After reporting a few days ago that the North South Colorado bikepacking race was done and dusted Your Group Ride has confirmed that the event is back on!
The self supported, 600 plus mile route will return this summer under new leadership, with a slightly tweaked course and a new weekend. Denver based riders Al and Spencer have stepped in to take over organizing duties, working with original promoter Mark Lendzion to carry the event forward. Lendzion, who launched the race in 2021, is no longer organizing after moving out of state, but helped guide the transition and provided key details to ensure continuity.
The 2026 edition will stay true to the original vision, with only minor tweaks to the route. The course still spans more than 600 miles, covering 612.8 miles with over 52,000 feet of climbing as it traces the eastern side of the Continental Divide from Fort Collins to Trinidad. The rollout from Fort Collins now avoids most of Taft Hill, Owl Canyon, and 287, instead favoring CR 17 and Park Creek Reservoir before heading up towards the Red Feather Lakes area.
Spencer brings prior experience organizing events in the Denver area, from group rides like the Triple Crown Park century to community gatherings such as the Larimer Street Block Party. Al is new to organizing, but not new to long days on the bike.
Both riders come to the role with deep bikepacking experience. Spencer was the first person to ride to every National Park in the lower 48 by bike and completed the Tour de 14ers last summer. His resume also includes events like Doom, Escape LA, and the High Plains Drifter. Al has spent years touring and has also lined up for races, including North South Colorado itself.
In fact, Al’s connection to the event runs deep. He raced it in 2023 as his first bikepacking race and remembers it as both a challenge and a standout route. Spencer has yet to race it, which partly fueled the decision to step in.
The idea to revive the event came together quickly after YGR broke the news that it would not continue.
Spencer and Al began talking after hearing the race was ending. Spencer had long wanted to take on the route, while Al knew firsthand how special it was. Both felt it deserved to stick around, not just as a race but as an opportunity for riders to experience a unique line across Colorado.
The 2026 grand depart is set for August 28 at 7:30 am. Priority registration for WTFNB and BIPOC riders opens May 15, with general registration following on June 1.
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