The Ride the Rockies Bike Tour will begin on June 9 in Telluride and end June 15th at Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs may have gotten the cold shoulder from the USA Cycling Challenge, but we gained the finish of the 28th annual Ride The Rockies bicycle tour scheduled for June 9-15.

About 2,000 cyclists will make their way from Cañon City to the Cheyenne Mountain Resort on the final leg of Colorado's most famous recreational bike tour.

“After thirteen years, we were long overdue for a return to Colorado Springs,” said Chandler Smith, Director of Ride The Rockies. “Cheyenne Mountain Resort will make a beautiful backdrop for our finish line festivities.”

The 513-mile ride will take on a Southern Colorado flavor this year.

“We look forward to touring Southwest Colorado where cyclists will be treated to seven inspiring days on their bike,” said Smith. “Climbs over Lizard Head and Wolf Creek Pass as well as a trek over the Royal Gorge Bridge will give cyclists a real sense of accomplishment.”

Starting in Telluride on June 9, cyclists will pedal over three legendary mountain passes and over the highest suspension bridge in the U.S. to complete the seven-day trek.

The full 2013 route is:
June 8 - Telluride, Registration
June 9 -Telluride to Cortez 75 miles Lizard Head Pass – 10,222 ft
June 10 -Cortez to Durango 64 miles
June 11 -Durango to Pagosa Springs 86 miles
June 12 - Pagosa Springs to Alamosa 91 miles Wolf Creek Pass – 10,850 ft
June 13 - Alamosa to Salida 84 miles Poncha Pass – 9,019 ft
June 14 - Salida to Cañon City 67 miles Royal Gorge Bridge, 956 feet high
June 15 -  Cañon City to Colo. Springs 46 miles

Every year, riders from all walks of life meet in Colorado to ride bikes, celebrate with new and old friends, and soak in some of the best communities Colorado has to offer.

“Colorado is becoming known worldwide as a premier cycling destination and Ride The Rockies is a big part of the reason,” said Nathan Christian, Wells Fargo’s regional president for Colorado. “This signature tour showcases our fabulous mountains, boosts our economy, and provides much-needed funding for local charities. On behalf of Wells Fargo, I’d like to thank the tour organizers and volunteers for all of your hard work to make this tour such a success, and send our best to the riders.”

Ride The Rockies’ impact in Colorado can be found in more places than the bike shop, with an average economic impact of $250,000 in each town throughout the week. Thanks to more than 100 dedicated volunteers assisting cyclists and host communities providing inexpensive community meals and entertainment, this event continues to be a mainstay for riders of all stripes each year.

Cyclists may only register for the event online at www.ridetherockies.com. Applications will be accepted February 3 – February 22.

Ride The Rockies is a non-competitive event, and riders are encouraged to ride at their own pace. However, training for the tour is strongly recommended. Training information is available online at ridetherockies.com.

Riders on past Ride The Rockies tours have varied in age from 7 to 85 years old and have represented all 50 states and 18 foreign countries.

Proceeds from Ride The Rockies benefit The Denver Post Community Foundation and all funds raised are returned directly to Colorado nonprofits. In addition, The Denver Post Community Foundation awards a $5,000 grant to a nonprofit organization in each host town.
For more information, contact Ride The Rockies at (303) 954-6700 or visit the event web site at www.ridetherockies.com.