Routes
All routes are all well marked and fully supported. Rest stops along the ride routes feature energy food and drinks, bathrooms, and mechanical and medical assistance. As part of the five-star experience, all rides are assisted by support vehicles and law enforcement officers once underway. We also have sweep vans, ride officials and course marshals that make sure no participant is left behind.
A Route
The Best Buddies Challenge: Aspen begins in the heart of Aspen and follows the Roaring Fork River out of town over gently rolling terrain. After a quick four-mile warmup, the climbing begins! The next 16 miles ascending Independence Pass gain nearly 4,000 feet of elevation, topping out at 12,095 feet above sea level on the Continental Divide. From there, the route drops down nearly 3,000 feet over 16 miles to the turnaround point at Twin Lakes, where the day’s rest stop is located. After refueling and taking a moment to enjoy the stunning views of the lakes, riders will retrace their path up and over Independence Pass. The climb back up from Twin Lakes begins gradually, but the gradient increases the closer the road comes to the top of the Pass. The descent back into Aspen is steady and smooth, allowing riders to soak in the majestic scenery that may have been missed when focused on climbing on the way up. At the end of it all, riders will have covered 74 miles and climbed a grand total of 7,415 feet.
B Route
The shorter of the two routes follows the longer up to the top of Independence Pass, while omitting the descent into and subsequent climb back out of Twin Lakes. Riders will climb past multiple campgrounds, grottos, and the Independence Ghost Town, a gold-mining town deserted over 100 years ago. After refueling and taking in the surreal scenery at the Continental Divide, riders will enjoy the 16-mile descent back into Aspen, completing the 39.5-mile route featuring just shy of 4,300 feet of elevation gain.