Pikes Peak from Manitou Springs (Challenge Series)

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