The 2014 Ride The Rockies route has been set. Starting in the shadows of Boulder’s Flatirons, cyclists will visit the iconic ski towns of Winter Park, Steamboat Springs, Avon and Breckenridge before finishing under the historic arch in downtown Golden. Over the span of six days, 473 miles and 28,265 vertical feet, participants will test their endurance by summiting six passes – Berthoud, Muddy, Rabbit Ears, Tennessee, Fremont and Loveland – along with cyclist favorites Battle Mountain, Swan Mountain and Lookout Mountain.
“Our 29th tour showcases some of Colorado’s finest communities; a number of which are renowned for world-class skiing, but it’s their summertime activities that make them desirable destinations year-round,” said Chandler Smith, Tour Director. “A Front Range start and finish (Boulder and Golden respectively) should appeal to the masses and make for an enjoyable experience all week.”
The 2014 route in its entirety includes:
June 7 Boulder – Registration
June 8 Boulder to Winter Park 89 miles Berthoud Pass (11,315’)
June 9 Winter Park to Steamboat Springs 94 miles Muddy Pass (8,772’) & Rabbit Ears Pass (9,426’)
June 10 Steamboat Springs Loop 53 miles Twenty-Mile Road
June 11 Steamboat Springs to Avon 82 miles State Bridge
June 12 Avon to Breckenridge 75 miles Battle Mountain (9,231’), Red Cliff Bridge,
Tennessee Pass (10,424’) & Fremont Pass (11,318’)
June 13 Breckenridge to Golden 80 miles Swan Mountain (9,520’), Loveland Pass (11,992’) &
Lookout Mountain (7,374’)
Year after year, cyclists travel from afar to soak in Colorado’s communities, build new friendships and create unforgettable memories. Riders in past tours have varied in age from 7 to 85 years old and have represented all 50 states and 18 foreign countries.
“Cycling is an intrinsic part of Colorado’s culture,” states Mac Tully, President and CEO of The Denver Post. “Ride The Rockies affords participants and volunteers an opportunity to escape the everyday; all while enjoying charming communities, boosting our economy and bringing awareness to nonprofits that do great deeds in our own backyard.”
With an average economic impact of $250,000 in each overnight community, Ride The Rockies’ financial impact can be found in many more places than the local bike shop. Hotels, restaurants and retail shops all benefit from the tour. Thanks to more than 100 dedicated volunteers assisting cyclists and host communities providing inexpensive community meals and entertainment, Ride The Rockies takes pride in knowing participants continue to apply year after year.
Cyclists may only register for the event online at ridetherockies.com. Applications will be accepted February 9 – March 2.