Updated April 1, 2024
The Triple Bypass Gran Fondo has been a signature Colorado cycling event since 1988. Picked as one of our best road cycling events in Colorado and the Rockies, it was founded by a group of avid cyclists who thought it would be fun and challenging to ride from Evergreen to Vail, Colorado, and has turned into a premier bucket list event. Fast forward, and the event is now produced by Team Evergreen Cycling, the oldest and largest cycling club in Colorado. Team Evergreen produces several other regional signature events, including the Mt. Evans Hill Climb, Beti Bike Bash, and Salida 76 gravel event. All proceeds from the Triple Bypass are given back to local and national non-profits. Over $3M has been donated to groups ranging from High School Cycling to Bicycle Colorado.
The Triple Bypass route changes every year, but there are two routes from which to choose. The Triple route spanned 118 miles and three passes: Juniper (15.4 miles — 3,444 ft Elevation gain); Loveland (3.8 Miles — 1,165 feet Elevation gain); and Vail (4.1 Miles — 764 feet Elevation gain). The Double spans 79 miles and starts in Georgetown, covering Loveland and Vail passes.
Most of the route is on closed roads or bike paths and escorted by Colorado State Patrol. The route includes four aid stations with great food and drink. Swag includes a complimentary jersey, full-ride support, a finished meal and beer, and timing. As this is a point-to-point race, you’ll need to manage logistics, which local company Summit Cycle Solutions is available to help with. However, the Vail area, as your ride destination, offers an amazing opportunity to relax and stay the night after a long day in the saddle. Other options are to stay in the other towns of Golden near the start, Avon, historic Georgetown, or free camping at the Evergreen Rodeo Grounds.
It’s hard to find participants from the prior year who have something bad to say about this event. Previous riders love the high alpine scenery and mostly car-free riding. Any event spanning 100 miles and 10,000 feet of climbing is difficult, but one important consideration for anyone considering the event for the first time in Rocky Mountain elevation. The event started in Evergreen, which is 7,000 feet tall and peeks at nearly 12,000 feet over Loveland Pass. If you don’t live at altitude, you must allow enough time before the event to acclimate.
The Triple Bypass historically has been a Gran Fondo National Series partner event. GFNS has been producing premier one-day events since 2012 and currently hosts eight national events, including the official USA Cycling Gran Fondo Championship. What’s unique about GFNS events is that they offer a mix of personal challenges and serious competition on roads with challenging climbs and incredible scenery. 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 of the course. There is no start-to-finish as in traditional racing formats, but timed sections count towards a rider’s competition time.
