We've been highlighting the last great bike tours to end your season, yesterday we had a live interview with Pedal the Plains folks (hear the podcast )and today we focus on Tour de Cure, a ride to support people with diabetes. With so many tours in Colorado it can be over whelming which one to pick but for some like Ryan and Deana the choice is easy.

My name is Ryan, and this is why I ride…

Last year, my boss asked me to ride in the Tour de Cure bike event for diabetes. I’d done charity rides before. They’d never meant much, but when I sent out some emails, I couldn’t believe the response—“My two-year-old was just diagnosed with diabetes…. My grandma died last year from diabetes… My five-year-old needs 4 shots of insulin a day just to live.” I was in.

I usually ride about 60 miles on the weekends so I opted for the 100 mile course from Longmont to Estes Park. The morning of the race, I met Christina. She was a Red Rider—those riders who have diabetes-- and was riding the 100 mile alone. She asked me to check on her--that is, if I could keep up with her.

The first 60 miles were a breeze, but around mile 70, that all changed. At that point, there is a 3 mile elevation climb of 2,000 feet. My heart was beating so hard and fast, I felt like it was going to come out of my chest. “Just breathe. In, out. In, out. And keep pedaling.” I felt like stopping, but then I saw a sign that said “Remember who you are riding for.” I felt like quitting, but then I realized that I’d lost sight of Christina. Was she okay?

Each year Colorado has tons of bike tours yet most are only enjoyed by the out of staters and weekend warrior. Bike touring is a fun and affordable way to take a stay-cation and connect with other like mined cyclists. So if you are willing to put your bike snobbery away check out 2 great bike tours to finish out your summer before the eye popping cross season starts up or beer drinking season (or both for some).

Pedal the Plains
3 Day bike tour strongly supported by our governor and riding on roads rarely seen by a bike. Learn more about the Pedal the Plains Bike Tour

Tour de Cure
I bet everyone knows someone, and probably in their family who is affected by Diabetes everyday. I have an Aunt with diabetes and my son has good friend with it as well. It's hard, especially for the teen so if you want your ride to go for a purpose, consider Tour de Cure. Ride to support and ride to help those in need.

Whether you are a first timer on the road or trails in the Denver/Boulder area or a seasoned cyclists, there are always new routes to take and areas to explore. Start your sense of exploration with one of the many Boulder and Denver Bike and Trail maps and for the real adventureous check out the Colorado Cycling map as well. Many of these maps can be ordered in print format if the download size is too challenging to work with or if you are like myself and prefer a good old fashion map in your lap in the evenings to gaze upon and dream up new routes and rides.

Boulder Maps

Click to Enlarge (14 meg)

Boulder County Comprehensive bike map of routes including Boulder City and Longmont. (Large but worth it)
This Boulder County Map shows

• traffic level and surface condition
• shoulder width
• some topography and off road trails
• Boulder city break out
• must have for newcomers and great for gifts

Similar Boulder Bike Maps

• Boulder City Bike and Pedestrian map. This is very similar to the larger Boulder County Map but just focuses on the city and the trail system and is half the size (6 megs)
• Boulder Self Guided Trail Map. A nice supplemental to the Boulder City Map. This map is a tour guide of things you might see while on your ride on the Boulder Trail system
• Boulder Bcycle Map

It only took 5 years, but the former potholed, washboard Guanella Pass Road has been transformed into a beautiful scenic highway that is smooth as silk. The road re-opened to traffic last fall and is destined to become a cycling destination, rivaling any mountain pass in Colorado.

The birth of Guanella Pass Road came in the 1860’s as a wagon route was established to link the mining towns of Georgetown and Grant. Silver mining was the driving force and Georgetown was hence known as the Silver Queen of the Rockies. The race course from Georgetown to the summit lies within the Silver Historical Region.

Find other great Colorado Hill Climbs

On June 17, 20012, Georgetown will host the Wheelock Construction Guanella Pass Hill Climb p/b Beau Jo’s Pizza. The race offers a $1700 prize purse plus merchandise and medals. In honor of father’s day there will also be special prizes for the Dad’s. This separate competition rewards the fastest dads in each category including three “Georgetown Experience Packages” that include a night stay at a B&B, tickets on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, dinner at a local restaurant and $50 shopping spree for the Mrs. at the Buckskin Trading Company. There are many family friendly activities in Georgetown so bring the gang along. There will be a kiddies race in the parking lot, enjoy a Father’s Day lunch afterwards, grab some ice cream or hit the cupcake shop, take the kids on the Georgetown Loop Railroad…Make a day of it.

The race starts at Georgetown Lake. It will be a neutral start, with each category being escorted from Georgetown Lake through the historic town by lead vehicles provided by Medved Autoplex. The flag will drop at the edge of town at the start of Guanella Pass road. The road then climbs 11 miles and 3200 ft. from Georgetown, Colorado to the summit of Guanella pass with sustained grades of 8-9% and up to 12%.

From the start of the pass road, you are immediately in it up to your handlebars as the road pitches up steeply right outside of town. Sharp switchbacks will explode each category into pieces. You will have to work your way through 4 switchbacks over the first mile before the road levels off, but only slightly. As soon as you think you have a rhythm, a second set of switchbacks, steeper than the first, hits you even harder.

The punishment continues until about 3.5 miles into the climb. After gaining 1500 feet, you finally get a break as you approach the first of 3 reservoirs. But don’t relax, as hidden around the corners are frequent short but steep bumps a few hundred meters long but in the 10-12% range.

If your Di-2 is running low you could borrow some juice from the Xcel Energy hydroelectric plant at Cabin Creek. Here you get another little break, dare I say big ring. But, look out, there is plenty more of those steep bumps hiding around the corners. The next 3 miles is more of the same.

Around mile 6 the view will open up and you will be staring at a wall of lodge poles seemingly stacked on top of each other leading up to tree-line. This is your next obstacle. You will get to stare at the wall, for the next 2 miles and think to yourself, “I am hurting now but I will really be hurting later.”

Once you reach the Guanella Pass campground, the final challenge begins. The road pitches back up as you pass the winter closure gate. You are 3 miles from the finish but it is another 6 switchbacks and 1500 vertical away. The air thins out as you poke your helmet above tree-line at 11,500 feet. With 1K to go, you will likely be alone with your pain but if there is anyone with you that you do not want to sprint against, get rid of them now. Keep climbing at 8-9% until a right hand turn brings you to the finishing straight in the USFS parking lot at the top of the pass.

It’s a great climb and destined to be an instant classic. The pass is now currently open after its winter closure and is in great shape. Highly recommended to head up there and pre-ride the course to figure out how to gauge your efforts. If you spend any spend any time or money in town after your ride, please let the local businesses know that it is the bike race that brought you up there. That will be a great shot in the arm in helping the event get approved for subsequent years.

More race information can be found at http://guanellapasshillclimb.com