Ken Caryl, High Grade, Foxton with Elk Creek bonus loop (Challenge Series)

This road-plus loop is the final ride in the 2025 RMCC Challenge Series (https://www.rockymountaincyclingclub.com/rmcc-challenge-series)

We will meet at the Ken Caryl/C-470 Park-n-Ride at 8:45 for an 9:00 departure. We'll start out doing the popular climb up High Grade with the descent down to Foxton and the ride along the river. Those looking for a shorter option can return from there and end up with 53 very high quality miles.

For those looking to do the full Challenge Series course, we'll do the climb up Elk Creek Road which goes through a narrow scenic canyon. We'll then take a back road to Pine Junction, descend back down to Foxton and return via City View.

We describe this route as "road plus" as there are two sections (4 miles along the river and the 6 mile Elk Creek climb) of road which are dirt but sprayed down to create a hard surface. These are good roads for standard road tires--just a bit rough.

The total route is 81 miles with 8500 feet of climbing.

Challenge Series route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30946145
Short route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28621045

Regroup points:

1. Pleasant Park rest stop at mile 14
2. Pine Junction Convenience Store at mile 41
3. Pleasant Park rest stop at mile 62 (if needed)

This is a fall ride when the pacing is typically more relaxed, but because there is a lot of climbing the group may break up on the climbs. Like all RMCC rides, which should be considered a drop ride.

Please join us for this one--it features roads with little car traffic, good climbing, good scenery, and of course a fun group.

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