2008 COURSE
2008 Changes -
New - 60 mile option! Hang a right off the 45 mile & tackle an 8 mi climb up James Canyon!
While we loved showing off our great bike paths it just didn't work the way we'd like. No more Boulder Creek Path. Instead we'll give you a much faster run down Jay Rd and skirt town altogether. Plus a bit more interesting jaunt out Valmont from the start. These changes affect all routes.
45 mile option
Great for beginners looking for their first big ride – this loop follows the normal course into Lyons, then avoids the hills & canyons with a direct return to Boulder. Easy miles with very little climbing. Beautiful, wide open plains-cruising loaded with vistas & a looong downhill finish.
Avg times 3-4 hrs, elevation gain <1000'.
60 mi option
If you're caught between the flats of the 45 & the hills of the 75 mi this will feel just right. Shoot off the short route for a solid 8 mi climb up to Jamestown. A moderate hill by most standards but it's no giveaway! A great intro to mtn riding for the intermediate rider looking to sweat a bit and carve up a canyon. Avg time 4-5 hrs, elevation gain ~2500'.
75 mile option
All the challenge of the full century with a nice "cheater" shortcut where you want it. Start with easy plains-cruising, progress to high-altitude fast rollers and plenty of moderate climbing, a couple short steeps and an epic descent thru Left Hand Canyon.
Avg times – 5-7 hrs, elevation gain ~5500'.
100 mile route
The meat & potatoes route. The full meal-deal. All the challenge you'd expect from a century ride out of Boulder, CO. Pass the Left Hand Canyon descent & opt for an additional 20 miles of Peak to Peak rollers, including a tough 1500' climb out of Nederland before rejoining the mere mortals on the descent. Avg times – 6-9 hrs, elevation gain ~7000'.
With the 80 or 100 mile route, count on some extended climbing with a fairly consistent grade. You need to be fit & train appropriately. And just when you feel you can't climb anymore, it's 30 miles downhill to the finish.
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**All numbers, profiles, times & comparisons are approximations, don't go bettin' the farm on them**
