Register Now 54th Annual Bob Cook Memorial Mount Evans Hill Climb
The ultimate Bucket List ride climbs the highest paved road in the United States this July 27
Taking place on Idaho Springs, Colorado on July 27, 2019, the 54th annual Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill climb is an iconic bike race that every cyclist should cross off their bucket list.
Mount Evans rises 14,264 feet above sea level, compare that to Europe’s highest paved road the Pico del Veleta, in Spain’s Sierra Nevada, a mere 10,827 feet.
Riding from the base to the summit of a 14,000' peak is a challenging and memorable achievement. The world seems a little different at half the height of Mt. Everest. The breath-taking views of the whole Front Range of Colorado, the Continental Divide, the vast expanse of the Rockies - it’s all there.
It’s an epic challenge that will create memories that will last a lifetime.
The Mt. Evans Hill Climb includes riders that have made it to the highest ranks of professional cycling. 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.
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.
This is your chance to race on the same course.
The Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb is one of the hardest climbs in North America.
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.
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.
To get a glimpse of the climb from a cyclists perspective, you can view this "unofficial" Strava segment - 
analytics.strava.com/segments/642991
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 old. Volunteers from the Colorado cycling community, including Team Evergreen Cycling, and Racer X Cycling, help marshal, drive support, work the feed zone and the awards celebration.
There will be an aid station at Echo Lake with Heed, water and Hammer Gels. Water, Heed and gels will also be available at the summit too.
The event includes categories for all levels of racing and encourages riders of all abilities. The Gran Fondo is open to all amateur cyclists. 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. There are prizes across a range of age categories for both men and women.
New for 2019 is a limited Shuttle Service for the trip down.
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!
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.
The 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 will sell out in advance, so please register early to secure a place.
A Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb Jersey is included with a Gran Fondo Entry (one for each entry)
More information, please visit: bicyclerace.com
The Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb is a round of the NEW 2019 U.S. Hillclimb Series.
