A cold winter's thaw

It's 70 degrees in Denver!

Sorry to the inhabitants of the east coast of the United States and your severe recent winter storm, but I saw a man running around the park in Denver yesterday in short pants. I do remember summer, however distant a memory that might be, but this recent heat wave felt in Denver guarantees exciting conversational topics such as, "Why would anyone ride inside on a day like this," or "We went for a nice ride outside the other day," and my favorite, "You do plan to ride outside today don't you?" - and all this on a Tuesday in January.

Two days ago my niece Kristina, who was dreaming of moving to Denver, asked me, "Are there really marked seasons in Denver?" You bet there are. There is the I can wash my bike outside season, and the I can wash my bike outside but must remember to unhook the hose afterward season, and finally the no way in this frozen hell can I wash my bike outside season. That's three seasons, not four. That's all I care about.

When I shared with a friend the joy I experienced in washing all of my bikes outside last Sunday, he quickly asked, "Did you carefully towel off your chain rings and chain to remove every drop of water because they can rust!" He said this with such great concern, I smiled and responded, "Nop, I set them against the brick wall in the warm sun and let them heat like a TB patient at the Tuberculosis ward." Oh the joy of taking care of a bike in winter in Colorado.

Perhaps the period of not riding a bike outside makes me appreciate the act even more when the warm temperatures return to Colorado. Of course I can ride every day through winter if I wanted - and I know some crazy fools who do just that - but I am not one of them. I like a pleasant 50-70 degree temperature for optimal bike riding. I reason it is worth waiting for.

Sorry to have been away for a long bit

I haven't been posting lately, but had good reasons: no, it was not the fact that I was so disappointed in the Astana/UCI debacle (and thanks to everyone who worried I would never write again). Sure I was miffed, but as a blogger I get to write exactly how I feel about things and not what I am paid to write or think about things. My true absence was due in a small way to working on a new website and in a larger way to looking for a new job. Which I am still doing (although glaringly slacking at the moment). My Irish catholic guilt syndrome (or perhaps it's my American hard work ethic) always kicks in to make me feel that all work must be done before play commences.

But then this gorgeous weather happened and play just sprang forth with abandon.

All I know is I better find a real job before my season of I can wash my bike outside anytime becomes permanent, or it'll be a long broke jobless (but joyful) summer.

My bucket of joy

Cycling Events in the Western United States 2015

Cycling Events near Colorado

Calendar List of Bike Rides and Cycling Events near Colorado for 2015

Now it is time to talk about those events just beyond the back door of Colorado. If you are a Colorado cyclists you might be ready to venture further fa field or an added cycling challenge in 2015. After the cancellation of the last day of Cyclo-cross National Championships in Austin, Texas today due to mud (please don't ask me to explain, nobody can explain), I would suggest not going south to Texas, instead go West my friends, go West!

Below is a list of events that may intrigue you to travel with your bike to the Western United States, namely California, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Montana and Wyoming. Be adventurous, get out and ride new roads in 2015!

Please also see:

Pedal Dancer® 2015 Cycling Events in the Western United States (and some in Europe)
Pedal Dancer® 2015 Colorado Bike Race Calendar List
Pedal Dancer® 2015 Charity Bike Rides in Colorado 
Pedal Dancer® Guide Page to: COLORADO CLIMBS

© Copyright content of this post by Karen Rakestraw / Pedal Dancer® is a trademark for all online content. © All Photos by Karen Rakestraw.

Two Netapp Enduro pro riders stops to take a picture while on a training ride near Snowmass Colorado in 2014. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

2015 Colorado Cycling Events and Bike Rides in the Western United States

Cycling event RIDES near Colorado 2015: (CA, UT, NV, NM, OR, WA, AZ, IA, WY):
Western United States bike events including gran fondos, centuries, charity rides and week-long cycling events. For the traveling cyclist, here is a list of cycling events in the nearby states of California, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Iowa, and Wyoming. When you think "you've done it all" - there is always more.

January 17, 2015 - Shadow Tour Stagecoach Century Ocotillo, California
February 14, 2015 - Tour de Palm Springs, Palm Springs, California
February 26, 2015 - Solvang Century, Solvang, California
March 14-17, 2015 - Moab Skinny Tire Festival, Moab, Utah
March 21, 2015 - Tour de Cure, Phoenix, Arizona, 10/35/62.5mi
March 29, 2015 - Gorge Gravel Grinder (Roubaix Recon), The Dalles, Oregon
April 8-12, 2015 - Redlands Bicycle Classic, Redlands, California
April 16-19, 2015 - Sea Otter Classic, Monterey, California
April 11, 2015 - Mulholland Challenge - King of the Mountains, Malibu, California
April 26, 2015 - Primavera Century, San Jose, California
April 26, 2015 - Chico Wildflower Century, Chico, California
May 2, 2015 - Breathless Agony, Riverside County, California
May 16, 2015 - Etape du California, Stage 7 of ATOC, Mt Baldy, California
May 17, 2015 - Santa Fe Century, Santa Fe, New Mexico
May 21, 2015 - Giro de Paso, Paso Robles, California
June 6, 2015 - Trans Am Bike Race, Oregon to Virginia (4233 miles)
June 6, 2015 - Ride Around the Bear, Big Bear, California
June 27, 2015 - Climb to Kaiser, Fresno, California
June 27-28, 2015 - Rough Riders 200, Taos/Angel Fire New, Mexico
June 27, 2015 - Giro Bella, Sonoma County California
July 11-12, 2015 - Cycle Oregon, Oregon (weekend ride)
July 11, 2015 - Death Ride, California Alps, California
July 30, 2015 - RAMROD, Mt Rainier, Washington
August 15-16, 2015 - Bike MS Wyoming, Colorado-Wyoming
August 28, 2015 - Hoodoo 500 (relay/solo), south-central Utah  
September 12, 2015 - Amtrak Century, Southern California
September 12, 2015 - LOTOJA, Utah to Wyoming
September 12-19, 2015 - Cycle Oregon, Oregon (week-long ride)
September 19, 2015 - Moab Century Tour, Moab, Utah
Sep 26 - Oct 3, 2015 - California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour, SF to LA, 8-days 525mi
October 17, 2015 - Santa Barbara Century, Santa Barbara, California
November 14, 2015 - Palm Desert Century, Palm Desert, California
November 21, 2015 - El Tour de Tucson, Arizona (always near Thanksgiving!)

* many more rides in California listed and mapped at: TourofCalifornia.org
* Moab Munifest, Utah (unicycling festival is held every other year and will be back in 2016)

NATIONWIDE Bike Rides 2015

Every year these special event bike rides take place in various states across our nation.

Throughout the year - Tour de Cure (CO, CA, WA, OR, AZ, UT, MT, NE, AK, LA, AL, FL, AR, NM, TX, OK, TN, CT, ME, RI, NY, NJ, MA, RI, MD, VA, DC, NC, SC, VA, GA, HI, IA, MN, IL, SD, WI, IN, MO, OH, KY, KS, MN, SD, ND, PA)
Throughout the year - RAAM Cycling Challenge (TX, CA, MN, OH, CO)
Throughout the year - New Belgium Tour de Fat (DC, NC, GA, DC, CO, CA, ID, AR, MN, IL, TN)
Throughout the year - 2015 Schedule Honor Rides (FL, AR, TX, CA, OH, NH, IL, WI, CO, DC, NV)
Throughout the year - Wounded Warrior, Soldier Rides (Boston, Germany, The Hamptons, Key West, Babylon)

A group ride with George Hincapie near Aspen, 2014. . Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

CHARITY Events 2015

January 29, 2015 - Trips for Kids - Meet the Mountain Bike Pioneers Bash, Marin, CA
September 26, 2015 - California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour, SF to LA 8-days 525mi - Arthritis

GRAN FONDOS 2015 (cyclosportive) events in the U.S.A. :

Gran Fondo (cyclosportive) events in the U.S.A. for the 2015 season in Utah, Arizona, California, New York, Utah, Oregon, New Mexico, Idaho, Washington, Nevada, Montana. Gran Fondos are timed events, challenge yourself not only by distance but by speed, these Gran Fondos might be worth a travel trip from Colorado with your bike in 2015.

February 21, 2015 - Camino Real Double Century Poker Run, Southern California
February 21-22, 2015 - Malibu Gran Fondo, Malibu, California
March 21, 2015 - Solvang Double Century, Solvang, California
March 28, 2015 - Javelina Chase Gran Fondo, Duncan, Arizona
April 4, 2015 - Gran Fondo Las Vegas, Nevada
April 11, 2015 - Mulholland Challenge, Malibu, California
April 12, 2015 - Gran Fondo Goldendale, Goldendale, Washington
April 12, 2015 - Campagnolo Gran Fondo San Diego, California
April 18, 2015 - Specialized Gran Fondo at Sea Otter Classic, California (MTB)
April 18, 2015 - Specialized Gran Fondo at Sea Otter Classic, California (Road)
April 25, 2015 - Zion Gran Fondo, Zion National Park, Utah
April 26, 2015 - SPY Belgian Waffle Ride, Carlsbad, California
April 26, 2015 - Sonora Grand Fondo, Sonora, California
May 2, 2015 - Gran Fondo Moab, Moab, Utah
May 16, 2015 - Gran Fondo Salt Lake, Utah 
May 16, 2015 - Etape du California, Stage 7 of ATOC, Mt Baldy, California
May 23, 2015 - Heartbreak Hundred (also 202mi), Los Padres National Forest, California
May 25, 2015 - Evergreen Health 7 Hills Gran Fondo, Kirkland, Washington
May 31, 2015 - Gran Fondo Leavenworth, Leavenworth, Washington
June 20, 2015 - Gran Fondo Ellensburg, Ellensburg, Washington
June 20, 2015 - Chafee 150 Gran Fondo, Sandspoint City Beach, Idaho
June 20, 2015 - Tour de Fronds, Powers, Oregon
June 27-28, 2015 - Gran Fondo Kootenai, Libby Montana
June 28, 2015 - Baker City Gran Fondo, Baker City, Oregon
July 7, 2015 - Oregon Gran Fondo, Cottage Grove, Oregon
July 12, 2015 - Cache Valley Gran Fondo, Logan, Utah
July 18, 2015 - Jederman Gran Fondo, Cheny, Washington
July 25, 2015 - 4 Summit Challenge, Cascade, Idaho
August 1-2, 2015 - Double Divide Gran Fondo, Helena, Montana
August 2, 2015 - Willamette Gran Fondo, Philomath, Oregon
August 15, 2015 - Montana Hell Ride, Hamilton, Montana
August 28-31, 2015 - Hoodoo 500, Southern Utah, 300/500mi
September 5, 2015 - Mammoth Fall Century and Gran Fondo, Mammoth Lakes, California
September 12-13, 2015 - Giro di San Diego Granfondo, Solano Beach, California
September 19, 2015 - Providence St Mary Grand Fondo, Walla Walla, Washington
September 26, 2015 - Coeur d'Fondo, Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
September 27, 2015 - Gran Fondo Winthrop, Winthrop, Washington
October 3, 2015 - OC Gran Fondo, Orange County, California
October 3, 2015 - Levi's GranFondo, Santa Rosa, California
October 10, 2015 - Gila Monster Gran Fondo, Silver City, New Mexico
October 10, 2015 - Tri-States Gran Fondo, Mesquite, Nevada
October 18, 2015 - El Grande Fondo Los Angeles Crest, Los Angeles, California
November 21, 2015 - El Tour du Tucson, Tucson, Arizona

Gran Fondo National Championship Series: (FL, GA, NJ, CO, NC, MD)
GFNCS - 2015 Event Dates

2015 cycling Bike Rides in Iowa, New England, New York, South Carolina and North Carolina, dare to go east:

May 17, 2015 - Campagnolo Gran Fondo New York - The True Experience, New York
July 19-25, 2015 - Ragbrai, Iowa
October 4, 2015 - Gran Fondo New England, Rhode Island and Connecticut 
October 24, 2015 - Gran Fondo Hincapie, Greenville, South Carolina
November __, 2015 - Bookwalter Binge, Asheville, North Carolina

* Full list of Gran Fondo in the U.S.A and around the world at: GranFondoGuide.com
* Also see the bike ride list by Active.com of 12 Must-Do Bike Rides In 2015.

Final climb up Col du Tourmalet. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

 
Cycling Bike Rides in CANADA 2015, dare to go north:

August 22, 2015 - RBC GranFondo - Banff Canada
September 12 2015 - RBC GranFondo Whistler Canada

Looking for an INTERNATIONAL challenge in 2015?

Recommended reading by Pedal Dancer®: Best Sportives and Gran Fondos (in the world!)

The Haute Route - one of the greatest cycling challenges in the world! Learn more about the Pyrenees and Dolomites Swiss Alps Haute Routes.

The Vicious Cycle Blog writes about the Haute Route here: A Guide. The Vicious Cycle also lists the major citizen sportifs in Europe including: Paris-Roubaix, La Marmotte, Etape du Tour, London-Paris, Haute Route Dolomites Swiss Alps, Haute Route Pyrenees, Le Ventoux, Time-Megève Mont Blanc, L’Ariégeoise, Le Mans, and l’Heraultaise. To learn more about these international timed cycling events in Europe please read sportive guide.

A very nice bike ride to Maroon Bells near Aspen, Colorado, 2014. Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®

Colorado Bike Events and Bike Race Calendars by Pedal Dancer®

An extensive list of 2015 Colorado road cycling events, charity rides, gran fondos, century rides, cruiser rides, randonneurs, extreme long distance bike events, hill climbs, mountain bike events, gravel rides, bike races, week-long bike tours, fundraisers, bike swaps, and so much more can be found at this link: 2015 Colorado Cycling Events and Bike Rides

A long calendar list of 2015 Colorado bike race dates and links for Road Races, Criteriums, Hill Climbs, Time Trials, Track Races, Mountain Bike Races, Mid-week Races, Omniums and Stage Races can be found here: 2015 Colorado Bike Race Calendar.

Also Charity Bike Rides in Colorado 2015 another event calendar list by Pedal Dancer® 
 

Route of 2015 Bicycle Tour of Colorado

BTC Route Announced Tonight

Continental Divide Loop
Dates: Sunday, June 21, 2015 - Saturday, June 27, 2015
420-441 mile loop beginning and ending in Breckenridge, Colorado.

The organizers of the annual (now in it's 21st year) Bicycle Tour of Colorado (BTC) held their first ever announcement party this evening in Lakewood, Colorado. I stopped by for a quick visit to hear about the route, see some familiar faces and meet some new ones.

Event Organizers have a great route planned for the tour in 2015, which will include some of the best of the best mountain passes in Colorado: Fremont, Independence, McClure, Kebler, Cottonwood, Hoosier. 

If you want to really get fit for summer riding - do the Bicycle Tour of Colorado in June. A week of high altitude long distance climbing will really get your legs in shape. This year BTC takes place the week after Ride The Rockies; in fact if you really want to get is shape (on the verge of total exhaustion) you can pedal for 14-days in a row and complete both of the week-long tours.

As a special feature this year, Day 2 will include a KOM challenge award for the fastest mens and womens time to the top of Independence Pass. There might also be additional routes options available.

This evening I was told that nearly 40% of the riders who take part in the BTC challenge every year, travel from out of state or out of country. BTC brings 1,500 riders as cycling tourists in and out of some of the most scenic towns in Colorado. Even for locals, this year's route is a beauty.

Where the tour will take you in 2015

June 20, 2015 - Check-in times (2-6pm) in Breckenridge Recreation Center

June 21, 2015 - Day 1: Breckenridge (over Fremont Pass) to Leadville, 39 miles; (optional 21 Turquoise Lake loop for 60 miles total)

June 22, 2015 - Day 2: Leadville (over Independence Pass, through Aspen) to Carbondale, 88 miles

June 23, 2015 - Day 3: Carbondale (over McClure Pass, partial gravel) to Hotchkiss, 64 miles

June 24, 2015 - Day 4: Hotchkiss (over Kebler Pass, partial gravel) to Crested Butte, 54 miles

June 25, 2015 - Rest Day in Crested Butte

June 26, 2015 - Day 5: Crested Butte (over Cottonwood Pass) to Salida, 96 miles

June 27 2015 - Day 6 Salida (over Hoosier Pass) to Breckenridge, 79 miles

Route of 2015 Bicycle Tour of Colorado, June bike tour in Colorado

BTC profile maps, 2015.

2015 BTC Brochure

Distances ranges from 39-96 miles a day. All you have to do on your vacation is ride, eat, and sleep (rest and walk around town).  The profile maps will be published tomorrow on the official bicycletourcolorado.com website.

Cost: registration
Does include aid stations, tshirt, maps, medical, 2 bag baggage transfer, outdoor camping with shower.
Does not include hotels, shuttleguy camping, meals, bike box sotrage, parking, jersey.

• January: $470
• February: $475
• March: $480
• April: $485
• May: $490
• June (through June 20th, Tour Check-In): $495

I did a similar route to this in 2009 with two girlfriends. We had a good time and thought the Shuttleguy camping services fine (they set up and tear down your tent for you), get your own tent! I have used their service at both Ragbrai and BTC, they have morning coffee and a place to charge your devices. We would loudly recommend getting a hotel in Crested Butte for the two nights, this is on top of the camping fee. You will be very pleased to have the space indoors to reorganize your gear, do your laundry on the rest day, and get two good nights of sleep.

This is a loop route for 2015. Breckenridge is a 1 hour 30 minute drive from Denver (add 30 minutes to the airport) without traffic. There are shuttle van services from the airport to this mountain ski town, Summit Express. Plenty of accommodations and restaurants are available in town (see link below) with other good bike rides near by as a warm up if you arrive early.

Recommendations: Don't worry about the gravel roads over Kebler Pass and Cottonwood Pass, they are actually quite enjoyable (and doable) rides. However, absolutely carry cold weather gear with you every day: arm warmers, knee warmers, vest, jacket, gloves. Pack a hat, long finger gloves, shoe covers and tights for the trip just in case. The weather in June can be warm to very cold, and even snowy with almost guaranteed afternoon rain showers and cool nights.

The riders who do Bicycle Tour of Colorado tend to be quite self-sufficient, prepared and well-trained. You definitely will want to train well in all conditions and get used to riding early morning if possible. Riders tend to depart early to avoid the afternoon weather.

I never bother with a big breakfast since I eat constantly during a ride (bring the food you are used to eating), I do however, look for food within 35 minutes of arrival (recovery is very important) and might even eat two meals (or a big snack and a dinner) once I arrive in the destination city for the day. Eating something with protein upon arrival, and getting the knickers off quickly, takes a priority over the shower, which is a second priority. I bring a baggie of my own preferred replacement drink and a recovery drink mix for after the ride. Also be sure to always remove your cycling gloves before going into any porta-potty or digging in at the aid station (you do not want to get sick on your vacation).

A few photos from cycling the magnificent roads included in this year's tour, by me, Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®:

The colorful town of Breckenridge

Independence Pass: 12,095 ft max elev., max grade 6.5%, moderate, gain 3000ft in 20.0 miles

The decent off of Independence Pass into the town of Aspen

The Village Smithy, in Carbondale, should be very busy on event day.

You will pass the coke ovens near Redstone Colorado on the way to McClure Pass

McClure Pass: 8866 ft max elev., max grade 9%, moderate, gain 3633ft in 41.98 miles
 

Love seeing any summit sign.

Looking back down the beautiful valley floor from the final kilometers up McClure Pass. That is SH 133

Kebler Pass: 10,079 ft max elev., max grade 11%, 4475 ft gain in 30.42 miles.

Kebler Pass Map My Ride link

The town of Crested Butte is the perfect place for a rest day. Lots of restaurants within a walk.

Cottonwood Pass: 12,126ft max elev., max grade 8%, 2700 ft gain in 13.5 miles.

Breckenridge will still have snow capped peaks in June. It's a beautiful mountain town.

Related Pedal Dancer Posts:
Bicycle Tour of Colorado - revisited
Recommended Road Bike Rides Near Aspen
Recommended road rides near Vail, Colorado
On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge - Breckenridge

Colorado and National Bike Race Calendar List 2015

List of 2015 Cycling Races in Colorado - Road Race, Criterium, Hill Climb, Time Trial, Mountain Bike and Stage Race

Update 2016 : 2016 Colorado and National Bike Race Calendar List 

The annual Pedal Dancer® bike race calendar list has been created. Exact dates and race flyers will be added as made available by local race organizers. On this page you will find race dates and links for 2015 Road Races, Criteriums, Hill Climbs, Time Trials, Track Races, Mountain Bike Races, Mid-week Races, Collegiate, and Stage Races in Colorado. There is a lot planned for your 2015 race season.

For more information on race licenses and race rules, please visit: BRAC, USACycling.

For a calendar list of cycling events and bike rides in Colorado, not requiring USACycling or BRAC race licenses and including century rides, grand fondos, charity rides, multi-day bike rides, and many other bike events for the 2015 season - please see

Please also see other Calendar Lists by Pedal Dancer®:
EVENT RIDES
Pedal Dancer® 2015 Colorado Cycling Events and Bike Rides
Pedal Dancer® 2015 Charity Bike Rides in Colorado 
Pedal Dancer® 2015 Cycling Events in the Western United States (and some in Europe)
RACES
Pedal Dancer® 2015 Colorado Bike Race Calendar List
Pedal Dancer® 2015-16 Colorado Cyclocross Race Calendar and Professional CX Calendar
Pedal Dancer® 2014-2015 Colorado Cyclocross Race Calendar
Pedal Dancer® 2015 WorldTour Race Schedule
CLIMBING
Pedal Dancer® Guide Page to: COLORADO CLIMBS 

© Copyright content of this post by Karen Rakestraw / Pedal Dancer® is a trademark for all online content. © All Photos by Karen Rakestraw.

Colorado Road Bike Races  (race flyers and websites will be added as made available)

March 7, 2015 - Frostbite Time Trial
March 8, 2015 - University of Denver Criterium
March 14, 2015 - Oredigger Classic - Lookout Mountain ITT/Hillclimb
March 15, 2015 - Oredigger Classic - Criterium
March 21, 2015 - CSU Rams Circuit Race canceled
March 22, 2015 - Colorado State University Oval Criterium 
March 28, 2015 - Fort Lewis College Squawker Classic Criterium
March 29, 2015 - Fort Lewis College Squawker Classic Road Race
April 1, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #1
April 4, 2015 - Louisville Criterium 2015 Website
April 4, 2015 - USAFA Criterium Front Range Classic
April 5, 2015 - USAFA Road Race Front Range Classic
April 8, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #2
April 11, 2015 - Boulder Roubaix Road Race
April 12, 2015 - CU Stazio Crit
April 15, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #3
April 17-19, 2015- Rumble at 18 Road, Cross Country, Enduro MTN
April 18, 2015 - Clasica de Rio Grande canceled too much snow!
April 19, 2015 - Colorado Bike Law Denver Federal Center Classic Website
April 22, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #4
April 24-26, 2015 - Maverick Classic - Colorado Mesa University
April 29, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #5
May 2, 2015 - Koppenberg Road Race 2015 Website
May 3, 2015 - Lafayette Criterium
May 6, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #6
May 9, 2015 - Wheels of Thunder
May 10, 2015 - Boulder Orthopedics Crit Table Mountain
May 13, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #7
May 15, 2015 - Superior Morgul Classic - Time Trial 2015 Website
May 16, 2015 - Superior Morgul Classic - Circuit Race 2015 Website
May 17, 2015 - Superior Morgul Classic - Road Race 2015 Website 
May 20, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT (make up date)
May 23, 2015 - Haystack Mountain Individual Time Trial
May 23, 2015 - Haystack Mountain Team Time Trial
May 30, 2015 - City Park Criterium
May 31, 2015 - Deer Trail Road Race SR RR Championships
June 3, 2015 - P2P Mid-Week Race Series @ CSP (start of series, see below)
June 4, 2015 - BVV Master Track Cup (start of series, see below)
June 6, 2015 - Sunshine Hill Climb
June 7, 2015 - Ridge at 38 Criterium
June 13, 2015 - Best of Hess Individual Time Trials
June 13, 2015 - Best of Hess Team Time Trials
June 14, 2015 - Guanella Pass Hill Climb
June 20, 2015 - John Stenner Mem'l - CO Time Trial Championships
June 26-28, 2015 - Boulder Stage Race 2015 Website 
July 4-5, 2015 - Colorado Track Championships Sr,Master,Junior 17-8,500m, 1K,TT, Indv Pursuit
July 11, 2015 - Clasica de Rio Grande, Johnston
July 12, 2015 - Longmont Criterium
July 18, 2015 - 3 Days of Salida - Time Trial 2015 Website 
July 19, 2015 - 3 Days of Salida - Criterium 2015 Website 
July 20, 2015 - 3 Days of Salida - Road Race 2015 Website 
July 25, 2015 - Bob Cook Mem'l Mt Evans Hill Climb 2015 Website
August 1, 2015 - Colorado Bike Law Lookout Mountain Hillclimb, Golden Website
August 1, 2015 - Littleton Criterium 2015 Website 3:30 to 10:30 p.m.
August 2, 2015 - Mike Neilds Memorial Bannock Street Criterium 2015 Website
August 8, 2015 - Prospect Criterium 2015 Website CANCELLED
August 9, 2015 - Pikes Peak cyclign Hillclimb
August 9, 2015 - Sonic Boom - CO Master Crit Championships 2015 Website
August 15-16, 2015 - USA Junior Cycling Challenge 2015 Website
August 22, 2015 - Colorado Track Championships: Jr U-17 Omniums 2015 Website
August 29, 2015 - Colorado Senior Track Championships
September 5-7, 2015 - Steamboat SR p/b Moots Cycles Stage Race 2015 Website
September 17-19, 2015 - USA Cycling Collegiate Track Nationals 2015 Website

For more information on Colorado racing dates, race licenses and race results, please visit the websites of:

• Bicycle Racing Association of Colorado (BRAC) - Calendar of Events
• USA Cycling - Colorado Events Calendar
• USA Cycling - Regional Event Calendar
• 303Cycling.com Colorado Calendar

RACES GROUPED BY TYPE

Race Related Cycling Events and Race Training Camps in Colorado in 2015

January 13, 2015 - For the Love of Mud, Stages Cycling cyclocross film, Boulder Theater, 7pm
January 31, 2015 - BRAC cyclo-cross awards party, Lakewood
February 9-10, 2015 - Colorado Bicycle Summit, Denver (Advocacy)
March 28, 2015 - BRAC Men's Road Camp
April 24, 2015 - Bicycle Colorado Gala Fundraiser, Denver 
April 24-25, 2015 - MOG Sale, Grand Junction (bike equipment swap and film festival)
April 24-26, 2015 - BRAC Junior Road Camp
May 3, 2015 - BRAC Womens Road Camp
May 17, 2015 - Boulder Bicycle Swap, Boulder
October 17, 2015 - VeloSwap, Denver (annual bicycle equipment swap)

Collegiate Races in Colorado in 2015

March 8, 2015 - University of Denver Criterium
March 21, 2015 - CSU Rams Circuit Race canceled
March 22, 2015 - Colorado State University Oval Criterium 
March 28, 2015 - Fort Lewis College Squawker Classic Criterium
March 29, 2015 - Fort Lewis College Squawker Classic Road Race
April 04, 2015 - USAFA Criterium, Colorado Springs
April 05, 2015 - USAFA Road Race, Colorado Springs
April 12, 2015 - CU Stazio Crit, Boulder
April 24-26, 2015 - Maverick Classic (Omnium) - Rocky Mountain Collegiate Cycling Conference Championships, Grand Junction/Fruita/Palisades.
September 17-19, 2015 - USA Cycling Collegiate Track Nationals 2015 Website

Add caption

Mountain Bike & Downhill Races or Events in Colorado in 2015

March 14, 2015 - Bonelli Park UCI C1 - USA Cycling US Cup (MTB), San Dimas, CA
March 21, 2015 - Fontana City National UCI HC - USA Cycling US Cup (MTB), Fontana CA
April 11, 2015 - Bonelli Park UCI HC - USA Cycling US Cup (MTB), San Dimas, CA
April 18, 2015 - Sea Otter Classic UCI C3 - USA Cycling US Cup (MTB), Monterey, CA
April 23-26, 2015 - Fruita Fat Tire Festival, Fruita, (MTB)
April 25, 2015 - Ridgeline Rampage, Castle Rock, 5/10/20/30/50mi (MTB)
April 26, 2915 - Dirty 40 Ride Wild Colorado, Castle Rock, 20/40mi (all bike types)
May 1-2, 2015 - 18 Hours of Fruita, Fruita (MTB)
May __, 2015 - Firebird 40 (MTB)
May 9, 2015 - Battle The Bear, Lakewood, 10/20/30/50mi (MTB)
May 9, 2015 - Dessert Rats Mtn Bike Classic, Kokopelli Trail CO to UT,  50K (MTB)
May 16, 2015 - Gunny Enduro, Gunnison (Enduro)
May 16-17, 2015 - Eagle Outside Festival & Expo, Eagle, 40K (MTB)
May 22-25, 2015 - Durango-Silverton Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Durango (MTB)
May 23-24, 2015 - The Original Growler, Gunnison, 32/64mi (MTB)
May 29-31, 2015 - Grand Junction Off Road Endurance (MTB)  
May 30, 2015 - PV Cycle Derby, Elbert, 10/22/66mi (MTB)
May __, 2015 - The Great Bicycle Carnival, Colorado Springs, 2.6mi circuit (kids MTB)
June 6, 2015 - ERock Sunrise to Sunset (MTB) Relay*new course for 2015
June 14, 2015 - Beti Bike Bash, Bear Creek Lake Park (MTB)
June 20, 2015 - Bailey Hundo, Bailey, 102.47mi (MTB)
June 20, 2015 - Bailey Hundito, Bailey, (MTB)
June 27-28, 2015 - Big Mountain Enduro Aspen/Snowmass Presented by Yeti Cycles (MTB)
June 27, 2015 - 40 in the Fort, Fort Collins, 20/40mi (MTB)
June 27, 2015 - Colorado Springs UCI HC - USA Cycling US Cup (MTB), Co. Springs, CA
July 11-12, 2015 - Big Mountain Enduro Keystone Presented by Yeti Cycles (MTB)
July-August, 2015 - Enduro X Games series (Downhill, Enduro)
July 18, 2015 - Breckenridge 100 Challenge, Breckenridge, 100mi (MTB)
July 31-August 1, 2015 - Big Mountain Enduro Crested Butte Presented by Yeti Cycles (MTB)
August 1, 2-15 - Aspen/Snowmass Audi Power of 4 mtb race (MTB)
August 9-14, 2015 - Breck Epic, Breckenridge, 6-day stage race, 35-50mi a day (MTB)
August 15, 2015 - Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Leadville, 100mi (MTB)
September 4-5, 2015 - Big Mountain Enduro Winter Park Presented by Yeti Cycles (MTB)
September 17-20, 2015 - Salida Bike Fest, Salida (4-days) (MTB)
September 19, 2015 - Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race, Salida 26mi (MTB)
September 20, 2015 - Monarch Crest Crank, Salida, 25miM (MTB)
September 12, 2015 - Vapor Trail 125, Salida 125mi, (night MTB) 
September 19, 2015 - Bikes and Brews, Royal Gorge, Canon City (cruiser, road & MTB)
September 25-27, 2015 - Vail Outlier, Vail (enduro, ultra, gravel, MTB)
October 18, 2015 - 12 Hours of Penitence, Penitente Canyon, San Luis Valley 12-hr (MTB)

Mountain Bike Gran Fondo

*September 12, 2015 - Tod & Ned's Durango Dirt Fondo, Durango, 30/50mi

Mountain Bike Clinics in Colorado (and Arizona)

March 7-8, 2015 - Vida Mountain Bike Series - Sedona, AZ (womens)
May 16-17, 2015 - Vida Mountain Bike Series - Valmont, Boulder, CO (womens)
June 13, 2015 - Vida Beti Bike Bash Clinic - Lakewood, CO (womens)
June 20-21, 2015 - Vida Mountain Bike Series - Keystone, CO (womens)

Gravel Races / Events

April 26, 2915 - Dirty 40 Ride Wild Colorado, Castle Rock, 20/40mi (all bike types) 

Cyclocross Clinics and Races in Colorado in 2015

01/03/15 - Boulder Valley Nationals Clinic (CX Nats prep)

Colorado Cyclo-cross Race Schedule 2015 (September to January)

2014-15 Pedal Dancer® Colorado Cyclo-cross Race Calendar, Pro CX, Nats, Worlds
2015-16 Colorado Cyclocross Race Calendar and Professional CX Calendar

Hill Climbs in Colorado in 2015 

You don't need to be part of a team, but you might need a race license. These climbing challenges come down to you, your bike, and a mountain.

March 14, 2015 - Oredigger Classic Lookout Mountain ITT, Golden 
June 06, 2015 - Sunshine Hill Climb, Boulder
June 14, 2015 - Guanella Pass Hillclimb, Georgetown
July 25, 2015 - Bob Cook Memorial/Mt Evans Hill Climb, Idaho Springs
August 1, 2015 - Colorado Bike Law Lookout Mountain Hillclimb, Golden Website
August __, 2015 - King of the Mountain Hill Clim, Golden
August 9, 2015 - Pikes Peak Cycling Hillclimb, Colorado Springs

Time Trials in Colorado in 2015

March 07, 2015 - Frostbite Time Trial
March 14, 2015 - Oredigger Classic - Lookout Mountain ITT/Hillclimb
April 01, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #1
April 08, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #2
April 15, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #3
April 22, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #4
April 29, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #5
May __, 2015 - Café Velo Tri-Lakes TT Website
May 06, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #6
May 13, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #7
May 15, 2015 - Superior Morgul Classic - Time Trial 2015 Website
May 23, 2015 - Haystack Mountain ITT, TTT Facebook
June 13, 2015 - Best of Hess Time Trials
June 20, 2015 - John Stenner Mem'l - CO Time Trial Championships 

Colorado Weekly or Monthly Road Race Series

TIME TRIAL SERIES

2015 Karen Hornbostel Memorial Time Trial Series - Cherry Creek Park (Reservoir) - Wednesday night individual time trial racing in Spring starting April 1st; 7 weeks.

April 01, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #1
April 08, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #2
April 15, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #3
April 22, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #4
April 29, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #5
May 06, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #6
May 13, 2015 - Karen Hornbostel Mem'l TT #7

ROAD SERIES

Table Mountain Race Series - P2P Mid-Wk Series @ CSP - Wednesday night racing in Summer in Golden at Colorado State Patrol track, 13 weeks. Short circuit race.

June 03, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
June 10, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
June 17, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
June 24, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
July 01, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
July 08, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
July 22, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
July 29, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
August 05, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
August 12, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
August 19, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
August 26, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series
September 10, 2015 - P2P Mid-Wk Series

WOMENS P2P Mid-Wk Series @ CSP (Monthly) - Thursday night womens racing, once a month in Summer. Short circuit race.

June 11, 2015 - P@P Womens Mid-Wk
July 9, 2015 -  P@P Womens Mid-Wk
August 13, 2015 -  P@P Womens Mid-Wk
September 10, 2015 -  P@P Womens Mid-Wk

TRACK SERIES

BVV Master Track Cup - Thursday night track racing at Boulder Valley Velodrome (BVV), Thursday nights in Summer, June-July on the track.

June 04, 2015 - Thursday Night Racing at BVV - Master
June 11, 2015 - Thursday Night Racing at BVV - Master
June 18, 2015 - Thursday Night Racing at BVV - Master
June 25, 2015 - Thursday Night Racing at BVV - Master
July 09, 2015 - Thursday Night Racing at BVV - Master

BVV Junior Track Cup - Thursday night track racing at Boulder Valley Velodrome (BVV), Thursday nights in Summer, July-September on the track.

July 16, 2015 - Thursday Night Racing at BVV - Juniors
July 23, 2015 - Thursday Night Racing at BVV - Juniors
August 08, 2015 - Thursday Night Racing at BVV - Juniors
August 13, 2015 - Thursday Night Racing at BVV - Juniors
August 20, 2015 - Thursday Night Racing at BVV - Juniors

Colorado Track Championships - Wednesday night track racing, July track series of varied events.

June 24, 2015 - Colorado Track Pro Am State Championships Sr Keirin Race
July 01, 2015 - Colorado Track Pro Am State Championships Sr Madison Race
July 08, 2015 -
July 15, 2015 - Colorado Track Pro Am State Championships Sr Points Race
July 22, 2015 - Colorado Track Pro Am State Championships Sr Madison Race
July 29, 2015 - Colorado Track Pro Am State Championships Sr Scratch Race

MOUNTAIN BIKE SERIES

Colorado Weekly Mountain Bike Race Series

Race the MAC Castle Rock Colorado Mountain Bike Mid-week Race Series held on Wednesday evenings: Wednesday, July 15, 2015 - August 12, 2015.

• Race #1: Race the MAC Wednesday, July 15, 2015
• Race #2: Race the MAC Wednesday, July 22, 2015
• Race #3: Race the MAC Wednesday, July 29, 2015
• Race #4: Race the MAC Wednesday, August 5, 2015
• Race #5: Race the MAC Wednesday, August 12, 2015

HR MTB Series - Mid-week mountain bike series in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, weekly on Wednesday nights.

• #1 HR MTB Series, Wednesday, August 5, 2015 - Highlands Point Circuit
• #2 HR MTB Series, Wednesday, August 12, 2015 - Rocky Gulch Circuit
• #3 HR MTB Series, Wednesday, August 19, 2015 - Backcountry Burner CX
• #4 HR MTB Series, Wednesday, August 26, 2015 - Badlands Circuit

Gran Fondos and Timed Events

Since many believe that Gran Fondos are races as well (and it certainly feels like a race at the front, or even the middle), I include a partial list here of gran fondos (cyclosportive, cyclosportif) scheduled for 2015 near Colorado:

2015 Colorado road GRAN FONDO or timed events in Colorado:
Test yourself against the clock on these long road or mountain bike citizen races.

April 19, 2015 - Durango 100 Grande Fondo, Durango, 100mi 
May 16, 2015 - Palisade Gran Fondo, Palisade, 40/60mi
May 17, 2015 - Pony Xpress (gravel), Trinidad, 50/90160mi 
May 22-25, 2015 - Durango-Silverton Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Durango, 50mi (sold-out)
May 31, 2015 - Cafe Velo Tri Lakes GranFondo, Monument, 22/44/66/88/110
June 13, 2015 - Gran Fondo Aspen, Aspen, 54.9mi 
June 14, 2015 - Eddy Rando - steel bikes road and gravel ride, Parker, 100km
June 21, 2015 - Golden Gran Fondo, Golden, 20/60/90mi  
June 27, 2015 - Vuelta a Keystone, Keystone, 20/60/90mi 
August 15, 2015 - Colorado Park to Park Challenge, Denver to Winter Park, 96mi
August 29, 2015 - Colorado Gran Fondo, Colorado Springs, 60/100mi 
September 6, 2015 - West Elk Bicycle Classic, Gunnison-CB, (paved and dirt) 134mi
September 26, 2015 - Telluride 200, Telluride, 103/133/150/200mi

2015 Colorado DIRT GRAN FONDO

September 12, 2015 - Tod & Ned's Durango Dirt Fondo, Durango, 30/50mi

Gran Fondo National Championship Series: (FL, GA, NJ, CO, NC, MD)

GFNCS - 2015 Event Dates

2015 National Racing Calendar (Road) (NCR)

April 8-12, 2015 - Redlands Bicycle Classic Redlands, CA, not UCI, M/W
Apr. 23-26, 2015 - Joe Martin Stage Race Fayetteville, AR, UCI 2.2, M/W
Apr. 29 - May 3, 2015 - Tour of the Gila Silver City, NM, UCI 2.2, M/W
May 8-10, 2015 - AMGEN Tour of California Women's Race p/b SRAM California, UCI2.1, W
May 31, 2015 - Winston-Salem Cycling Classic Winston-Salem, NC, UCI 1.2, M/W
June 7, 2015 - Philadelphia International Cycling Classic Philadelphia, PA, UCI 1.2, M/W
June 17-21, 2015 - North Star Grand Prix Minneapolis, MN, not UCI, M/W
Sept. 12, 2015 - The Reading 120 Reading, PA, UCI 1.2, M

2015 National Criterium Calendar (NCC)

March 21, 2015 - Gasparilla Criterium and Action Sports Festival Tampa, FL
March 28, 2015 - Sunny King Criterium Anniston, AL
April 11, 2015 - Novant Health Invitational Criterium Charlotte, NC
May 3, 2015 - Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling Dana Point, CA
May 16, 2015 - Wilmington Grand Prix Wilmington, DE
May 25, 2015 - Tour of Somerville Somerville, NJ
May 30, 2015 - Winston-Salem Classic Criterium Winston-Salem, NC
June 7, 2015 - Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix Manhattan Beach, CA
June 12-14, 2015 - Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Tulsa, OK
June 13-14, 2015 - Air Force Association Cycling Classic Arlington, VA
July 11, 2015 - Andersen Banducci Twilight Criterium Boise, ID
July 25, 2015 - Intelligentsia Cup Lake Bluff, IL
August 1, 2015 - Littleton Criterium Littleton, CO
August 3-4, 2015 - Tour of Utah Women's Edition: Criterium Classic* Ogden, UT
August 15, 2015 - Rochester Twilight Criterium Rochester, NY
August 22, 2015 - Chris Thater Memorial Binghamton, NY
September 4-7, 2015 - The TSG Realty Gateway Cup St. Louis, MO
September 19, 2015 - TD Bank Mayor's Cup Boston, MA
September 20, 2015 - Connecticut Cycling Festival Hartford, CT

UCI Professional AMERICAN TOUR Calendar

American Tour Pro Races in the USA - 2015 dates (not WorldTour):
April 23-26, 2015 - Joe Martin Stage Race p/b Nature Valley, Fayetteville, Arkansas
April 29-May 3, 2015 -Silver City's Tour of the Gila, Silver City, New Mexico
May 30-31, 2015 - Winston-Salem Cycling Classic, UCI 1.2 , Massachusetts, USA
May 10-17, 2015 - Amgen Tour of California, State of California
June 7, 2015 - The Parx Casino Phili Classic, Philadelphia
August 3-9, 2015 - The Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, State of Utah
August 17-23, 2015 - USA Pro Challenge, State of Colorado
August 29, 2015 - GP of Portland, Portland, Oregon

*No more Tour of the Battenkill (New York)
*No more Tour of Elk Grove (Illinois)
*No more Bucks County Classic, Pennsylvania

2015 USA Pro Challenge dates are August 17-23, 2015. The Host Cities for 2015 USA Pro Challenge have been announced. Read more about the plan for 2015 USA Pro at the Pedal Dancer® Guide Page: USA PRO CHALLENGE.

• Stage 1: Monday, Aug. 17 – Steamboat Springs Circuit Race
• Stage 2: Tuesday, Aug. 18 – Steamboat Springs to Arapahoe Basin
• Stage 3: Wednesday, Aug. 19 – Copper Mountain Resort to Aspen
• Stage 4: Thursday, Aug. 20 – Aspen to Breckenridge
• Stage 5: Friday, Aug. 21 – Breckenridge Individual Time Trial
• Stage 6: Saturday, Aug. 22 – Loveland to Fort Collins
• Stage 7: Sunday, Aug. 23 – Golden to Denver

At the start line of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge in Aspen, Colorado

American Tour races in Canada - 2015 dates:

May 28-31, 2015 - Grand Prix Cycliste de Saguenay, Canada
June 10-14, 2015 - Tour de Beauce, Sainte-Justine, Canada
July 10-12, 2015 - Tour de Delta (womens race), Canada
July 10-18, 2015 - BC Superweek, 5 racing events, Canada
September 2-7, 2015 - Tour of Alberta - Alberta, Canada

Major PROFESSIONAL CYCLING RACE Events in the United States for 2015:

2015 CYCLO-CROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, Austin, Texas
January 7-11, 2015 - 2015 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships in Austin, Texas.

2015 U.S.A. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
List of dates and events at USA Cycling (BMX, track, collegiate, mountain bike, juniors, road)

2015 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA - American Tour PRO RACE in California
May 10-17, 2015 - Tour of California professional stage race. The host cities were announced for 2015: Route of 2015 Amgen Tour of California announced By Pedal Dancer®. Read more information about the race at Pedal Dancer®: TOUR OF CALIFORNIA

2015 PRO CUP - PRO XCT
June 27-28, 2015 - USA Cycling U.S. Cup Pro Series mountain bike race, Colorado Springs

2015 LITTLETON CRITERIUM
August 1, 2015 - 2015 Littleton Criterium amateur and professional night criterium race, Littleton

2015 TOUR OF UTAH - American Tour PRO RACE in Utah
August 3-9, 2015 - Tour of Utah professional stage race. The host cities were announced for 2015: Host Cities for 2015 Tour of Utah Announced By Pedal Dancer®.

2015 USA PRO CHALLENGE - American Tour pro race in Colorado
August 17-23, 2015 - Tour of Colorado professional stage race. The host cities were announced for 2015: Host Cities for 2015 USA Pro Challenge By Pedal Dancer®. Read more information about the race at Pedal Dancer®: USA PRO CHALLENGE

2015 UCI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ROAD
September 19-27, 2015 - World Championships Road, Richmond Virginia

UCI WorldTour Professional calendar for 2015:
 
WorldTour Race Schedule for 2015, By Pedal Dancer 


Add your event 

To the Pedal Dancer® Colorado Bike Race Calendar List: Please contact Karen to add your event to these lists. If you appreciate the hours of work I do, please show your appreciation - Like my Pedal Dancer® facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/PedalDancerCycling or follow me on Twitter @KarenRake.  

If you like (the days of painstaking work it took me to compile) this list, please share my calendar list with a note of high praise. If you want to advertise your event on the website, please contact me. If you appreciate the work I do, please show your appreciation on my Pedal Dancer® facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/PedalDancerCycling or follow me on Twitter @KarenRake. Thank you!

© Copyright content of this post by Karen Rakestraw / Pedal Dancer® is a trademark for all online content.