Peter Discoe and the Ramble Rides crew have added a race to their usually super chill portfolio. Race the Ramble is a 125-mile gravel race in Jackson County, Colorado in late August. Here’s the twist, racers must compete in teams of two or four riders.
Discoe- “Ramble Rides are a bit of a race antithesis: slow down and linger along the way. Enjoy being with friends. It’s the journey and all that. And it is this way by intention. But folks keep asking about a race, and we feel the North Park, Jackson County, and this area of Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming holds some of the best riding anywhere.
So a race had to fit. And what fits is to tackle this challenge with what makes Ramble Rides fun: your friends. So call up your posse, form your squad, and get your team together for Race the Ramble Saturday, August 12, 2023.”
What?
Course: A race of 125 miles and 9.2K elevation gain. 77% unpaved at elevations up to 9.7K feet. We’re racing through some of the best of North Park and Jackson County. Racing is team-based with a focus on team reliance. Checkpoints have minimal aid supplies, and teams should carry what is necessary for 70 and 55-mile segments.
Teams: Race the Ramble is a team event. There are two team sizes, two and four, with three divisions each: men’s, women’s, and open. Open category can be any mix of an individual. Single-sex categories are available to individuals who identify as such. Both rides in a two person team must finish for official time. Time is recorded from the last rider. Four-person teams will be timed by their third rider.
Two timed segments: Start to lunch and lunch to finish. Each segment has one checkpoint. Time spent at lunch is neutralized. All riders present to start a segment. Official times are the third or fifth rider’s time (category dependent).
Lunch: We’ll have a full lunch available with plenty of options to rest up and fuel up for the next segment. Relax, get those legs in the river, stretch out and when you’re ready, get back out there.
Prizes: Glory. But on top of that, we’ve got cool trophies in the making for category winners and beautiful parting gifts for second and third.
The Route: The route is a loop from Walden. Access to the route details will be available closer to the event but don’t worry; Independence Mountain is still in there. Why do we hold back the route? For the surprise mostly.
Where?
Walden, Colorado. Race day, Saturday, August 12, 2023.
If you’re coming to ride in the Park, you’re coming to Walden. Ramble Rides have been coming here for eight years, and I always look forward to returning.
- Full information can be found here.
- Registration opens Saturday, January 14th, 2023.
- Race day Saturday, August 12, 2023
