[Road Ride] Triple Bypass

The Triple Bypass is an iconic bike ride in Colorado. The event is held every August and hosted by Team Evergreen. The cycling route is 106 miles from Evergreen, Colorado to Vail, Colorado and climbs over 10,000 feet. The three mountain passes include Juniper, Loveland and Vail with the highest elevation being just under 12,000 ft!

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Single

We participated in the 2021 ride which past participants said was the coldest on record; it sure felt like a fall day! We started at 6:15am just as the sun was rising. Others started earlier with lights, but we wanted daylight and we were happy with that start time. The first climb up Juniper was fast, fun, and full of chatter amongst the riders. After a quick stop at the first aid station, we added more layers and headed for an exhilarating descent – my favorite part of any ride!  

Double

Now the grind begins. A thirty mile climb from Idaho Springs to Loveland Pass with two aid stations along this section. This was tough; it was the warmest part with the sun beating down and a headwind pushing us back. Plus, several rollers which required a lot of energy. The lunch stop aid station was a welcome break 25 miles into the climb. After lunch the mental grind set in with another 5 mile climb to Loveland Pass, the highest point on the ride. The skies darkened and threatened to rain but, luckily, did not. It was such a relief to see the Loveland Pass sign and know the biggest climb was behind us. Again, we stopped (took the obligatory photo) to get on more gear for the descent. Another amazing descent and it was super cool to ride past Arapahoe Basin Ski Area and Keystone Ski Area which I’d never seen before. The road flattened out as we rode around Lake Dillon and Frisco with a single punchy climb to Sapphire Point!

Triple

After the fourth and final aid station on the western edge of Frisco, we set out for the last climb. This section was the only section we’d done before so we knew what was coming our way. The climb follows a bike path along and in the middle of the interstate making it less dramatic than the other two. I prefer the small roads with switchbacks making it feel like a “true climb”. After dodging the rain until now, we finally hit it right before Vail Pass and it continued through most of our last descent slowing down our speed tremendously. Luckily the last few miles in Vail were dry and we were able to cross the finish line together holding hands and smiling! What an amazing and challenging day on the bike!

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