Tour de Moose (Triple Crown #4)

This is ride #4 in the 2022 Colorado Triple Crown series: http://rockymountaincyclingclub.com/TripleCrown2022

This challenging double century climbs into the heart of northern Colorado Rockies via Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Willow Creek Pass, and Cameron Pass. Here are the highlights of this adventure:

Distance: 205 miles
Climbing: 16,000 feet
Start Time: Wheels turning at 4:00 AM
Start/End location: Loveland, CO: Big Thompson Elementary School
Map Link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38729047

Support: This ride will be unsupported. Please note that this route has a longer stretch between stores on the northwest side.

Cost Recovery Fee: $0

Registration: If you are interested in this event, please click RSVP here to indicate interest. Formal registration is on the RMCC website: Tour de Moose Registration. You'll need to login as a member to actually register. If you aren't yet a member, you can join at https://www.rockymountaincyclingclub.com/rmcc-membership-application-form.

Park Fees: Rocky Mountain National Park has a $15 entrance fee for bikes (or you need a pass). You must stop at the gate to pay.

Rider Limit: RNMP has a limit of 24 riders in a group ride, and we are not allowed to provide support in the park.

Course Description: This event features 5 major climbs:

Loveland to Devils Gulch Road: Category 2. The gradual 20 mile, 2,800 foot climb from Loveland to Glen Haven are an absolute joy to ride. The steep switchbacks in the final mile of this climb is guaranteed test the best climbers!

Old Fall River Road (elev. 11,796 feet): Hors Categorie (HC). Old Fall River Road is one of Colorado's understated cycling gems. Climbing nearly 3,200 feet in 9 miles on well-maintained gravel roads, Old Fall River Road is a must-do Colorado Cycling experience!

Windy Gap Reservoir to Willow Creek Pass (elev. 9683 feet): Category 3. The gradual climb up CO-125 to the top of Willow Creek Pass is a lightly trafficked and gains 1600+ feet in 21 miles.

Cameron Pass (elev. 10,276 feet): Category 3. CO-14 is another relative gentle climb that ascends Cameron Pass from the west, gaining 1400+ feet in 11 miles.

Stove Prairie climb: Category 3. The climb up to Stove Prairie from Poudre Canyon is well-known to RMCCers. This steep climb gains over 1200 feet in under 3 miles and is guaranteed to test riders near the end of the Tour de Moose.

Additional Notes:

1. This ride is limited to 24 riders. Register early once this opens up on the RMCC site!
2. Some ultra-distance experience is encouraged (but not required) to participate in this event. If you do not have such experience, we do recommend having personal support.
3. Given the exposure to high altitude, nasty weather can be a major concern with this event. Participants need to be prepared and bring their best winter- and wet-riding gear with them!
4. Lights and reflective gear are required!
5. This course does have some gravel, so a slightly larger tire is better for this ride. 25s work well, but 28s are better. Leave the gravel bike with 40mm knobbies at home for this one!
6. All details subject to change