Must-ride summer events with climbing?

[cassa]

I'm looking for a challenging, well-organized ride to do this summer with some friends. We've done America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Tahoe a few times, as well as plenty of local rides, but we are looking for something new and hopefully more challenging. Last year we did the Berkshire Cycling Classic and it was a great ride, but it doesn't look like it's happening again this year.

All things being equal, I'd prefer a couple really long climbs than lots of "rollers". I don't think we are ready for a 10,000+ ft century, but I think we would enjoy a 7,000+ ft ride over 80 miles.

I've searched here and on google and found options like Moab Gran Fondo, Copper Triangle, and Mendocino Monster (probably would do the metric route). There are lots of options for fall, but we are looking first for a summer ride (June or July is ideal, May or August okay).

So, any must-ride summer climbing-focused events you'd recommend? Or anything you'd like to say about the events I've already found.

Thanks in advance.

--Aaron

[merckx]

d2r2

[rnhood]

What is your target area/location or, where do you live? Its easier to pick out events closer to you. Otherwise, the list of events meeting your criteria is huge.

[bluesea]

Haleakala

[Hokiemon]

I highly recommend the Mountains of Misery in Virginia as well as the Mountain Mama event which goes through both Virginia and West Virginia.I have done both and they are well staffed and run.

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . . near Lake Tahoe.

D2R2.

BBD

[godfrey1112000]

I you are looking for 7k and about 100 miles
I have done this twice
Sunrise Century in Boulder is very good, some great climbing and great place to hang out, there is also a good bike shop to visit

Boulder Sunrise Century
A benefit for Several Area Charities
June 29, 2013 - Boulder, Colorado
web site: http://www.bikerpelli.com
ride length(s): 75mi, 100mi

Triple By Pass, Lots of climbing, 10k per day
I have done this three times they put on a great show
The Triple double is worth the effort

Tucson, lot of flat and lots of climbing
Climb MT. Lemmon, 6500, 26 miles then its is all down hill the way back

Come to Kansas City and do the 200k or 300k Brevet,
6700 and 9100 ft of climbing for each
back roads in North West Missouri

BallTown Double Century
about 11k in NE Iowa, it is a beast


3-State 3-Mountain Challenge
Chattanooga, TN
101.2 miles 6200 feet
http://www.chattbike.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66&Itemid=45

Hope to see you at these events:bike:

[Jayfree]

I think Copper Triangle is boring-BUT I highly reccomend the Colorado 3-day Death Ride Tour. In the most beautiful area of state well supported charity ride. Great camaraderie. Well within your parameters and ability.

[cassa]

What is your target area/location or, where do you live? Its easier to pick out events closer to you. Otherwise, the list of events meeting your criteria is huge.

Didn't realize my location wasn't part of my profile. Sorry. I'm in upstate NY (Schenectady, specifically), but we'd like to go to a "destination". I was thinking Colorado, because I've never been, but also Oregon, Washington, California. Wouldn't rule out other locations. Of course, if we are going to a "destination", the ride has to be great and expertly run.

I realize now that I wasn't 100% clear about preferred length. I'd prefer to keep under a century -- having done a lot of centuries, and several rides in the 75-85 mile range, I can say that I prefer the latter. When I've searched for rides with challenging climbs, it seems like many of them (e.g., like Triple Bypass) are longer than I'd really prefer. But, please folks, if there's a must-ride century you'd recommend, don't be shy!

[kramnnim]

3 Mountain Madness here in NC... http://www.3mountainmadness.com/routes.htm

The three big climbs are all around 2 miles long, with 1k of elevation gain each...

Here's a Strava link (not mine) http://app.strava.com/rides/9949753

There's a longer route, but it just adds rollers.

[cassa]

d2r2

I think I might quite enjoy that ride, but I'm guessing it will be hard sell with my riding group. None of us ride on gravel on any regular basis. One advantage is that it's not too far from us.

Might have to start talking it up. :cool:

[Matthew]

It starts in Boyne City in northern Michigan. Simply beautiful country up there. Very close to Lake Michigan. Varying distances of 50,100,160, or 200 kilometers and up to 10,000 feet of climbing. Takes place on June 9th. Website: michiganmountainmayhem.com. May be worth a look. Matthew.

[cassa]

I highly recommend the Mountains of Misery in Virginia as well as the Mountain Mama event which goes through both Virginia and West Virginia.I have done both and they are well staffed and run.

Thanks. The 68-mile option at Mountain Mama especially looks like fun, and that event wasn't on my radar.

[Peter P.]

I'll plant the second seed for D2R2.

The 100km route has 7500' of climbing, 50% on dirt roads. It's something you'll never forget.

[cassa]

...
Sunrise Century in Boulder

Climb MT. Lemmon, 6500, 26 miles then its is all down hill the way back


These both look great. The profile of the Sunrise Century really looks like something I'd like -- looks like all the climbing is in one long extended climb, then you get to have fun on the descent (unless you do the 100 mile option).

Thanks.

[JayBay]

Drive on over to Naples, ME, this summer and I'd be happy to take you on a 75 mile/7500 ft adventure. I can't say much for my organizational skills, but it could be a good time.

[witcombusa]

I think I might quite enjoy that ride, but I'm guessing it will be hard sell with my riding group. None of us ride on gravel on any regular basis. One advantage is that it's not too far from us.

Might have to start talking it up. :cool:


D2R2 is not a gravel event. It's mostly good old fashioned dirt roads.

[cat6]

The story takes place on the planet Grool, a planet inhabited by mostly short, anthropomorphous felines. The idyllic and mundane lifestyle of the feline aliens is interrupted when an alien invader known as Kat of Nine Tails kidnaps Grool's sentient populace, inadvertently leaving one of them, Squeak, behind. Shortly after, Squeak encounters a human boy known only as Bubble who agrees to rescue Squeak's captured populace.

[cassa]

michigan mountain mayhem

Thanks. We'd probably do the 100K, ... looks like fun.

[MattTuck]

Are you definitely looking for a supported event?

I think there are hundreds, if not thousands, of rides you could put together with a friend driving sag with food/drinks/tools.

I'd worry about picking out either a location or region you want to ride in, and then organizing it that way.

[cassa]

Are you definitely looking for a supported event?

I think there are hundreds, if not thousands, of rides you could put together with a friend driving sag with food/drinks/tools.

I was looking for a supported event, but I guess I hadn't really considered organizing it myself. I'll have to mull that (and talk it over with riding buddies). Thanks for the nudge.

[MattTuck]

I was looking for a supported event, but I guess I hadn't really considered organizing it myself. I'll have to mull that (and talk it over with riding buddies). Thanks for the nudge.

yeah, if you can bring a non-cycling buddy or spouse, or something, that could work out nicely. Also has the benefit that you could do a few days of 50-80 mile rides in an area, and not feel like you were totally exposed.

I'd look seriously at Santa Ynez Valley. look at figueroa mountain climb. Although it may be VERY hot there in the summer.... I'd look into weather and plan around that.

[ofcounsel]

I don't know if it's a "must ride," because I haven't done it yet. But I'm gonna ride the Iron Horse Classic 50 mile ride. Sounds like a great weekend of merriment, with MTB and Road races thrown in to the mix. Seems like a grand time, so I'm gonna trek out from So Cal for the fun.

http://ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/

[cassa]

http://ironhorsebicycleclassic.com/

This was actually on my list already, and if it wasn't sold out :mad: for this year I might not have continued looking for another event for this summer.

[Cat3roadracer]

I rode D2R2 this year and it was one of the best rides in recent memory. The terrain was ideal, the group I was with was ideal, AND I saw BBD, which is cool in itself. I hope we are in the same group in 2013.

A plus if the weather is perfect, which it was this year.

[CaptStash]

Check out Tour de Blast (http://www.tourdeblast.com/) 82 miles and 6,240 feet of climbing, most of which is done in three major climbs. Spectacular ride if the weather is good, one heck of a ball buster if it's bad.

CaptStash....

[etu]

it's not an organized ride, but the most memorable ride of my life was from Cranes Flat (Junction to Yosemite Valley) over Tioga Pass down to Lee Vining and over to Bridgeport. Spectacular world class views of the Half Dome and Mono Lake. It's @85 miles one way. You can spend the night at Bridgeport and hire someone to drive you back with the money you save on registration fees!

[keevon]

Thanks. The 68-mile option at Mountain Mama especially looks like fun, and that event wasn't on my radar.
Another recommendation for the Mountain Mama. I've done the 100-mile event twice in years past and thoroughly enjoyed it both times. It's especially fun if you pitch a tent in the high school field the night before!

[krhea]

Here are few choices from our area, Oregon/Wash.

Tour de Blast- http://www.tourdeblast.com/

Jackson'r Ride the Gorge- http://www.jacksonsridethegorge.org/

Mt Adams Country Bike Tour- http://www.troutlakewashington.com/bikeform.html

Oregon Gran Fondo- http://orbike.com/event/the-oregon-gran-fondo/

Alpine Century- http://orbike.com/event/alpine-century/

[Lovetoclimb]

Three Peaks USA in Banner Elk NC.

[Jack Brunk]

You could spend a month in either Colorado or California and never climb the same climb. Each state has numerous cat 1 or HC climbs to keep you busy. From the four corners and westward you climb your life away. None of it sucks.

[poff]

I was gonna recommend Climb to Kaiser but there are plenty of others. Sounds like you're on the east coast anyhow.

Good resource.

http://www.tourofcalifornia.org/2008/01/top-bike-climbs-in-united-states.html

C2K is pretty hard, way harder than Death Ride, I've done both.

[ofcounsel]

If you have an MTB, this ride is awesome! I did it this year, and it was a great weekend!

http://mbaction.com/Main/News/First_Ever_Catalina_Mountain_Bike_Gran_Fondo_Wins_ 5278.aspx

http://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=53507

[Johnnyg]

I'm looking for a challenging, well-organized ride to do this summer with some friends. We've done America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Tahoe a few times, as well as plenty of local rides, but we are looking for something new and hopefully more challenging. Last year we did the Berkshire Cycling Classic and it was a great ride, but it doesn't look like it's happening again this year.

All things being equal, I'd prefer a couple really long climbs than lots of "rollers". I don't think we are ready for a 10,000+ ft century, but I think we would enjoy a 7,000+ ft ride over 80 miles.

I've searched here and on google and found options like Moab Gran Fondo, Copper Triangle, and Mendocino Monster (probably would do the metric route). There are lots of options for fall, but we are looking first for a summer ride (June or July is ideal, May or August okay).

So, any must-ride summer climbing-focused events you'd recommend? Or anything you'd like to say about the events I've already found.

Thanks in advance.

--Aaron

The Assault of Mt Mitchell. The Great River Ride(Westfield Ma. in October). Six Gap Ride in Georgia. BRA in Grenoble, France. Blood Sweat and Gears, in NC. Horrible Hundred, NC. Enjoy your ride. JG

[John M]

Cascade Bicycle Club's High Pass Challenge in September up the south side of Mt. St. Helen's is a nice, well supported ride. Climbs are long and steady, but nothing too steep and some flat stretches for recovery. The last 30 miles through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is really nice.

Tour de Blast in June up the west side of St. Helen's is also nice.

[tv_vt]

http://whitemountaincycling.com/the-grand-tour-from-rhino/

Can start in Lincoln, cutting out the lower Rt 3 part, to get it under 100 miles (more like 85). 5000-6000 ft of climbing, in three climbs.

Usually on Mother's Day Sunday in May.

[gdw]

I'd do the Moab Grand Fondo and stay in the area for a week and explore. The region is beautiful and unlike anything in Upstate New York.

[MadRocketSci]

Santa Cruz Mtn Challenge....one of my favs...

[572cv]

The Onion River Century, late July each year, goes up through the Northeast Kingdom from Montpelier, Vt.
Well run, very good food, and I think the climbing is about 7 or 8 K.

[Bostic]

Haleakala

I checked this off my bucket list a few weeks ago while on honeymoon. 4hrs 50 min ride time, 5.5 including rest stops. It's a must do if you like climbing, and descending.

http://imageshack.us/a/img580/1339/photo15xp.jpg

[cnighbor1]

look no further than Sierra in CA
I can send you a list of great California centuries if needed
with a lot of climbing
I would just come out to CA and rent a van and do some of these rides

[Black Dog]

No one has mentioned the Highlander (http://www.highlandercycletour.com/quadshilla.htm) it is exactly what the OP was asking for.

[cassa]

Thanks all for some great suggestions.

Luckily most of these events have pretty decent websites, so finding out what the actual profile looks like isn't too hard (and mapmyride comes in handy for those that don't publish a profile). Some of these are definitely on the list as potential for this summer, and all of them are on the list of potential rides "one day".

[soulspinner]

No one has mentioned the Highlander (http://www.highlandercycletour.com/quadshilla.htm) it is exactly what the OP was asking for.

This, 100 miles, 10k plus climbing I believe. A few pitches around 20% just for the heck of it near the end...

[Bob Ross]

I don't think we are ready for a 10,000+ ft century
Death Ride. . . near Lake Tahoe.

Not Ready For A 10,000+ Foot Century = Not Ready For The Death Ride


...although I admit, Death Ride was the first thing that came to my mind also! :)

~130 miles, 15,000' ... a bit more than OP was asking for.

[BumbleBeeDave]

This, 100 miles, 10k plus climbing I believe. A few pitches around 20% just for the heck of it near the end...

Bopple. There's a cemetery at the top for a reason! :eek: :rolleyes:

BBD

[cassa]

Not Ready For A 10,000+ Foot Century = Not Ready For The Death Ride

~130 miles, 15,000' ... a bit more than OP was asking for.
Does nobody just do 3 or 4 of the passes?

[h2oxtc]

If it's not too late to add another "must" ride, I would recommend the Whistler GranFondo in September. 6000 plus cyclists, phenomenally well organized. Starts downtown Vancouver and rides the Sea-to-Sky highway to Whistler, 120kms. Last year was a first for me, it's on the list to do again this year.

[soulspinner]

Bopple. There's a cemetery at the top for a reason! :eek: :rolleyes:

BBD

Need a compact these days and then only standing and cussing:rolleyes:

[Black Dog]

Bopple. There's a cemetery at the top for a reason! :eek: :rolleyes:

BBD

I have thought about making the left turn and going to "sleep" in the cemetery at the top of Bopple a few times. There are many route options for the ride that vary the distance and climbing. Great event.

[oldpotatoe]

I'm looking for a challenging, well-organized ride to do this summer with some friends. We've done America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Tahoe a few times, as well as plenty of local rides, but we are looking for something new and hopefully more challenging. Last year we did the Berkshire Cycling Classic and it was a great ride, but it doesn't look like it's happening again this year.

All things being equal, I'd prefer a couple really long climbs than lots of "rollers". I don't think we are ready for a 10,000+ ft century, but I think we would enjoy a 7,000+ ft ride over 80 miles.

I've searched here and on google and found options like Moab Gran Fondo, Copper Triangle, and Mendocino Monster (probably would do the metric route). There are lots of options for fall, but we are looking first for a summer ride (June or July is ideal, May or August okay).

So, any must-ride summer climbing-focused events you'd recommend? Or anything you'd like to say about the events I've already found.

Thanks in advance.

--Aaron

What's yer budget?

http://www.cinghiale.com/

[thwart]

Scenery maybe a bit too much like upstate NY for ya...

But these two are well organized and demanding hilly challenge rides:

HorriblyHillyHundreds http://www.horriblyhilly.com/

Dairyland Dare http://www.dairylanddare.com/

[John M]

....... 6000 plus cyclists, .....

This is reason enough for me to avoid the Whistler GF. Some of me friends that have done it complained about crowding on the roads, long lines, etc..... Great scenery though, and Vancouver is one of my favorite cities.

[Jaq]

There are the Pike's Peak and Mt. Davis hill climbs. Both in Colorado, relatively close together (geographically). Last year, they were a week apart. If they do that again, you could ride the first one (Pike's Peak was first last year), then ride to Mt. Davis and do that.

[cassa]

... Mt. Davis hill climb ... in Colorado
Do you mean Mt. Evans? My googling isn't finding Mt. Davis in CO.

[geoffkaplan]

if you are in the bay area in june i highly recommend the sequoia century (western wheelers bicycling club). amazing scenery, well organized, not a ton of riders, challenging climbs (fore instance: the 100m route buys ya 11k gain), and did i mention amazing scenery. i think it's better than say levi's fondo or sea otter classic, and much cheeper. 2013 ride info has not yet been posted but here's a link to the ride maps. (also easily ridden on one's own sans support)
http://www.westernwheelers.org/main/sequoia/routes/index.htm

[Lewis Moon]

Race the train: Durango - Silverton.

[Bruce K]

Jumping in late but I have enjoyed Copper Triangle

Coming from the eastern end, 80 miles with 6,000 ft at altitude was a fun challenge. It also supports a very worthwhile charity I the Davis Phinney Foundation.

Staying in Frisco or Breckenridge makes for a fun week for the riders and non-riders alike.

Events around Boulder are fun too. One of my favorite places.

BK

[Climb01742]

it's not long but if you want climbing, few climbs are harder than mt. washington. and it's relatively close to you. you won't ever forget the last 1/2 mile.

[Velo Jayhawk]

The Cherohala Challenge is a fun ride in eastern Tennessee, so not such a long hike from NY as the west coast events. The Cherohala skyway is a great climb.

http://www.smwbikeclub.org/event/cherohala-challenge-2012/

Usually runs second or third weekend of June.

[northbend]

Up early to fill the christmas stockings.. merry christmas!

Here are some suggestions for you to consider out here in the Pacific NW; some of my favorites because they aren't crowded and are very well supported. You'll note that each of them require some driving to get to. If you do decide to come out to washington, send me a PM, I'd be happy to guide you around Mt Rainier.


Memorial Day - Eastern Oregon, 3-4 hrs drive from Portland, Hosted in Pendleton is "CROC". A set of 3 rides over three days. Each ride is different. Day one rolls thru farmlands and ranches getting your legs ready for the next two days, Day two is a climbing day up n over the Blue Mtns and Day three is a mixture of climbs, scenic meanders thru river valleys and some of the largest rollers you'll ever see anywhere..

I like the variety of these rides but what makes the CROC special is that there are only something like 250 riders. Each night you meet up for a communal dinner. Very intimate. The community rallies around this event hosting the rest stops on the rides. Each one has a different theme. My favorite was the "white trash" stop. Hilarious.
http://www.cyclependleton.com/


Late June. In Eastern Washington 3-4 hr drive from Seattle, hosted in Chelan is the Chelan Century. This ride continues to grow in size each year but comparatively speaking it is still small (last year - 800 riders). Chelan is a beautiful area for riding. This ride is perfect if your group of friends has different expectations, fitness levels or abilities because the route is made of of 3 loops. Each loop ends at the city park in town so if some in your group aren't ready for the full century, you can choose to leave out one or two loops but you'll never lose touch with your partners. The most beautiful loop in my opinion is the Manson route where the route follows the eastern side of the lake and explores the hills, orchards and vinyards on narrow roads that are nearly deserted except for the occasional support vehicle or farm tractor. If you want to test yourself don't miss the McNeill Canyon loop. 5 miles, 12% grade. If you aren't up to the whole challenge you can skip the canyon as it's an out n back. The 3rd loop, Navarre Canyon, is a perfect ending to the day. You climb up and over a high ridgeline and descend down to the Lake on great pavement, swoopy turns, and sweeping views. Then a fast paceline back to town on the waters edge. BBQ dinner and music awaits you at the finish. Chelan is thick with wineries. Take a day and check em out.
http://www.centuryride.com/

While you're here and if the weather is good don't miss a chance to ride up Stevens canyon to Paradise lodge in the Mt. Rainier National Park. The roads at that time of the year have only been open for a few weeks, traffic not bad at all. This is what you'll see (taken in June):
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj140/northbend/P1020550.jpg


The last ride I'll mention is later in August: Crater lake century. This one is really out of the way, you'd need a casual day of driving to get here from Portland.
But well worth it.
The route is drop dead gorgeous, the ride is limited to something like 240 riders total, two ride options. The support is great, and the ride finishes with a 30 mile downhill from the lake to Ft. Klamath. Waiting at the finish is a top notch BBQ followed by home made pie and ice cream. Seriously - the ice cream is churned right there on the spot. I've done this ride 3x and will probably be there again in 2013. If you have the time, spend a day or two in Bend and try the riding there. It's excellent. If you are into MTB'g there is an unbelievable trail network circling Mt Batchelor. You can rent good MTB's in town...

http://craterlakecentury.com/

[xjoex]

For something on the east coast, the Cheat Mountain Challenge out of Snowshoe, WV is pretty great. Perfect backroads, I think I saw 2 cars in 100 miles.

http://robonza.blogspot.com/search?q=west+virginia
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nn9I4PFZXLk/SKhPG50DUfI/AAAAAAAAA64/aXNH1WRFewo/s640/100_2283.JPG

-joe