A popular summer tradition with The Little Nell is our Ride + Dine Series. Cyclists are invited to take part, embarking on a journey from Aspen by e-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.
The July 16 dinner will take place at Rock Bottom Ranch as their property, The Catto Center at Toklat in the Ashcroft Valley, is being renovated and not quite yet completed.
The Rock Bottom Ranch ride is primarily flat though with the distance of 23 miles from Gondola Plaza to the destination, e-bikes may be preferred.
The August 27 and September 10 dinners will take place at The Catto Center at Toklat in the Ashcroft Valley. As this is an uphill and undulating route, we recommend e-bikes unless you feel comfortable on a pedal bike.
This year for all three events, a featured winery will take part in the ride and present wines at dinner. Winemakers will join participants in the ride to Toklat and will be showcasing their wines at dinner. Participants have the option to purchase a wine flight to taste wines from their portfolio.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- 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 an e-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 Ashcroft. 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 12 miles with hills. E-bikes are highly recommended for non-avid cyclists. The ride takes 1 - 2 hours.
- Upon arrival at the destination around 5:30 pm, you'll be treated to a glass of sparkling wine and hors d'oeuvres, a property 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.
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 Ashcroft, e-bikes will be transported back to The Little Nell. If you rent from ASPENX or Four Mountain Sports, they will return your e-bike rental back to the store for you. If you bring your own e-bike or rent from another retailer, your e-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.
Please note that all purchases are non-refundable. For questions, please email cycling@thelittlenell.com