USA Pro Cycling Challenge – Stage 2 Gunnison to Aspen
I already thought this race was fantastic but each day becomes more and more exciting! We all know that there nothing better than biking in Colorado wether it be road biking or mountain biking. On this day the USA Pro Cycling Challenge brings you both. On August 24 at 10:00a.m. racers will burst out of Gunnison for their start and head back towards Crested Butte on 135. At Almont they will turn right on 742 and follow the Taylor River back up to its source, the Taylor Reservoir.
This beautiful winding road then takes a right onto dirt, yes dirt. The racers will then head up and over Cottonwood Pass. I know that road can be a rutted mess and will be huge obstacle to the one inch of rubber they are riding on. After ascending 2740 feet, over 13.7 miles, they will reach the days first King of the Mountain line on top of 12,126-foot-high Cottonwood Pass, the highest point during this seven-day race.
At the top of the pass they will begin heading down and once again meet pavement. The race brings them down into Buena Vista where they will take a left on 24 and head towards Leadville but turn left on 82 to bring them through Twin Lakes. Twin Lakes spectators will watch these guys zip past as they get ready for a long uphill climb over Independence Pass. A second King of the Mountain line at 12,095 feet will certainly separate the true competitors from the peloton.
The finale will bring the racers down into the heart of Aspen for a grand finish. A huge party is sure to ensue. For us spectators we will have the opportunity to view some lightning fast riders and some amazing scenery. I know the views will be nothing less then spectacular but for the riders this will not be a touring ride. Focus and endurance is the name of their game. A distance of 131.1 miles will need to be covered and you can watch the entire route now by clicking here. This stage is also touted as the Queen Stage, the crown jewel of the seven stages. It promises to be the toughest stage in America, and the toughest day of racing of the entire year. You won’t want to miss it!
~Summit Sojourner
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