In the words of past Tour de Steamboat riders…
“I had a wonderful time riding the Tour de Steamboat this summer and found Steamboat Springs to be an incredible town. It was my best century of the year.”
– Geoff Erickson, Salt Lake City, UT
“This was by far the most beautiful ride I have ever done.”
– Ron, Loveland, CO
“This was the first organized road ride I have done and it was the perfect introduction to the cycling world.”
– Garrett, Ohio
“Gore pass was the most beautiful part. Throughout the whole ride there were no cars it was just me and a big bull :).”
– Gregory, Colorado
“This was both a scenic and challenging ride that is just beautiful. For part of it a stallion ran along the fence with me, it was very cool.”
– Cooper, Steamboat Springs, CO
“A very pretty ride. Coming down Gore Pass was my favorite. I would never ride 116 miles without being supported like this especially at the aid stations.”
– Meredith, Steamboat Springs, CO
“Thank you for an incredible ride! Well organized with fabulous volunteers; loved the watermelon & other delicious snacks at the rest stops. Out did yourselves on the barbecue! Great 66 mile route enjoying all that Routt County has to offer!”
– Teri Whalen Angcos
“Manic Training has been putting together a cycling crew to participate in the Tour de Steamboat since 2012. The Tour is on our calendar every year because of the challenge it provides for our team. One of the greatest draws is being able to do this incredible local ride that is fully supported by great volunteers and refreshments!
The crew at the Tour de Steamboat are always smiling, helping and provide that little push to get you back on the road to finish the ride. We always look forward to seeing which aid station has the most fun!”
– Graham Muir, Manic Training
“In the crisp morning air we surrounded by excitement and the humming of wheels in a procession along river road. 100 miles of scenic roads and a purpose shared by all, to enjoy the day! The Tour de Steamboat takes any anxiety about food and support out of the equation and allows us to focus on the challenges ahead. One of my absolute favorite sections of road in Colorado, Gore Pass, can be enjoyed without hesitation. All of this has one “cherry on the top” for me, I get to do it with my son! Thankfully he loves this event too.”
– David High
“I couldn’t have imagined six years ago that I could ride 100+ miles over three mountain passes in a single day. I hadn’t been on a road bike in over 20 years. I didn’t even own one. I was barely getting back on my feet after some major health issues. This year, when the email about the Tour de Steamboat (TDS) popped into my In Box, I immediately clicked the link and registered, grinning at the thought that this will be my 5th year participating in the event. My love for TDS started with a suggestion from Katie Brown, who encouraged me to join her for the 40 mile TDS ride out-and-back to Stagecoach. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to do it again. The following year, on an impulse, I signed up for the TDS Classic Ride (110+). I didn’t know if I could even finish it, but I knew that all available participant spaces often sell out quickly, so I made the commitment. Having that goal in mind motivated me to ride more than I ever had before. I’ve since ridden the TDS Classic three times.
Every year I marvel at the gorgeous light rising over the Yampa River when the ride begins early in the morning. The encouraging messages scrawled in yellow paint on the pavement as I grind up Gore Pass make me smile. The enthusiastic volunteers, well-stocked rest stops, SAG drivers, safety and medical support reassure me that if I need a hand, even out on a quiet stretch of county highway, I won’t be alone. Somehow, my favorite volunteer always drives by at just the right time with another cooling wrap (Thank you!). I appreciate the challenge of the climbs and the thrilling descents. I’m not a competitive rider. I just turned 50 this year. It literally takes me all day to complete the ride, so I have plenty of time to savor the good company of the other riders and the spectacular wide-open vistas. It feels good to participate in an event supporting four local organizations that reach out in powerful and effective ways in the Yampa Valley community (Routt County Riders, Partners in Routt County, Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide “REPS”). There are three routes to choose from, suitable for a wide range of rider abilities and motivation. And big fun for all!”
– Lane Malone