For the past 22 years Team Evergreen Bicycle Club has been putting on the Triple Bypass one Saturday every July. This one-day ride is 120 miles starting in Evergreen, Colorado and ending in Avon, Colorado, just west of Vail. The 120 miles may not sound tough, but the riders must cross three mountain passes before arriving in Avon – Juniper/Squaw, 11,140 feet; Loveland, 11,990 feet; and finally Vail, 10,560. The total climbing is 10,600 feet.
On the plus side, this ride is very well supported with five aid stations, signs along the way, detailed maps, Colorado Highway Patrol, SAG wagons and even a post-ride dinner.
During the past few years, this ride has filled up the 3,500 rider limit within hours of the registration opening towards the beginning of the year – 6 months prior to the ride! For the 23rd Annual Triple Bypass, Team Evergreen had a stroke of genius – make three events from one.
For 2011, there will be three rides:
- Saturday, July 9th, Evergreen to Avon (east to west) – capped at 3,500 riders
- Sunday, July 10th Avon to Evergreen (west to east) – capped at 2,500 riders
- The Double Triple Bypass – for 500 willing riders, they get to do both the Saturday AND Sunday ride
Since the aid stations and signs are already set up for the Saturday event, it makes perfect sense to just run the course in reverse the following day. This now allows 6,000 people to participate in this epic event.
The course and entry fee is not for the faint of heart – the individual Saturday or Sunday rides have an entry fee of $150 and those wanting to ride both the Saturday and Sunday rides must pony up $275. This may sound expensive, but I can say first hand that Team Evergreen puts on a top notch event – I have rode this event five times (four of those on a tandem with my wife). Not only will you feel great at the end of this ride due to the accomplishment, you should also feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. During the past 10 years, Team Evergreen has donated over $600,000 to local organizations – last year alone, over $125,000 of proceeds were donated to local charities and cycling organizations.
If this event interests you, the lottery will be January 7 at 8:00 a.m. through January 11, 2011 at 8:00 a.m.
For those who were picked up for the Double or even just the Triple. There is a Facebook page for those who what to chat or find groups for the ride. Doulble Triple Bypass