Ride, Canon City
September 27, 2014 - Southern Colorado Tour de Cure, Colorado Springs
September 27, 2014 - Durango Fall Blaze Bicycle Tour, Durango
October 4, 2014 - IconLasik Tour of the Moon, Grand Junction
October 18, 2014 - VeloSwap, Denver (bike equipment swap)

*Throughout the Year - May 14-September 24, 2014 - Denver Cruiser Ride, every Weds

The events listed above are citizen event bike rides, for a list of bike races in Colorado for the 2014 please see: 2014 Colorado Bike Race Calendar

Just two of the thousands of cyclists in 2013 who passed along Lake Dillon as they took on the 120-mile 10,000+ ft of climbing that is the famed Triple Bypass. Photo© By Karen Rakestraw at Pedal Dancer®

2014 Century Rides in Colorado

These event rides promise you the option of equal to or greater than 100miles on a road bike in one day.

May 4, 2014 - Cafe Velo Tri Lakes GranFondo, Colorado Springs
May 11, 2014 - Mission to Ride, Montrose
May 17, 2014 - L'Eroica (vintage), Grand Junction to Glenwood Springs 
May 17, 2014 - Triple C - Century, Broomfield 
May 24-26, 2014 - Durango-Silverton Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Durango (Sold-out)
June 1, 2014 - Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival, Castle Rock
June 7, 2014 - Buena Vista Bicycle Festival, Buena Vista
June 14, 2014 - Denver Century Ride, Denver (full, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4)
June 21, 2014 - Mountain Top Cycling Club Experience Ride, Woodland Park
June 22, 2014 - Black Forest Classic Gran Fondo, Parker
June 29, 2014 - Golden Gran Fondo, Golden
July 12-13, 2014 - Triple Bypass, Evergreen-Avon (120 miles)
July 19, 2014 - Tour de Steamboat, Steamboat Springs
July 26, 2014 - Coco Century, Ordway 
July 27, 2014 - Durango 100 Gran Fondo, Durango 
July 26, 2014 - SOS Outreach Eagle River, Beaver Creek
August 9, 2014 - Red Rocks Century, Red Rocks (a hard one!)
August 9, 2014 - Stonewall Century Bicycle Ride, Spanish Peaks, La Veta
August 9, 2014 - Colorado Park to Park Challenge, Denver to Winter Park (96 miles)
August 10, 2014 - Pro Challenge Experience, Larimer County 
August 16, 2014 - Circle the Summit, Summit County
August 16, 2014 - Tour de Cure, Boulder
August 23, 2014 - Venus de Miles, Boulder (womens ride)
August 31, 2014 - Dave Wiens West Elk Bicycle Classic, Gunnison-CB (134 miles)
September 6, 2014 - Tour of the Valley, Grand Junction 
September 7, 2014 - Buffalo Bicycle Classic, Boulder
September 13, 2014 - Ride Westcliff - High Peaks Century, Westcliff
September 20, 2014 - The Denver Post Pedal the Plains, Fort Morgan to Sterling (105 miles)
September 20, 2014 - Bikes and Brews/ Royal Gorge Century Ride, Canon City
September 27, 2014 - Southern Colorado Tour de Cure, Colorado Springs
September 27, 2014 - Durango Fall Blaze Bicycle Tour, Durango

2014 Colorado Gran Fondos or timed events

May 17, 2014 - Pony Xpress (Gravel), Trinidad, Colorado. 160//90/50 
May 24-26, 2014 - Durango-Silverton Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Durango (Sold-out)
May 25, 2014 - Growler Gran Fondo, Gunnison, Colorado
June 22, 2014 - Black Forest Classic Gran Fondo, Parker, Colorado 
June 28, 2014 - Vuelta a Keystone, Keystone, Colorado  
June 29, 2014 - Golden Gran Fondo, Golden, Colorado  
July 27, 2014 - Durango 100 Gran Fondo, Durango, Colorado
August 10, 2014 - Gran Fondo Italia, Aspen-Snowmass, Aspen-Snowmass Village, Colorado
August 31, 2014 - Dave Wiens West Elk Bicycle Classic, Gunnison-CB (134 miles) 
September 4-5, 2014 - Rock 'n Road Challenge, Copper Mountain (MTB + Road)

2014 Colorado Multi-day Stage Event Rides

June 7-13, 2014 - The Denver Post Ride The Rockies, (week-long tour)
June 21-28, 2014 - Bicycle Tour of Colorado, (week-long tour) 
June 28-29, 2014 - Newmont Bike MS, Westminster to Fort Collins (2-days)
July 12-13, 2014 - Triple Bypass, Evergreen-Avon  (optional 2-day)
July 19-21, 2014 - Courage Classic, Summit and Eagle Counties (3-days out and back)
July 19-26, 2014 - 109˚ West Bicycle Tour, SW Colorado (week-long tour) 
August 3-9, 2014 - Colorado Rocky Mountain Bike Tour, (week-long tour)
September 19-21, 2014 - The Denver Post Pedal the Plains, Wiggins to Sterling (3 days)

2014 Colorado Triple Crown - long distance rides

The Colorado Triple Crown (which now numbers four events) ultra distance cycling events, include: (these rides cover 80-200+ miles in a day, 10-20,000ft of climbing in a day, with multiple passes over 11,000ft.)

1. June 14, 2014 - Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic, (180mi, 13,500ft) 
2. July 26, 2014 - Cripple Creek Crippler, Ken Caryl  (207mi, 18,000ft)
3. August 19, 2014 - Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop, Golden (200mi, 15,500ft)
4. August 23, 2014 - Cycle to Saturn Double Century, Golden (214mi, 20,000+ft) !!!

Randonneurring - extreme long distance cycling

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 2015) in France. A Populaire is a brevet-format ride shorter than 200km (100km-199km). To learn more randonneur blog. In Colorado see Rocky Mountain Cycling Club. For a list of randonneur rides in the United States, please search by state at: Rondonneur Events.

• 2014 Schedule of 19 Events in Colorado, Randonneur - Brevet and Populaires  

The high and winding road up Loveland Pass (north side) on the last big hairpin turn to the top. One of Colorado's many 11,000+ft passes.  Photo© By Karen Rakestraw at Pedal Dancer®

Other cycling EVENT rides near Colorado: (CA, UT, NV, NM, OR, WA, AZ, IA, WY) including gran fondos and week long cycling events in the western United States. (* For the traveling cyclist, here are some cycling events in the nearby states of California, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Iowa, and Wyoming. When you think "you've done it all" - there is always more.)

*Throughout the Year - RAAM Cycling Challenge (TX, CA, OR, MN, OH, FL)
*Throughout the Year - New Belgium Tour de Fat (GA, DC, NC, CA, ID, AR, MN, IL, TN)

January 18, 2014 - Shadow Tour Stagecoach Century Ocotillo, California
February 8, 2014 - Tour de Palm Springs, California
February 21, 2014 - Solvang Century, California
March 8-11, 2014 - Moab Skinny Tire Festival, Utah
March 21-23, 2014 - Moab Munifest, Utah (unicycling festival)
April 3-6, 2014 - Redlands Bicycle Classic, California
April 5, 2014 - Gran Fondo Las Vegas, Nevada
April 6, 2014 - L' Etape du California ATOC Stage 8 for citizens - Thousand Oaks
April 10-13, 2014 - Sea Otter Classic, California
April 12, 2014 - Specialized Gran Fondo at Sea Otter Classic, California
April 12, 2014 - Mulholland Challenge - King of the Mountains, California
April 26, 2014 - Zion Gran Fondo, Utah
April 27, 2014 - Primavera Century, California
April 27, 2014 - Chico Wildflower Century California
April 27, 2014 - Mt Lemmon Gran Fondo, Tucson, Arizona
May 3, 2014 - Breathless Agony California
May 3, 2014 - Gran Fondo Moab, Utah
May 10, 2014 - Moonshadows in Moab, Utah
May 18, 2014 - Santa Fe Century, New Mexico
May 25, 2014 - Great Western 100 Century (Central Coast) California
June 7, 2014 - Trans Am Bike Race, Oregon to Virginia (4233 miles)
June 7, 2014 - Shadow Tour Fiesta Metric, San Diego
June 14, 2014 - Ride Around the Bear, Big Bear, California
June 28, 2014 - Climb to Kaiser, Fresno, California
June 28-29, 2014 - Rough Riders 200, Taos/Angel Fire New, Mexico
June 28, 2014 - Giro Bella, Sonoma County California
July 11-13, 2014 - Cycle Oregon, Oregon (weekend ride)
July 12, 2014 - Death Ride, California
July 20-26, 2014 - Ragbrai, Iowa
July 31, 2014 - RAMROD, Mt Rainier, Washington
August 16-17, 2014 - Bike MS Wyoming, Colorado-Wyoming
August 23, 2014 - Hoodoo 500 (relay/solo), Utah 
September 6, 2014 - Amtrak Century, Southern California
September 6-13, 2014 - Cycle Oregon, Oregon (week-long ride)
September 6, 2014 - LOTOJA, Utah to Wyoming
September 7, 2014 - Giro di San Diego Granfondo, Solano Beach, California
September 13, 2014 - Viva Bike Vegas - Gran Fondo Pinarello, Nevada  
September 20, 2014 - Moab Century Tour, Utah
September 27, 2014 - Coeur d'Fondo, Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
September 28, 2014 - Gran Fondo Italia - Beverly Hills, California
October 4, 2014 - Levi's GranFondo, California
October 4, 2014 - Gila Monster Gran Fondo, Silver City, New Mexico
October 18, 2014 - Santa Barbara Century, California
October 11, 2014 - Tri-States Gran Fondo, Mesquite, Nevada
October 25, 2014 - Gran Fondo Hincapie, Greenville, South Carolina
November 9, 2014 - Palm Desert Century, Palm Desert
November 22, 2014 - El Tour de Tucson, Arizona
* many more rides in California listed and mapped at: TourofCalifornia.org

You won't have to go to Ragbrai in Iowa to find watermelon at a bike event, but you will have to ride for miles and miles to earn it. Photo© By Karen Rakestraw at Pedal Dancer®

Gran Fondo (cyclosportive) events in the U.S.A. for the 2014 season
April 5, 2014 - Gran Fondo Las Vegas, Nevada
April 6, 2014 - Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego, California
April 6, 2014 - L'Etape du California, Thousand Oaks, CA (Stage 8 2014 ATOC)
April 12, 2014 - Specialized Gran Fondo at Sea Otter Classic, California
April 26, 2014 - Zion Gran Fondo, Zion National Park, Utah
April 27, 2014 - Mt Lemmon Gran Fondo, Tucson, Arizona
May 3, 2014 - Gran Fondo Moab, Utah
May 17, 2014 - Pony Xpress, (Gravel), Trinidad, Colorado 160//90/50  
May 18, 2014 - Gran Fondo New York - The True Experience, New York
May 24-26, 2014 - Durango-Silverton Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Durango (Sold-out)
May 25, 2014 - Growler Gran Fondo, Gunnison, Colorado
June 22, 2014 - Black Forest Classic Gran Fondo, Parker, Colorado
June 28, 2014 - Vuelta a Keystone, Keystone, Colorado
June 29, 2014 - Golden Gran Fondo, Golden, Colorado 
July 27, 2014 - Durango 100 Gran Fondo, Durango, Colorado
August 10, 2014 - Gran Fondo Italia - Snowmass Aspen-Snowmass, Colorado 
August 23, 2014 - RBC GranFondo - Banff Canada
August 31, 2014 - Dave Wiens West Elk Bicycle Classic, Gunnison-Crested Butte
September 6, 2014 - RBC GranFondo Whistler Canada
September 13, 2014 - Viva Bike Vegas - Gran Fondo Pinarello, Nevada
September 28, 2014 - Gran Fondo Italia - Beverly Hills, California
October 4, 2014 - Gila Monster Gran Fondo, Silver City, New Mexico
October 4, 2014 - Levi's GranFondo, Santa Rosa, California
October 05, 2014 - Gran Fondo New England, Rhode Island and Connecticut
October 11, 2014 - Tri-States Gran Fondo, Mesquite, Nevada
October 25, 2014 - Gran Fondo Hincapie, Greenville, South Carolina
November 1, 2014 - Bookwalter Binge, Asheville, North Carolina
November 22, 2014 - El Tour du Tucson, Tucson, Arizona
*Full list of Gran Fondo in the U.S.A and around the world at: GranFondoGuide.com

Other events in Canada for the 2014 season
August 23, 2014 - RBC GranFondo Canada
September 6 2014 - RBC GranFondo Whistler

Ride to Recovery, Honor Rides - nationwide schedule !!!
2014 Schedule Honor Rides in FL, AR, TX, and 4 ride locations in CA (please support).
Also support Wounded Warrior, Soldier Rides.

Contribute your support by riding for and along with some great causes across our nation in 2014. Photo from the Honor Ride website.

Citizen Hill Climbs in Colorado in 2014 (These require race licenses!)

You don't need to be part of a team. These climbing challenges come down to you, your bike, and a mountain

May 15, 2014 - Oredigger Classic Lookout Mountain ITT, Golden 
June 07, 2014 - Sunshine Hill Climb, Boulder
June 15, 2014 - Guanella Pass Hillclimb, Georgetown
June 29, 2014 - Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb, Colorado Springs  
July 26, 2014 - Bob Cook Memorial/Mt Evans Hill Climb, Idaho Springs 

Want a challenge in 2014?
Recommended reading by Pedal Dancer®: Best Sportives and Gran Fondos (in the world!)

Certainly a tough one - L'Etape du Tour in France, where very few Americans enter.  Photo© By Karen Rakestraw at Pedal Dancer®

2014 Local Colorado Bike Race Calendar

2014 Colorado Bike Race Calendar - Road Races, Criteriums, Hill Climbs, Time Trials, Stage Races, Mountain Bike Races. 

For more information on Colorado racing and licensure, please visit the websites of:
Bicycle Racing Association of Colorado (BRAC) - Calendar of Events
USA Cycling - Events Calendar

Just hanging at the USA Pro Challenge race in Aspen in 2013. Photo© By Karen Rakestraw at Pedal Dancer®

Major Race Events in 2014 

Cyclo-cross Nationals Championships 2013-14, Boulder, Colorado - don't miss it!
January 8-12, 2014 - 2014 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships will be at Valmont Park in Boulder.

American Tour PRO RACE in Colorado
Remember the 2014 USA Pro Challenge dates are August 18-24, 2014. The 2014 USA Pro Challenge host cities were announced. Read more information about the race at Pedal Dancer®: USA PRO CHALLENGE

American Tour PRO RACE in California
And of course, I always look forward to my favorite - the Amgen Tour of California. Stage race dates are May 11-18, 2014. The host cities were announced for 2014: Announcing the 2014 Amgen Tour of California. Read more information about the race at Pedal Dancer®: TOUR OF CALIFORNIA

Get out and volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to support the cycling community and keep the riders safe. Simply contact any of the events listed and sign-up, they are eager for your help.

I volunteered with these happy helpers at the Triple Bypass in Frisco, July 2013. Photo© By Karen Rakestraw at Pedal Dancer®

And here, preparing for a Wounded Warrior Ride in Colorado Springs 2013.  Photo© By Karen Rakestraw at Pedal Dancer®

Additional Reading

Need a new bike in 2014: read All the Road Bike Reviews of the 2013 Tour.

Want to travel and ride in 2014? Here is a post I did back in 2010 with many more steep climbs (in Europe): The best climbs in Europe in the 2011 Grand Tours, or Best Climbs in the 2013 Tour de France. For many more ideas on rides, please see my Guide Pages to - France Cycling or Colorado Cycling.

Are you a fan of the big Colorado mountain climbs? A book worth purchasing is: Recommended Reading: Guide to Climbing.

Add your event 

To the Pedal Dancer Colorado Cycling Event Calendar: Please contact me to add your event to these lists. Please: If you appreciate the work I do,  show your appreciation - Like my Pedal Dancer® facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/PedalDancerCycling or follow me on Twitter @KarenRake.

2015 update: 2015 Colorado Cycling Events and Bike Rides (new calendar list for 2015)