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A DOZEN (PLUS ONE) BUCKET LIST RIDES FOR 2019

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Great bike rides can start anywhere, but sometimes it’s worth the extra travel to race to a backdrop of breathtaking coastal landscapes, glorious mountain peaks or rugged desert terrain. We’ve highlighted 13 bike events that we think are worth the trip in 2019 — including some old favorites.

Oz Trails Off-Road

Bentonville, Arkansas (Oct. 11–13, 2019)
Connect with a selection of the finest Northwest Arkansas singletrack, double track and paved segments at the Oz Trails Off-Road event. With 25-,35- and 50-mile routes plus daily festivities, riders of all levels can enjoy the beauty of the Ozark mountains and mingle with other mountain bike enthusiasts along the way. If you’re still not convinced, finishers receive a custom-designed mason jar filled with with locally produced pimento cheese.

Leadville Trail 100 MTB

Leadville, Colorado (Aug. 10, 2019)
If you’re up for tackling Colorado’s extreme, high-altitude terrain we highly suggest signing up for this one-of-a-kind MTB race. Starting at 10,152 feet and climbing to 12,424 feet, Leadville’s picturesque Rocky Mountain views will almost make you forget about the altitude effects. This out-and-back route takes place mostly on forest trails with the occasional stretch of mountain road.

Belgian Waffle Ride

San Marcos, California (May 5, 2019)
Created in the spirit of the Belgian one-day cycling classics, the 2019 edition of this challenging race takes riders 136 miles up mountains, across dirt sections and over water crossings. The 12,000 feet of climbing is not for the faint of heart, but your strenuous effort is sure to earn you some delicious waffles and post-race libations. If this is your first gravel grinder, we recommend checking out the shorter 76-mile Belgian Wafer Ride.

Rebecca’s Private Idaho

Ketchum, Idaho (Aug. 29 – Sept. 1, 2019)
Started in 2013 by renowned bike racer Rebecca Rusch, RPI is a long-haul gravel ride and outdoor festival held over Labor Day weekend. Named “one of the top five gravel events in the world” by Global Cycling Network, each day gives riders a chance to take on a grueling yet spectacular course through the central part of Idaho. To top it all off, RPI benefits four bike-focused nonprofits, including PeopleForBikes.

Vermont 50

West Windsor, Vermont (Sept. 29, 2019)
What better way to enjoy Vermont’s scenic autumn landscape than by mountain bike? Across 50 hilly miles, riders travel through spectacular fall foliage and gain a total of 8,900 vertical feet. Female participants may opt to race as a two-person bike relay, an alternative designed to encourage higher participation by women.

Climate Ride

Various (March – Sept. 2019)
Ever dreamed of riding your bike alongside the stunning coastline of California or through the red rock cathedrals of Death Valley National Park? Climate Ride organizes charitable events across the world to raise awareness and support sustainability, active transportation and environmental causes. Choose from over 100 beneficiary organizations—including PeopleForBikes—whether you sign up for an organized event or take on an independent challenge any time throughout the year.

Dirty Kanza

Emporia, Kansas (June 1, 2019)
Launched in 2006 with just 34 registrants, the Dirty Kanza now welcomes over 2,000 gravel-grinding enthusiasts, thanks to the growing popularity of the sport. With routes ranging from 25 to 350 miles, this event offers entry-level riders a small taste of the gravel riding experience, while seasoned professionals can tackle a demanding endurance feat through the Flint Hills.

RAGBRAI

Iowa (July 21–27, 2019)
RAGBRAI, more formally known as the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, is the oldest, largest and longest recreational bicycle touring event in the world. This rolling celebration of the Hawkeye State brings participants from all over the US, as well as international racers. The course changes every year, but averages 468 miles. Expect to begin somewhere along Iowa’s western border on the Missouri River and pedal through the finish on the state’s eastern border on the Mississippi River.

Crusher in the Tushar

Beaver, Utah (July 13, 2019)
This uniquely formatted race gives riders of all types the opportunity explore the stunning back country of Utah’s Tushar Mountains and Fishlake National Forest—all while accumulating over 10,000 feet of elevation gain. Featuring a 60/40 split of gravel-to-tarmac sectors, a cyclocross, gravel or mountain bike will get the job done. Though registration has closed for 2019, look out for transfer opportunities in April.

Farm to Fork Fondo

Various (June – Oct. 2019)
Named one of the best trips by Outside Magazine, the Farm to Fork Fondo series aims to highlight and support the relationship between bike riders, farmers and beautiful landscapes. Participants work up an appetite riding challenging courses through scenic farmland with timed segments, magnificent views and aid stations featuring locally-sourced treats. The 2019 series will visit New York, North Carolina, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Massachusetts and Kentucky.

LoToJa

Logan, Utah to Jackson Hole, Wyoming (Sept. 7, 2019)
Started in 1983 by two Utah cyclists, LoToJa was inspired by the difficulty of a one-day European classic bike race like Paris-Roubaix. The 200+ mile course takes riders over three mountain passes through Utah, Idaho and Wyoming and finishes as the base of the rugged Teton mountain range.

Five Boro Bike Tour

Manhattan, New York (May, 5 2019)
This 40-mile, car-free tour begins in Lower Manhattan, travels through the heart of Central Park, over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and finishes in Staten Island. Look forward to musicians, performers and lots of cheering crowds scattered along the route, as well as a special finish line festival to celebrate your effort. Proceeds from the event help fund Bike New York’s free bicycle education programs.

Iceman Cometh Challenge

Kalkaska to Traverse City, Michigan (Nov. 2, 2019)
If winter weather doesn’t keep you off your bike, grab your gloves and head to the Great Lakes State this November. This point-to-point mountain bike race consists primarily of dirt roads, two-tracks, abandoned railroad beds and the world-famous Vasa Nordic ski trail. Since 1990, Riders of all ages and experience levels have traveled to this race to enjoy the stunning terrain of the Pere Marquette State Forest.

The 30 Hardest Hill Climbs in the World

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IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A LEG-BUSTING, AIR-SUCKING SLOG (AND SOME GORGEOUS VIEWS), THIS LIST IS FOR YOU.

There’s beauty in the pure physical and mental torture of climbing a hill on a bike. It’s, quite literally, something you overcome and conquer. Which is why certain roads and mountains around the globe are legendary to cyclists. Whether you fear them or love them, these are the world’s 30 most brutal hills to check off your bucket list.
Mount Evans, Colorado

Distance: 27.5 miles
Vertical gain: ~6,500 feet

Located on one of Colorado’s famous “fourteeners” (mountains that kiss the sky above 14,000 feet of thin air), the Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America. The distance plus that rarified air ranks it among the toughest to tackle.

1 of 30
Mount Lemmon, Arizona

Distance: 28.5 miles
Vertical gain: ~6,200 feet

Thousands of cyclists make the pilgrimage up this mighty ascent, which is a favorite among pro training camps, each year. The average grade is just 4.1 percent, but it’s steepest near the top as you reach the summit. The scenery, which includes thousands of iconic saguaro cacti and spectacular rock formations, is second to none.

2 of 30
Onion Valley, California

Distance: 12.7 miles
Vertical gain: ~5,200 feet

This remote climb has the reputation as being the most difficult in the state of California. Situated in one of the deepest valleys in the US and surrounded by 14,000-foot snow-capped peaks, it’s also one of the most magnificent climbs in the world.

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Whiteface Mountain, New York

Distance: 7.9 miles
Vertical gain: ~3,500 feet

This towering gem in the Adirondacks is as long and hard as Alpe d’Huez, and when you crack the lush and fragrant heavily forested sections, equally scenic.

4 of 30
Mount Mitchell, North Carolina

Distance: 24.1 miles
Vertical gain: ~5,100 feet

At nearly 6,700 feet, Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. The summit sits at the dead end of Mount Mitchell State Park road, the highest legal paved road in the eastern United States. It’s the leg-breaking highlight in the annual 102.7-mile Assault on Mt. Mitchell event.

5 of 30
Mount Washington, New Hampshire

Distance: 7.6 miles
Vertical gain: ~4,700

Among the most difficult hill climbs in the US, if not the world, Mount Washington has an average grade of 12 percent with extended stretches of 18 percent. The last 50 yards snake up 22 percent en route to the welcome center at the summit, where high winds are common.

6 of 30
Le Mauna Kea, Hawaii

Distance: 43 miles
Vertical gain: ~13,800 feet

This mammoth volcanic monster is renowned as the hardest climb on the planet. As if the sheer elevation wasn’t hard enough, the surface turns to powdery volcanic rock about five miles from the top, making that final stretch extremely slow going. One trip to the top equals nearly four Alpes d’Huez.

7 of 30
Passo Del Mortirolo, Italy

Distance: 7.8 miles
Vertical gain: ~4,300 feet

This high mountain pass in the Italian Alps is one of the legendary climbs in the Giro d’Italia. Originally created for farmers, it is very narrow and includes punishing 18 percent grades.

8 of 30
Mount Ventoux

Distance: 13.4 miles
Vertical: ~5,000 feet

This brutal climb is one of the Tour de France’s most iconic landmarks and has been featured in numerous pro races. Reaching the summit is made especially challenging by the sheer exposure at the top, where riders have zero protection from frequent strong winds and the beating sun.

9 of 30
Rila, Bulgaria

Distance: 9 miles
Vertical gain: ~5,600 feet

This Balkan brute averages nearly 12 percent and ramps up to 20 percent as you work you way up to its sharp granite pinnacle more than 8,000 feet in the air.

[8 Hills You Have to Climb Before You Die]

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Passo dello Stelvio, Italy

Distance: 15.1 miles
Vertical gain: ~5,900 feet

This hulking ascent has made many appearances in the Giro d’Italia and punishes riders with a whopping 48 hairpin bends. The last three miles are at a lung-busting altitude, making it all the more challenging to reach the summit that sits above 9,000 feet.

11 of 30
Passo Gavia, Italy

Distance: 10.7 miles
Vertical gain: ~4,500 feet

This storied Giro d’Italia climb is one of the highest paved roads in the Alps. It is not only relentlessly steep, averaging nearly 8 percent and seldom dipping below 7 percent, but also is often freezing cold (and snowing) when racers tackle its slopes in May.

12 of 30
Alto de Letras, Colombia

Distance: 51.6 miles
Vertical gain: ~10,500 feet

Colombia is known for its climbers, which comes as no surprise when you consider the terrain features endless ascents like Alto de Letras, which cracks the clouds at more than 12,000 feet elevation and is considered one of the longest climbs in the world.

13 of 30
Alto de l’Angliru, Spain

Distance: 7.8 miles
Vertical gain: ~4,100

With an average gradient of just over 10 percent and a maximum pitch of nearly 24 percent, the Alto de l’Angliru is a contender to be the toughest climb in Spain. It’s made a few appearances in Vuelta a Espana and is so brutal (particularly to descend) British pro rider David Millar reportedly tore off his race number at the summit in 2002 to protest its inclusion in the race.

14 of 30
Col du Galibier, France

Distance: 21.9 miles
Vertical gain: ~6,300 feet

Pro Tour riders have tackled this Alpine climb myriad times over the years. This one starts with a 10 percent kick and averages 5.5 percent, saving the toughest stretches for the ones approaching the summit.

[15 Breathtaking Trails Every Mountain Biker Should Visit]

15 of 30
Mount Baldy, California

Distance: 12.9 miles
Vertical gain: ~4,800 feet

This climb, which is inarguably one of the toughest climbs in Southern California, is one of the most feared in the Tour of California. One rider after another comes undone as the road ramps up to 10 to 14 percent for extended stretches en route to the ultimate summit at Mount Baldy Ski Area.

16 of 30
Haleakala, Hawaii

Distance: 36 miles
Vertical gain: ~10,000 feet

Part of the annual “Cycle to the Sun” ride, this volcanic mountain climb that starts from Maui’s North shore Pa’ia is considered one of the longest, most challenging in the world. Though the average gradient isn’t too tough at 5 percent, it’s very long. And the hardest part is the last kick to the summit, when fatigue has set in and you have the least amount of oxygen.

17 of 30
Col du Tourmalet, France

Distance: 11.7 miles
Vertical gain: ~4,600 feet

This Pyrenees beast made its first Tour de France appearance in 1910 and is now among the most visited climbs in the history of the Tour. The pass is the highest road in the Central Pyrenees.

18 of 30
Alto de la Lenia, Colombia

Distance: 13.5 miles
Vertical gain: ~5,500 feet

Soaring more than 10,700 feet into the sky, Alto de la Linea is situated in the central range of the Andes mountains and is regarded as a relentless challenge by Colombian cyclists, as this towering mountain gets harder the higher you go.

19 of 30
Hardknott Pass, United Kingdom

Distance: 1.4 miles

Vertical gain: 980 feet

This historic British brute proves you don’t have to be long to be a bear for bike riders. The first two switchbacks greet you with 25 percent grades, which is just a warm up for the next set, which hit and exceed an astonishing 30 percent pitch.

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Alpe d’Huez, France

Distance: 8.5 miles
Vertical gain: ~3,500 feet

The Tour de France’s most iconic climb, Alpe d’Huez forces riders to tackle 21 leg-breaking switchbacks in order to reach its Alpine summit. It’s a bucket list climb for hardcore cycling fans.

21 of 30
Powder Mountain, Utah

Distance: 6 miles

Vertical gain: ~3,200 feet

It’s not very long, but it’s terribly steep, with an average incline of 10 percent, a max of 17 percent, and 3 miles that average over 13 percent. Some have called its finishing stretch the hardest in the country outside of Mount Washington.

22 of 30
Pico el Aguila, Venezuela

Distance: 41 miles
Vertical gain: ~11,350 feet

Soaring out of the Venezuelan Andes, Pico el Aguila has an average grade of 5.2 percent and hits a maximum of 13 percent as you pedal through the thin air to the summit that sits above 13,000 feet.

23 of 30
Wuling Mountain, Taiwan

Distance: 65 miles
Vertical gain: ~10,700 feet

This East Asian behemoth travels from the city of Hualien to the summit of Wuling Mountain and is home to the Taiwan KOM Challenge, what is considered by many to be one of the hardest climbing races on the planet.

24 of 30
Tong La Pass, Tibet

Distance: 62 miles
Vertical gain: ~11,800 feet

This huge Himalayan ascent is not very steep at just 3.6 percent average gradient, but it goes on forever as you pedal from Nepal into Tibet for a metric century. It is one of the longest uphill cycling routes on Earth.

[Gravel Sportives Are Here, and They Might Be the Best Kind of Cycling Event]

25 of 30
Grimsel Pass, Switzerland

Distance: 16.1 miles
Vertical gain: ~5,050 feet

Situated in Bern, this Alpine pass winds through Swiss mountains and frequently receives heavy snowfall, so is usually closed during winter months. It is a favorite in the Tour de Suisse, and is the only direct road across the Bernese Alps between Bern and Valais.

26 of 30
EL Teide, Canary Islands

Distance: 28 miles
Vertical gain: ~7,700 feet

The highest peak in Spain is found towering 12,200 feet above Tenerife in the Canary Islands. This volcano is currently the preferred training ground of elite pro cyclists and teams, including the ever-dominant Team Sky.

27 of 30
Monte Zoncolan, Italy

Distance: 6.5 miles
Vertical gain: ~4,000 feet

Regarded as one of the most difficult climbs in Europe, the Zoncolan has featured in both the Giro d’Italia and the Giro Rosa. The average grade is 11.5 percent and it sits stubbornly at nearly 20 percent for more than a half a mile, with the upper stretches exposed to the elements.

28 of 30
Grossglockner, Austria

Distance: 13.3 miles
Vertical gain: ~5,800 feet

This Alpine climb is one of the most arduous around, as it not only has an average grade of more than 8 percent, but also challenges those who want to conquer its slopes with harsh weather, hairpin turns, and cobbles.

29 of 30
Muro di Sormano, Italy

Distance: 1.2 miles
Vertical gain: ~1,000 feet

This sucker is a wall. It boasts an average gradient of more than 15 percent and hits you with a peak pitch of 25 percent. It’s featured in Giro di Lombardia in 1960, and was removed three years later as bicycle gearing of the time forced many cyclists to walk it. It has since returned, but remains a fearsome climb even for the pros.

30 of 30

Top 15 Romantic Date Ideas

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