Some cyclists don’t consider the season started until the Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival is underway. Fortunately, that happens Sunday at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock. Registration remains open online only for the 23rd annual E-Rock until Wednesday at midnight.
The celebration of all things cycling includes the highly anticipated century ride as well as 62-mile (metric century), 34-mile (half metric) and 7-mile family road rides (100-mile riders must be at least 14 years old).
There are also a couple of mountain bike rides through the rolling hills and high plains, including the 25-mile Fat Tire Canyon Course, using about 60 percent unpaved roads, and the option of kicking off the weekend as a team member (or solo racer) at the fifth annual Go Fast 24 Hours of E-Rock race at Greenland Open Space. There’s essentially a ride for everyone, with sag support aplenty.
The obligatory gear expo and postride picnic party are standard for festival participants. Helmets are required for all rides.
Registration and info: Adults $70 or $55, kids (under 14) $35 at before Wednesday at midnight. There is no walk-up registration.
