D1 ASPEN/SNOWMASS - BELLS

ARRIVAL DAY

54.9 mi / 4,567 Ft
88.3 km / 1,392 m
88.3 Km pave

Gear up for a day of high-altitude adventure as we dive into Aspen/Snowmass, rolling up our sleeves for arrivals and tackling some bike assembly. 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.

O/N Aspen or Snowmass Village

D2 ASPEN/SNOWMASS - REDSTONE

54.6 mi / 4,559 Ft
87.9 km / 1390 m
68.6 Km pave / 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, Red Cliffs Lodge, Avalanche Ranch

D3 REDSTONE - CRESTED BUTTE

57.9 mi / 6,018 Ft
93.1 km / 1,834 m
54.2 Km pave / 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.

O/N Old Town Inn

D4 CRESTED BUTTE - BUENA VISTA

67 mi / 4,994Ft
108 km / 1,522m
96.7 km pave / 12 km grvl
*Optional Longer Loop
150.2 km / 1,984
121 Km pave / 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

D5 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!

O/N The Surf Hotel - Buena Vista

D6 BUENA VISTA - COLORADO SPRINGS

63.9 mi / 8,830 Ft
102.8 km / 2,691 m
14.6 Km pave /88.2 km grvl

Get ready for a rebellious 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 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 2600 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!

O/N The Broadmoor - Cloud Camp

D7 PIKES PEAK

67.5 mi / 10,084 Ft
108.6 km / 3,074 m
94.2 Km pave / 13.8 km grvl

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 Climb Only 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.

O/N The Broadmoor - Cloud Camp

D8 EVERGREEN - GEORGTOWN

75 mi / 9,127 Ft
120 km / 2,781 m
118.2 Km pave / 2.7 km grvl

Gear up for a rebellious two-hour transfer, leading us to Evergreen, the lakeside renegade just 45 minutes from Denver. Kick things off with a coffee at the Muddy Buck, soaking in the vibes of the laid-back historic district before diving into the colossal climb that awaits.

Mount Blue Sky, formally known as Mount Evans! Altitude over Gradient! Conquer the highest paved road in North America, flexing at a staggering 14,130 feet. This ain't your typical climb – it's not steep, but its length and that breath-thin altitude will push your cycling limits. Glide through graceful curves and a consistent 4% to 7% grade that'll have you feeling the burn. Brace yourself for a 27-mile ascent, gaining nearly 7,000 feet, until you hit the summit, surrounded by killer vistas. The descent? Keep it cool – afternoon winds and a road surface that's a bit dicey will keep you on your toes.

Will wrap up our ride in historic Georgetown with beers and pizza at the Guanella Pass Brewery.

O/N Winter Park

*2024 may see Mount Evens closed due to the repair of the road.

D9 WINTERPARK - NEDERLAND

62.1 mi / 4,447 Ft
100.4 km / 1,356 m
37.2 Km pave / 63.3 km grvl

Today's ride is no Sunday joyride – it's a high-mountain showdown that'll test even the most rebellious drop bar bikes. Rollins Pass, our battleground, is a rough beast. Don't let the gentle grade fool you; it's a relentless assault of sharp rocks, endless mud holes, and body-jarring terrain that can shred a tire at breakneck speed. The ascent is a slow grind, and the descent? Hold onto your helmets, because it's a turbulent rollercoaster with zero mercy. Add the unpredictable mountain weather, and you've got a recipe for a wild ride with little shelter if you're above the tree line. Oh, and get ready for some hike-a-bike sections – because we're not here for the faint of heart.

At the summit of Rollins Pass, a lofty 11,676 feet in the air, brace yourself for jaw-dropping views of the Indian Peaks and James Peak wilderness areas – a humbling spectacle of vastness. A journey through time, adorned with historic artifacts. Some, like the Needle's Eye Tunnel and the Twin Trestles, stand as obvious relics, while others, ancient whispers in the landscape, demand your careful attention to reveal their secrets.

This path, once a lifeline for wagons connecting the Grand Valley to the Front Range, transformed into a railroad but succumbed to the relentless onslaught of snow and avalanches. By 1928, the Moffat Tunnel stole the show, linking the Front Range to Winter Park and sealing Rollins Pass's fate. The rails were yanked out in 1935, leaving only one way to conquer this path – by the sheer grit of human-powered transport.

As we wrap up our day, we'll cruise into the quirky mountain town of Nederland for some damn fine coffee at Salto Coffee before checking into our mountain chic Boulder Creek Lodge for the evening.

Tonight lets dine on smoked ribs and tofu and enjoy their award winning IPA’s at Busy Brews!

For those beer lovers - a quick visit at the Knotted Root Brewing Company followed by a few ales!

O/N Boulder Creek Lodge

D10 NEDERLAND - BOULDER

65.1 mi / 7,114 Ft
104.8 Km / 2,168 m
26.3 Km pave / 76.9 km grvl

The pinnacle ride from Nederland to Boulder featuring a challenging 7,100 feet of elevation gain, the final stage wraps our RAID of Colorado Gravel.

Embarking on our journey from town, we conquer the ascents of P2P, turning right onto the exhilarating combination of Ridge Rd. and Cold Springs Rd. The adventure takes a thrilling turn onto Sugarloaf Rd, featuring a brief yet steep climb followed by a high-speed, extended downhill section. As we hit the pavement, brace yourself for today's toughest ascent, a formidable 17% grade. Navigating a left onto Sugarloaf Mtn. Rd leads to a scenic mile-long climb, followed by a left onto the Switzerland Trail, where a mellow yet challenging and uneven climb awaits, interspersed with punchy climbs. Descending onto Lefthand Canyon road promises a rapid and smooth paved descent. Don't miss the crucial hard right onto the Rowena Trail, an obstacle-laden path offering a demanding and technical climb with occasional hike-a-bike sections. Grinding our way up Sunshine Canyon back to Gold Hill, we might even pause at the Gold Hill Inn for a refreshing pint! It’s not over yet! We dive down Fourmile Canyon to followed by a steep climb up Logan Mill Rd to Escape Route. We zip through Sugarloaf Rd., to Boulder Canyon and finally climb up to Chapman Trail to a stunning overlook at Flagstaff Summit from Sunrise Amphitheater. Enjoy the ripping descent down Flagstaff Mountain all the way into Boulder to the RAPHA Clubhouse.

There’s lots to do in Boulder! It’s a sun-kissed college town nestled against the foothills of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Boulder serves as the ultimate basecamp for a diverse tribe of rock climbers, cyclists, triathletes, trail runners, skiers, hikers, and all-around outdoor enthusiasts, no matter the season. Yet, this scholarly hub, home to the University of Colorado and various national laboratories, pulsates with a vibrant, eclectic energy that attracts entrepreneurs, arts and culture enthusiasts, foodies, fashionistas, craft beer aficionados and just about everyone in between.

Venture down Boulder’s Pearl Street pedestrian mall, navigate its bike-friendly streets and grab a coffee at the Rapha Clubhouse. From nationally acclaimed restaurants and snug bars and breweries to chic stores, vibrant art galleries, Boulder thrives both under the open sky and within the beating heart of its urban charisma.

O/N TBD

D11 - BOULDER to DENVER (DEN)

Let's ditch the wild Boulder vibes and roll into the concrete jungle of Denver International Airport. Brace yourself for a solid 40 minutes of transit – buckle up. Now, here's the deal – DEN's got a lineup of airport hotels. Crash for the night if your international flight's playing hard to get. It's your call, and we're all about finishing up this gritty adventure with a splash of urban cool.