Top 10 U.S. Hill Climbs for 2016 - Part 4

1. Mount Evans

Riding from the base to the summit of a 14,000' peak is a challenging and memorable achievement.

The world seems a little different at half the height of Mt. Everest. The whole Front Range of Colorado, the Continental Divide, the vast expanse of the Rockies - it’s all there.

Bob Cook Memorial Mount Evans Hill Climb Taking place on July 23rd The Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill climb is an iconic bicycle race that takes place on the highest paved road in the United States at 14,264 feet above sea level. People have been racing the Mt. Evans Hill Climb for 50 years.

It’s an epic event that creates memories for a lifetime.

The Mt. Evans Hill Climb includes professional cyclists that race / have raced in the Tour de France and the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. You will have the opportunity to race on the same course as those that have made it to the highest level of cycling. Colorado USAC licensed cyclists will compete for the Colorado State Hill Climb Championships for Masters, Senior and Junior Women and Men.

The Gran Fondo is open to any amateur cyclist.

The race was renamed in 1981 in honor of five-time race winner Bob Cook, who died of cancer at the age of 23. Bob Cook held the course record from 1975-1980. Over the years, some of the world’s best-known cyclists added their names to the list of challengers, including Olympic gold medalist Alexi Grewal, Jacques Boyer, Ron Kiefel and Andy Hampsten.

To get a glimpse of the climb from a cyclists perspective, you can view this "unofficial" Strava segment - analytics.strava.com/segments/642991

The race starts in the historic mining town of Idaho Springs at an altitude of 7,540 feet and finishes at 14,130 feet, 130 feet below Mount Evans' summit. The race is 27.4 miles in length and climbs 6,630 feet. Echo Lake to the summit averages 5.6% for 5.5 miles, then 4.1% for 2.7 miles and finally 5.7% for 4.25 miles to the top. Maximum grade is 10%. There are 11 switchbacks that take you to an unforgettable view of the Rocky Mountains and an achievement of a lifetime.

Mount Evans Course Profile, Idaho Springs

This epic race is has been named one of “The Best and Hardest Climbs in the US”.

Over the years, the race has attracted well-known professional riders from all over the United States and from France, Switzerland, Germany, and Australia. The age range of the participants is from nine to eighty-five years. Volunteers from the Colorado cycling community, including Team Evergreen Cycling, and Racer X Cycling, help marshal, drive support, work the feed zone and the award celebration.

The event includes categories for all levels of racing and encourages riders of all abilities. Around one thousand riders compete each year in the race and Gran Fondo categories. The event offers mechanical support, a feed zone and transportation of clothing bags to the summit for the trip down the mountain. There is an award celebration in Idaho Springs for all participants and spectators.

Think about it – when else will you have the opportunity to climb a 14’er and have full support? And there is a rocking party at the bottom to celebrate!

What is the difference between the Gran Fondo and USA Cycling Categories?

USA Categories are for individuals interested in competitive racing and do it on a regular basis or are planning to race on a regular basis. A USAC license or 1-Day license is required for USAC categories. A BRAC membership is also required for all USAC Categories.

Gran Fondo is an open event and is also timed, no license or membership is required.

Registration is online, pre-registration only, no day of registration.

Categories are limited and they sell out very quickly, so register early!

More information at: bicyclerace.com

The 51st Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb, July 23rd, Idaho Springs, CO