The Bogus Basin Hill Climb, powered by George’s Cycles, stands out as a premier cycling event in Boise, Idaho, offering a unique challenge for cyclists of all levels. Established in 1972, it’s celebrated as the third oldest continuously running hill climb in the United States. This event invites participants to climb 4,314 feet over 18 and a half miles, starting from Greenwood’s Ski Haus. The event draws diverse cyclists, from Olympians and Tour de France riders to everyday cycling enthusiasts, celebrating Boise’s vibrant cycling culture. Bogus Basin Hill Climb is part of the prestigious 12+ event Gran Fondo National Series and is rated by Strambecco as one of the Best Hill Climbs in America.
Route Profile and Event Details
The climb begins with a neutral roll-out from Greenwood’s north on Bogus Basin Road, escorted by the Boise Police Department, ensuring a safe and organized start. Participants will experience a rolling start at the intersection of Curling, leading to a finish at the Pioneer Lodge Parking lot. The event is well-supported, with parking available at the Harrison Hollow Trails parking lot and restroom facilities provided.
Part of the Gran Fondo National Series
For the first time, the Bogus Basin Hill Climb becomes a partner of the Gran Fondo National Series, established in 2012 and 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.
Outdoor Activities in and Around Boise, Idaho
Boise, Idaho, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities beyond cycling. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, from the tranquil Boise River to the rugged foothills, providing ample opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and exploring the great outdoors. The nearby Boise River Greenbelt offers miles of scenic paths for walking and biking. At the same time, the Boise Foothills provide challenging trails for hiking and mountain biking, offering breathtaking views of the Treasure Valley.
