Randonneurs  USA

Colorado RUSA Permanents
Randonneurs USA


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About Permanents

Find a Permanent
  Boulder County   Denver   Ft. Collins   Golden   Southern / SW Colorado   Mountains
  North Park Noodle & Segments   Haute Route & Colorado Six Pack

How to Register

RUSA Permanents are owned by individual RUSA members.
The Rocky Mountain Cycling Club does not sponsor or organize Permanents.
This information on the Permanents program and local permanents
is provided for the benefit of the randonneuring community.

One more note: This list is not totally up-to-date. Some of us (including this author) have created perms (good news!) that have not been added to this list. So for the complete list, search on RUSA Perm Search. For example, the Colorado Front Range SR600 route and my Hawaii routes (admittedly not Colorado routes) are documented on the Colorado Brevets blog (linked to from RUSA Perm Search).


· What is a Permanent? - A Permanent is like a brevet, but you can schedule with the organizer when to ride it. Some Permanents are offered year 'round; others only during specific seasons. The same rules apply as for riding a brevet, and you have your brevet card validated at checkpoints along the route. Permanents are rides for individuals or small groups of riders. They should not become quasi-brevets.
· Procedures to Ride a Permanent - Each Permanent has an "owner" (Organizer), to whom you apply to ride the Permanent on a given date. The Organizer may or may not be the local Regional Brevet Administrator. The Organizer may apply a fee to cover costs. After you complete your ride, you return your brevet card to the Organizer, who submits your result to RUSA for certification.
· Before You Ride - Look over the route information below, including the links to map, cue sheet and "info" - IMPORTANT: the RUSA listing link gives you the fee, estimated climbing, seasonal availability, and tells whether the route is point-to-point, can be ridden in reverse, and/or is a free-route permanent.
· RUSA Membership - You and everyone riding with you must be a RUSA member to ride a permanent. RMCC membership is not required, but encouraged for local riders.
· Awards - Riding a Permanent counts toward RUSA distance awards and the RUSA R-12 award (riding a US randonnée of 200km or longer each month in a year). Riding a Permanent Populaire counts toward RUSA distance awards and the RUSA P-12 award (riding a US randonnée of 100km-199km each month in a year). Permanents do not count towards ACP awards or medals.
· Using Permanents as Qualifiers - Some organizers of 1200km Randonnées (such as the Cascade 1200 or the Colorado Last Chance) may allow you to use Permanents to satisfy part of the qualifying requirements.
· UMCA Year-Rounder Challenge - Permanents count towards UMCA Year-Rounder Challenge credit as Personal rides.
· More Info and More Permanents - See RUSA Permanents Info for full details on Permanents in general, and RUSA Permanents Search for a full index of all RUSA Permanents.
· Rules - Please read the rules carefully before riding. You may also check out the waiver which you will need to sign before riding. Bonne route!
.
How to Register - To register for a Permanent, select one from the list below and contact its Organizer. The Organizer will agree on a riding date with you, and send you application and waiver. You will need to submit the application and waiver along with any fee. The Organizer will then supply you a brevet card, cue sheet, and other materials. If you are not a RUSA member, you will need to join RUSA prior to your ride.

  Newer Permanents Not Yet Described Below!  

        = NEW IN 2010!                 = NEW IN 2011!                = NEW IN 2012!                = NEW IN 2013!
BOULDER - LOUISVILLE - NIWOT
201km
BOULDER
Boulder Estes Boomerang - Flat-rolling hills with a midsection 25-mile climb.     Organizer: Michelle Grainger   RUSA Listing   Route   Map    Start: 28th and Iris, Boulder
101km
BOULDER
Boulder Loves Raymond - Flat to rolling hills with one 12-mile climb.     Organizer: Michelle Grainger   RUSA Listing    Start: 28th and Iris, Boulder
101km
NIWOT
Brainard Lake Breeze - A summit at Brainard Lake at 10,000 feet by way of the "SuperJames" climb through James Canyon.   Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map and Route Sheet: Contact Organizer.   Start: Niwot Rd. & 79th St., Niwot
206km
LOUISVILLE
Carter Lake Cakewalk - Skirting the foothills with visits to Eldorado Springs, Rabbit Mountain, Carter Lake, and Buckhorn!     Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   RWGPS Map    Start: Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
101km
BOULDER
Carter Lake Casual - Flat to rolling hills and three short switchbacks to Carter Lake Marina.     Organizer: Michelle Grainger   RUSA Listing   Route   Map    Start: 28th and Iris, Boulder
201km
LOUISVILLE
Central City Cutoff - A challenging climbfest via Lookout Mtn., Central City, and the Peak-to-Peak Hwy.   Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map   Route Start : [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
102km
BOULDER
Cherryvale Cruise - Easy flat route through farmlands.     Organizer: Ted Warm   RUSA Listing   Route   Map    Start: 55th and Arapahoe, Boulder
219km
LOUISVILLE
Coal Creek Calypso - Extended jaunt on the Peak-to-Peak Highway after climbing Coal Creek Canyon and then descending Big Thompson!     Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map   Route    Start: Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
340km
LOUISVILLE
Coffee Cup Classic - Classic out-and-back that climbs from Superior to Copper Mountain Ski Area -- with many possible stops along the way for coffee and pastry. Ride ascends Loveland Pass (11,990') twice and a pre-dawn start is advised!   Organizer: Catherine Shenk   RUSA Listing   Map   Route Start : [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
307km
BOULDER
Continental Double Cross - A scenic climbing challenge, crossing the Continental Divide twice, in a grand loop from Boulder's back door. Mountain bike or cross-bike recommended.   Organizer: None. Adopt a route.   RUSA Listing   Map and Route Sheet: Contact Organizer.   Start: Baseline at Foothills
210km
LOUISVILLE
Drake Doubleback - A plains and foothills loop with a spur up Big Thompson Canyon.   Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map   Route Start : [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
204km
BOULDER
Fun Frolic to Fraser - An out-and-back over Rollins Pass, net downhill on the return! Travels on dirt roads over a high mountain pass crossing the continental divide and providing excellent views of Long Peak and many other high peaks. Contact organizer to obtain important notes on route.   Organizer: Catherine Shenk   RUSA Listing   Route   Map   Route Detail (Magnolia)   Route Detail (Rollins Pass)   Start: Eben G. Fine Park, Boulder
210km
LOUISVILLE
Glen Haven Gallivant -The big climb up St. Vrain Canyon tops out at Wind River Pass at 9,100 ft. before plunging into Estes Park, past the Lumpy Range, and down the Devil's Gulch switchbacks. If you're in season, you can treat yourself to cinnamon rolls at the Glen Haven Store!   Visual Guide by Susan Plonsky originally appearing in American Randonneur     Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map   Route   Winter Route - Between Labor Day and Memorial Day, the Meeker Park Lodge store is closed, so we use an info control. Ditto for the Glen Haven General Store (closed late October to mid-May). A store control in Estes Park is added, for shelter and sustenance.   Winter Map   Winter Route   Start: [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
210km
LOUISVILLE
Golden Gate Gadabout - Golden Gate Canyon climb plus a healthy dose of the Peak-to-Peak Hwy and spurs to Eldora and Rabbit Mountain!     Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map   Route    Start: Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
1200km
LOUISVILLE
Haute Route - Trail Ridge - Independence Pass - Loveland Pass and lots more!     Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Route    Start: Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
200km
LOUISVILLE
James Canyon Jaunt - A plains and foothills course: climbs Lefthand and James Canyon to Jamestown, then north to Masonville and east to Erie.   Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map   Route   Route Counterclockwise   Start: [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
206km
LOUISVILLE
Kersey Kick - A plains foray in Boulder, Weld and Larimer Counties, visiting Kersey and Hudson.   Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Brevet Map   Brevet Route   Start: [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville We are using the Kersey Kick 200k Brevet route as of this writing, because of construction detours.
204km
LOUISVILLE
Lefthand Lark -A climb up Lefthand Canyon after a Plains warmup.   Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map   Route   Start: [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
604km
LOUISVILLE
Lefthand Longshot - Based on the Lefthand Canyon 400k and Kersey Kick 200k (and permanent).   Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map   Route   Start: [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
100km
BOULDER
Lyons-Berthoud Bump-Along - A gentle sojourn through rolling Boulder and Larimer Counties -- available year 'round except in wintry conditions.   Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map   Route.   Start: East Boulder Rec Center
1216km
LOUISVILLE
North Park Noodle - A pleasant, scenic, and quiet tour of the northern Colorado Rocky Mountins plus the Wyoming Snowy Range. NOTE: There are four permanents comprising segments of this one.   Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map and Route Sheet: Contact Organizer.   Start: [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
101km
NIWOT
Peaceful Valley Promenade - A climb up St. Vrain Canyon through Raymond to Peaceful Valley Ranch and back.   Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map and Route Sheet: Contact Organizer.   Start: Niwot Rd. & 79th St., Niwot
101km
BOULDER
Peak-to-Peak Pursuit - Ride up to the Peak to Peak Highway for some great scenery.     Organizer: Ted Warm   RUSA Listing    Start: Broadway and Rosewood, Boulder
205km
LOUISVILLE
Platteville Poke-Along - A plains and foothills loop in Boulder, Weld and Larimer counties, visiting Platteville, Masonville, and Lyons.   Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map   Route   Ride With GPS Map   Start: [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
354km
LOUISVILLE
Poudre Canyon Perambulation A long, leisure climb up Poudre Canyon and down into North Park. NOTE: This permanent comprises stage 1 of the North Park Noodle.  Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map and Route Sheet: Contact Organizer.   Start: [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
108km
LOUISVILLE
Rabbit Mountain Romp - A foothills-skirting jaunt punctuated with short climbs, visiting Eldorado Springs and Rabbit Mountain.  Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map   Route   Ride-with-GPS Map   Start: [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville  
205km
LOUISVILLE
Roggen Roundabout - A deep dive into the Eastern Plains!   Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map   Route   Start: [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
200km
LOUISVILLE
Squaw Pass Scramble - A hill-climber's delight, with 7-mile climb on Omigod Road, and views of the continental divide! Louisville to Golden, Echo Lake Park and back via the Peak to Peak.   Organizer: Catherine Shenk   RUSA Listing   Map   Route   Start: [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
210km
LOUISVILLE
Stove Prairie Saunter - The stairstep climb to Stove Prairie and back, after a warm-up to Masonville.  Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map   Route   Start: [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
206km
LOUISVILLE
Windsor Wanderer - A shallow dive into the Eastern Plains!   Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map   Route   Clockwise: Map   Route   Start: [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
DENVER
208km
DENVER
Deer Trail Dance - Ride the rollers to the home of the first rodeo.   Organizer: Brent Myers   RUSA Listing   Start: 300 S. Quebec, Denver
775km
DENVER
Denver - Lincoln - Capital to Capital Ride from Denver to Lincoln.   Organizer: Spencer Klaassen   RUSA Listing   Start: Denver
203km
DENVER
Evergreen Escapade - A climbing-intensive ride that starts close to downtown Denver and loops around the nearby scenic foothills and mountains.   Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map (north)   Map (south)   Route    Start: DENVER, Starbucks at Speer & Federal
200km
DENVER
Kastle Rock Kaboom - Trail system mixed with road around Castle Rock. Some dirt segments.   Organizer: Brent Myers   RUSA Listing Start : DENVER: 300 S. Quebec
FT. COLLINS
200km
FT. COLLINS
Manhatten Express - A scenic and challenging 200Km route exploring Front Range backroads west of Fort Collins, CO. This mountainous route, available May-October weather permitting, starts in Fort Collins at 5,000 ft, features over 9,000 ft of climbing on unpaved surfaces, the remote beauty of Pennock Pass, Pingree Park and Red Feather Lakes, and a maximum altitude of approximately 9,200 ft. This route can experience extreme weather. Please consider your tire choice (28C or wider recommended), and equipment accordingly.   Organizer: William deRosset   RUSA Listing   Route   Map   Start: 2016 N Whitcomb St, Ft. Collins
450km
FT. COLLINS
Mt. Evans Grimpeur - A 448K mountain adventure from Fort Collins to the top of Mt. Evans via the Peak-to-Peak Highway and Oh My God Road.   Organizer: William deRosset   RUSA Listing   Map   Route   Start: The Bean Cycle Shop, Ft. Collins
216km
FT. COLLINS
Red Dirt Randonnée Borderlands Cruise - A backroads trek in the Virginia Dale area and Wyoming borderlands, with extended dirt sections. Over 8,500 ft of climbing.   Organizer: William deRosset   RUSA Listing Route and Summary Route w/ downtown start   Detailed Description    Start: The Bean Cycle Shop, Ft. Collins
204km
LONGMONT
Rist Canyon Rendezvous - Climb up Rist Canyon after warm-up climbs over Horsetooth Reservoir and lower Poudre Canyon.   Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map and Route Sheet: Contact Organizer.   Start: I-25 Exit 243 (Jct. Co. Hwy. 66)
GOLDEN
601km
GOLDEN
Aspirations Attaining Aspen - A route through central Colorado that ascends several mountain passes including Loveland Pass (twice), Fremont Pass, Independence Pass and Vail Pass.   Organizer: Catherine Shenk   RUSA Listing   Map   Route   Start : [GOLDEN] Washington St. at Hwy. 93
318km
GOLDEN
Grand Loop Git-Along - The classic Grand Loop mountain escapade, counterclockwise over Trail Ridge Road and Berthoud Pass - highest elevation 12,183 ft. at tundra level.     Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Route   Map   Detail Maps:   Golden   Golden detail   Boulder   Lyons-RMNP   Berthoud Pass   Clear Creek   Start: [GOLDEN] 10th and Ford
SOUTHERN / SW COLORADO
207km
210km

COLO. CITY
WALSENBURG
Bishop Castle - Southern Colorado loop around Greenhorn Mountain. From plains to mountains, desert to pine forest. Pass Bishop Castle in San Isabel Forest.   Organizer: Cathy Cramer   RUSA Listing (Colorado City start - 207km)   RUSA Listing (Walsenburg start - 210km)   For lots more info, including maps and cue sheets, see Cathy's Info
200km
RATON, NM.
Capulin Volcano - Rural New Mexico route with a short jaunt into Colorado. Visits Capulin Volcano National Monument.   Organizer: Cathy Cramer   RUSA Listing   For lots more info, including maps and cue sheets, see Cathy's Info
104km
CUCHARA
LA VETA
Stonewall Populaire - Colorado's Scenic Highway of Legends (State Hwy 12) between La Veta and Stonewall. Cuchara or La Veta start.   Organizer: Cathy Cramer   RUSA Listing (La Veta)   RUSA Listing (Cuchara)   For lots more info, including maps and cue sheets, see Cathy's Info
210km
CUCHARA
LA VETA
TRINIDAD
Highway of Legends - Colorado's Scenic Highway of Legends (State Hwy 12) between La Veta and Trinidad. Cuchara, La Veta, or Trinidad start.   Organizer: Cathy Cramer   RUSA Listing (Cuchara)   RUSA Listing (La Veta)   RUSA Listing (Trinidad)   For lots more info, including maps and cue sheets, see Cathy's Info
201km
DURANGO
Bear's Brother's Blues - A loop through the southern Ute reservation that traverses past many of the settings of Hal Borland's novel "When the Legends Die."  Organizer: Gary Freeman   RUSA Listing   Route   Map   Map Link  
201km
DURANGO
Kokopelli's Klimb - An out-and-back route from Durango that explores the mesa top loops in Mesa Verde National Monument.  Organizer: Gary Freeman   RUSA Listing   Route   Map   Map Link  
204km
DURANGO
Phelps Durango Fandango - A loop route south from Durango based on a former brevet route designed by Val and Robin Phelps.  Organizer: Gary Freeman   RUSA Listing   Map   Route  
MOUNTAINS
233km
WALDEN
Cameron Pass Caprice - A brief climb to Cameron Pass and long descent of the Poudre Canyon. NOTE: This permanent comprises stage 4 of the North Park Noodle.  Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map and Route Sheet: Contact Organizer.   Start: Walden
212km
FALCON
High Plains Pedaler - Falcon-Limon-Kiowa: Rolling plains excursion north and east of Falcon CO, starting at 6,872 feet, low point at 5,377 feet (Limon), high point 7,306 feet.   Organizer: Vernon Smith   RUSA Listing   Map   Route   Start: Falcon (Safeway Parking Lot behind gas station. US-24 at Woodman Rd.)
428km
GRAND JUNCTION
Rocky Mountain High - Direct route that traverses two 11,000 ft. passes crossing the Rocky Mountains.   Organizer: Brent Myers   RUSA Listing   Map and Route Sheet: Contact Organizer.   Start: [Grand Junction] Amtrak Station
317km
SARATOGA, WY
Snowy Range Scamper - A transit of the dramatic Snowy Range plus Muddy Pas and Rabbit Ears Pass. NOTE: This permanent comprises stage 2 of the North Park Noodle.  Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map and Route Sheet: Contact Organizer.   Start: Saratoga, WY
222km
SARATOGA, WY
Snowy Range Snippet - A transit of the dramatic Snowy Range to the heart of North Park. NOTE: This permanent comprises part of stage 2 of the North Park Noodle.  Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map and Route Sheet: Contact Organizer.   Start: Saratoga, WY
206km
FRISCO
Vail Pass Volley - Climb out and back over Vail Pass, with some serene Eagle Valley miles to Gypsum in between.   Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map   Route   Start: Main St. and 3rd Ave., Frisco
200km
VAIL
VGV - Vail - Glenwood Spring - Vail - A year-round ride from Vail to Glenwood Springs and, if you have time, you can visit the hot springs for a soak before returning. Note there is typically a tail wind on the return.  Organizer: Catherine Shenk   RUSA Listing   Map   Route  
310km
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
Willow Creek Wayfarer - Quiet climbs over Gore Pass and Willow Creek Pass to North Park moose country. NOTE: This permanent comprises stage 3 of the North Park Noodle.  Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map and Route Sheet: Contact Organizer.   Start: Steamboat Springs, CO
NORTH PARK NOODLE & SEGMENTS
1216km
LOUISVILLE
North Park Noodle - A pleasant, scenic, and quiet tour of the northern Colorado Rocky Mountins plus the Wyoming Snowy Range. NOTE: There are four permanents comprising segments of this one.   Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map and Route Sheet: Contact Organizer.   Start: [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
354km
LOUISVILLE
Poudre Canyon Perambulation A long, leisure climb up Poudre Canyon and down into North Park. NOTE: This permanent comprises stage 1 of the North Park Noodle.  Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map and Route Sheet: Contact Organizer.   Start: [LSVL] Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
317km
SARATOGA, WY
Snowy Range Scamper - A transit of the dramatic Snowy Range plus Muddy Pas and Rabbit Ears Pass. NOTE: This permanent comprises stage 2 of the North Park Noodle.  Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map and Route Sheet: Contact Organizer.   Start: Saratoga, WY
222km
SARATOGA, WY
Snowy Range Snippet - A transit of the dramatic Snowy Range to the heart of North Park. NOTE: This permanent comprises part of stage 2 of the North Park Noodle.  Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map and Route Sheet: Contact Organizer.   Start: Saratoga, WY
310km
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
Willow Creek Wayfarer - Quiet climbs over Gore Pass and Willow Creek Pass to North Park moose country. NOTE: This permanent comprises stage 3 of the North Park Noodle.  Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map and Route Sheet: Contact Organizer.   Start: Steamboat Springs, CO
233km
WALDEN
Cameron Pass Caprice - A brief climb to Cameron Pass and long descent of the Poudre Canyon. NOTE: This permanent comprises stage 4 of the North Park Noodle.  Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Map and Route Sheet: Contact Organizer.   Start: Walden
HAUTE ROUTE & COLORADO MOUNTAIN SIX PACK
1200km
LOUISVILLE
Haute Route - Trail Ridge - Independence Pass - Loveland Pass and lots more!     Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing   Route    Start: Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
215km
LOUISVILLE
Trail Ridge 200 - Louisville to Kremmling via Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park (part of the Colorado Mountain Six Pack)!     Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing    Start: Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
201km
KREMMLING
Vail Ten 200 - Kremmling to Leadville via Vail Pass and Tennessee Pass (part of the Colorado Mountain Six Pack).     Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing    Start: Kremmling
236km
LEADVILLE
Independence 200 - Leadville to Paonia via Independence Pass and McClure Pass (part of the Colorado Mountain Six Pack).     Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing    Start: Dillon at McCaslin Blvd., Louisville
208km
PAONIA
Black and Blue 200 - Paonia to Gunnison via Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Blue Mesa (part of the Colorado Mountain Six Pack).     Organizer: Andy Albershardt   RUSA Listing    Start: Paonia
202km
GUNNISON
King Trout 200 - Gunnison to Fairplay via Monarch Pass and Trout Creek Pass (part of the Colorado Mountain Six Pack).     Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing    Start: Gunnison
205km
FAIRPLAY
Hoosier Love 200 - Fairplay to Louisville via Hoosier Pass and Loveland Pass (part of the Colorado Mountain Six Pack).     Organizer: John Lee Ellis   RUSA Listing    Start: Fairplay

 

Questions?   Contact John Lee Ellis, Colorado Regional Brevet Administrator


Permanent Details

216km

The Bean Cycle Shop, Ft. Collins Red Dirt Randonnée Borderlands Cruise - This scenic and challenging 200K route prominently features the remote beauty and rugged terrain of the Virginia Dale area northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado. Begin downtown at The Bean Cycle and head north through Irrigation Lake Country, with a jaunt around Deadman Butte to The Forks at Livermore, where world-renown cinnamon rolls await. Once adequately fueled, begin the extended climb into the Laramie Mountains to the Red Feather Lakes, swoop across the Prairie Divide, then dash up to the Wyoming Border and return to the Forks. Finally steal down Horsethief Pass via Owl Canyon and head back into town for a much-deserved coffee and treat at The Bean Cycle (144 North College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521).

Please come prepared for extreme weather, 68mi of upaved (dirt) roads, and moderately hilly to slightly mountainous terrain. The ride organizer recommends taking extra supplies and using 28mm or wider section tires. Maximum elevation is around 8,300 ft at Red Feather Lakes, with about 40mi of riding above 7,000 ft.

This route has over 9,000 ft of climbing. Consider your gearing. NOTE: Riding the course in the opposite direction is a permitted option.