The 719 Ride is a homegrown and grass-roots fed Colorado Springs cycling event riding in the draft of many long-established Colorado events. The 719 Ride aims to set the pace for cycling fun in the Rocky Mountains while simultaneously celebrating the tradition, lore, and culture of cycling. The 719 Ride is a Gran Fondo National Series partner event and part of the Gran Fondo World Tour. Strambecco rates the 719 Ride as one of the best road cycling events in Colorado and the Rockies.
The 719 Ride offers its participants a challenging 14-mile loop course with 1,800’ of elevation gain per lap. The signature distance (71.9 miles) on “The Course That Cannot Be Defeated” route is five laps and 9,190’ of elevation gain. Alternative routes with less elevation gain intertwine the main route, allowing riders to easily customize the event day experience to their fitness level and fondness for riding uphill. The organizer prices registration at a level that makes just one or two laps attractive and approachable. Check out their free training plans on TrainingPeaks to prepare for this memorable event. You can also enjoy the custom Zwift workouts that mimic the 719 Ride’s effort and climbs from wherever you are.
The 719 Ride attracts cyclists of all levels, from beginners to experienced riders, and offers a beautiful route that showcases the natural beauty of Colorado Springs. Along the route are aid stations where cyclists can rest, refuel, and receive medical attention. A portion of each registration is donated to a local elementary school and local nonprofit. The event is truly a fan favorite, with many testimonials that mimic this five-word summary given by one rider, “GLORIOUS. PAINFUL. FUN. SUFFER-FEST.” If you want to learn more, listen to this podcast episode that is fully dedicated to the 719 Ride.
Are Accommodations & Things to Do
Recommended lodging for the event is at Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, located a little over 5 miles from the start, and Kinship Landing, a boutique hotel in downtown Colorado Springs.
Sitting near the base of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs offers a wide range of outdoor activities for adventurers to enjoy. With its stunning natural landscapes of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, it is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Favorite trails are the Manitou Incline, Garden of the Gods, and Barr Trail, which lead to Pikes Peak’s summit. These trails offer breathtaking views, unique rock formations, and opportunities to spot wildlife. Colorado Springs is also a fantastic destination for mountain biking, thanks to its diverse terrain and well-maintained trails. The North Cheyenne Cañon Park and Palmer Park are popular spots for mountain biking, offering a mix of technical trails and scenic beauty. Lastly, known for its iconic rock formations, Colorado Springs provides excellent opportunities for rock climbers. Garden of the Gods is a renowned climbing destination featuring towering sandstone spires and challenging routes for climbers of all abilities. The nearby Red Rock Canyon Open Space and Shelf Road also offer great climbing options. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, there are routes to suit your skill level.
Part of the Gran Fondo National Series
719 is part of the prestigious Gran Fondo National Series, established in 2012, comprising 12+ European-style rides/races staged in the United States. Every GFNS event offers courses covering 30, 60, and 100-mile journeys through some of the most beautiful and challenging terrain in endurance sports. Timed sections allow riders to compete in specific course segments, while casual cyclists can ride at their own pace. Participants can ride as individuals or on teams. GFNS awards special prizes to the top riders in every age and gender category. Each rider is assigned an electronic timing chip to keep track of their progress throughout the course and to allow riders to compete for the best time through highlighted sections.
For the most competitive cyclists, the series partnered with USA Cycling to bring the one-day Gran Fondo National Championship into the portfolio of official USA Cycling National Championship events. The event is held annually, and a national championship jersey and medal are awarded to the overall winner in each Gran Route age group category. The USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship event will be held at Gran Fondo Maryland, in Frederick, Maryland, on September 15, 2024.
To compete in the National Championship category, riders must qualify by meeting specific criteria, including results and rankings in Qualification Events. However, all riders are welcome to participate in Gran Fondo Maryland and ride any of the normal Maryland Gran Fondo routes (Gran, Medio, and Piccolo), regardless of qualification status.
GFNS-owned events include Gran Fondo Florida (Dade City FL – March 17), Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo (Helen GA, April 21), Highlands Gran Fondo (Butler NJ – June 2), Gran Fondo Asheville (Asheville NC – July 14), Boone Gran Fondo (Boone NC – Aug 4), and Gran Fondo Maryland (Frederick MD, Sept 15). Gran Fondo Maryland doubles as the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship. Partner events include Cheaha Challenge (Jacksonville AL – May 18-19), Vermont Gran Fondo (Bristol VT – June 29), Cache Gran Fondo (Logan UT – July 13), Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb – Gran Fondo (Idaho Springs, CO – July 20), 719 Ride (Colorado Springs – July 20), and Virginia’s Blue Ridge Gran Fondo (Fincastle, VA – Oct 13). All GFNS races consistently rate among the Best Road Cycling Events in the Southeast, New England, Rockies / Colorado, and Southwest / California.
