For some, the Colorado road racing season has already started; however, for many, it is just around the corner and many athletes may be pondering which tours and races to plan for in 2013. Whenever you want to achieve something, you have to have a definite goal. As such, it’s important to plan your season right. Whether you are a casual rider or a competitive cyclist, training, racing, recovering and having the appropriate gear, tools, and bike setup are critical to reaching your goals.
For starters, what are you’re 2013 cycling goals? As mentioned in our recent blog post, it’s important to make your goals SMART. As in, specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. With that being said, Colorado offers world class riding and racing. Now that you are thinking about what your goals are, you need to pick the right events during the cycling season to help you best achieve those goals.
Notably, not all events are equal. Some are harder than others and as such, competitive cyclist can use different course profiles, distances, and bike part options to mindfully select A, B, and C type races according to their training plans and race goals. When you’re working toward a goal that’s important to you, the last thing you want is to face an obstacle or unexpected challenge. A successful season starts off right by planning ahead, getting your road bike in order and getting the gear and resources you need. By selecting the best races based on your specific goals and having the best bike parts associated with your riding style, you are successfully preparing for a rewarding 2013 cycling season.
Now, which races will you do? While there are many tours, races, and events to choose from in Colorado, at BikeParts.com, here are some of our favorites:
- Rocky Mountain Road Cup (RMRC) Road racing events range from March through August. The Rocky Mountain Road Cup is a season long points competition featuring a three-tiered points system that provides competitive cyclist with a great racing calendar. Click here for a downloadable calendar of these events
- The Koppenberg May 5, 2013 The Koppenberg race featuring a 17% grade climb is the queen of the spring time cycling events in Colorado.
- Elephant Rock Cycling Festival: May 31–June 2, 2013 This year’s Elephant Rock Cycling Festival notes the 26th annual pilgrimage to Castle Rock for the Rocky Mountain region’s premier cycling festival. Riders of all ages turn out for this event.
- Ride the Rockies June 8 – 15, 2013 The 28th annual tour will feature 3 scenic mountain passes, a trek over the highest suspension bridge in the U.S. and 20,400 vertical ft. over 7 days and 513 miles.
- Coldwell Banker Denver Century Ride June 15, 2013 The Denver Century Ride features bicycle courses for all skills levels and benefits BikeDenver. This healthy lifestyle cycling event is Colorado’s premier urban bicycle ride and is open to the public.
- Mount Evans Hill Climb: July 2013 Race up 7,000 feet in elevation in just 28 miles on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.
- Triple Bypass July 13 – 14, 2013 A two day ride from Evergreen to Avon.
- Copper Triangle August 3, 2013 The Copper Triangle is a 78-Mile course with an elevation gain of almost 6,000 feet over three mountain passes. It has has long been considered one of Colorado’s classic alpine road rides Graced with breathtaking scenery, gorgeous roads and three challenging climbs.
Not sure which event is for you? Stop by the Peak Cycling Bike Shop for help or visit us at bike parts.com for maps, information, or general bike components that you may need for your next big event.
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