Bicycle Tour Colorado
Starting and ending in Fort Collins, this 462-mile loop through northern Colorado and Wyoming is a perfect stand-in for Ride the Rockies: the scenery is almost as good, and it rarely fills up. June 17–23; from $375.
Cross Country Challenge
The full 52-day ride takes in 3,865 miles of the U.S., from San Francisco to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. If you can’t commit to the whole thing, hook up for one of the 6-to-11-day legs, like San Francisco to Salt Lake City. June 2–July 13; from $2,398.
Ragbrai
Now in its 40th year, the Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa covers 471 miles, with 10,000 entrants. It’s flat compared with Colorado, but it ain’t easy. July 22–28; $150.
Comments
RAGBRAI isn't remotely flat compared to RTR. In 2011, RTR had 21,604 feet of climbing. RAGBRAI had 21,206. Furthermore, the first two days of RAGBRAI had more climbing than any day of RTR.
Flag ThisGreat work RTR and Outside Mag! Spectacular event, amazing route, and spot on coverage and info.
Flag ThisGreat work RTR and Outside Mag! Spectacular event, amazing route, and spot on coverage and info.
Flag ThisNathan, I have done both. RtR elevation gain is a lot harder. First the elevation you are doing the climbs are terrifically higher. Second, rolling hill elevation are somewhat hard, but 21 miles at 5% is arduous! Technically you might be right that RAGBRAI had more elevation gain, but brother it aint even close to the same. But RAGBRAI does have Mr. Pork Chop which I always love!
Flag ThisI would like to introduce your audience to the challenge and beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Black Bear Adventures has both a 8 day and 5 day version of this incredible national scenic byway, which is 469 mies long and has over 45,000 feet of climbing. This incredible National Park was designed to connect the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and is truly one of the gems of the Park system! For more information check us out at www.BlackBearAdventures.com!
Flag ThisA spring climbing camp in warm southern California will get you in shape for RTR: http://www.cyclingescapes.com
Flag ThisI saw that the Cross Country Challenge was plugged on the last page of this article. I rode this specific ride (with touring company America By Bicycle (http://abbike.com/)) with my dad and brother last summer and was extremely pleased with every aspect of the trip. ABB did a very nice job hosting the trip, and boy what a beautiful country I'm blessed to live in. Nice article about RTR. Looks incredible. Hopefully I'll be able to find the time and money for it sometime in the next couple of years! Stephen
Flag ThisCoach Outlet is an American leather goods company famous for its ladies handbags and purses. Coach Factory Brand may be creating Coach Bags styles which are absolutely multicolored and fun. Here, we talk about Coach Outlet Online comes in different colors and sizes, which means that you can go in for Coach Outlet Online one that suits you the most. Made up of Coach Factory Outlet various rare materials of Coach Tote Bags,
Flag This