ELEVATION AND EMINENCE.

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains are a place of legendary wonder, and when it comes to American cycling, they have been hallowed ground for decades, with famous road races like the Coors Classic and the legendary Leadville 100 mountain bike race. In the new era of Gravel cycling, Colorado offers spectacular gravel riding and one of the premier gravel races: STB GRVL (Steamboat Gravel).

Studio Velo and RAID’s expeditionary force invites you to join them on a very special Escape comprised of training, riding and racing some of the very best gravel routes in the Colorado Rockies! Starting in world-famous Aspen, this trip will begin with several days of acclimatizing, exceptional mixed-terrain riding and delicious food before transferring to Steamboat Springs, the home of Moots Cycles, for further preparation, great riding and racing STB GRVL.

You heard STB GRVL sold out in 25 minutes on December 3rd? No problem -- we have secured thirteen highly desirable entries for the race, and as part of this Escape, your entry and participation are included in this unique package! But we won’t throw you out on the gravel at high elevation to fend for yourself. This Escape is designed from the ground up to provide each guest with the coaching, tools and knowledge to better one’s gravel riding skills, improve hydration and nutrition strategies, and manage the challenges of a tough, long, gravel race.  

Can you hear the cowbells, whoops and hollers on race day?

Our 7-day Escape will reflect our deep knowledge of gravel cycling and our affinity for Aspen and Steamboat via carefully planned routes showcasing the best of this part of the Rockies. Guests will enjoy delightful restaurants, great accommodations, a visit to the Moots factory, a stout gravel race, the outstanding care, support and coaching of the SV/RAID team, and a lot of laughs and collegiality. Join us for this Escape, you’ll be a better rider for it!

What is SBT GRVL?

SBT GRVL is a world-class gravel race experience held on the greatest gravel roads on Earth in and around Steamboat Springs, CO. The unique combination of the quiet roads surrounding a thriving resort town create the setting for an incredible gravel bike race. With the fundamental goal of inclusiveness, we want to focus not only on the race, but a fantastic weekend away with our friends. The beauty of the mountains (not to mention the camaraderie with fellow cyclists) as well as the basic challenge of covering these gravel roads on two wheels is something that will not soon be forgotten.

Private chef- Lentine Alexis

Food nourishes us, helps us achieve our performance goals, and puts a smile on our faces. During the first two nights in Aspen, we will dine at delicious, locally-owned restaurants. Once in Steamboat, we will be in the care of private chef and former pro cyclist Lentine Alexis. As a former pro racer and classically-trained chef living in Colorado, Lentine will curate delicious, farm-fresh, healthy meals that will absolutely nourish us, help us tackle STB GRVL, and keep us smiling. As good as the food will be, Lentine will also ride with us, stay with us and share some of her stories, making this Escape even more special. Did we mention she’s planning to race alongside us for part of STB GRVL? Just make sure she hands over the “Sweet Ride Snacks” before she peels away to prepare dinner! Learn more about Lentine: CLICK

What kind of bike to I need for this GRVL trip?

This journey is designed specifically for gravel riding and the support and maintenance of gravel bikes. Therefore, we will only allow true gravel bikes with hydraulic disc brakes and 700 or 650 wheel sets on this adventure.

If you don't have a proper bike and wanted to discuss options, please visit Studio Velo; they are the local experts and can help you properly prepare for this trip.

Do you need a coach?

If your aim is to test yourself against the best or just the clock, we believe in the power of having a coach to assist you in becoming a better cyclist. For this event, we are harnessing the experience of a trained coach, Tim Fleming to build into our event, (at an additional cost to you) an in-depth coaching platform to better prepare you for this unique event. Tim will take into consideration the unique conditions that this high-altitude gravel event presents and prepare you to the best of his ability through a detailed training plan, an analysis of your nutrition and performance on the bike.

For 20 years, Tim has coached athletes in every aspect of their performance. From nutrition to technique, his commitment to education extends well beyond the cycling world. At Endurance PTC (Mill Valley), Tim heads up the lab and coaching programs, as well as teaching eCycling. With a master’s degree in exercise science, a former professional triathlete and a passion for wellness, we think he’s a pretty good fit for the job.

Tim will craft a rider-specific program around the unique nutritional needs of our riders on this escape. He will be with us each day on our ride, offering insightful tips and better preparing you for the unique challenges of high altitude gravel racing. Tim will work with those newbie gravel riders as well as those looking to compete in the 144-mile Black Course!

Day 1: Aug 11, aSPEN - BELLS & ASHCROFT

45-60 mi / 3,890 ft / 5,525 Ft

Our first shakedown spin at altitude takes us along the moderate climb up the Ashcroft - Maroon Bells. This out-and-back ride begins at 8,000’ feet in Aspen and climbs moderately for nearly 10 miles to a mountain lake. The road is closed to vehicles for most of the season and provides incredible riding in both directions. Once we reach the top of the climb, we come around the bend and are rewarded with one of North America’s best views: the 14,000-foot Maroon Bells peaks.  Enjoy the descent back into town for an optional route out and back to the Ashcroft Cookhouse and back into town-topping off a solid warm up day! O/N Hotel Limelight Snowmass

Day 2: Aug 12 SNOWMASS - VALLEY LOOP

86 mi / 6,750 Ft

Lance Armstrong has made Aspen his home, and this is one of his favorite loops down valley from Aspen. It includes some of the iconic dirt roads that Colorado is known for. We head out behind Snowmass ski village, climbing high above the chairlifts to come to our secret gravel divide road that drops us into the narrow Snowmass Creek Valley. Wildcat Road takes us to our highest point of the day, topping out at 8,500’ where we can take in the incredible views of the Roaring Fork Valley. This smooth five-mile gravel sector drops us back to pavement on Snowmass Creek Road. After a coffee stop, we continue up the eastern flank of the valley, back toward Aspen via the iconic Woody Creek Tavern, the residence of noted author Hunter S. Thompson for most of his life. From here we tackle the Medicine Bow climb before finishing in Aspen along McLain Flats Road. O/N Hotel Limelight Snowmass

Day 3: Aug 13 SNOWMASS TO STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

50 mi / 3,673 Ft

This morning we load up for a short transfer into Glenwood Springs. Upon arrival, we will have a quick coffee and prepare ourselves for our morning spin. Brace yourself for a stunning beginning as we ride along the scenic Glenwood Canyon Path, running 16.5 miles along, above and over the Colorado River. Once we arrive at the trails end, we venture onto mixed terrain as we head north along the Colorado from  Dotsero to Mccoy. This 35-mile stretch of remote paved and dirt road should be listed as a scenic byway-but we are glad that it isn’t, it’s too good for us to share. After a light lunch along the river, we will transfer 1 hour to Steamboat Springs, our resting spot for the remainder of our escape. O/N Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas

Day 4: Aug 14 STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

72 mi / 6,800 Ft

Steamboat Springs sits somewhat remotely in Northwest Colorado. Located in Routt County, nestled up next to the Continental Divide, which traces a long and mountainous line down from Montana to New Mexico, its location makes for spectacular riding.  The roads around here see more cows than cars and we will have as selection of gravel routes for you to select from today. Choose a light spin and take the afternoon off, or attempt to pre-ride the SBT GRVL course, which-ever is your poison, we will make it happen. O/N Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas

Day 5: Aug 15 STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

25-40 mi / 1,260 Ft

Studio Velo is one of the largest Moots dealers in the country and we love these ti-steeds! Moots is hosting a VIP experience today—and we are invited. A supported 25-mile route will provide a look at the first miles of the race and surface conditions you should expect on race day. The Airport Plus loop is a staple Moots factory lunch ride, it has 850’ feet of rolling climbing and won’t tax you too much. Once back at Moots they will have a bike wash station, cold drinks and snacks. Factory tours will be given for those interested. Later this afternoon, we can add a few miles and venture out to soak in the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. O/N Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas

Day 6: Aug 16 STB GRVEL RACE dAY

37-144 mi / 2,000 TO 9,400 Ft
BLACK, BLUE, RED OR GREEN COURSE

It’s Race Day y’all and we have your entry ticket, it’s included. Listen for the cowbells? Choose your distance, saddle up and lets race!

If you desire to test yourself against some of the best-enjoy a solo day out on your own. If you prefer to ride as a team, our ride leaders will keep the group together tightly and ride as a team. In the spirit of a team time trial, we will work together, support one another and work to finish successfully together on the Blue Course. O/N Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas

Day 7: Aug 17 STEAMBOAT TO ASPEN

Post breakfast this morning, buckle up, we have a transfer. Relax for the 3h20m scenic drive back to Aspen. Please make your return flights home no earlier than 2pm.