PRESS RELEASE – April 7, 2026
Media Contact
Ashley Vander Meeden
Marketing & Communications Manager, Bicycle Colorado
720-504-8515 | [email protected]
Two Colorado Cycling Events Named Among The Nation’s Best
Colorado’s Ride and Tour of the Moon land Number 5 and 7 in USA Today’s 10Best Road Cycling Events
DENVER, Colorado • April 7, 2026 — Bicycle Colorado is excited to announce that two of Colorado’s premier cycling events—Colorado’s Ride and the Tour of the Moon—have been recognized among the nation’s best, earning Number 5 and Number 7 rankings, respectively, in USA Today’s 10Best Road Cycling Events.
Colorado’s Ride, a five-day road cycling tour through the Rocky Mountains, placed Number 5 in just its fourth year. The Tour of the Moon, a one-day ride through the red rock canyons of Western Colorado, also earned national recognition with a Number 7 finish.
Colorado’s Ride: A Premier Rocky Mountain Experience
In only four years, Colorado’s Ride has quickly established itself as a bucket-list event for cyclists nationwide. This fully supported tour features iconic climbs such as Cottonwood Pass and Monarch Pass, along with unforgettable riding along the rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Participation is intentionally limited to approximately 350 riders to create a more intimate, community-driven experience.
“We feel incredibly honored to receive this recognition in only our fourth year and to be included alongside some of the country’s most established rides,” said Ride Director Bill Plock. “With our new route this year, we can’t wait for August.”
Colorado’s Ride returns August 9-14, 2026, with a new route beginning and ending in Crested Butte, with overnight stops in Buena Vista, Salida, and Gunnison.
Tour of the Moon: Where Cycling Meets Geologic Wonder
The Tour of the Moon, on September 12, 2026, offers a one-of-a-kind ride through the dramatic landscapes of Colorado National Monument, where riders pedal past towering red rock formations shaped over nearly two billion years.
The event blends recreational riding with deep cycling history—the route was featured in the 1980s professional Coors Classic and appeared in the cult-classic film American Flyers. Participants can choose between a 41-mile “Classic Loop” or a 64-mile “Metric Century,” making the event accessible to a wide range of riders.
“There is nothing like riding a bike through the awe-inspiring landscape of Colorado National Monument,” said Ride Director Connor Ratte. “We’re thrilled to provide this truly unique experience to riders of all abilities from across the country.”
A Strong Cycling Culture in Colorado
Peter Piccolo, Executive Director of Bicycle Colorado, emphasized the broader significance of these events. Piccolo said, “Organized cycling events—both competitive and recreational—are an integral part of Colorado’s thriving bike culture. They are a major reason why so many people choose to live in and visit our state. Colorado’s Ride and the Tour of the Moon are powerful examples of why there’s no better place to ride a bike than Colorado.”
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For Media Inquiries:
Ashley Vander Meeden
Bicycle Colorado
720-504-8515 | [email protected]
Colorado’s Ride and Tour of the Moon Assets
View the ride photos and logos.
About Colorado’s Ride
Colorado’s Ride is a five-day, fully supported road cycling tour that showcases the best of the Colorado Rockies, combining challenging routes, stunning scenery, and a strong sense of community. www.coloradosride.com Facebook @coloradosride @coloradosride
About Tour of the Moon and The Ride Collective
The Tour of the Moon is a one-day, fully supported ride through the red rock canyons of Western Colorado, including the Colorado National Monument, offering a unique blend of scenic beauty and cycling history. www.theridecollective.com/tourofthemoon The Ride Collective is a portfolio of professionally-produced bicycle tours in both Colorado and New Mexico. Facebook @theridecollective Instagram @theridecollective
About Bicycle Colorado
Established in 1992, Bicycle Colorado is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Denver. Their mission is to advocate for all people who ride bikes. They envision a Colorado where all people and communities benefit from safe and accessible bicycling. Learn more at bicyclecolorado.org and follow them on social media: Facebook @BicycleColorado Instagram @BicycleColo X @BicycleColo
