
The year 2020 was full of change and challenges for the entire cycling community, and RMCC was no different. Like so many other organizations, we had to move to a virtual format to salvage the season. The Triple Crown ended up becoming a DIY set of three rides, chosen from an extended list with many new courses, that riders could tailor to their interests, strengths, and the conditions. This afforded many riders the chance to finish the Triple Crown on their own terms, and make it into a series of personal challenges instead of some very long club rides. We even had a couple new riders join the Triple Crown community, sheparded through their trio of events by a couple Triple Crown veterans.
Since its inception as an organized series in 2009, the anchor of the Triple Crown has been Mark Lowe. Although it was RMCC founder Charlie Henderson who greenlighted pulling some of the classic RMCC doubles into a formal series, it was Mark Lowe who put in the sweat equity to bring it all to life. Mark has worked tirelessly over the past 12 years brainstorming, organizing, and running what has become one of the most challenging ride series in the country. It has been his twisted daydreams, converted to GPS files, that has breathed life into what on paper sounds like insanity. Those of us who have been part of this world, however, fully appreciate the niche Mark has created. The Triple Crown community is small by default; there aren't many who share Mark's definition of fun. But for those who do, the environment he established has become a place of understanding and acceptance. The rides that make up the series pull together a diverse group of people united in the desire to push their limits far beyond the normal set of allowances. And they do this against the backdrop of the most beautiful spots in Colorado - or at least those they can see in the daylight.