Salida 76 2026

Salida 76 2026

Presented by Shift Events · Updated September 2025
Gravel Mixed Surface
Salida, CO
Sep 13, 2026
Solo Moderate Long Mountainous Gravel Mixed Surface

Banquet Distance

Distance
76 miles
Elevation Gain
7,000ft
Terrain
gravel
Mid-Distance · Mountainous

Lite Distance

Distance
76 kilometers
Elevation Gain
4,500ft
Terrain
mixed
Short · Rolling
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About This Event

Set against the backdrop of one of Colorado’s coolest small towns, Salida 76 2026 offers a perfect blend of rugged terrain, breathtaking scenery, and a vibrant community atmosphere that celebrates the essence of gravel cycling.

The teams at Adventure Fit and Shift Events have put together a unique combination of challenging routes and scenic beauty that attracts cyclists from near and far, all drawn by the allure of exploring undiscovered terrain and pushing their limits in the company of fellow enthusiasts.

Strambecco rates Salida 76 as one of the Best Gravel Cycling Race Events in the Rocky Mountains and one of the Best Gravel Cycling Race Events in Colorado.

Salida 76 is a unique gravel cycling event with two distance options: the Banquet Distance, covering 76 miles with 7,000 feet of vertical gain, and the Lite Distance, spanning 76 kilometers (47 miles) with 4,500 feet of elevation gain. Both routes offer a thrilling mix of champagne gravel and rugged beauty, promising a memorable ride through Colorado’s high plains and mountains.

The demanding Banquet Distance starts and finishes at Riverside Park in Downtown Salida. Riders face a stout initial climb, thrilling descents, and expansive views that highlight Colorado’s natural beauty. Aid stations are strategically placed at miles 17, 36.5, and 60, providing essential snacks, water, and hydration mix.

The Lite Distance offers a condensed version of the Banquet route’s highlights. It includes access to private land and features a short hike-a-bike section at mile 22. Aid stations are located at miles 17 and 31, ensuring support along the way.

Packet pickup is on Friday at the Salida Scout Hut in Riverside Park. Ample parking and free camping are available, with reservations required for camping spaces. Absolute Bikes will provide on-course mechanical support, and cutoff times are set to ensure rider safety.

Shift Events

Event Organizer
View organizer Visit website

Shift Events, formerly known as Team Evergreen Cycling, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the belief that bikes build better communities. They produce top-tier cycling events in Colorado, including the Triple Bypass, The Hundo, Salida 76, Session Series, Blue Sky Hill Climb, and the Beti Bike Bash. A substantial portion of their event earnings is donated to support community improvement projects that make real differences in people’s lives.

Shift Events

Mission and Purpose

Shift Events is committed to creating a more welcoming environment for all riders, reducing confusion, and setting both sides of the organization up for success. They believe that bikes build better communities and donate a substantial part of their earnings to support community improvement projects.

Shift Events

Signature Events

  • Triple Bypass: Recognized as one of the premier cycling events in the nation and a bucket-list event for riders everywhere, the Triple Bypass is a spectacular tour through the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The event is scheduled for July 12, 2025.
  • The Hundo: A beloved mountain bike race in the popular Buffalo Creek area. Participants can choose to go long with the Hundo or opt for the shorter Hundito, all for a good cause. The event is set for June 14, 2025.
  • Salida 76: Seventy-six miles of gorgeous gravel, offering a blend of champagne with a whiskey chaser. This event provides a full weekend of bike riding and mountain-loving in the laid-back Colorado town of Salida. The event is planned for September 14, 2024.
  • Beti Bike Bash: Touted as the world’s largest women’s-only MTB race, it welcomes participants ranging from beginners to seasoned pros, fostering an inclusive environment for all. The event is scheduled for October 13, 2024.
  • Session Series: Designed for those who crave fast, technical, and raw experiences, this series challenges riders to compete for the fastest time down the infamous Sluice Trail at Floyd Hill. It takes place on Wednesday nights in June 2025.
  • Blue Sky Hill Climb: An iconic bicycle race and Gran Fondo that ascends the highest paved road in North America, reaching 14,264 feet above sea level. The event is anticipated for 2026.

Through these events, Shift Events not only promotes cycling but also contributes significantly to community development, having donated nearly $4.5 million over the past 36 years.

Also presented by
Adventure Fit

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