3 starters and 1 finishers rode the Roaring Fork Climby 600. Mark's report:

"The inaugural Roaring Fork 8k600 had three starters and one finisher over a weekend of unseasonably warm temperatures with minimal rain, as forecasted thunderstorms never really materialized. The course rivals the San Juan Skyway as one of the most scenic loops in Colorado, and Orr Springs as one of the nation's most challenging mixed terrain 600k brevets. Like the previous week's Colorado Death Ride brevet, the course was derived from remnants of the Colorado Triple Crown Series.

"Starting and ending in Vail, riders take frontage roads to Gypsum before climbing the rugged "Little" Cottonwood Pass, which drops down into Basalt. Upon descending into the Roaring Fork Valley, participants enter the traditional Colorado Classic Loop to the east of Carbondale, climbing McClure Pass, Kebler Pass, Cottonwood Pass, and finally Independence Pass before descending back into the Roaring Fork Valley. Once in Aspen, riders make a quick trip to the Maroon Bells, Colorado's most iconic mountains, before making the long journey back to Vail.

"The event went off without too many hitches. Participants encountered several areas of road construction along the I-70 corridor between Vail and Gypsum. On Kebler Pass there was a steady stream of vehicular traffic from motorists who were attempting to bypass the bridge closure of US-50 at Blue Mesa Reservoir, creating some dry, dusty conditions. The course presents some logistical challenges in terms of overnight controls. With limited lodging options, participants opted to stay at motels in Buena Vista or Airbnbs at Twin Lakes."

Thanks to Mark Lowe for leading and to Corinne Warren as Event Coordinator.

-jle

Mark Lowe photos