Details
A popular summer tradition with The Little Nell is our Ride + Dine Series. Cyclists of all abilities are invited to take part, embarking on a journey from Aspen by bike to arrive at a scenic destination for an al fresco dinner. This summer, we have partnered with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) to host this event at their mid-valley property, Rock Bottom Ranch, which is a hub for environmental education, wildlands preservation, and sustainable agriculture set on 113 acres.
Winemaker Adam Mariani and his sister, Kelly Mariani, will join participants in the ride to Rock Bottom Ranch and will be showcasing their wines at dinner from Scribe Winery in Sonoma, California. Participants have the option to purchase a wine flight to taste wines from their portfolio.
Guests are asked to arrive at Lower Gondola Plaza at 3 pm for registration, introductions and a safety talk. Each participant is asked to come ready to ride, equipped with a bike, helmet, and water bottle. Guests may also bring a bag with a change of clothes for dinner that will be delivered by our valet to Rock Bottom Ranch. When selecting your change of clothes, please note this is an outdoor dinner, and temperatures can drop in the mountains when the sun sets.
The group departure is at 3:30 pm and the ride is approximately two hours over a 23-mile descent down the Rio Grande Trail alongside the Roaring Fork River. E-bikes are highly recommended for non-avid cyclists.
Upon arrival at Rock Bottom Ranch around 5:30 pm, you'll be treated to a glass of sparkling wine and hors d'oeuvres, a farm tour presented by ACES, and dinner at 7 pm prepared by The Little Nell's culinary team, featuring fresh ingredients from local and regional purveyors.
Wine Flight:
- Scribe Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir 2022
- Scribe Along the Palms Carneros Chardonnay 2022
- Scribe Carneros Pinot Noir 2022
Event Reminders:
- The glass of wine upon arrival is the only alcohol included in the ticket price. Please purchase the wine flight to enjoy four pours with your dinner. Bottles of wine listed in the flight will be available for purchase at the event. Please note there will not be an opportunity to purchase additional alcohol aside from the wine flight or bottles of wine listed in the flight.
- For bike rentals, road bikes and e-bikes are available at ASPENX, and cruiser bikes are available to rent from Four Mountain Sports. E-bikes are encouraged; however, not required.
- Upon arrival at Rock Bottom Ranch, bikes will be transported back to The Little Nell. If you rent from ASPENX or Four Mountain Sports, they will return your bike rental back to the store for you. If you bring your own bike or rent from another retailer, your bike will be awaiting you at The Little Nell at the end of the event.
- After dinner, departing around 8:30 pm, guests will be transported back to The Little Nell by our transportation team.
Music Sponsor
Thank you to Forum Phi, our Ride + Dine Music Sponsor for 2023. Forum Phi is an award-winning architecture, interior design, and land planning firm that was founded in 2006 in Aspen and now also includes offices in Carbondale and Denver. In their words, "Our approach to architecture is informed by the people with whom we work and the places we get to build.”
For questions, please email cycling@thelittlenell.com.