The Denver-To-Aspen Classic is the ride around which RMCC was originally formed in 1993. Over many years the format of the ride and the route have gone through various iterations, and we actually haven’t run it since 2023. By popular demand, we are running it again this year!
Brief description:
Denver to Aspen is an EPIC single-day road-bike adventure from the Colorado's capital city, Denver, into the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Starting at Dinosaur Ridge on the west side of Denver, the course ventures west, initially climbing Mount Vernon Canyon, the eastern gateway from Denver into the Colorado Rockies. We then take in the lower part of Squaw Pass before descending into Idaho Springs. We then take the gradual rise to Georgetown before starting the long, steep climb up the rugged Loveland Pass, one of Colorado's most spectacular mountain passes at 11,990 ft.
The course then traverses into Summit County, passing the ski resorts at Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, and Copper Mountain. Participants then climb the beautiful 11,318 foot Fremont Pass, riding past the historic Climax Mine en route to the silver mining town of Leadville, the nation's highest incorporated city. From Leadville, you venture south and west, passing the scenic Twin Lakes before tackling Colorado's famed Independence Pass, reaching a lung-searing altitude of 12,095 feet!
Riders then make the twisty descent down the western slopes of Independence Pass to the ritzy mountain resort town of Aspen, ultimately ending at the cycling-friendly community of Woody Creek.
Course Highlights:
Distance: 175 miles, a point-to-point route from Denver, CO to Woody Creek, CO
Climbing: 16,000 feet, including 3 crossings of the Continental Divide at Loveland Pass, Fremont Pass, and Independence Pass
Time limit: 16.5 hours
Support: We will provide limited support on this ride. There is a $50 cost-recovery fee to reimburse our volunteers for mileage and supplies.
RMCC dues-paying membership is also required.
Route Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53999295
6 categorized climbs:
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Mt Vernon Canyon: Category 3: The easier climb out of the city from the Golden area.
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Lower Squaw Pass: Category 3: A steady climb into the higher foothills to the west.
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Loveland Pass (elev. 11,990 ft): Hors Category, from Georgetown: A spectacular high alpine climb with rugged mountain sides and jaw-dropping panoramic vistas...one of Colorado's finest!
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Swan Mountain Climb: Category 4
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Fremont Pass (elev. 11,318 ft), Category 1: Another beautiful high altitude climb that rides past the Climax Mine, a major source of molybdenum in the US.
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Independence Pass East (elev. 12,095 feet), Hors category, from Twin Lakes: One of Colorado's best known passes, Independence Pass is the spectacular defining climb (and descent) of Denver to Aspen.
Additional Notes:
Some ultra-distance experience is encouraged (but not required) to participate in this event.
Given the exposure to high altitude, severe weather is a major concern with this event. As such, riders need to be prepared, bringing their best cool and wet-riding gear with them!
The RMCC does not provide transportation back to Denver from Aspen. Please start working on arrangements ASAP to get you and your bike back to Denver after this event!
We will not be “sweeping the course”. You do need to have a plan to get back to Denver if you are not able to complete the route.
Lights and reflective gear are required due to the 4AM start!