For mountain biking enthusiasts, Winter Park is one of the most well-known destinations in the United States. The trails in this region have been recognized for their high quality, with USA Cycling even hosting its National Championships on the Winter Park trails. One of the most exciting events in the region is the Sunrise to Sunset Winter Park. The event is part of the Ride Collective Series and is rated by Strambecco as one of the Best Mountain Bike events in Colorado.
This 12-hour endurance race is designed to be both fun and challenging, with riders competing in a relay format. The course is a 7.2-mile loop of flowy trails, which includes a hard climb at the start, rewarding descents, and playful singletrack. Teams of two to five people race around the beautifully engineered trails on the Idlewild Trail System, taking turns to complete the hot lap while others enjoy the festival atmosphere in the cool, high-mountain air.
The event will be held at the Rendezvous Event Center @ Hideaway Park, which offers activities for both race participants and supporters throughout the day. The race starts at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 23, with a pre-race briefing held at 6:45 a.m. at the start line. The day will be packed with activities, including an expo, lunch, massages, a beer garden, raffle drawings, live music, and podium awards. There will be something for everyone at the Rendezvous Event Center, which is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the festival atmosphere while cheering on your team.
While Winter Park is a beautiful place to ride, it is important to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing. Afternoon thunderstorms are a frequent summer occurrence in the Rockies, so it is important to be prepared for inclement weather. Applying bug repellent with DEET or a natural alternative can help protect against ticks and mosquitoes, and riders should be cautious of poison ivy. Animal encounters are also a possibility, so it is important to know how to deal with wildlife on the trail.
Outside Events organize the Sunrise to Sunset Winter Park event, which is part of The Ride Collective Series, a portfolio of eight professionally-produced events and races in both Colorado and New Mexico. Host venues and terrain vary from the Front Range to the Rocky Mountains to the High Desert. We strive to create an inclusive culture where cyclists of almost all abilities can enjoy a curated experience both on and off the bicycle. Ride Collective events include Tour of the Moon, Copper Triangle, Tour de Vineyards, Wild Horse Gravel, and Sunrise to Sunset.
In addition to the race, Winter Park offers a diverse range of activities year-round. The town boasts a variety of locally-owned restaurants, including BBQ at The Smokehouse of Winter Park, American Steakhouse at Deno’s Mountain Bistro, and seafood at Fontenot’s Fresh Seafood & Grill. The event site for Sunrise to Sunset Winter Park provides information on travel and lodging options, with callouts to discounts where advertised.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a recreational rider, the Sunrise to Sunset Winter Park mountain bike event is an exciting opportunity to challenge yourself and enjoy the beautiful trails of Winter Park. With the festival atmosphere at the Rendezvous Event Center, delicious local cuisine, and a variety of activities on offer, this event is not to be missed.
Best Mountain Biking Events in the Rockies
