If you can’t ride the course with the pros, the next best thing is watching them in action, and next week you can get your chance if you head out to Colorado to watch the “Queen Stage.” After riding the course (The Riding of Stage 2 of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge – Part 1: Gunnison to Buena Vista), we thought we’d share our thoughts on the best way to take in the course.
With road closures and traffic, it is going to be quite a feat to see Stage 2 of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge (UPCC) from both the start in Gunnison and the finish in Aspen. For the brave or those who would rather sit in a car than hang out at the host cities, there is a route that is only a 2.5 hour drive. Getting out of Gunnison, driving the distance between both cities, finding parking in Aspen and hoofing it to the finish line is going to be tough. After riding the stage, we agree that a better spectating experience will be had by not trying to see both ends of the stage. The following is our thoughts with regards to viewing along the first half of Stage 2.
Spectate in Gunnison if…
- You want to get a closer look at the team vehicles, buses and possibly catch a glimpse of a racer or two
On the evening of August 23rd, the teams will shuttle from Crested Butte to downtown Gunnison. A number of blocks will be closed for team vehicle parking. On the morning of August 24th, the racers will be warming up and preparing for the most grueling stage.
- You want to see Stage 1 race through Gunnison
On August 23rd, Stage 1 will actually follow the same route as the beginning of Stage 2 from downtown Gunnison to Almont. As Stage 1 rolls into town from Salida, sprint points will be awarded at the intersection of US-50 and Adams Street in Gunnison at approximately 2pm. With the bonus of having two days of racing action, family activities, live music and a beer garden, Gunnison is an ideal city to spend a few days to spectate the UPCC.
- You want to listen to live music, enjoy some brews and have a relaxing view of Stage 2
On both August 23rd and August 24th, Gunnison well also be hosting a music festival and setting up a beer garden along with a Jumbotron so that the spectators that choose to have a more relaxing viewing of Stage 1 and Stage 2. The spectators will also have a chance to stroll the vendor expo that also be accompanying the UPCC as it moves from stage to stage.
- If you want to catch a little of the race along with your outdoor vacation
Gunnison is a small community, but is surrounded by a seemingly endless supply of outdoor adventures. The lodging in less expensive than the Aspen side of this stage, so there will be less strain on the vacation budget. If rafting, cycling, hiking, climbing, camping, four-wheeling or even golfing interests you, along with seeing a stage of this world class inaugural race than Gunnison is for you. For more Gunnison vacation ideas, visit the Gunnison Chamber of Commerce website.
Spectate from the top of Cottonwood Pass if…
- You want to see the racers climb and descend a mountain pass
Personally, this is my choice of where to view Stage 2. From the top of the pass, a number of turns can be seen on the climbing side and a few can be seen on the descending side along with catching the action of the first King of the Mountain points award of the stage.
- You want to camp
Cottonwood Pass Road (at least the dirt side) will close at 3pm on August 23rd so that the road can be grated. This mean that you will be on the pass until probably 12 noon on August 24th if you drive up there. Be prepared for the worst weather and hope for the best. Colorado weather can bring high winds, rain, lightening and overnight temperatures in the 40s if not 30s. Also, there are not permanent rest room facilities – be prepared to pack in and pack out everything.
- You are lucky enough to book a shuttle ride
Western State College announces an exclusive shuttle during the queen stage of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. From the base of Cottonwood Pass, on the morning of Wednesday August 24th cycling fans will have the opportunity to catch a ride to the top of Cottonwood pass to witness one of the races most breathtaking climbs. Spectators can see more than three miles of the ascent and two miles of descent. (This road will be closed to all non-sanctioned traffic the day before the day). All proceeds raised from the Cottonwood Shuttle will benefit Western State College of Colorado Club Sports Cycling.
To make a reservation for the Cottonwood Pass shuttle contact:
Laurel Butcher – lbutcher@western.edu or call 970.943.2232
Cottonwood Shuttle Schedule:
Shuttle Schedule: Departure at 7 am, 8 am, 9 am
Departure Location: Taylor Park Trading Post or in close proximity
Capacity: 5 vans, 15 passengers per van, 75 passengers per shuttle departure, 225 total passenger capacity.
- You still want the relaxed viewing mentioned in the Gunnison section
This totally depends on how vehicle traffic is handled after the racers passes, but it is conceivable that once the road is opened to non-race traffic, you could head back to Gunnison for beer and music to catch the finish on the Jumbotron.
Spectate in Buena Vista or Twin Lakes if…
- You are driving by the area and want to catch a glimpse of the race
The racers are going to fly down Cottonwood Pass, through Buena Vista and past Twin Lakes. If you are up there fishing or doing another recreational activity and cycling interests you for about 30 seconds, don’t fret because that is all you will see.
Complete KineticShift Stage 2 Coverage of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge