Idaho Springs Climbfest: Guanella/Loveland/St Mary's (Challenge Series #5)

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

Idaho Springs is one of the premier locations anywhere to climb from. The ride combines 3 great climbs into a 98 mile, 11,000 foot day! As a bonus, the ride is also incredibly scenic! The setup allows one to easily shorten into a 50 or an 81 mile ride as you wish.

For this ride we'll meet at the USFS lot on the SW corner of the I-70/Hwy 103 interchange.

The first climb takes us up to the 11,669 foot summit of Guanella Pass. After descending back to Georgetown, it's then up to 11,990 feet for Loveland Pass. On the way back we'll then "throw in" the climb up St. Mary's, which takes us back up to 10,000 feet.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35982586

Looking for a shorter day? The ride has 3 options:
--Guanella Pass only: 50 miles
--Loveland Pass: 81 miles
--Full Challenge Series route: 98 miles

Regroup point: We will pass a store 3 different times in Georgetown. We use the Shell station or the visitors center is just across the street if you only need water and a restroom. These come at mile 12, 34 , and 68.

Please join us on this late summer exploration of the higher up roads not too far from Denver!

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