GRAND JUNCTION — The cyclists have one question on the first day of this year’s Ride the Rockies:
Why in the world is this seven-day tour so long?
Last year, the famous ride stretched six days and 380 miles. The year before, in 2008, it was 435 miles. The year before that, 422 miles.
Before this week is finished, more than 2,000 cyclists will pedal about 532 miles in seven days.
Ride the Rockies tour director Chandler Smith says the route wasn’t a conspiracy.
“Our goal is to spread the wealth throughout the communities and take cyclists through many different places,” he said, with a little smirk. “There’s just so much beautiful country to see.”
But will riders be too tired to enjoy it?
The smirk returned.
“Possibly.”
Sunday’s kickoff in the picturesque Western Slope city of Grand Junction was probably the easiest physical day, 46 miles through Colorado National Monument, though about 500 to 600 people got stuck in a pounding hailstorm and hovered in and around the site’s visitor center.
Monument superintendent Joan Anzelmo said no one was injured.
Today’s 90-mile push over the Grand Mesa — a 6,300-foot elevation gain in the first 58 miles — is panicking even the most unflappable cyclists.
Olin Ferguson, 9, traveled to Colorado from his home in Tulsa, Okla. At an aid station Sunday, the freckled blond smiled as he and his dad, Mike, waited for the bike mechanic.
Asked about today’s ride, the young Ferguson’s face changed.
“It will be . . . crazy,” he said.
Allison Sherry: 303-954-1377 or asherry@denverpost.com
