Colorado Triple Crown: What's New for 2018?

1. 2018 Colorado Triple Crown: Mixed terrain adventures! 
In 2018 Colorado Triple Crown will feature a combination of rides that we've never used before. If I had to pick a theme for 2018, it would be "mixed terrain." Three of the five events on the 2018 Triple Crown calendar include sections of unpaved roads and the AntiEpic Gravel Grinder is about 90% unpaved. These three events will also comprise the "stage race" for 2018. The idea of mixed terrain rides may be intimidating to many road riders, but consider this an opportunity to improve your repertoire of bike skills while tacking new terrain and adventures! This year's series definitely benefits the most "well-rounded" road riders!

Incredible fall foliage on Kebler Pass (Photo: Mark Lowe)

We do have one new twist for 2018: the Kebler Kamikaze Double Century!
I have long had a fascination with Kebler Pass, which is one of my favorite passes in the state! We've used Kebler Pass previously in the Colorado Classic Double Century, but with Cottonwood Pass still under construction, we simply cannot complete this course. I have also had a fascination with the West Elk Bicycle Classic, which was one of the best gran fondos in the state and one of my favorite non-RMCC events in this state. In 2017, however, Western State University in Gunnison decided to "pull the plug" on their gran fondo for unclear reasons, leaving behind one of the best loop courses in the entire state. Well, this is were we step in! Now RMCCers will have the opportunity to experience this very fine cycling loop and one of the best climbing passes in Colorado!

In 2018, we are taking another year hiatus from the Colorado High Country Double Century (i.e., Boulder to Steamboat Springs) and the Cripple Creek Crippler. We are also taking a year off from the Denver to Aspen Classic, Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop, and Colorado Death Ride. As previously mentioned, the Colorado Classic Double Century will remain on hold while the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) continues a massive paving project on the west side of Cottonwood Pass.

To sum things up, here's the 2018 Colorado Triple Crown calendar:

1. May 5, 2018: AntiEpic Gravel Grinder, Monument, CO*
2. May 26, 2018: Colorado Mesa Double Century, Fruita, CO
3. June 10, 2018: Death Ride Challenge, Durango, CO**
4. June 30, 2018: Cycle to Saturn Double Century, Littleton, CO*
5. Aug 25, 2018: Kebler Kamikaze Double Century, Crested Butte, CO*

*Stage race event

**Death Ride Tour will take over the reigns of the Colorado Death Ride for 2018. Please come out and support their event! 

For the Challenge Series Short-Course Events, we will once again plan to keep thing simple in 2018: 

1. April 7 2018: Foothills Climbfest, Littleton, CO
2. May 5, 2018: AntiEpic Gravel Grinder Short Course: For those riders who want a shorter (but timed) version of a 200 mile gravel road sufferfest. 

The twisty 7-mile descent down Oh My God Road turns the insanely difficulty Cycle to Saturn into a "mixed terrain" ride! 

2. Qualification
We will continue to the same pre-qualification recommendations that we've used for the last two seasons. I believe these recommendations give more riders from outside the RMCC access to the series.

Participants who have not met the pre-qualification requirements listed below can still register and participate, but they will need to ride with a personal support vehicle until they can demonstrate that they can safely complete at least one of the Colorado Triple Crown events within its designated time limit. As in previous seasons, RMCC membership is required to participate! 

To pre-qualify, prospective participants must complete one of the following events in the previous 24 months:

1. Any Colorado Triple Crown event
2. Any mountainous double century (or longer) event in another part of the country (time required for verification)
3. One of the RMCC-sponsored 300 km brevets in less than 14 hours (16.5 hours for the Cripple Creek 300 km brevet)
4. Successful completion of another extreme endurance event of at least 12 hours duration:

• Ironman Triathlon < 14 hours (time required for verification)
• 50+ mile mountainous running ultra-marathon < 12 hours

For 2018, we will continue to make an exception to the pre-qualification requirements for the AntiEpic Gravel Grinder. Any rider who is up for the challenge can sign up; however, 1) Active RMCC membership is still be required to participate. This is for insurance reasons. 2) There will be an additional cost-recovery fee to help us cover the expenses for hosting the event. 3) All riders who cannot complete the event will need to make arrangements to have someone pick them up. RMCC does not provide transportation for riders who cannot successfully complete this ride. Please keep in mind that an "I can do it!" attitude is fantastic, but it may not be adequate to successfully complete this event. Please be forewarned and come prepared!  

Please e-mail me if you have questions about pre-qualification! 

Riders on the horizon during the AntiEpic Gravel Grinder (Photo: Ben Welnak)

4. Volunteers

We are 100% dependent on volunteer support!!! 
For 2018, we are continuing to ask (i.e., beg) for volunteer help!  I'm not going to lie! Volunteering for one of these events is a long day...usually between 12-20+ hours! And it usually involves getting up well before dawn. But volunteering can be quite a bit of fun too! For 2018, we will continue to provide the following incentives to volunteer:

1. If a rider volunteers for an event, he/she can 1) ride that event (as a volunteer pre- or post-ride) any time during that cycling season for Triple Crown credit AND 2) Sign up for another Triple crown event during that season for free! You're essentially getting two events for free! 
2. Riders who volunteer for an event can pre-ride or post-ride that event anytime during 2018 to receive official Colorado Triple Crown credit. This is the only situation that we will allow participants to pre- or post-ride and receive credit for completing the event.
3. Volunteers who provide SAG/driving support for the event will be reimbursed for their mileage  accrued during the event (at the current Federal rate). We will also reimburse for volunteer motels and food/snack purchases accrued during the event. 

Notes:

• If we are unable to secure volunteers for an event, the event will still be contested in brevet format (i.e., without support). Please be aware of this! If this situation does occur, participants can expect to receive a partial refund for that event.

The picturesque Mt Sneffles Range from the Dallas Divide (Photo: Mark Lowe)

3. Registration

1. Fees. Registration fees will be similar for 2018: $50 - $75 per event. Please keep in mind that these are cost recovery fees for running these events. These fees barely cover our expenses for supporting these rides. We do not turn a profit for running these events! And if we do have funds left over at the end of the season, we will apply these funds toward the cost of the Colorado Triple Crown kits for those riders who successfully complete the series. 
2. Registration will open on March 1, 2018! 
3. Withdrawal. For those individuals who have registered for an event and need to withdraw, they can do so up to 2 weeks prior to the date of the event for a full refund (minus our fees for using PayPal and Eventzilla). Within 2 weeks, refunds will not be granted. 
4. Transfers. Registration fees are NOT be transferrable between events less than 2 weeks prior to the date of the event. So please plan ahead!

The Colorado National Monument is one of the highlights of the Colorado Mesa Double Century (Photo: Mark Lowe)

6. Triple Crown Kits

Riders who complete the challenging 2018 Colorado Triple Crown Series are eligible to receive one of our stealthy Colorado Triple Crown kits. If we have registration funds left over at the end of the season, I will apply these funds toward the purchase of next season's kits.

Happy New Year and bring on 2018! 

Mark Lowe

e-mail: mvlowe5@comcast.net 

Kebler Kamikaze Double Century

Cloaked in one of the largest aspen groves on the planet, Marcellina Mountain is one of the most prominent climbs along Kebler Pass Road as it winds its way from Paonia to Crested Butte.

The RMCC returns to the heart of the Colorado Rockies to ride the Kebler Kamikaze Double Century. This challenging double century reinvigorates life into the (saddly) now defunct West Elk Bicycle Classic, which was one of Colorado's most beloved gran fondos for several years!  The Kebler Kamikaze, as it's name implies, climbs the alluring Kebler Pass, a dirt road pass that has been featured in numerous bicycle events, from amateur tours to professional races. The RMCC has also previously ridden Kebler Pass as part of the Colorado Classic Double Century, an extremely long and difficult double century that has been on hold since 2016 due to a massive paving project on the west side of Cottonwood Pass. The Kebler Kamikaze Double Century has a unique twist compared to these other events! Whereas these other events cross Kebler Pass once from west to east, the Kebler Kamikaze Double Century, in true kamikaze fashion, dares to summit Kebler Pass twice, once via Kebler Pass Road and the second time via the lesser known (but equally spectacular) Ohio Pass Road. The Kebler Kamikaze Double Century has the potential for glory or heartbreak! Will you test your cycling fortitude.....and luck???

Date: Back in the near future!

Sign-in/Start: Early sign-in/start: 4:45 AM/5:00 AM. Late sign-in/start: 5:15 am/6:00 am.

Start/End location: Crested Butte, CO, Old Town Inn, 708 6th St, Crested Butte, CO 81224. Phone: 1-888-349-6184.

Course Map: Kebler Kamikaze Double Century (Preliminary route)

Registration: This event preliminarily has a registration fee (i.e., cost-recovery fee) of $60. Please register early. Registration is limited to the first 50 pre-registered riders. Registration closes 8/23/18.  Participants may withdraw by 8/11/18 for a refund. After 8/11/18, refunds will not be granted. RMCC membership is also required to participate in this event. For more information about membership: RMCC membership. 

Dense aspen forests line Kebler Pass Road.

Course Highlights:

• Distance: 209 miles, 44 miles of unpaved roads
• Climbing: 13,000 feet
• 3 categorized climbs:

Amazing views of Black Canyon of the Gunnison from CO-92 to the west of Blue Mesa Reservoir. 

North Rim Climb, Category 3. 

This relatively short 4+ mile climb gradually ascends 1,000+ feet from the west end of the Blue Mesa Reservoir to the western margins of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, providing brief glimpses of the spectacular canyon below. After reaching the "summit" of this climb, CO-92 continues to undulate upward for another 10 miles before making the exhilarating, long descent to Crawford.

Kebler Pass is one of Colorado's finest autumn passes! 

Kebler Pass, Hors categorie.  Kebler Pass is a bohemeth, unpaved climb, ascending just under 5,000 feet as it winds its way through the West Elk Mountains from Paonia to Crested Butte. Kebler Pass is actually a double peaked climb consisting of two category 2 climbs; however, these two climbs collectively make Kebler Pass a hors categorie (HC) climb!  Many of the "flatter" sections of Kebler Pass Road mid-way into the climb are enshrouded in one of the largest aspen groves on the planet. In the autumn, the spectacular colors of these aspen come to life! 

Ohio Pass is a lesser known, rugged aspen-viewing pass and a challenging way to conclude a double century! 

Ohio Pass, Category 2. Ohio Pass is a true gem! Ohio Pass Road climbs 2,400 feet in 23 miles. The lower sections of the road are paved; however, as the road continues to climb toward the summit of Kebler Pass, the surface turns to a mixture of gravel, dirt, sand, and some rocks. Grades become steep as well, pitching up to 12-14%.

Time limit: 18 hours (to receive an official finishing time and Colorado Triple Crown credit).

Bike selection: In dry conditions, this course is entirely rideable on a standard road bike with 23-25 mm tires; however, if the weather is wet and the dirt roads become muddy, wider tires on a cross/gravel bike would be much preferred. Participants must ride the same bike for the duration of the event. Please plan ahead!

Event organizer: Mark Lowe (e-mail: mvlowe5@comcast.net)

Additional Notes:

1. Some ultra-distance experience is encouraged (but not required) to participate in this event.
2. Pre-qualification: Please refer to our updated rules regarding pre-qualification: What's new for 2018??
3. Given the exposure to high altitude, nasty weather can be a major concern with this event. Participants need to be prepared and bring their best winter- and wet-riding gear with them!
4. Lights and reflective gear are required!

The stunning Blue Mesa Reservoir at sunset!

Save the Date! 2018 Colorado Triple Crown Events

Please save the date for the 2018 Colorado Triple Crown events!

2018 Colorado Triple Crown Events
1) Saturday, May 5, 2018: AntiEpic Gravel Grinder (and short-course event)*
2) Saturday, May 26, 2018: Colorado Mesa Double Century
3) Sunday, June 10, 2018: Death Ride Challenge**
4) Saturday, June 30, 2018: Cycle to Saturn Double Century*
5) Saturday, August 25, 2018: Kebler Kamikaze Double Century* ***

*Mixed-terrain ride (i.e., has both paved and gravel roads)

**This event is hosted by the Death Ride Tour. To receive Colorado Triple Crown credit, participants must comply with the rules of the Death Ride Tour and finish the event within their specified time limit.

***New (probably one-time) Colorado Triple Crown event. More details to come!

To get you inspired for 2018, here are some video slide show recaps of the 2017 events:
1) 2017 AntiEpic Gravel Grinder
2) 2017 Colorado Mesa Double Century
3) 2017 Colorado Death Ride
4) 2017 Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop
5) 2017 Denver to Aspen Classic

Oh Captain, My Captain

Charlie Henderson and Penny Nelson at the conclusion of the 2014 Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic

With a saddened heart, I report that former RMCC president, Charlie Henderson, has passed away this week after a short, but valiant fight with pancreatic cancer.

Charlie and other founding members of the RMCC decided to separate from the Denver Bicycle Touring Club (DBTC) and form the Rocky Mountain Cycling Club in 1993, allowing members of the newly-formed RMCC to pursue road cycling adventures that were longer, harder, and simply more challenging than the rides that were offered by the DBTC. Charlie was the first to admit that he was never the fastest rider, but he loved the physical and mental challenge of testing his limits, even in his mid-50s when he first started riding seriously! And he always supported those individuals who were passionate about endurance cycling.

The Colorado Brevet Series was borne within the RMCC to help Colorado randonneuring enthusiasts prepare for some of the world's most challenging road cycling adventures, including Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) and Boston-Montreal-Boston (BMB). Within in the club, Charlie and other club members created the Colorado Last Chance, the club's own 1200 km grand brevet. Charlie was also instrumental in creating the Challenge Series during the mid-2000s, allowing members who to push their limits by riding hard, but for shorter distances. Still contested today, the Foothills Climbfest, which traverses through the foothills to the west of Littleton, is the original Challenge Series event.

After dabbling in endurance riding in 2007, I asked Charlie about pursuing our own series of double century events, similar to the California Triple Crown. Charlie told me if I would help organize it, he would help provide volunteer support for the rides. In 2009, we created the Colorado Triple Crown, incorporating three events that the club had been riding since its inception: Denver-to-Aspen, the Grand Loop, and the Colorado Death Ride.  The series has continued to grow and take on new cycling adventures since 2009.

Charlie was a friend and mentor to me and everyone in the club who chose to test his or her limits on the bike. And without Charlie's support, the RMCC, the Challenge Series, and the Colorado Triple Crown would not exist. And I know that all of our lives would be much different, and I suspect much less fulfilled.

Charlie Henderson, oh Captain, my captain, thank you for everything that you accomplished and thank you for bringing us all together! You are a gregarious, story-telling, wine-loving, cowboy cycling superhero to all of us! Rest in peace, my friend...

2017 Colorado Triple Crown Finishers

Congratulations to the following individuals for completing the 2017 Colorado Triple Crown! 

From AntiEpic to EPIC, from deserts to mountains, from prairies to high alpine tundra, the 2017 season had a bit of everything! We had 25 official finishers, our largest class of Colorado Triple Crown finishers to date. We also had 10 Colorado Triple Crown rookies, including two from out of state (Nebraska and Utah). Congratulations to each of you!

• Laura Anderson (1)
• Jerry Arnold (NE) (1)

• Chris Baker (3)
• Graham Barnes (3)
• Caleb Carl (2) 
• Ryan Franz (5)
• Scott Griffith (1)
• Paul Grimm (UT) (1)
• Keith Jensen (2)
• Kieran Johnson (1)
• Oksana Kovalenko (1)
• Andy Lapkass (single speed) (2)
• Mark Lowe (8)
• Tom Miller (7)
• David Nelson (3)
• Josh Peter (2) 
• Harris Rosenthal (2)
• Steve Rudolph (6)
• Ray Rupel (4)
• Nathaniel Schub (1)
• Ricardo Stephen (1)
• Erika Van Meter (1)
• Corinne Warren (3)
• Felix Wong (1)
• Walter Zitz (4)

Caleb Carl

Laura Anderson

Congratulations to Caleb Carl and Laura Anderson for winning the 2017 Colorado Triple Crown Stage Race. This season's stage race included the fastest combined times of the Colorado Death Ride, the Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop, and the Denver-to-Aspen Classic, the original three events of the series. Caleb posted the fastest known time (that we are aware of) on the Colorado Death Ride course in the traditional counterclockwise direction and his time at the Colorado Mesa Double Century will be tough to beat! Laura Anderson is our first woman to finish the Colorado Triple Crown Stage Race since Diane Benoit in 2013.

Congratulations as well to David Nelson who, at 63 years young, ties Dick Wiss as the oldest rider to ever complete the Colorado Triple Crown! David spent most of the season recovering from several (very serious) health set-backs to whip himself back into double century shape in a very short period of time. In a tactically savvy move, David completed the Colorado Death Ride as a volunteer post-ride in late August to successfully complete the series! Kudos to you, David! 

Volunteering can be a fun and rewarding experience! (Photo: Walter Zitz)

Special thanks for all of our volunteers this season! We simply cannot run these events in their current timed format without help! So thanks to each of you!

• Chris Baker (Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop)
• Julie Elliott and Jerome Gonzales (Colorado Mesa Double Century)
• Heidi Hartman (Colorado Death Ride and Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop)
• Kieran Johnson (Denver-to-Aspen Classic)
• Mark Lowe (AntiEpic Gravel Grinder, Colorado Mesa Double Century, Colorado Death Ride)
• Beth and Brent Myers (Event registrations for all events)
• David Nelson (Colorado Death Ride)
• Kale Olson (Denver-to-Aspen Classic)
• Josh Peter (AntiEpic Gravel Grinder)
• Harris Rosenthal (Foothills Climbfest)
• Andre and Carla Schub (Colorado Death Ride and Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop)
• Nat Schub (AntiEpic Gravel Grinder, Denver-to-Aspen Classic)
• Jon Sendor (Foothills Climbfest)
• Fran Summerhill and Girvan Kroesing (Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop)
• Joanne Vitanza (Colorado Mesa Double Century)
• Corinne Warren (Foothills Climbfest, AntiEpic Gravel Grinder)
• Mike Young (Colorado Mesa Double Century)
• Walter Zitz (AntiEpic Gravel Grinder)

There was abundant epic scenery during the 2017 Colorado Triple Crown!

2017 Denver to Aspen Classic Recap: Supersoaker!

Red skies in morning, sailors take warning! 2017 Denver-to-Aspen participants capture their only glimpse of sunshine for the entire day as a surreal sunrise illuminates the gloomy, moisture-laden sky. This spectacular photo by Chris Alstrin captures his wife, Laura Anderson, as she approaches the top of Lookout Mountain. 

On Saturday, July 29, 2017, 24 RMCCers gathered trepidatiously at the north end of Sloan's Lake Park in Denver, CO, the start the Denver-to-Aspen Classic. Denver-to-Aspen is considered by many to be the signature event of the RMCC and an event that many riders use to test their cycling fortitude and take the "next step" from rides like the Triple Bypass into the world of ultra-endurance road cycling. For several years during the 1990s, Denver-to-Aspen was run as a public event, attracting as many as 190 riders each year. The original Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen course traveled from the Denver Tech Center to west Littleton, where it would eventually meet up with US-285 near Conifer. From Conifer, participants would ride on US-285 over Kenosha Pass and through the wind-laden South Park Valley. In 2015, due to a noticeable increase in traffic along the US-285, the RMCC redesigned the Denver-to-Aspen course in the interest of rider safety. The new course, which was first used in 2015, starts in Denver and travels on lightly-trafficked frontage roads along the I-70 corridor, avoiding the highly congested US-285. The redesigned course features just under 16,000 feet of climbing in 181 miles, nearly 2,000 feet more climbing than the Joe Lookingbill course. It also includes four challenging climbs: Lookout Mountain, Loveland Pass, Fremont Pass, and the spectacular Independence Pass.

Loveland Pass, 38 degrees F in the rain. Perhaps too epic?!? No thanks! (Photo: Kale Olson)

The story of the day was the weather. The weather forecast in the days leading up to the event was not good. In Colorado, however, there is always a glimmer of hope that the weather forecasters would be wrong. Unfortunately for this year's Denver-to-Aspen participants, this was not the case! The Colorado monsoons were in full force and the rain began to fall gently from the sky well before daylight, a less than auspicious start to any ultra-distance cycling event and even more so for a 181 mile event that ventures into the heart of the Colorado Rockies! The monsoon rains were never very heavy, but they were soaking enough that the roads were wet for most of the day, making equipment and gear choices 100% essential for completing this event. As anticipated, temperatures were exceptionally chilly at higher elevations. On Loveland Pass, where participants encountered the heaviest rains of the day, temperatures were a bone-chilling 38 degrees F! Several riders decided to abandon between Idaho Springs and Loveland Pass due to the rain, chilly temperatures, and risk of hypothermia. In spite of the inclement weather, the monsoon rains never reached severe status. Although there were a few flashes of lightning as riders crested the course's high point at Independence Pass (elev. 12,095 ft), temperatures were just chilly enough all day to prevent the formation of strong thunderstorms over the course's high alpine passes. This year's weather conditions were a marked contrast to 2015, when 14 participants successfully completed the journey to Aspen in nearly perfect weather conditions, including plenty of sunshine, mild temperatures, light winds, and absolutely no rain.

The rain breaks for a few moments on Independence Pass. (Photo: Mark Lowe)

At the end of the day, 16 of the 22 riders who started this year's Denver-to-Aspen Classic would successfully reach the Woody Creek Tavern within the 16.5 hour time limit, an impressive number given the adverse weather conditions. Congratulations to all of this year's finishers who survived the Denver-to-Aspen Supersoaker Classic of 2017! 

See the flowers?!? It really is summer! (Photo: Nat Schub)

The 2017 Denver-to-Aspen Classic will be remembered as one of the top three worst weather events in the history of the Colorado Triple Crown. The other two events were the 2014 Cycle to Saturn Double Century and the 2015 Colorado Classic Double Century. During the 2014 Cycle to Saturn, riders got sucker-punched by bone-chilling thunderstorms on Loveland Pass. Many riders did not have access to their rain gear because the support vehicle that was carrying the participants' gear bags was stuck in traffic after a terrible traffic accident had closed US-285 in both directions at Red Hill Pass. Participants had to complete the event without rain gear. Nearly every rider was hypothermic while descended Loveland Pass, and several riders decided to abandon in Georgetown with less than 45 miles to go. The 2015 Colorado Classic Double Century was a PTSD-provoking day that lives in infamy for many Colorado Triple Crown veterans. Weather forecasters had predicted a "zero percent chance of rain" for the day. Unfortunately the weather forecast was completely botched and nearly every rider got caught in bone-chilling thunderstorms that turned the dirt and gravel roads on Kebler Pass and Cottonwood Pass into a cycling "mudfest."

Yikes! Here comes another batch of rain! (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

2017 Denver-to-Aspen Event Summary:

Course:

• 181 miles, 16,000 feet of climbing
• 5 categorized climbs:
• Lookout Mountain: Cat 2 (Golden to I-70 entrance) 
• Loveland Pass (elev. 11,990 ft): HC (from Georgetown)
• Swan Mountain Road: Cat 4
• Fremont Pass (elev. 11,318 ft): Cat 1 (from Copper Mountain)
• Independence Pass (elev. 12,095 ft): HC (from Twin Lakes)
• 3 crossings of the Continental Divide: Loveland Pass, Fremont Pass, and Independence Pass

Participants: 

• 26 pre-registered riders
• 22 ride starters, 3 early withdrawals, 1 no-show. Of the riders who started, 19 were men, 3 were women.
• 16 official finishers (73% finishing rate), successfully completing this epic course in under 16 hours, 30 minutes  (>10.97 m.p.h.), a true testament to the "badass" personalities of the Triple Crown riders. 
• Congratulations to Caleb Carl, who continues to dominate the competition. Caleb finished in 12 hours, 16 minutes (avg. speed 14.75 mph), an impressive time considering the adverse weather conditions and the fact that he was off of the bike for 30+ minutes at Keystone, trying to warm up after a hypothermic descent down Loveland Pass. Great ride, Caleb! 
• Congratulations to Laura Anderson of Boulder, CO, for being our first female finisher. Laura finished this year's Denver-to-Aspen with a time of 14 hours, 46 minutes (avg. speed 12.25 mph). Laura also becomes the first female winner of the Colorado Triple Crown stage race since Diane Benoit (2013). 

2017 Denver-to-Aspen Classic Results

Special thanks to this year's volunteers! We cannot run these events in their current timed format without their help. Our volunteers had to endure the same tough conditions that the riders did, so extra kudos for your help!!

• Kieran Johnson
• Kale Olson
• Nat Schub

Cale Carl survived near hypothermia and a prolonged period of time off the bike in Keystone to finish first at this year's soggy Denver-to-Aspen Classic! Excellent ride, Caleb! (Photo: Nat Schub)

Ryan Franz celebrates his 40th birthday by riding the Denver-to-Aspen Classic. You know how to pick a party, Ryan! Happy birthday and great ride! (Photo: Nat Schub)

Chilly day in the rain, but D2A #9 is in the bag. (Photo: Nat Schub)

Josh Peter followed his racing instincts to stay on the heels on Caleb, Ryan, and Mark all day.  Great ride, Josh! (Photo: Nat Schub)

Nat Schub and Steve Rudolph at Woody Creek. Steve, who thrives in cold and wet conditions, calls for a ride to pick up him up...perhaps a few details that he should have sorted out before riding all the way to Aspen! :) (Photo: Mark Lowe)

Ray Rupel arrives safe and sound at the Woody Creek Tavern to complete another Denver-to-Aspen and Colorado Triple Crown. Excellent ride, Ray! (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Nate Hartikolis, who clearly had the most appropriate bike of the day, arrives at the Woody Creek Tavern to complete his first Denver-to-Aspen Classic and Colorado Triple Crown event. Great ride, Nate! (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Mike Turek, David Nelson, Erika Van Meter, and Felix Wong arrive safely at the Woody Creek Tavern! Congratulations on surviving the challenging conditions! And congratulations to Erika and Felix for completing their first Triple Crown! (Photo: Mark Lowe)

Scott Griffith, Oksana Kovalenko, and Chris Baker are relieved to have arrived at Woody Creek with about 15 minutes to spare! Chris played the role of the pacer all day, helping Oksana and Scott complete their first Triple Crown! Great ride, guys! (Photo: Mark Lowe)

Oksana and Erika are preparing a trip to Disneyland after successfully completing their first Colorado Triple Crown! I'm very happy for you guys! Congratulations! (Photo: Mark Lowe)

Let the fun begin! Riders charge up Lookout Mountain during the pre-dawn hours with rain showers overhead! (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Riders roll into the soggy checkpoint in Idaho Springs! (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Oksana Kovalenko and Erika Van Meter arrive in Idaho Springs. (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Ryan Franz, Mark Lowe, Scott Griffith, and Caleb Carl arrive at the first check point in the water-logged Idaho Springs. (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Nate Hartikolis and Steve Rudolph arrive in Idaho Springs. (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Laura Anderson and Chris Alstrin arrive at the first checkpoint. (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Harris Rosenthal attempted to take revenge on the Denver-to-Aspen course that hospitalized him in 2015.  Mother Nature threw a monkey wrench in Harris' plans though. Keep your head up and look forward to the next adventure, Harris! (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Felix Wong rolls into Idaho Springs en route to his first Colorado Triple Crown! (Photo: Kieran Johnson) 

Mike Turek had some mechanical problems but was able to persist and complete the 2017 Denver-to-Aspen Classic! (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Long-time RMCC member, James Howe, attempts his first Denver-to-Aspen since 2005. James' plans were thwarted by the soggy weather. (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Under heavy cloud cover, Loveland Pass peers down on the I-70 corridor. (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Rando and Colorado Triple Crown veteran, Ray Rupel, charges up Loveland Pass. In true rando spirit, Ray was never phased by the rain all day! (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Eric Jacobshagen chases Ray Rupel up Loveland Pass en route to completing the 2017 Denver-to-Aspen Classic. Great ride under challenging conditions, Eric! (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Chilled by the rain, Caleb Carl reaches the summit of Loveland Pass (Photo: Kale Olson)

Smiling on the outside, crying on the inside! Clicking my ruby heels together and saying to myself, "There's no place like home!" (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Ryan Franz approaches the summit of Loveland Pass at just below 12,000 feet!  (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Chris Baker still manages to smile in the chilly conditions on Loveland Pass. (Photo: Kale Olson)

A contemplative Josh Peter at Loveland Pass wonders what the heck he got himself into! (Photo: Kale Olson)

Ryan Franz pulls into the checkpoint at Loveland Pass. (Photo: Kale Olson)

David Nelson searches through his drop bag for his rear wheel that's been missing since the Grand Loop. (Don't worry, David! I've got your wheel. I'll remove my "For Sale" post from Craigslist!) (Photo: Kale Olson)

Nat Schub helps fill Nate Hartikolis's water bottles on Loveland Pass (Photo: Kale Olson)

Erika Van Meter keeps good spirits in spite of the downpour on Loveland Pass. (Photo: Kale Olson)

Mike Turek savors a Coke on Loveland Pass. (Photo: Kale Olson)

Eric Cann attempts his first (and hopefully not his last) Denver-to-Aspen! (Photo: Kale Olson)

Oksana is a bit chilled but excited to have reached the checkpoint at Loveland Pass. (Photo: Kale Olson)

High alpine vistas from Independence Pass. (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

A chilly alpine pond on top of Independence Pass. (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Impressive views of Independence Pass Road. (Photo: Kieran Johnson)

Yikes! Approaching the summit of Loveland Pass in the frigid rain (Photo: Nat Schub)

A spectacular but ominous sight to chilled riders at 12,000 feet! (Photo: Nat Schub)

Timing is everything. The spectacular Maroon Bells outside of Aspen.....48 hours after the Denver-to-Aspen Classic! (Photo: Mark Lowe) 

By completing the 2017 Denver-to-Aspen Classic, the following riders have successfully completed the 2017 Colorado Triple Crown. Congratulations!!

• Laura Anderson (1)
• Ryan Franz (5)
• Scott Griffith (1)
• Oksana Kovalenko (1)
• Ray Rupel (4)
• Erika Van Meter (1)
• Felix Wong (1)