Rocky Mountain Cycling Club RMCC

This road ride is part of the RMCC Challenge Series (https://www.rockymountaincyclingclub.com/rmcc-challenge-series)

At less than 49 miles, the Pikes Peak Challenge, which climbs from Manitou Springs to the summit of Pikes Peak (elev. 14,115 ft) is the shortest of our Challenge Series rides, but it is one of the most difficult climbs in the US! With Mt. Blue Sky closed this year, it time to try the other 14K foot peak that you can ride on a road bike--Pikes Peak!

We are doing this on a Thursday to avoid the weekend traffic on the mountain. We're meeting early to avoid the storms and to beat the rush hour traffic in Colorado Springs. It's an early morning, but well worth it!

We will meet at 6:45am at Memorial Park in Manitou Springs for sign-in, route walk-through, and any other last-minute updates, with roll-out at 7am. We'll aim to be at the gate by opening time, 7:30am.

So, what can you expect?

• Good pavement. Actually, seriously great pavement. A pleasure to ride. The complete opposite of Blue Sky in that regard.
• A stop at the entry gate to collect the $15 fee per rider. To avoid having to wait in line, please pre-pay online and either bring the paperwork or your phone receipt to get through faster (https://coloradosprings.gov/pikes-peak-americas-mountain/page/tickets-and-reservations). Note: Timed entry reservations are not needed for bicycles; we just need the $15 ticket.
• A solidly steep climb. Blue Sky does less elevation in 28 miles than Pikes does in 20. Bring your gears!
• Two gift shops along the way if you need water.
• Restaurant / gift shop at the top, good to keep warm and grab a donut!

This is a weekday, but it's worth taking the time off! This is an exhilarating climb, made better by riding with friends! If you're able to be free, please join us!

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49670204

Other things to keep in mind:

This is a self-supported, challenging, high-altitude ride! There will not be a support car. You'll be climbing and descending about 7700'. Make sure you're appropriately fit and prepared with food, water, clothes, and a bike that's ready to ride.

This is a coordinated ride, however this is a drop ride like all RMCC rides. We'll try to keep it together up to the gate, after that the bulk of the climb may create significant separation given the steepness of many parts of the climb.

Non-dues-paying members are welcome and invited to join us on any ride! After three rides we do ask that you join the club: https://www.rockymountaincyclingclub.com/rmcc-membership-application-form

Thursday, Thursday, RMCC Climbing Thursday!

Join us for the RMCC tradition on a NEW NIGHT: Thursday night climbing. We meet at Beverly Heights Park at the base of Lookout. We'll group up about 5:25pm for introductions, route overview, sign-in, and other formalities. We plan to roll promptly at 5:30.

We'll follow our usual route (see below) to start the spring, and we'll be adding in climbs (Genesee Mountain, Montane, Lininger, and more) depending on available daylight, weather, and road conditions. Changes will largely be a game-time decision, covered in the route walk-through and potentially adjusted as we progress.

https://www.strava.com/routes/15959177

As is the nature of rides with climbing, this is a drop/regroup ride. Generally speaking, if you're able to complete Lookout solo in ~30 minutes you'll be able to rejoin at the regroup points. We will roll from the parking area by Buffalo Bill's grave at 6:00. For you Zwifters and powermeter users, a power output of 3 w/kg is a good starting point. Expect some separation on the climbs, with opportunities to rejoin at one of several regroup points. Being comfortable in a draft will help on some of the flatter / roller sections.

This event will be canceled if weather or roadways are not conducive for a safe, fun ride. We'll cancel as early as possible, however be prepared for game-time calls as conditions can be unpredictable in the foothills.

In the springtime, please bring and use lights!

We hope to see you out there!

Thursday, Thursday, RMCC Climbing Thursday!

Join us for the RMCC tradition on a NEW NIGHT: Thursday night climbing. We meet at Beverly Heights Park at the base of Lookout. We'll group up about 5:25pm for introductions, route overview, sign-in, and other formalities. We plan to roll promptly at 5:30.

We'll follow our usual route (see below) to start the spring, and we'll be adding in climbs (Genesee Mountain, Montane, Lininger, and more) depending on available daylight, weather, and road conditions. Changes will largely be a game-time decision, covered in the route walk-through and potentially adjusted as we progress.

https://www.strava.com/routes/15959177

As is the nature of rides with climbing, this is a drop/regroup ride. Generally speaking, if you're able to complete Lookout solo in ~30 minutes you'll be able to rejoin at the regroup points. We will roll from the parking area by Buffalo Bill's grave at 6:00. For you Zwifters and powermeter users, a power output of 3 w/kg is a good starting point. Expect some separation on the climbs, with opportunities to rejoin at one of several regroup points. Being comfortable in a draft will help on some of the flatter / roller sections.

This event will be canceled if weather or roadways are not conducive for a safe, fun ride. We'll cancel as early as possible, however be prepared for game-time calls as conditions can be unpredictable in the foothills.

In the springtime, please bring and use lights!

We hope to see you out there!