Famed “Ride the Rockies” Race Canceled Due to Low Registration

Ride The Rockies, a Colorado cycle-touring institution that dates back decades, is on hold for 2024.

Run each summer since 1986, more than 2,000 cyclists pedaled the roads of Colorado’s high country for one week in a route that changed from year to year.

Organizers announced this summer’s edition—set to be held June 9-15 with stops in Steamboat Springs, Craig, Meeker, Rangely, and Fruita—is canceled due to a lack of registrations.

“After much consideration and evaluation of the limited registration, we regret that Ride The Rockies 2024 is canceled,” a press note from organizers read.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the towns, participants, sponsors, crew, volunteers, and supporters who have had a role in making this ride so special for the past 37 years.”

It remained unclear if the event will return next summer.

“We are assessing the best options for this beloved ride,” organizers said.

Dating back to 1987: A popular draw for weekend warriors and hard-core cyclists

The ride was created by The Denver Post in 1986 when cycling was enjoying its first major U.S. boom thanks to the 7-Eleven cycling team and Greg LeMond’s historic Tour de France rise.

The original route saw riders pedal from Grand Junction to Denver, with daily sectors from 60 to 80 miles.

Each “stage” passed through mountain towns and rural communities, and locals turned out to cheer and offer assistance to the weekend warriors and serious cyclists alike who participated.

The majority of participants slept each night in a mix of school gymnasiums, churches, public buildings, and impromptu camps.

The event soon became a rite of summer, with groups of friends often training together to prepare for the challenge. Many returned to ride the event every summer, and organizers said 80 percent of participants were Coloradans.

The event was sold in 2021 to a subsidiary of Gannett USA Today, Ventures Endurance Events, and was held every summer except for a cancellation during the COVID-19 crisis in 2020.

Officials said anyone who already signed up should check their messages for instructions on what to do next. Refunds are expected within 60 days.