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HomeDenver To Aspen

2023 is RMCC’s 30th anniversary as a club, and there is no better way to recognize that than to do the ride that in many ways started it all—the Denver-To-Aspen Classic!


Over that 30 years the format of the ride and the route have gone through various iterations, and we actually haven’t run it since 2017. Despite that, many people still think of RMCC as “the Denver-to-Aspen club”


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, which will occur on Saturday, July 8th, 2023. Starting at Sloan's Lake Park to the west of downtown Denver, the course ventures west, initially climbing Lookout Mountain and Mount Vernon Canyon, the eastern gateway from Denver into the Colorado Rockies. The course undulates as it passes through the historic mining communities of Idaho Springs and 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: 180 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: Our intention is to provide limited support on this ride. There will be a cost-recovery fee to reimburse our volunteers for mileage and supplies (estimated $30-$50).


RMCC dues-paying membership is also required.


Route Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41836959


RSVP: D2A Meetup Event

6 categorized climbs:


Lariat Loop Climb (Lookout Mountain Pillars to I-70 entrance): Category 2: The signature climb out of Golden, CO with spectacular views of Denver skyline to the east.


Floyd Hill, east to west: Category 3: A moderately steep "grunt" of a climb.


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!


Swan Mountain Climb: Category 4


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.


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 winter- 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!