Colorado's Ride (Ride the Rockies)

Colorado’s Ride, formerly known as Ride the Rockies, is the state’s premier multi-day cycling tour and a rite of passage for road cyclists in the region. The 2026 edition runs August 10-14, tackling routes through Cottonwood Pass and Monarch Pass — two of the most breathtaking stretches of pavement in the Rocky Mountains. This is the kind of event that turns casual cyclists into lifers, combining challenging riding with the camaraderie of hundreds of fellow riders sharing the same adventure.

The event is fully supported with luggage transport, camping, food, and entertainment at each overnight stop. You ride during the day and roll into a small Colorado town each evening where the community rolls out the welcome mat. The daily distances and climbing are substantial — this is mountain cycling in the truest sense — but the support infrastructure means you can focus entirely on riding and soaking in the experience.

Entry is typically by lottery, so apply early and hope for the best. If you get in, prepare for five days of serious climbing at altitude — base fitness needs to be strong, and you should be comfortable with back-to-back long days in the saddle. Bring warm layers for early morning starts and descents, and pack light since your bag goes on the truck. For many riders, this week becomes the highlight of their entire cycling year.