▶ What is Ride Westcliffe! ?
▶ When should I start?
▶ Where does the Ride Start and End – Where is the food?
View Larger Map▶ What do I need to know before the Ride?
▶ How do I get to Westcliffe?
From Denver (~3 hrs)
From Denver take I-25 South to Colorado Springs.
From Colorado Springs (~1.5 hrs)
Take 1-25 South in Colorado Springs to the South Academy exit (#135) located on the south side of Colorado Springs. After exiting, turn right (west) on Academy. Continue on Academy until you go over Hwy. 115. (You will see a Safeway shopping center on you right) Turn Left immediately after going over Hwy 115 this will allow you to get on Hwy 115 heading south. Continue on Hwy 115 through Penrose to Florence (Do Not Exit on to Hwy 50, stay on Hwy 115 to Florence). Hwy 115 will take you to a stop light in Florence with a Carl’s Jr. Restaurant on the left. Turn left and take Route 67 to which will dead end into Hwy. 96 at the town of Wetmore. Turn Right on Hwy. 96 and continue on Hwy. 96 to Westcliffe.
From Pueblo (~1 hr)
Take highway 96 west to Westcliffe.
From Walsenburg (~1 hr)
Take highway 69 North from I-25 to Westcliffe.
▶ Where should I stay?
FAQs
Inspired by the mountains and valleys of the Wet Mountains and Sangre de Cristo foothills, Ride Westcliffe! is a series of annual recreational events for the whole family. Our premier event, the Ride Westcliffe! Century, is a fall charity bicycle ride that offers several routes, including a 100-mile fully supported century ride that travels from the gorgeous Wet Mountain Valley in Westcliffe through the rugged Wet Mountains to Colorado City and back; a metric century (69 miles) along the same route; and, a fun-filled guided family ride that encircles the old mining district north of the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff and includes stops for lemonade and mining interpretation.
There is not a mass start! Below are the recommended start times for each ride.
Century: 7:00 – 8:00 am
Metric Century: 8:00 – 9:00 am
Hardscrable Summit: 9:00 - 10:00 am
Family Ride: Guided, 11:00 AM
All aid stations will close at 5:00 PM. Exhausted riders that are still on the course after 5:00 PM will be provided transportation back to Westcliffe. Spectators, supporters or friends can meet their riders in town and are encouraged not to follow ride participants.
All Ride options begin and end in beautiful downtown Westcliffe, CO overlooking the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and bucolic Wet Mountain Valley. The ride culminates with a delicious and wholesome pasta feed starting at 2:00 P.M. at Rancher's Roost Cafe, 25 Main Street, Westcliffe, Colorado.
You are required to obey all Colorado traffic laws and rules of the road. While this is a supported ride, the roads are still open to traffic. As a cyclist in Colorado, you are responsible to follow the same traffic regulations as other vehicles.
ANSI and/or SNELL approved helmets are required for all registered riders.
Always stay in your lane of traffic. Ride in a single file and ride as far to the right as safely possible.
This is a self-paced ride, not a race. You may go as fast or as slow as you like. However, we ask that you pace yourself in order to arrive in Westcliffe at a reasonable hour. Bike with Pike SAG support and aid stations will end at 5:00 p.m.
Please make sure you are physically fit enough to complete the ride. The century and metric century versions of Bike with Pike Adventure are demanding mountainous rides with extended climbs reaching elevations of over 9,000 feet and are not good choices for inexperienced riders. SAG vehicles are on the course for emergencies and assistance.
Your bike in good mechanical condition and be prepared to service minor repairs and flats yourself. Limited mechanical support will be available during the event. Riders are encouraged to carry patch kits, spare tubes, pumps and tools and know how to use them.
Beware of loose gravel, debris and wildlife on the pavement.
This is an endurance event that will take you several hours to complete, your goal should be to consume in approximately 30-60 grams of carbohydrate each hour. Eat early and eat often to avoid the “bonk.” Drinking 16-32 ounces of fluid per hour is recommended to replace the fluids you lose through sweat. If it’s hot out you will need to drink more. At least half of the fluids you consume should contain carbohydrates and electrolytes, so make sure you drink water and an energy drink. Eat a solid meal the night before and the morning of, however allow plenty of time for your body to digest breakfast well before arriving at the start.
Be prepared for a possible cold afternoon shower which could include snow or sleet so it is wise to carry a rain jacket and/or leg and arm warmers. However we expect sun – so wear sunscreen! This is a rain or shine event so be prepared.
Aid Stations will be stocked with water, fresh fruit, snacks, and Hammer Nutrition and Raw Revolution energy drink, gels and bars.
Driving Directions to Westcliffe:
There are numerous options for overnight accommodations including campsites in the nearby San Isabel National Forest to unique bed and breakfasts and comfortable hotel lodging. The following local web resources have the most up-to-date lodging information to make your stay comfortable and memorable.