Stage 1: Aspen Circuit Race – Monday, Aug. 18
Stage 1 of the 2013 race was such a success, we decided to do it again. The Aspen/Snowmass Circuit may be short on distance, but it packs a punch. At 65 miles (3 laps of nearly 22 miles each), and 2,300 ft. of climbing per lap with minimal recovery, this circuit puts the “challenge” in USA Pro Challenge. Each lap will see the riders grind up to Snowmass Village, then a quick descent leads to two short but steep climbs, and a quick loop through downtown before doing it all again. Pair that with a starting elevation of 7,900 ft. and you have one tough opening day.
Stage 2: Aspen to Crested Butte – Tuesday, Aug. 19
Each year the USA Pro Challenge searches for ways to include more of Colorado’s deep cycling history. Last year it was the climb up Bachelor Gulch and this time around it will be the unpredictable Kebler Pass. Stage 2 opens fast by ripping down the Aspen Valley through the sprint cities of Basalt and Carbondale before tackling the 8,700 ft. McClure Pass. A short descent brings the race to Gunnison County road 12, which is a 20-mile rollercoaster that constantly changes from pavement to dirt and back again, while topping out at 9,900 ft. over Kebler Pass. A technical descent into Crested Butte brings the race back to familiar terrain. As in 2011 and 2012, the race will finish up with a sprint through downtown Crested Butte and the steep finish climb up to Mt. Crested Butte.
Grab your friends and loved ones and sign up for another spectacular year by e-mailing upccaspen@gmail.com or signing up at http://www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/volunteer-signup
We look forward to seeing all of our trusty volunteers, new and old,
Tami Solondz
UPCC Aspen/Snowmass
Volunteer Director 2014