T – 14 days until I take on the biggest physical challenge in my life so far. I’ll be riding across the state of Colorado from Fort Collins to Durango in eight days along with a group of six others. We’re organizing BABRAC – Beer and Bicycle Ride Across Colorado – and we’re hoping to make this a yearly thing.
FAQ
Q. How many miles a day, on average, will you cover?
A: Average 59 miles a day, for a total of 470 miles covered. Total elevation gain will be 17,470 feet
Q: Is this a vehicle-supported ride?
A: Yes. We’ll have an SUV as a SAG wagon, which we’ll all rotate driving in half-day shifts.
Q: Where are you sleeping each night?
A: We’ll be camping, mostly in campgrounds and peoples’ backyards.
Q. Is it a good idea to mix cycling and beer?
A: Yes. In a state like Colorado with its pretty mountain highways and advanced beer culture, it is a very good idea to seek out a few craft brews after a big long ride each day. Personally, I’m more into ice cream than beer, but I could go for either.
Q: Are you sure you’re ready for this?
A: I’ve been doing as many 50+ mile rides as possible over the past several weekends, I’ve given up the use of my car for the month of June, and I’ve splurged on outfitting and gear. We’ve all put in hours of planning and organization. So I’d say I’m feeling about 85% ready.
For those who want to follow the adventure (or even join in on a day of it!) here is an outline of the itinerary:
Day 0- Friday, June 28: Fort Collins
Arrive to Fort Collins, New Belgium Brewery tour at 6:30pm
Lodging: camping in friends’ backyard
Day 1- Saturday, June 29: Fort Collins to Boulder
Mileage: 51.83
Ascent/Descent: 1,060’ / 600’
Bars & Breweries: Oskar Blues, Avery, Upslope
Lodging: Camping in friends’ backyard
Day 2- Sunday, June 30: Boulder to Castle Rock
Mileage: 61.50
Ascent/Descent: 3,000’ / 2,215’
Bars & Breweries: Golden City, Rockyard
Lodging: TBD, probably Jellystone Campground
Day 3- Monday, July 1: Castle Rock to Colorado Springs
Mileage: 49.60
Ascent/Descent: 1,700 / 1,990’
Bars & Breweries: Phantom Canyon, Bristol, Brewer’s Republic
Lodging: Indoor camping
Day 4- Tuesday, July 2: Colorado Springs to Cañon City
Mileage: 58.34
Ascent/Descent: 2,340’ / 2,200’
Bars & Breweries: Royal Gorge, White Water Bar & Grill
Lodging: Prospectors RV Resort
Day 5- Wednesday, July 3: Cañon City to Salida
Mileage: 47.96
Ascent/Descent: 1,450’ / 605’
Bars & Breweries: Amicas, Moonlight Pizza/Pub
Lodging: dispersed riverside camping
Day 6- Thursday, July 4: Salida to Del Norte
Mileage: 81.74
Ascent/Descent: 2,260’ / 1,460’
Bars & Breweries: Three Barrel
Lodging: Woods & River Campground
Day 7- Friday, July 5: Del Norte to Pagosa Springs
Mileage: 58.50
Ascent/Descent: 3,060’ / 3,880’
Bars & Breweries: Pagosa Brewing
Lodging: Pagosa Riverside Campground
Day 8- Saturday, July 6: Pagosa Springs to Durango
Mileage: 61.50
Ascent/Descent: 2,600’ / 3,180
Bars & Breweries: Steamworks, Ska, Durango, Carver
Lodging: Camping in friends’ backyard
Day 9- Sunday, July 7: Durango to Fort Collins (driving)
For more info, check out our BABRAC website
This post is June’s addition to my Ambassador series for VacationRoost.com
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