Drivers headed through south-central Colorado's mountain corridors next week will encounter a large organized cycling event on several major routes. About 300 cyclists are scheduled to travel highways and county roads across the region between Aug. 10 and Aug. 14 for a multi-day event called Colorado's Ride, according to a travel advisory CDOT released Monday. No closures of state highways are planned.
Each day's riding is limited to a specific window and corridor. Daily activity is expected between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. across a network that includes Colorado Highway 135, U.S. Highway 285, Colorado 291, and U.S. 50 across Monarch Pass, along with associated Forest Service and county roads spanning Chaffee, Gunnison, and Saguache counties.
The tour follows a roughly circular path through the region's mountain communities. The opening leg on Aug. 10 carries riders from Crested Butte toward Buena Vista on Colorado 135 and backcountry roads; Aug. 11 moves the group on to Salida via U.S. 285, Colorado 291, and county roads; Aug. 12 takes riders over Monarch Pass along U.S. 50 into Gunnison; Aug. 13 continues west on U.S. 50 to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park; and the final day on Aug. 14 loops back to Crested Butte along Colorado 135 and county roads.
State officials used the advisory to highlight the responsibilities that fall on both groups sharing the road. CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said summer brings heavy combined use of Colorado's roads by cyclists and drivers alike, calling on all users to minimize distractions, remain alert, and observe traffic laws intended to protect everyone on the pavement.
Colorado State Patrol Chief Col. Matthew C. Packard addressed both sides of the equation in the advisory. He noted that riders are expected to keep to the right side of the road, avoid slowing traffic, and recognize that many passing motorists may be unaware an organized ride is underway. He also reminded drivers of the state's Three Foot Law, which mandates a minimum three-foot clearance when a vehicle passes a bicycle. Where that buffer cannot be maintained because of oncoming vehicles, drivers are expected to reduce speed and remain behind cyclists rather than attempt to squeeze past.
Enforcement and individual responsibility will both play a role in keeping the event safe. Officers will be present along the route to manage traffic, though the advisory makes clear that each participant bears primary responsibility for their own safety. Riders are expected to stay as far right as practicable, ride in single file in the direction of traffic, signal turns with their hands, and wear a properly secured helmet. Full route information is posted at coloradosride.com, and current road conditions can be found at COtrip.org.
Travelers with regular commutes or planned recreational trips through Chaffee, Gunnison, and Saguache counties should monitor conditions along the affected corridors throughout the Aug. 10–14 period.