When RAGBRAI announced its 2007 bike ride across Iowa, organizers said it would be the flattest one ever. The 2007 Denver Post Ride the Rockies can make no such claim.
The 422-mile bike route, which was unveiled Sunday, involves bicycling over four Colorado mountain passes with a total 24,000 feet of elevation gain.
The bicycle tour — June 17-23 — starts and ends in Frisco, with overnights stops in Steamboat Springs, Craig, Rifle, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, and Leadville. Bicyclists climb Rabbit Ears Pass the first day, Nine-Mile Gap the third day, and Independence Pass and Fremont Pass the last two days.
Registration for this year's bike ride officially opened with Sunday's route announcement. Potential riders must register by Feb. 23; organizers choose 2,000 cyclists by lottery.
Those lucky lottery winners might want to consider training for this bike ride. The first day is the longest — 98 miles from Frisco to Steamboat Springs — with 4,700 feet of elevation gain. The penultimate day — 61 miles over Independence Pass — sees the most elevation gain at 5,700 feet.
You can go to the website for more information, maps, host site details and registration for this great bike ride, first run in 1986. Also, read about the route in the Denver Post.
(Update: Feb. 5, 2007 — The Craig Daily Press reports that a visit by the Ride the Rockies bicyclists will add $175,000 to the local economy.)
Other across-state bike rides
Here are some other updates at Across-State Bicycle Tours that I've updated at Biking Bis recently for 2007. Generally, these are multi-day, fully supported bike rides that cover 300-600 miles:
The Greater Arizona Bicycle Adventure (GABA) takes a trip on Route 66 with a six-day ride that begins Sept. 28. Starts in Laughlin, Nevada; includes a rest day at the Grand Canyon.
Connecticut AIDS Bike Tour (CABT) is a three-day fund-raiser for AIDS support and awareness. Covers up to 262 miles, beginning Sept. 5.
Adding to other three other state rides, the Illinois Great Rivers Ride organizers are still hammering out the route, but have set aside the dates of Sept. 9-15.
The League of Michigan Bicyclists offers the Shoreline Bicycle Tour series this year. Featured is the Shoreline Adventure Tour along Lake Huron — June 15-17; Michigan's Upper Peninsula Tour (Shoreline MUP Tour) — July 21-28; and the West Shoreline Tour — Aug. 4-11.
The 37th annual Dick Allen Lansing to Mackinaw Bicycle Tour (DALMAC) covers 300 to 500 miles, depending on the route. The five-day tour, or Bridge Ride (not recommended for gephyrophobics) is Aug. 29 – Sept. 2; 4-day is Aug. 30 – Sept. 2.
The Habitat for Humanity raises funds from the 5-day Habitat 500 River Ride that starts and ends in St. Cloud, July 15-21.
You can ride on the nation's longest rail-to-trail route this summer on the Katy Trail Ride, 225 miles from Clinton to St. Charles from June 18-22. Sign up soon as this is limited to 300 cyclists.
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