Racing through Aspen with Ride the Rockies
This year Aspen will play a pivotal role in what the Competitor Magazine has called the, “Best cycling event in 2011,” as the Denver Post Ride the Rockies bike race hits town on June 12th. Riders will pass through Aspen as they head from Carbondale toward Leadville on Highway 82 through the renowned Independence Pass.
The Denver Post created the Ride the Rockies Colorado Bicycle Tour back in 1986. Every year since The Post has selected a new and exciting route highlighting cities throughout the Rockies. Aspen has been the host city in the past, but this year will enjoy simply watching racers zip through town and cheering them as they pass.
This year’s Ride the Rockies course will be a total of 442 miles and will begin in Gunnison with stopovers in Hotchkiss, Carbondale, Leadville, Granby, Estes Park and finally ending in Fort Collins. This six-day race will include 5 scenic mountain passes, 2 national parks and 1-century option, along with 24,937 vertical feet.
The Ride the Rockies race is so anticipated by bikers throughout Colorado and the country, that a lottery system has been in place since 1989 to determine the 2,000 racers. Last year over 4,000 applicants were in competition for these spots. That number is expected to be even greater this year.
According to The Aspen Times, the city of Carbondale has planned to serve riders lunch as they arrive on June 11th and to host a block party in honor of the racers. Hotels in town began to be booked back in February for the event, meaning the best spot to catch the race in action this year will be Aspen.
Accustomed to hosting large events, Aspen has multiple luxury hotels, with incredible accommodations. Likewise, Aspen has restaurants, cafes and dining facilities for any and every need or whim. Beyond a warm bed, and good food, Aspen loves any excuse to throw a party. The Ride the Rockies is the perfect excuse to gather in the streets, cheer the riders and have a great time with friends, neighbors and visitors!
For friends, family and supporters of riders in the race, having an encouraging face and a loud cheer right before riders head out onto Independence Pass will make all the difference. Riders in the USA Pro Cycling Challenge have dubbed this stretch, “The King of the Mountain,” due to the strenuous nature of this particular climb in the road.
Whether coming to Aspen for the Ride the Rockies Race or for the Food & Wine Classic, or the Outside in Aspen festival (events that bookend the Ride the Rockies on the calendar) there is always something happening in and around Aspen during the month of June. Come a few days early, or stay a few days longer – and catch the fun, the excitement and the energy – better yet, Find a more permanent lodging arrangement, where you and your family will be right on hand for any and every event you don’t want to miss!
Residences, condos and homes are available in and around Snowmass Village and Aspen. The summer is the perfect time to settle in. Click here to see the latest properties on the market!