USA Pro Cycling Challenge

Last weekend the USA Pro Cycling Challenge came through Golden. This was a huge event for Colorado. It had been 23 years since a pro bike race was in our state and this one was BIG - a six stage race that covered 5 mountain passes and close to 500 miles. The top 3 finishers from the Tour de France were there. This race had the best of the best.


The final stage of the event started in Golden! For weeks there were signs of road closures and promises of thousands of people. We knew we had to be part of the madness! We went to church that morning, so we were late getting to the starting line. Consequently, we couldn't see much, but we were there!

We were at the starting line for about 10 minutes and then it was all over. Luckily, the race came through town three different times before heading out of Golden and down to Denver for the finish. After the start, we walked a few blocks over to the street that they were using to get out of town and set up shop.

We had to wait about an hour before they came by us, but this time we were in the front line and it was worth it.

The town of Golden showed up! There were thousands of people lining the streets (it was Buffalo Bill Days times 100!) to cheer for the riders.

I am not a cyclist, but it was exhilerating to feel the wind off the bikes as the whizzed inches from us going upwards of 45mph. It was awesome!


It sounds as if the challenge was a huge success for the riders and for Colorado. Maybe I'll get into cycling so I can enjoy it even more next year.

Ok, probably not :)