ELEVATION AND EMINENCE.
The Rocky Mountains are a place of legendary wonder, and when it comes to American cycling, they’re also the setting for the basis of the modern sport. From races like the once-illustrious US Pro Challenge to some of the continent’s highest paved roads, it’s a locale known for being continually steeped in the sport of cycling. But aside from its past and current prowess as a bike riding hotspot, mountainous Colorado is known for skiing, and with it boho towns like Aspen and rustic Crested Butte. RAID’s Rocky venture visits both, with plenty of high-altitude suffering to balance the bounty of novel eats (and drinks) all these towns offer. Hot tubs, spas, and fine dining complete an escape to the high country’s lonely alpine roads, one guests are sure to return from recharged and refreshed.
D1 ASPEN
MAROON BELLS
45 mi / 3,917 Ft
72.7 km / 1,314 m
72.7 Km pave
*Shorter option available
Arrive in Aspen, the trendy mountain town, experience a relaxed arrival, prepare our bikes, and embark on a brief ride.
Our initiation into the thin air kicks off with a shakedown spin – we're hitting the Maroon Bells climb, starting at a cool 8,000' altitude. Brace yourself for a casual 10-mile ascent to a mountain lake, where the road, closed to vehicles for most of the season, opens up a playground for incredible riding in both directions. As we conquer the climb, the real prize awaits – North America's showstopper, the 14,000-foot Maroon Bells peaks, unleashing a view that's nothing short of breathtaking. Soak it all in before the adrenaline-fueled descent back into Aspen completes this epic mountain cycling experience.
Aspen, CO
D2 ASPEN/INDEPENDENCE PASS
40 mi / 4,311 Ft
64.1 km / 1314 m
64.1 Km pave
Embarking on the bike ascent of Independence Pass offers a one-of-a-kind journey. Initially tracing the Roaring Fork River, the narrow highway provides a delightful scenic backdrop for the first leg of the climb. Around mile 12, the road dramatically unveils itself, etched into the mountainside with a sheer cliff on one side. Negotiating a 2.6-mile hairpin stretch, we navigate the narrow road with the cliff to our right – an exhilarating experience more thrilling on two wheels than four. The summit crowns our effort at the Continental Divide at 12,095 feet! Inhale that mountain air, and don't be surprised if it feels a bit thin – we're up where the oxygen is as rare as finding a Yeti on a unicycle!
Buckle up, folks! It's time for a wild ride as we descend from the heights of Independence Pass all the way back down to Aspen.
Maroon Bells, Aspen
D3 ASPEN/SNOWMASS - REDSTONE
54.6 mi / 4,559 Ft
87.9 km / 1390 m
19.3 km grvl
Get ready to ride the wild winds from the chic streets of Aspen, Colorado, straight into the historic heart of Redstone Village. The Elk Mountains are our playground, and we're hitting the gravel roads – the raw, unfiltered canvas that mirrors our untamed spirit. These untrodden trails, authentically off the beaten path, echo the beat of our adventurous hearts. Brace yourself for a visual feast as we navigate through ever-changing scenes, weaving from dense aspen groves to the rugged Rockies' jagged peaks.
As Redstone looms on the horizon, a bygone era unfurls its charm. Nestled alongside the Crystal River, Redstone Village is a historic reverie. Its cobblestone streets and impeccably preserved architecture throw us back to the days when mining tycoons held court. Now, if you've got a hankering for a dip in the hot springs, our buddy Brad's crew owns the legendary Avalanche Ranch just up the road from Redstone. So, if you're game, let's soak in some history and hot water.
O/N Redstone Inn
Kebler Pass
D4 REDSTONE - CRESTED BUTTE
62 mi / 6,683 Ft
99.7 km / 2,037 m
39 km grvl
From Redstone, rev up and ride west on the edgy curves of Colorado Highway 133, slicing through narrow canyons alongside the roaring Crystal River. Feast your eyes on the epic views of towering red cliffs and the untamed river, the kind of scenery that gives you a natural high. The asphalt ends, and now we're climbing up towards the gravel paradise of Kebler Pass, sitting pretty at a cool 10,000 feet above it all. Brace yourself for an alpine spectacle – aspen groves so thick you can taste the adventure, meadows exploding with wildflowers, and the West Elk Range, all rugged and unapologetically majestic.
Now, let the adrenaline surge on your downhill blitz into Crested Butte. This mountain town is the real deal, cradled in a valley, surrounded by peaks that dare you to be as bold as they are. The historic downtown doesn't do subtle – it's a burst of color, vibrant buildings, and an atmosphere that'll have you buzzing with the mountain-town spirit.
D5 CRESTED BUTTE - BUENA VISTA
96 mi / 6,538 Ft
155 km / 1,993 m
28.6 km grvl
Dive headfirst into our obsession: Cottonwood Pass, a wild ride of twisting asphalt that's practically a dare to the gods of the road, topped with a summit view that'll have you questioning reality. This pass broke the Euro pros back in the Quiznos Challenge Pro road race – some even threw in the towel, leaving the broom wagon bursting at the seams. In those gritty days, much of the climb was dirt, but today, we ride the fully paved glory on both sides. Buckle up for a hair-raising descent into Buena Vista, where our journey wraps with a tour of the Deerhammer Whiskey Distillery, because nothing says victory like a shot of rebellion.
Nestled amid the Collegiate Peaks, the Scandi-minimalist Surf Hotel becomes our haven, buzzing with the cool vibes of urban escape artists. It's not just a hotel; it's a vibe. Picture a cocktail bar in the lobby, the Ivy Ballroom hosting a symphony of sounds, and a summer concert series turning the town square into an amphitheater of spontaneity. This is where hip meets altitude, and we're here for every rebellious sip.
O/N The Surf Hotel - Buena Vista
Cottonwood Pass
D6 BUENA VISTA
Time to ditch the bike and grab a paddle.
Welcome to Buena Vista, where the name translates to "good view," but that's just the tip of the iceberg in this Rocky Mountain rebel hub. Tucked between two colossal mountain ranges, this small town is more than just a pretty face; it's a hotspot for thrill-seekers. Picture the Arkansas River slicing through the heart of the town, inviting you to ditch the wheels for some badass whitewater action.
So, grab your paddle and pack that wild spirit; it's time for an all-day rafting escapade! The Numbers, a stretch of the Arkansas River that's become our go-to, promises heart-pounding rapids at every turn. This isn't your leisurely float; it's a full-throttle, jaw-dropping, adrenaline-fueled rebellion against the ordinary. Buckle up, because adventure just found a new address.
For more than 30 years, Performance Tours Rafting have been offering incredible Buena Vista whitewater rafting trips for guests in Colorado!
D7 BUENA VISTA - COLORADO SPRINGS
65 mi / 8,841Ft
105 km / 2,695 m
83 km grvl
Get ready for a two-hour joyride to Cañon City, a laid-back haven snuggled alongside the roaring Arkansas River. Cañon City has got it all – fossil hotspots, Skyline Drive and, of course, the infamous Royal Gorge.
Now, let's talk roads – a 29.6-mile stretch from Road US-50 to Victor City that's the Gold Belt Scenic Byway's crown jewel. We're talking hand-cut stone tunnels, elevated steel and wooden bridges straight out of the history books, and a climb that's as cool as it gets. This road is the real deal, a gravel beast winding through canyons, echoing the bygone era of the Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad.
Don't let those narrow lanes and bridges cramp your style. Get ready for a gritty dance with Gold Camp Road, a snake-like stretch where every turn reveals a fresh slice of jaw-dropping scenery. Steep drops, rugged boulders, canyon vistas – this road's got character. So, ease off the pedals, soak it all in, and let the dusty adventure unfold.
To cap off this epic ride, we MIGHT (TBD) be able to conquer the HC category private dirt road leading straight to the renowned Broadmoor Cloud Camp lodge. Getting permission for this exclusive and shuttered road is no small feat. It throws in an extra 2000 feet of climbing, concluding with a view that's unbeatable. And what better way to wrap up the day than with a cold Coors Beer – the ultimate Colorado post-adventure indulgence!
D8 PIKES PEAK
61 mi / 8,301 Ft
98.6 km / 2,531 m
98.6 Km pave
Ready for a real gut-check? Conquer the Pikes Peak Highway on your bike – a fully paved warzone that cranks up the intensity. You're looking at over 4,800 vertical feet of relentless climbing, navigating a twisted maze of more than 150 hairpin turns that spit you out at the 14,115-foot summit. This mountain isn't just a local legend; it's a global heavy hitter, drawing over a million adrenaline junkies annually. After Japan's Mt. Fuji, this bad boy takes the silver for the world's most visited peak.
But what really sets Pikes Peak apart? It's all about the grade, baby. Forget your typical Colorado climbs – Mt. Evans, step aside. Pikes Peak boasts an average grade of 6.1%, with brief descents (the longest being 0.35 miles at -5.7%) giving your quads a sporadic breather. If you're up for the challenge, buckle up for a solid 7.9% average. Brace yourself for 9.9 miles (41% of the climb) hitting you at 5-10% grade, another 4.5 miles (18%) at 10-15%, and a spicy 0.3 miles (1.1%) at 15-20%. The steepest quarter mile throws a whopping 12% at you, and the meanest full mile clocks in at a blistering 10%. It's a showdown between you and the peak – winner takes all.
A video breakdown of the Pikes Peak climb!
D9 TRANSFER DAY
Kickstart your day by soaking in the spectacular views from Cloud Camp. Inhale the mountain air, embrace the surroundings, and soak up the vibes—it's a moment you won't forget.
Hop on the shuttle descending the mountain at 9 am, and then buckle up for a 1-hour and 45-minute ride in the RAID Sprinter van to Denver International Airport. Whether you're jetting off midday, in the afternoon, or evening, get ready for your journey home!
Wave goodbye, and we're already counting down the days until we see you on the road again!
