Bicycle Tour of Colorado 2011

**AnnieBikes** · 11-23-2010, 02:59 PM

Hi all,

The Bicycle Tour of Colorado (June 19-25, 2011) won the drawing for the ride through Rocky Mountain National Park this year. Apparently, only one bike tour per year can ride through the park. Ride the Rockies, held the week before BTC was the losing group. There has been alot of road construction there for 4 years and now they are opening it to cyclists.

The route is Central City, Estes Park, Granby, Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs, Frisco, Central City.

http://www.bicycletourcolorado.com/

My husband has retired and we are planning to go to this ride! I can't wait!!! We are going to DRIVE (from E. TN) as flying is SUCH a pain these days and shipping the bikes adds so much expense. We have a couple friends who want to go, too, so we will probably have a full Subaru! Since two of our sons live in Denver, it will be perfect to see them, and maybe they will join us on the ride, as they did with DH two years in a row in the past before I was riding as much as I am now!!!

Anyone else thinking of this ride?

**Becky** · 11-23-2010, 03:53 PM

That looks amazing! I doubt that we'll do it this year, but it's definitely on our radar for future years.

**pll** · 11-23-2010, 05:22 PM

That looks amazing!

**Tri Girl** · 11-23-2010, 05:34 PM

WOW!!! I've always wanted to do this ride, but they don't make gears low enough for me to drag my butt up mountain passes!

Seriously- I would love to do this one day. We went to RMNP last year and it was amazing!!!

**Crankin** · 11-23-2010, 05:37 PM

Hope you have no problems with high altitude. I turned gray and tingly going up the pass in a car.

**AnnieBikes** · 11-23-2010, 06:48 PM

I went to Breckenridge a few years ago for a reunion and did have a bit of altitude sickness. However, I plan to acclimate in Denver for a couple days before this ride! I am sure I will be a little short of breath!!! I am already excited and it is MONTHS away.

**JennK13** · 11-23-2010, 07:02 PM

Can't believe that ride is so early in the year considering it's going over RMNP - the road over the top is closed from Labor Day to Memorial Day. June 19th isn't that far after Memorial Day. A great route, but even as a Colorado local, too many climbs for me (yet....)

**jessmarimba** · 11-23-2010, 07:49 PM

I wish I could ride that far and that well by then! If anyone wants to get together and hang out in Denver beforehand, let me know. I can at least give the beer tour of Colorado 2011!

**out_spokin'** · 11-23-2010, 09:07 PM

I'm seriously considering it. I've wanted to do it for years...It would be my motivator over the winter and I need one. I'm also thinking about putting in for the Ride the Rockies lottery. While a week earlier, it tends to be a bit easier (relatively speaking!!) than the BTOC. And when I think how hard my last century was, a bit easier might be a bit smarter.

I'm TOTALLY in for the beer tour of Colorado though, either way. I live here and yet haven't made it the priority it needs to be

**Bike Chick** · 11-24-2010, 04:36 AM

What an awesome ride! We've talked about doing it for years but just never have. Want to do the Blue Ridge Parkway first.

It looks beautiful! I know you will have a great time.

**Crankin** · 11-24-2010, 04:47 AM

Denver is at 5K feet. RMNP is at 11K feet. The difference is huge. I was staying in Boulder, which took me 2 days to get used to. Then, every time I went somewhere else that was higher, I was sick. If you can, acclimate yourself at the highest elevation possible.

**Kathi** · 11-24-2010, 03:28 PM

Since bikes are banned in Blackhawk I'm curious how the route is going to get through, or around Blackhawk. Will everyone have to get off and walk through town?

Lots of out of staters come here to do these rides. Be sure to stay well hydrated, and hydrate well before you come, and pace yourself.

Not sure about BTC but Ride the Rockies usually posts a training plan that is pretty easy to follow and starts early enough in the season to get you adequately prepared for the rigors of the ride.

Also, be aware that you can still encounter cold and snowy conditions at that time of year so bring warm clothing.

**AnnieBikes** · 11-24-2010, 04:30 PM

Kathi, Thanks for the info. Don't know about Blackhawk...I guess we will find out when we get out there. My DH has done the BTC twice and had snow and hail on one of them and it was during the same week as this ride. We will definitely be prepared for ALL weather. He is busy right now looking at the map profiles for the ride!! I am nervous, but also very excited to have this as a goal for next summer. I just passed my 3000 mile for the year mark today and hope to keep riding all winter, weather permitting!

Oh, and I am in for the beer tour!!!

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