About the 2023 Ride for the Pass

May 20, 10:30am

The Ride has two finish lines: The first at Weller Lake turnout, just over two miles from the starting line for families and recreational riders, and the second at the Independence ghost town site ten miles from the start. All riders doing the ten mile Independence route are timed and included in the competitive category for their respective age groups; all Weller riders are untimed. In addition, E-bikes—category 1/pedal assist ONLY—are welcome to ride.  They will be in their own, untimed category, starting 10 minutes after the timed riders, and will NOT be eligible for prizes associated with placing.

Winning race times to Independence are usually around 40 minutes, with most riders finishing in less than two hours.

There are aid stations and turnaround sites at various points along the route. The Ride is followed by a barbecue at the starting line and a fantastic raffle with prizes donated by Roaring Fork Valley businesses. 

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR WITH QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT RIDE COORDINATOR, DINA BELMONTE, AT
970-379-1222 or dinab@sopris.net

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does the Ride start? 
   10:30am for the timed ride to the ghost town of Independence.
   10:40am for the recreational ride to Weller plus all e-bikes.

2. What is the Ride route? 
   The start is at the Winter Gate 5 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82. If you enter Aspen from the west and stay on Highway 82, you can’t miss it. There will be two finish lines: The first at Weller Lake turnout, just over two miles from the starting line for families and recreational riders, and the second at the traditional Independence ghost town site ten miles from the start (climbing approximately 2,300 feet, ending at an elevation of 10,800 feet).

3. Where do I pick up my Ride timing bib and number? 
   At the starting line the morning of the Ride. Plan to arrive at least 1/2 hour before the Ride to get your bib # and to drop your bag with warm clothes (see below).

4. Where is parking available?
   Limited parking is available at the start line (5 miles east of Aspen), at the pullout across from Difficult Campground (3.5 miles from Aspen), and along Highway 82. We recommend car pooling or parking in Aspen and riding your bike to the start line.

5. When does the race end? 
   The course sweep will start at 1pm -– we try to have everyone off the course by 1:30pm

6. When does registration close? 
   Registration closes at 5pm on Friday, May 19. Registration is on-line only. There is no day-of registration.

7. How will timing work? 
   Bibs with numbers will contain timing chips.

8. Do I have to be timed? 
   The 2-mile ride to Weller is a non-timed event. The 10-mile ride to Independence is a timed event (except for e-bikers, who will be untimed).

9. Can I ride to the summit? 
   You are welcome to go where you please, although all IPF’s support ends at Independence and when the course is swept at 1pm.

10. What do I do with my warm clothes?
    Please bring your own labelled bag and bring to the appropriate truck uphill of the start line – look for the signs that correspond to your destination (Weller or Independence)– clothes must be delivered by 10:15am so the trucks can head up the course.

11. Where is the after-Ride barbecue? 
    This year’s after-Ride barbecue will be held at the winter closure gate (the starting line), weather permitting. There will also be a fantastic raffle, which will NOT be reliant on good weather.

12. How much does registration cost?
    Costs are $45/adult, $25/kids under 18,and $75 for families for the ride to the Ghost Town and for e-bikers. For Weller, costs are $25/adults, $15/kids under 18, and $40 for families.

13. Do Aspen Cycling Club dues pay for Ride registration? 
    No, the two are separate.

14. Is there an Aspen Cycling Club sign-up spot? 
    Anyone who participates in the Ride and is not a Cycling Club member will have his/her points counted in the Cycling Club standings if he/she signs up for Cycling Club membership within a week of the Ride for the Pass. For more information on the Cycling Club, contact them via their website, aspencyclingclub.org.

15. Where are the aid stations? 
    There are three aid stations – one at the Weller finish line, one at Lincoln Creek, approximately 4 miles from the start, and one at the finish line (10 miles).  Each aid stations has water, some bike repair tools, energy bars, and a first aid kit. EMTs will be riding along – watch for orange bibs with STAFF label on riders – and ambulance support will be at Lincoln Creek. There are porto johns at the start and both finishes (Weller and Independence).

16. When will results be available? 
    Preliminary results will be available at the after-Ride party. Official results will be available within 24 hours, and will be e-mailed to participants and will appear on IPF’s website. Local newspapers should also publish results within five days.

17. What is the cancellation policy?  

    In the event of inclement weather or icy/snowy conditions on Highway 82 on Ride day, the Independence Pass Foundation will use its best judgment to determine whether the Ride will be reasonably safe for participants. IPF will will alert participants of cancellation by email, website, and Facebook postings by 5pm the day prior, if at all possible. However, due to the unpredictable nature of our weather and conditions, it may be necessary to cancel the Ride the morning of Ride day. Because IPF is a non-profit organization that assumes almost all Ride-related costs well prior to Ride day, there will be no refunds in the event of weather-related cancellation.

Rules of the Road

— Wear a helmet.
— Watch for water, ice and other hazards – rough spots and water are marked by signs or cones.
— Be aware of “Road Hazard” and “Wet Pavement” signs.
— Number plate must be visible on the front of your bike.
— If you have any problems, please pull off the road.
— The first aid station is at Lincoln Creek; second is at Lost Man.
— Stay in line at the Finish Line if you want to be timed.
— Obey the Yellow Line – watch out for two-way traffic as some riders will be descending as others are still ascending.
— Watch out for the motorcycle rider who will be sweeping the course from time to time.
— Pass on the left – pull over to the right for faster traffic.
— Watch out for uphill traffic and pedestrians during your descent – control your speed.