10th Annual Buena Vista Bike Fest - May 17, 2008

BVBF News as Sunday, 5/11/2008:

Leadville has received near record snow fall this past winter. The City is working very hard to clear the Mineral Belt Bikeway and they have assured us it will be ready for BVBF on Saturday, May 17th. Turquoise Lake will not be cleared in time for the Bike Fest. We've been told the lake road will be barricaded. The route has been modified to bypass the lake and summit Tennessee Pass instead. The route change will not effect the overall distance of ride only the total elevation gain. BVBF is an early season ride and can be impacted by late season snow. We promise you that BVBF will be as good or better this year. Our Theme Team has been hard at work all working on this year's theme sets. Everything is in place for another memorable BVBF. We are as anxious as you are to get to the mountains and ride our bikes. Revised rider information, map and route cues have been posted to this site. It isn't necessary to print the rider infromation packet all the revised information will be in your ride packet.

Remember rider check-in this year will be at McPhelemy Park and not at the Best Western Vista Inn as in past years. All BVBF activities will be centered at the park. There will be signs along US 24 in Buena Vista directing you to the park. The park is also the official starting point for this year's ride.

The beautiful century route goes North to Leadville, along the scenic rolling hills of Turquoise Lake Road, around the Mineral Belt Trail passing aspen groves and conifer forests, meandering through the historic Leadville Mining District, and back to Buena Vista in the shadows of Colorado’s highest mountain peaks. Nearly all of the climbing is completed over the first 60 miles of the ride, with the last 40 miles essentially downhill to flat! Riders also have options to take shorter routes including a 35 miler, a 50 miler, and a “metric century” (62 miles) while still enjoying the Collegiate Peaks’ magnificent scenery.

BVBF is sponsored by the Colorado Springs Cycling Club, the Chaffee County Chamber of Commerce and the New Belgium Brewing Company. The Colorado Springs Cycling Club prides itself in putting on one of Colorado's finest events. We have been told by our riders that our rest stops are the best of any ride they have ever done. Our routes are well covered with SAG vehicles. For your safety, the Chaffee County Search & Rescue provides EMT support.

New for 2008:

- All BVBF activities will be centered at McPhelemy Park.
- Friday & Saturday Packet Pickup will be at McPhelemy Park.
- Official Ride Start will be from McPhelemy Park.
- Rest Stop # 1 has a new location just north of Granite at the Timberline Tours Rafting location.
- Rest Stop # 1 is the new turn around point for the short route option (35 miles).
- Revised Route Map to reflect the changes noted above.

2007 Ride Event Photos are available from Barak Naggan Photography.

Saturday, May 17, 2008
You may start your ride any time after 7:00 am. Suggested start times are listed below.

Plan to spend the weekend in Buena Vista and enjoy other rides including some great mountain biking in the area. Check-in at The Trailhead for other rides and routes in the area. Springtime in Buena Vista is also an excellent opportunity for fishing, hiking, rafting and numerous other outdoor activities.