Colorado’s Ride, a five-day road cycling tour celebrating the beauty, challenge and camaraderie of riding in the Rocky Mountains, passed through the region with stops in Gunnison and Crested Butte on Aug. 14 and 15.
This year’s tour featured a new route and marked the fourth year of Colorado’s Ride.
Approximately 225 cyclists from across the United States took part in the tour, which included fully supported rides, outdoor camping in each host community and well-stocked aid stations along the route.
Colorado’s Ride is owned and operated by Summit Cycle Solutions and has a strong connection to the Gunnison Valley. Zach Ostrander, a former Gunnison resident and graduate of Western Colorado University, is part of the company’s leadership team.
“We are based in Silverthorne, Colorado, and the majority of our team hails from Western Colorado University,” Ostrander said. “We all graduated about 20 years ago. We have quite a few staff who live in Gunnison and Crested Butte South. Our local connection is very strong.”
This was the first year Colorado’s Ride route passed through the Gunnison Valley.
“It was a rip-roaring success,” Ostrander said. “The communities were incredible, permit agencies were amazing. It was great. We love all you guys.”
Ostrander said the 225 riders, along with approximately 80 friends and family members, stayed overnight in Gunnison and Crested Butte. He estimated the tour contributed approximately $1.7 million to the Gunnison and Chaffee County economies.
The route included a ride through Gunnison County, giving cyclists an opportunity to experience some of Colorado’s most iconic landscapes.
Safety and support were also priorities throughout the tour. Riders received professional road support from the Colorado State Patrol, along with assistance from experienced staff and volunteers.
“This little family business out of Western Colorado University has grown into an amazing community-building opportunity for us,” Ostrander said. “And we get to put food on the table for the kids along the way.”
For more information about Colorado’s Ride, visit Summit Cycle Solutions: summitcyclesolutions.com
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here