American Icons: Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb
Climbing up Mt. Evans is one of America's top Bucket List rides
This year is the 53rd anniversary of the epic race that every cyclist should do at least once!
Taking place this July 21, 2018 cyclists climb 6,630 feet over 27.4 miles from the start in Idaho Springs, Colorado.
Riding from the base to the summit of a 14,000 feet peak is a challenging and memorable achievement. The world seems a little different at half the height of Mt. Everest. The whole Front Range of Colorado, the Continental Divide, the vast expanse of the Rockies - it’s all there.
The world seems a little different at half the height of Mt. Everest. The whole Front Range of Colorado, the Continental Divide, the vast expanse of the Rockies - it’s all there.
The Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb is an iconic bicycle race that takes place on the highest paved road in the United States at 14,264 feet above sea level.
It’s an epic event that creates memories for a lifetime.
The Mt. Evans Hill Climb includes professional cyclists that race / have raced in the Tour de France and other Pro races. You will have the opportunity to race on the same course as those that have made it to the highest level of cycling.
The race was renamed in 1981 in honor of five-time race winner Bob Cook, who died of cancer at the age of 23. Bob Cook held the course record from 1975-1980. Over the years, some of the world’s best-known cyclists added their names to the list of challengers, including Olympic gold medallist Alexi Grewal, Jacques Boyer, Ron Kiefel and Andy Hampsten.
To get a glimpse of the climb from a cyclists perspective, you can view this "unofficial" Strava segment - 
analytics.strava.com/segments/642991
The race starts in the historic mining town of Idaho Springs at an altitude of 7,540 feet and finishes at 14,130 feet, 130 feet below Mount Evans' summit. The race is 27.4 miles in length and climbs 6,630 feet. Echo Lake to the summit averages 5.6% for 5.5 miles, then 4.1% for 2.7 miles and finally 5.7% for 4.25 miles to the top. Maximum grade is 10%. There are 11 switchbacks that take you to an unforgettable view of the Rocky Mountains and an achievement of a lifetime.
This epic race is has been named one of “The Best and Hardest Climbs in the US”.
Over the years, the race has attracted well-known professional riders from all over the United States and from France, Switzerland, Germany, and Australia. The age range of the participants is from nine to eighty-five years. Volunteers from the Colorado cycling community, including Team Evergreen Cycling, and Racer X Cycling, help marshal, drive support, work the feed zone and the award celebration.
The event includes categories for all levels of racing and encourages riders of all abilities. The Gran Fondo is open to any amateur cyclist. Around one thousand riders compete each year in the race and Gran Fondo categories. The event offers mechanical support, a feed zone and transportation of clothing bags to the summit for the trip down the mountain. There is an award celebration in Idaho Springs for all participants and spectators.
Think about it – when else will you have the opportunity to climb a 14’er and have full support? And there is a rocking party at the bottom to celebrate!
It’s also part of the 2018 Colorado Summit Series
Places are now limited! Register now.
Gran Fondo is an open event and is also timed, no license or membership is required.
Registration is online, pre-registration only, no day of registration.
Categories are limited and they sell out in advance.
What is the difference between the Gran Fondo and USA Cycling Categories?
USA Categories are for individuals interested in competitive racing and do it on a regular basis or are planning to race on a regular basis. A USAC license or 1-Day license is required for USAC categories. A BRAC membership is also required for all USAC Categories.
To register click the button below, or for more information, please visit: http://bicyclerace.com
Part of the Colorado Summit Series
This series provides cyclists an un-paralleled opportunity to challenge themselves in three successive races up some of the toughest climbs in the world – Guanella, Mt Evans and Pikes Peak. Those that complete all events receive a complimentary jersey and awards for those with the fastest time in the series.
Register for all three events in the inaugural Colorado Summit Series and receive a complimentary Colorado Summit Series cycling jersey from Primal.
