USA Pro Cycling Challenge – Stage 2
On day two of the US Pro Cycling Challenge, August 24th, riders will travel from Gunnison Colorado to Aspen Colorado. This stage will be the longest and most difficult leg as the riders will have to summit two 12,000 foot peaks in one day! The 131 mile day will take these athletes from Gunnison through the Gunnison National Forest to Buena Vista Colorado, then up through Twin Lakes Colorado and down into Aspen. Dirt roads, Colorado mountain passes and a total climb of 9,746 feet will make this stage of the US Pro Cycling Challenge one you wont want to miss!
Event Schedule:
| Start: Gunnison, Aug 24th, 10:00 am | End: Aspen Aug 24th, 4:00 pm |
USA Pro Cycling Challenge Stage 2 Route:
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Colorado Outing is not associated with this event. We provide our Colorado Events Calendar as a free service for Colorado residents and visitors.
More Event Details:
While traveling through the Gunnison National Forest on County Road 742 and 306, riders will pass Taylor Park Reservoir on their way to the first major challenge of the day, Cottonwood Pass. Climbing this Colorado mountain pass will challenge the riders as they ascend over 2700 feet in just under 14 miles to reach the highest point of the US Pro Cycling Challenge, the summit of Cottonwood Pass at 12,126 feet in elevation! But the altitude isn’t the only challenge to summiting the pass. The road over Cottonwood is dirt, depending on the weather conditions, that dirt road could present some unique challenges to the riders and their thin road tires!
The descent off Cottonwood Pass will eventually bring the mass of road riders through Buena Vista Colorado and onto Highway 24 where they will begin their journey up to Twin Lakes Colorado and the second major challenge of the day, Independence Pass. The road over Independence Pass is narrow, steep and filled with switch-backs. Plus, an average 6.5% grade will make the climb to top at 12,095 feet a real challenge. By the time they reach the top, oxygen will be much harder to find! The descent will be a relief as the riders power on to the finish of this stage in downtown Aspen Colorado.
For more information, visit: http://www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/stages/stage-2
