Colorado.com Staff Writer

DFP Leaderboard: Article

<p>Cyclists around the world look forward to Colorado’s bike-racing season. The physical challenge of our lofty altitude (ideal for bragging rights) combines with amazing alpine views for a cycler’s dream destination.</p>


Colorado Summer Bike Races

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Cycling Colorado's Mount Blue Sky scenic byway

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<p>Many of Colorado’s road- and mountain-bike races cater to serious competitors, but they also have shorter and less intense routes for more casual pedalers — and you’ll get fresh mountain air and a loud cheer at the finish line no matter the length of the ride. Here are bike races to plan for:</p>
<h2><strong><a href="https://www.coloradospringssports.org/events/pikes-peak-apex/">Pikes Peak Apex</a></strong></h2>
<p>June<br />
Start &amp; Finish: <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/colorado-springs">Colorado Springs</a><br />
Choose a one-, two- or three-day mountain-bike challenge on the slopes of famous Pikes Peak along Jeep trails, dirt trails and more than 100 miles of technical runs, crushing climbs and exhilarating descents. </p>
<h2><strong><a href="http://bicyclerace.com/">Blue Sky Hill Climb</a></strong></h2>
<p><em><strong>Note: </strong>Mount Blue Sky scenic byway will be closed for improvements through 2025; the race will resume in 2026. <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=28508">More info.</a></em></p>
<p>July<br />
Start &amp; Finish: <a href="/cities-and-towns/Idaho-Springs">Idaho Springs</a> and Mount Blue Sky summit<br />
This popular but demanding race up the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/byways/mount-evans">Mount Blue Sky scenic byway</a>, which climbs nearly 7,000 feet in elevation in just 28 miles, has been popular with adventurous gear heads for more than 50 years. Riders get an only-in-Colorado view of the Continental Divide from the top of 14,266-foot Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans), Colorado’s 14th tallest peak.</p>
<h2><strong><a href="http://www.tourdesteamboat.com/">Tour de Steamboat</a></strong></h2>
<p>July<br />
Start &amp; Finish: Downtown <a href="/cities-and-towns/Steamboat-Springs">Steamboat Springs</a> <br />
This non-competitive ride includes rides ranging from 26 to 100 miles (for both road and gravel bikers) that wind through the Yampa River Valley, culminating with a post-race barbecue and craft beer garden. The scenic ride benefits local charities, including Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, Partners in Routt County, Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide and South Routt Recreation Association. </p>
<h2><strong><a href="http://www.childrenscoloradofoundation.org/courage-classic/">Courage Classic</a></strong></h2>
<p>July<br />
Start &amp; Finish: <a href="/cities-and-towns/Copper-Mountain">Copper Mountain</a>, (via <a href="/cities-and-towns/leadville">Leadville</a>, Vail Pass, <a href="/cities-and-towns/keystone">Keystone</a> and more)<br />
Benefiting <a href="http://www.couragetours.com/site/pp.asp?c=5oJHLTPxFgJSG&amp;b=6304739">Children’s Colorado</a>, this two-day, 79-mile tour climbs from Leadville to Summit County and back over quiet, backcountry roads and challenging mountain passes, all with gorgeous Rocky Mountain views. There is also a 12-mile family ride.</p>
<h2><strong><a href="http://www.coppertriangle.com/">Copper Triangle</a></strong></h2>
<p>August<br /><a href="http://www.colorado.com/skiing-snowboarding/copper-mountain-resort">Copper Mountain Resort</a><br />
This alpine road sportive is graced with breathtaking scenery, gorgeous roads and three climbs over 10,000 feet, each with a timed segment. The 79-mile loop covers three passes (Freemont Pass, Tennessee Pass and Vail Pass) for a total elevation gain of 6,500 feet.</p>
<h2><strong><a href="https://spcycling.org/stonewall-century/">Stonewall Century</a></strong></h2>
<p>August<br />
Start &amp; Finish: <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/la-veta">La Veta</a><br />
Covering 102 miles, 7,500 feet in elevation and following some of Colorado's prettiest scenic highways, the Stonewall Century is all about the joy of riding. End your ride with a party and barbecue. </p>
<h2><strong><a href="http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?pg=entry&amp;fr_id=13285">Tour de Cure</a></strong></h2>
<p>September<br />
Start &amp; Finish: <a href="/cities-and-towns/lone-tree">Lone Tree</a> <br />
The American Diabetes Association hosts this race, with ride, run and walk options for the whole family!</p>
<h2><strong><a href="http://denvercenturyride.com/">Denver Century Ride</a></strong></h2>
<p>September<br />
Start &amp; Finish: Shops at Northfield Stapleton, <a href="/cities-and-towns/Denver">Denver</a><br />
This fest includes rides from 25 to 100 miles on courses that run throughout the metro area’s city streets, mountain trails (including options to climb up Lookout Mountain or Chatfield State Park) and greenways. There are also clinics, the chance to demo dream bikes from leading manufacturers and more.</p>


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DFP 4-Pack: Body

<h2>Want More? </h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/locally-loved-running-biking-destinations">Find locally loved Colorado cycling and running routes</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/5-challenging-colorado-cycling-routes">Check out five challenging cycling routes in the Centennial State</a></p>


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