Triple Bypass

Triple Bypass is the ride that Colorado road cyclists whisper about with a mix of reverence and dread. Starting in Evergreen and finishing in Avon, this 110-plus mile route crosses three mountain passes — Juniper, Loveland, and Vail — racking up over 10,000 feet of climbing along the way. It is, without exaggeration, one of the most challenging and rewarding single-day cycling events in the country. If your cycling bucket list doesn’t include this ride, it should.

The event is fully supported with aid stations, SAG vehicles, and bus transport back to the start, but make no mistake — you still have to turn the pedals over three passes at altitude. Training should start months in advance, and your nutrition plan needs to be dialed. The reward for all that suffering is some of the most spectacular mountain scenery you’ll ever see from a bike saddle, plus the deep satisfaction of knowing you conquered something genuinely hard.

First-timers should respect the altitude and start conservative — the third pass has broken many riders who went too hard on the first two. Register early because this event sells out. Arrange lodging in Avon or plan for the shuttle back to Evergreen. Most importantly, train on hills. If you live on the Front Range, Lookout Mountain, Squaw Pass, and Mt. Evans are your friends in the months leading up to this one.