2020 GRVL RACE ESCAPE - ITINERARY
ASPEN + STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
Day 1
ARRIVAL INTO ASPEN/SNOWMASS
Ride: 60.7 MI +5,525 FT (Shorter route options available)
Our first shakedown spin at altitude takes us along the moderate climb up the Ashcroft - Maroon Bells. This out-and-back ride begins at 8,000’ feet in Aspen and climbs moderately for nearly 10 miles to a mountain lake. The road is closed to vehicles for most of the season and provides incredible riding in both directions. Once we reach the top of the climb, we come around the bend and are rewarded with one of North America’s best views: the 14,000-foot Maroon Bells peaks. Enjoy the descent back into town for an optional route out and back to the Ashcroft Cookhouse and back into town-topping off a solid warm up day!
O/N Hotel Limelight Snowmass
Day 2
SNOWMASS VALLEY LOOP
Ride: 86.2 MI / +6,750 FT (Shorter route options available)
Lance Armstrong has made Aspen his home, and this is one of his favorite loops down valley from Aspen. It includes some of the iconic dirt roads that Colorado is known for. We head out behind Snowmass ski village, climbing high above the chairlifts to come to our secret gravel divide road that drops us into the narrow Snowmass Creek Valley. Wildcat Road takes us to our highest point of the day, topping out at 8,500’ where we can take in the incredible views of the Roaring Fork Valley. This smooth five-mile gravel sector drops us back to pavement on Snowmass Creek Road. After a coffee stop, we continue up the eastern flank of the valley, back toward Aspen via the iconic Woody Creek Tavern, the residence of noted author Hunter S. Thompson for most of his life. From here we tackle the Medicine Bow climb before finishing in Aspen along McLain Flats Road.
O/N Hotel Limelight Snow-mass
Day 3
SNOWMASS TO STEAMBOAT
Ride: 54.5 MI / +3,673 FT
This morning we load up for a short transfer into Glenwood Springs. Upon arrival, we will have a quick coffee and prepare ourselves for our morning spin. Brace yourself for a stunning beginning as we ride along the scenic Glenwood Canyon Path, running 16.5 miles along, above and over the Colorado River. Once we arrive at the trails end, we venture onto mixed terrain as we head north along the Colorado from Dotsero to Mccoy. This 35-mile stretch of remote paved and dirt road should be listed as a scenic byway-but we are glad that it isn’t, it’s too good for us to share. After a light lunch along the river, we will transfer 1 hour to Steamboat Springs, our resting spot for the remainder of our escape.
O/N Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas
Day 4
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
Ride: 6 route options
Steamboat Springs sits somewhat remotely in Northwest Colorado. Located in Routt County, nestled up next to the Continental Divide, which traces a long and mountainous line down from Montana to New Mexico, its location makes for spectacular riding. The roads around here see more cows than cars and we will have as selection of gravel routes for you to select from today. As a group we will confer about today's route, choose a light spin and take the afternoon off, or attempt to pre-ride the SBT GRVL course, which-ever is your poison, we will make it happen. Post ride beers at The Barley.
O/N Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas
Day 5
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
Ride: 25 to 40 MI / 850 FT
Studio Velo is one of the largest Moots dealers in the country and we love these ti-steeds! Moots is hosting a VIP experience today—and we are invited. A supported 25-mile route will provide a look at the first miles of the race and surface conditions you should expect on race day. The Airport Plus loop is a staple Moots factory lunch ride, it has 850’ feet of rolling climbing and won’t tax you too much. Once back at Moots they will have a bike wash station, cold drinks and snacks. Factory tours will be given for those interested. Later this afternoon, we can add a few miles and venture out to soak in the Strawberry Park Hot Springs.
O/N Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas
Day 6
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
Ride: SBT Gravel
It’s Race Day y’all and we have your entry ticket, it’s included. Listen for the cowbells? Choose your distance, saddle up and lets race!
If you desire to test yourself against some of the best-enjoy a solo day out on your own. If you prefer to ride as a team, our ride leaders will keep the group together tightly for moral and mechanical support. In the spirit of a team time trial, we will work together, support one another and work to finish successfully together on the Blue Course.
O/N Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas
STEAMBOAT TO ASPEN
Ride: None
Post breakfast this morning, buckle up, we have a transfer back to Aspen. Relax for the 3h20m scenic drive back to Aspen. Please make your return flights home no earlier than 2pm.