The Ride The Rockies is an annual bicycle tour that takes 2,000 cyclists, assisted by more than 100 volunteers, on a 6-7 day ride through Colorado’s Rocky Mountains each June. This year’s event — the 31st — will run from June 11-17. It will start in Carbondale and end in Fort Collins.

While the tour route changes each year, the benefits and responsibilities of each host community remain the same. Benefits include publicity, positive economic impact, fundraising opportunities and a grant provided to an eligible non-profit agency in each host town by The Denver Post Community Foundation, tour officials say.

Ride The Rockies can be a big boost to local economies. According to tour officials, cyclists in 2014 spent an average of $250,000 in a 24-hour period in each town and many planned to return at a later date as tourists.

Read the whole article here www.eptrail.com/ci_29495847/ride-rockies-bicycle-tour-return-estes

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The bicycle tour will end Day 5 (June 16) in Estes Park and begin Day 6 (June 17) in Estes Park.

Day 5, Thursday, June 16

Grand Lake to Estes Park
49 Miles / 4,636′ Elev. Gain
3 Aid Stations

It’s the shortest day of the week at 49 miles and the day that cyclists will fall hard; hard in love with the majestic state of Colorado. West to East, across the Continental Divide, Trail Ridge Road hugs high alpine ridges with stunning views near and far. Cyclists will be treated to 11 miles above 11,000 ft. with many scenic overlooks and beautifully maintained roads all the way to Estes Park. Rocky Mountain National Park affords the most iconic ride in our Centennial State; and one you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

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Day 6, Friday, June 17

Estes Park to Fort Collins
55 Miles / 2,762′ Elev. Gain
4 Aid Stations

On its sixth and final day, RTR will return to Northern Colorado with their eyes set on Devils Gulch and Horsetooth Reservoir; a stage originally planned for 2012 but rerouted by the High Park Fires. Cyclists will enjoy a 55-mile trek through Larimer County, touring the vibrant communities that not long ago were hammered by relentless rain and devastating floods. Now, standing tall as ever; a testament of community, will and grace; these towns are primed and ready for a parade of cyclists. The week will draw to a close as 2,000 friends – new and old –reflect and rejoice at Odell Brewing Company in a little town we fondly call Fort Fun!

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More info at http://ridetherockies.com/