It’s All About The Spandex

For the longest time spandex was something you only saw in gyms. A wonderful partner for the towelling headgear and the oh-so-sexy legwarmers. Come to Steamboat and it’s having a renaissance but this time it is actually quite appealing.

Bikes have replaced skate skis with the changing of the seasons and our Lycra clad road racers are clocking up the miles. Hardly surprising as Ski Town USA morphs into Bike Town USA once the wildflowers begin to bloom. You don’t have to go far to find out why we’ve become such a magnet for folks on two wheels. Money spent over recent years developing extensive terrain on both sides of the Yampa is paying off. If you prefer to avoid the abundant vertical climbs, a gentle ride along the Yampa Core Trail is ideal for all skill levels. With over 500 miles of cross-country, hillside and single tracks there is plenty to explore on wheels. Sticking with a road bike offers endless opportunities for exploring stunning scenery and one-off stops on route.

After securing a spot on the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in 2011, the competitive streak in this town is on a roll with events catering to all abilities. Why not consider adding another dynamic to your next Steamboat vacation?

Kicking off the summer’s competitive biking options is The Town Challenge Mountain Bike Series. Seven races offer a combination of hill climb and cross-country events with 24 categories. May 29, June 12, 26, July 10, 24, August 7, 20 townchallenge.com

Tour de Steamboat is next, a non-competitive event in aid of Sunshine Kids Foundation. Bikers have three options, the 40-mile Stagecoach ride, the all abilities Yampa River Core Trail or the 110 Gore Gruel. Infamous, the final option takes bikers over Rabbit Ears and Gore Passes then back to Steamboat. Saturday 20 July, 2013 rockypeakproductions.com

On August 17 and 18, 2013 the Steamboat Stinger brings biking and running under one umbrella, but you don’t have to do both. Mountain bikers cover 50 miles up and over Emerald Mountain twice. Energy boosts will be on hand throughout the event thanks to Honey Stingers’ selection of chews, waffles and bars. honeystinger.com/steamboatstinger

The USA Pro Cycling Challenge will return to Steamboat Springs. Riders will race through 9 host cities from August 19th – August 25th with the Bike Town USA Stage in Steamboat Springs on August 21st and August 22nd.

Mountain bikers will get their fix again with Steamboat Enduro, a 26 mile ride following the Continental Divide Trail from Rabbit Ears pass to the Steamboat ski area. Very much a backcountry experience. yeticycles.com

To finish off the season, inspired by the Tour de France, the Labor Day weekend Steamboat Stage Race has something for everyone. 10 different racing categories cover 4 stages of racing. Competitors must ride each day. Unusually in the world of pro sports this event offers equal prize money to female and male pro winners. bikesteamboat.com August 31, September 1 and 2, 2013.

Comprehensive details of all bike events can be found on steamboat-chamber.com and steamboatbiketown.com