22ND ANNUAL · JUNE 19th-25th 2016
The 19th Annual 2013 ride took the BTC into previously unexplored territory as well as some familiar places. We again included Crested Butte for our day off but added a new way into town via Kebler Pass. This 7 day trip took us through high alpine tundra, pine forests, and past alpine lakes.
Riders wore jersey from '95, '96, '97, or '98. The ride started out with some gradual uphill to help riders get in the swing of things. The road gets steeper as you near the 9,346' summit of Trout Creek Pass. The descent down to camp is twisty and steep.
Riders wore their jersey from '99, '00, '01, or '02 today. Riders enjoyed a gradual uphill along the Arkansas River and Twin Lakes. We worked hard were rewarded with some coasting down from the pass into Aspen. A short jaunt along the Roaring Fork River we were in Carbondale for the night.
Riders wore jersey from BTC '03, '04, '05, or '06. Leaving the Roaring Fork valley via McClure Pass (8,763') is easier than the route that got you to Carbondale but it is even more scenic this way. After the summit riders enjoyed the spectacular views on their way down to Paonia.
Riders wore BTC jersey from '07, '08, or '09. Riders treked 26 miles of dirt road on Kebler Pass or an extra 64 miles if they didn't want to get dirty, With lots to do and see in Crested Butte it was a tough decision.
The rest day! We enjoyed hiking the ski area, some rented a mountain bike for a few hours, enjoy the chips and salsa at the Last Steep, or just lie in the grass watching the birds and clouds float by.
Riders showed off their '10, '11, or '12 jersey this day. After the day off in Crested Butte riders had a gentle downhill for a few miles before the turn toward Taylor Park Reservoir. Pass the reservoir and begin the real climb to the pass. This route was part of the 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge
We celebrated the last day by wearing our 2013 BTC jersey. Out of Salida it was a gentle downhill along the Arkansas River then back to Canon City where it all began!
To find out more about each days ride including stats on the high mountain passes, check out the book by Michael Seeberg, Road Biking Colorado the Statewide Guide.
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