2 Colorado bike races rank among best road cycling events in the US
Road cycling was first established as a sport more than 150 years ago, according to USA Today, and the events are popular across the U.S.
USA Today 10Best is a readers’ choice awards program that highlights the best of the country’s destinations, food and drink, hotels, and things to do. Nominees are selected by an expert panel in each category, and readers vote to determine the ten winners.
The Colorado’s Ride bike race took fifth place. According to USA Today, the race is a five-day event showcasing the best of the Centennial State. Riders will get to see some of the state’s scenic towns and iconic passes. USA Today said that this year’s route will be 300 miles, starting and finishing in Crested Butte. Bikers will summit Cottonwood Pass, which is Colorado’s highest pass at 12,126 feet, ride through Chalk Creek to Salida, over Monarch Pass, and into Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The race is supported with first aid stations, and riders get to stay in some of Colorado’s best mountains towns at the end of each day.
Tour of the Moon in Colorado National Monument and Fruita took seventh place. According to USA Today, the race is one of the best road cycling events in the western U.S., showing off Colorado National Monument’s red rock canyons. Riders can choose between 41- and 64-mile courses, which both gain over 1,000 feet of elevation. The cycling film “American Flyers” was shot in the area, and the 1980 Coors Classic was also ridden through the spot.
The Hotter’N Hell Hundred in Wichita Falls, Texas took first place as the best road cycling event in the U.S.
Check out the full rankings here.
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