Tour of the Moon 2026

Tour of the Moon 2026

Presented by The Ride Collective
Road Cycling
Grand Junction, CO
Sep 12, 2026
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About This Event

Made famous in the 1980s Coors Classic and later featured in the cycling movie American Flyers, this event has evolved into one of the most sought-after road cycling experiences in the western United States. The route showcases Colorado National Monument’s towering monoliths, sheer-walled red rock canyons, and sweeping panoramic views that make the challenging climbs worthwhile.

What truly sets this ride apart is cycling through three unlit tunnels bored through solid rock within the Monument. All riders must equip white front lights visible from 500 feet and red rear lights visible from 200 feet. Cyclists must also ride single file within the Monument boundaries.

Two route options await: the 64-mile metric century with 3,900+ feet of elevation gain winding through Fruita’s farmlands and the Monument, or the classic 41-mile loop with 3,000 feet of climbing. Both routes start and finish at Grand Junction Convention Center downtown.

The National Park Service caps participation at 2,200 riders, and the event sells out annually. Five aid stations provide hydration, water, fresh fruit, and snacks at strategic points including Cold Shivers Overlook, Saddlehorn Parking Lot, and James M. Robb State Park. Roving SAG support handles mechanical issues and rider assistance throughout the course.

The post-ride Harvest Moon Celebration runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring cycling expo vendors, lunch, live music, beer garden, massages, and prize drawings. This event serves as a key fundraiser for One Riverfront and Bicycle Colorado, adding purpose to the physical challenge of conquering one of Colorado’s most scenic cycling routes.


The Ride Collective

Event Organizer
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The Ride Collective is a series of professionally produced cycling events in Colorado and New Mexico, focusing on creating inclusive experiences for cyclists of varying skill levels. Formerly known as the Outside Events Cycling Series, it offers a range of road, gravel, and mountain biking events. Here’s a quick look at the key events they produce:

  1. Wild Horse Gravel (May) – A 65-mile gravel race through the scenic high desert in De Beque, Colorado, with 5,500 feet of elevation gain. This event is a favorite for gravel enthusiasts.
  2. Crooked Gravel (July) – Held in Winter Park, Colorado, this high-altitude gravel event features spectacular routes through aspen and pine forests with challenging ascents and exhilarating descents.
  3. Copper Triangle (August) – A classic road cycling event that covers a 79-mile loop through three mountain passes in Colorado, each over 10,000 feet, offering stunning alpine views.
  4. Enchanted Circle (August) – A scenic road cycling event in Northern New Mexico, this 85 or 100-mile ride showcases breathtaking views and challenging climbs through the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.
  5. Tour of the Moon (September) – Made famous by the 1980s Coors Classic, this road cycling event takes riders through the iconic Colorado National Monument, offering epic red rock landscapes.
  6. Tour de Vineyards (September) – A relaxed, scenic road cycling event through the vineyards and orchards of Colorado’s Western Slope, this ride offers a choice of 58 or 75 miles.

These events provide a mix of competitive racing and casual touring, all set against the backdrop of some of the most beautiful landscapes in the U.S.​

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