Unfortunately, the festival has been canceled for the past 3 years and it seems unlikely that it will make a comeback in the future.
2020 marked the 22nd year of the Buena Vista Bike Fest. This festival was designed to include cyclists of all abilities, including shorter routes with flatter terrain all the way to rugged gravel routes through the mountains, all of which took participants through some of the most beautiful scenery in the state of Colorado!
The festival was a perfect way to kick off your summer and enjoy camaraderie and incredible views with other cyclists as they trekked through the Arkansas River Valley. Festival registration included water, snacks, and sports drinks at rest stops, lunch on longer rides, a festival t-shirt, route maps, and access to the post-ride party including food, beer, and live music.
Routes
The “Gravel Grinder” route took cyclists through the Colorado Midland Railway tunnels and past the historic town of Vicksburg. At this point, participants could choose to turn around at the Sheep Gulch trailhead or continue on to the Winfield ghost town! This 50-mile route had an elevation gain of 2,500 feet.
Other routes included the following:
- 35 Miler: Buena Vista to Granite – 1,450-foot elevation gain
- Half-Century: Buena Vista to Twin Lakes – 2,550-foot elevation foot
- Metric Century: Buena Vista past Twin Lakes – 3,500-foot elevation gain
- Century: Buena Vista to Leadville – 4,800-foot elevation gain
Post-Ride Party
A gathering in McPhelemy Park for riders to enjoy some great food, local brews, and live music in celebration of the successful completion of a formidable cycling challenge. Eddyline Brewery of Buena Vista and Bristol Brewery of Colorado Springs supplied the beverages.
Accommodations
Read about the best hotels in Buena Vista.
Details
Address: Buena Vista, CO
