Colorado Rocky Mountain Bike Tour

by Larry Lagarde

This August, participants in the inaugural Colorado Rocky Mountain Bicycle Tour will cross 9 mountain passes ranging in altitude from 7,950 feet to over 12,090. Open to anyone, this challenging, 478 mile bike tour offers beautiful scenery and loads of fun.

The Colorado Rocky Mountain Bike Tour is fully supported, so you'll have a hassle free experience and be able to really kick back and relax once the day is done. Cost is $325 and participation is limited to the first 2000 cyclists that sign on.

Tour Itinerary:
Day 1 - Gunnison to Montrose, 65 miles, including Blue Mesa summit and Cerro Pass
Day 2 - Montrose to Carbondale, 110 miles, including McClure Pass
Day 3 - Carbondale to Leadville, 87 miles, including Independence Pass
Day 4 - Leadville to Frisco, 63 miles, including Tennessee Pass, Battle Mountain summit and Vail Pass
Day 5 - Break day in Frisco
Day 6 - Frisco to Salida, 88 miles, including Fremont Pass
Day 7 - Salida to Gunnison, 65 miles, including Monarch Pass

I've been through this section of Colorado. The scenery is truly spectuacular but don't forget that the altitude is also quite high (at 10,152 feet above sea level, Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the continental United States). If you decide to participate, be sure to train!

More Info:
CRMBT.com
AspenTimes.com