The second half of Stage 2 of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge is not going to be any easier to get around and watch than the first half from Gunnison to Buena Vista, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth trying.
Not only will you get to see some great cycling in action, you’ll be treated to some of the most scenic beauty that ‘Colorful Colorado’ has to offer.
After riding this stage (The Riding of Stage 2 of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge – Part 2: Buena Vista to Aspen), we agree that a much better viewing experience is to be had by selecting a spot and soaking in the action. The following are our thoughts regarding spectating of this stage for the portion after Twin Lakes.
Spectate from Independence Pass if…
- You want to see one of the last places that a strategic move would be made
After the racers pass the summit of Independence Pass, there probably will not be much change in how they finish at the bottom in Aspen. These racers are used to sketchy roads and the Independence Pass descent will probably not phase them one bit. The last move is going to be made on the climb up Independence Pass, so spectate from here if you want to see the second King of the Mountain points awarded of the stage and probably the last strategic move.
- You want to camp
Independence Pass will close at 12 noon on August 24th. The truth is that the campers will have the best spots already staked out. Independence Pass does have less areas to camp on the side of the road, but it does have pit toilets at the top. As mentioned about Cottonwood Pass, be prepared for the worst weather and hope for the best. Even though there are pit toilets up there, be prepared to pack in and pack out.
- You want to see a mountain pass without camping
The road to Independence Pass will close on August 24th at 12 noon. Though the overnight campers will have the best pick of the limited sites (there are not as many areas to camp on this pass as there is on Cottonwood Pass), spectators can still try to make it up there on the morning of the race. The following day after our ride of Stage 2, we were driven back to our vehicle in Gunnison by Greg Fitzsimmons from the Aspen Chamber Resort Association. Greg was a wealth of information and mentioned that the Aspen Chamber may be running a shuttle bus up Independence Pass from Aspen during the morning of the race. Nothing has been finalized, so make sure to check the chamber’s website for up-to-date information.
- You want to view a mountain pass in person and still catch the finish
It is virtually impossible to see the racers summit Independence Pass and catch the finish in Aspen, so the plan is to have a Jumbotron placed on the top of the pass so that at least the finish can be seen by those who choose to spectate the race from the summit.
Spectate in Aspen if…
- You do not want to camp, but you still want to see the race
Aspen will have a number of Jumbotrons set up around town for the spectators to view the race as it storms towards the finish. A number of streets will be closed, so it is best to find parking and walk around. Finding parking in Aspen can be difficult – plan ahead and allot enough time to search for a legal place to park.
- You want to see the finish
The finish of a race is often one of the most exciting parts to see and the finish in Aspen should be no different. With the parking situation is Aspen, it may make spectating easier if you are already staying overnight from the 23rd to the 24th in Aspen. There are a number of lodges and hotels within easy walking distance of the finish line. Though the finish is right in front of the Hotel Jerome, it might be less hectic to stay a few blocks away. Two blocks from the finish, you will find both the Hotel Aspen and its sister property, the Molly Gibson Lodge. Both newly renovated, former ski lodges still had rooms available for the UPCC Stage 2 starting in the low $200s per night. With parking, a continental breakfast and airport transportation included, it actually makes them a bargain for Aspen.
- You like to party in a mountain, resort town
Even though the racers will probably be shuttled away very quickly to Stage 3 in Vail, Aspen has a number of activities planned. The end of the stage will probably have more action and buzz over the day of racing than the beginning. The entourage may be moving out of town, but there will certainly be music, beverages and shopping to keep the spectators who are not moving on to another stage busy. Though Aspen Music Festival closes on August 21st and the MountainFilm in Aspen does not start until August 25th, there will still be plenty of activities in town to entertain you. Visit Aspen Chamber Resort Association for up to the minute listings of events, activities, lodging and VIP packages. Also checkout www.stayaspensnowmass.com for additional lodging information and deals.
- You want to see some women’s professional racing
From August 22nd through august 24th, the Aspen/Snowmass Women’s Pro Stage Race is set to take place. Conceived and organized by Aspen local and U.S. Woman’s cycling Champion Jessica Phillips, the Aspen/Snowmass Woman’s Pro Stage Race will include three-days of events including a time trial from the base of Aspen Highlands to the picturesque Maroon Bells, a circuit race through the hills of Snowmass Village and a criterium race through downtown Aspen, finishing just prior to the finish of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. Proceeds from the race will be used to benefit young women’s athletic programs in the Aspen/Snowmass area.
- If you want to catch a little of the race along with your outdoor vacation
Aspen is an outdoor mountain community with easy access to the outside world – it has the closest airport to any ski resort anywhere on globe. Along with winter skiing, Aspen has a number of outdoor activities available including mountain biking, hiking, fishing, golf and more. Most hotels and lodges know that a high percentage of tourists visiting Aspen are there to engage in some sort of outdoor activity so they make every effort to accommodate them along with their gear. When we rolled into the Molly Gibson, they actually asked if we were taking our bikes into the room and guided us the easiest way to get there. As long as a mess is not made of the property, most lodges and hotels greet outdoor enthusiast visitors with open arms.
Complete KineticShift Stage 2 Coverage of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge