Introduction This is not the official 2022 Triple Bypass Rider Guide. The product of personal experience and maintained by fans of Triple Bypass—an epic ride through Colorado's Rocky Mountains organized by Team Evergreen Cycling—this guide gives riders a look at everything between the start and finish lines to help riders better understand what to expect. Consider this a living document meant to supplement official materials, with additions and revisions still to come. And everyone is welcome to leave comments and suggestions! For those new to Triple Bypass, it'll easily be among the best rides you'll ever complete! It's also pretty tough, and getting the most out of it requires preparation. Our community is here to help you have a great ride to the finish!
Foreword You'll find a lot of passion and excitement surrounding this event. Triple Bypass has a long history and stands apart from many organized rides in several ways. First, participants are incredibly well supported. From aid stations satisfying nutritional needs to emergency services patrolling the course to dedicated road closures, Team Evergreen Cycling is a class act at event organization. Second, the scenery is nothing short of stunning. It's hard to overstate the beauty of Colorado's Rocky Mountains! You'll often forget how hard you're riding. Third, it offers the unique challenges of climbing mountains on a rare point-to-point course. It'll make you feel like you're a professional cyclist, taking on challenging roads in a dramatic environment. Last—but not least—Triple Bypass is a charity ride! Your participation results in significant charitable contributions, and it helps riders fundraise for their causes, too.
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What, Where, When, and Why Triple Bypass is a massive group ride with thousands of participants, covering 110 miles with nearly 11,000 feet of climbing. Crossing over the Juniper, Loveland, and Vail mountain passes through the Rocky Mountains from Evergreen to Vail. It takes places Saturday, August 20, 2022. Because riding Colorado's mountain passes is an absurdly challenging and hugely rewarding experience! If you've got more questions, read the Frequently Asked Questions section. You can also join Team Evergreen's Rides and Updates group on Facebook or Team Evergreen's server on Discord!
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Introduction Foreword What, Where, When, and Why Course Bergen Park to Juniper Pass Juniper Pass to Idaho Springs Idaho Springs to Georgetown Georgetown to Loveland Basin Loveland Basin to Loveland Pass Loveland Pass to Keystone Keystone to Frisco Frisco to Copper Mountain Copper Mountain to Vail Pass Vail Pass to Vail Ski Resort FAQ Is it a race? Is it well-supported? Do we have to do the whole thing? Do I need special gearing? How much time will it take? How much is elevation a factor? Training Rides Team Evergreen Triple Peak Gran Fondo Routes Contributors 4
Course
The Triple Bypass course is nearly 110 miles long with 11,000 feet of total elevation gain and named for its three key features: Juniper Pass (left, 11,154 ft), Loveland Pass (middle, 11,979 ft), and Vail Pass (right, 10,590 ft). This section details the most exciting features to prepare riders for the road ahead. It does not indicate rest stops or emergency facilities. Those are both subject to change and published by official sources; see the official course map for points of interest. Triple Bypass begins at Bergen Park, where Team Evergreen hosts a fun prelude party to get riders excited for their upcoming day. There's parking near the official start, but it's limited; review the official parking guide for more guidance. If you want a fun way to explore the course with interactive elevation profiles, check it out on VeloViewer!
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Bergen Park to Juniper Pass
This event doesn't wait to throw a big climb at you! Soon as you pass under the starting banner, you'll start the ascent to Juniper Pass: a long, steady climb. There isn't much concern for riders besides tapping out a smooth, even tempo at a high cadence and enjoying the scenery. It's important to pace yourself; it's slightly under 15 miles to the summit with roughly 3,300 feet of gain. There are brief level sections at miles 6, 11, and 13 where your legs will get a break. There are a few switchbacks where grades get slightly steeper, but taking an outside line will help keep you in the saddle. 6
Juniper Pass to Idaho Springs
It's not long before the work pays off! Once you've submitted at Juniper pass, you'll ride into Echo Lake and the entrance to Mount Evans. After a brief flat section passing the lake, you'll begin the second most technical descent on the course. While it's a fast descent, riders should be aware of three hairpin curves that riders should take cautiously. Be prepared for decreasing radius turns. Team Evergreen Cycling stations road marshals to signal dangerous sections. Common sense suggests wildlife are in the area and may encroach upon the road, and this road is open to traffic going the opposite direction requiring respect for the centerline.
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When you reach the bottom, you'll be greeted by cheering spectators and more road marshals. They'll direct you left off of the main road and into a parking lot. Here you'll need to hop a curb to get onto a bike trail that'll take you west of Idaho Springs.
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Idaho Springs to Georgetown
A brief reprieve from the work of climbing and the excitement of blasting down a mountain pass! Enjoy the scenery at a steady, comfortable pace. If you're riding with a group, this is the first of two stretches you can form an effective paceline. Even if feeling recovered from the last descent, don't overtax the legs here; the most demanding work of the course is next.
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Georgetown to Loveland Basin
Now, it gets real! The ascent out of Georgetown to Loveland Basin is arguably the most demanding single segment of the course. None of it's exceptionally steep, but most of it is relentlessly undulating, which many riders will find tiring. Most of this takes place on a dedicated bike trail, free of vehicular traffic, with a few miles on wide, clean, scarcely-used public roads. Shortly west of Georgetown, you'll enjoy one of the more iconic landmarks of Triple Bypass: the historic Georgetown railroad! 10
Loveland Basin to Loveland Pass It's the pinnacle of Triple Bypass! Any rider who reaches Loveland Basin won't have trouble summiting. Don't get psyched out by this seemingly daunting climb—we promise you'll enjoy it as you take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains! Before long, you'll be looking down on tiny cars more than a thousand feet above I-70.
The grade is nearly constant from the Loveland ski area to the top, allowing a smooth spin to almost 12,000 feet above sea level. There's not much advice needed here except to pace yourself! While the road's never steep, the elevation at this highest point on the course will make even modest efforts feel more difficult. Be sure to smile! Team Evergreen has positioned photographers at the halfway point.
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Loveland Pass to Keystone
Another payoff! This descent's the least technical on the course and easily the fastest. Overall, the surface quality is excellent, with only a few minor imperfections shortly after the summit. There are three hairpin turns going into the Arapahoe Basin ski area. Although the road is wide and the turns visible, ride slowly through here and be prepared for gravel. West of the ski area, the pavement becomes perfectly smooth. Don't underestimate the tight turn radius of the offramp at the bottom as you enter the Keystone, and expect rough pavement here.
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As with Juniper Pass, common sense suggests wildlife may be present, and the opposite lane is open to vehicle traffic, demanding respect for the centerline. You'll join cars riding through Keystone, but the volume's typically light, and there is plenty of room for cyclists. The grade levels off at this point and undulates near the end, so you'll have to do a little work. Still an excellent section to rest the legs for the next challenge.
Keystone to Frisco
This segment's main obstacle is Swan Mountain. It's unexceptional except for a short, hard climb right before the top. Be prepared to get out of the saddle here. It might feel hard—your legs are probably a bit toasted by now. Swan Mountain Road is open to traffic, its shoulders are narrow and crumbling, and the surface is full of potholes. Be mindful of cars and heavy trucks. Despite being out-of-the-way, it receives heavy use as a shortcut to avoid rounding north of Dillon Reservoir. Once over the top, the descent is not so technical except for a sweeping left bend that transitions directly into a sharp right turn after mile 75, near the bottom. Feather your brakes early.
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Upon reaching the bottom, you'll cross Route 9 and join a bike trail that'll lead you to Frisco. It's a pleasant, scenic ride, but you'll hit a few undulating sections that'll hurt tired legs. Once past them, it's a gentle, flat ride into town, giving a brief reprieve before starting the gradual ascent to Vail Pass.
Frisco to Copper Mountain
A scenic, well-maintained bike trail takes riders from Frisco to the Copper Mountain ski area. Small hills will take their toll before it smooths out to a long, false flat to Copper Mountain. Similar to the leg from Idaho Springs to Georgetown, this is an opportunity for groups of riders to form pacelines to make good time while recovering for the third and final mountain pass climb.
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Copper Mountain to Vail Pass
You're almost done! The climb up to Vail Pass, the last hard effort of Triple Bypass, is the shortest of the three ascents and has the lowest average grade. However, it does undulate with several steep, out-of-the-saddle sections, but nothing requiring a particularly low gearing. Shortly after joining the trail, be careful of a few hills that often contain gravel in their troughs. Also, the path is narrow, with blind turns and oncoming bike traffic coming down from the pass. Many of these riders will be inexperienced; this is a popular tourist trail. Keep your eyes open, and make sure to wear a smile! Previous editions positioned another photographer on the course not far from the top.
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Vail Pass to Vail Ski Resort
Every rider who reaches this point should feel extremely proud! You've covered 92 miles and climbed nearly 11,000 feet! The great news: it's all down here from here. The slightly bad news: you'll face what's easily the most technical descent of the course. Immediately after passing the smooth, straight road along Black Lakes, you'll pass through a gate and enter a steep, narrow, and twisting bike trail. Surface conditions are also poor, with broken pavement and gravel. If any part of the Triple Bypass course could be called dangerous, this is it. Sections of this trail are directly adjacent to the I-70 eastbound shoulder, but there is plenty of separation from vehicle traffic. Pay careful attention to the stretch between miles 96 and 97! The grade decreases to -7% and gravel is often found on the sharp turn underneath the highway. 16
You'll have to work briefly to get up a small hill at this point, then the rest of the ride is on a wide, clean, well-maintained trail to the finish! Of course, don't let this dissuade you from enjoying it! Simply be mindful of the conditions and exercise caution on this descent.
Eventually, you'll leave the bike trail and join the I-70 frontage road that crisscrosses the highway. You'll join vehicular traffic, but you have plenty of space, and the volume is light in the summer. It's generally flat, but you'll still have to do some work here—especially if there's a headwind.
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As you're tapping out your rhythm, keep an eye out to your left for the turn into the finishing area. Banners will get your attention where a barricade separates the opposite shoulder from the travel lanes. Move to ride on the opposite shoulder. You'll enter the parking lot and coast through crowds of adoring fans.
Congratulations, you completed the Triple Bypass! Now hit the afterparty to get food, beer, and—of course—your sweet medal.
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FAQ Is it a race? You decide! Riders may choose a relaxed, wonderful day on the bike. But those wishing for a competitive element are in luck! Register for the Gran Fondo and race three timed segments: Bergen Park to Juniper Pass, Loveland Basin to Loveland Pass, and Copper Mountain to Vail Pass. Oh, who are we kidding? We're all road cyclists, so… 1. 2. 3. 4.
It's a bike ride with more than one person. A rider crosses the finish line before everyone else. And a rider right behind them who's the first loser. There's an entrance fee.
Of course, it's a race, silly!
😉
Is it well-supported? Yes! SAG isn't permitted, but there are many aid stations along the route, several of which have parking where your friends and family can meet you. By far, it's one of the best-supported rides you'll do.
Do we have to do the whole thing? No! Choose the Double, which starts from Georgetown and skips Juniper Pass.
Do I need special gearing? No. There's little to no gear-mashing on this route. There are only a few brief steep sections after Georgetown (before Loveland Basin) and Vail Pass.
How much time will it take? Lots. There are a lot of factors but expect at least seven hours if riding solo. Despite the distance, it goes by quickly, thanks to a few insanely-fast descents! 19
How much is elevation a factor? It's significant. Exactly how much depends on the rider, and those with power meters will notice much lower numbers. The entirety of the Triple Bypass course is above 8,000 feet above sea level and touches 12,000 feet at Loveland Pass. If you're new to riding at these altitudes, try to arrive early in Colorado and acclimate by riding along the course at points from Idaho Springs, Georgetown, or Frisco, or at least in the foothills west of Denver. See the following section on training for more information.
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Training Triple Bypass is one of the most rewarding events you've ridden. It is also uniquely challenging. Be physically ready to make the most of it! You'll need solid base fitness, and it doesn't hurt to test your legs by riding similar events.
Rides Team Evergreen Ride with us! Team Evergreen Cycling has a calendar full of organized group rides that'll help boost your fitness. Better still, Team Evergreen is hosting three rides dedicated to training for Triple Bypass that cover its biggest features: Date
Route
Distance Gain
July 24, 2022
Bergen Park - Echo Lake - Idaho Springs
43 mi
4,900 ft
July 31, 2022
Idaho Springs - Loveland Pass
57 mi
4,800 ft
August 6, 2022
Frisco - Copper Ski Resort - Vail Pass
54 mi
4,300 ft
At all Team Evergreen rides, you'll get the chance to meet one our Ambassadors, who'll help you with the ride and answer any questions you may have about our events.
Routes If you can stay in Colorado, there are many great outstanding routes where riders can get distance and elevation before the event. From Boulder ● Boulder - Flagstaff - Gross Dam ○ Not much distance, but lots of steep climbs. ○ Great for repeats starting from Chautauqua Park to the summit. From Frisco ● Loveland Pass - Swan Mountain ○ Ascends from the south. 21
○ Climbs opposite the official route. ■ Longer and shallower. ○ Includes Swan Mountain for good measure. ○ There's a fair amount of traffic on this road. ■ But lots of riders do this climb. From Golden ● Golden - Lookout Mountain - Colorow Hill ○ Lookout Mountain is a long, steady climb where you'll find many Triple Bypass riders for weeks leading up to the main event. ● Grapevine Loop (clockwise) ○ Long steady climb with a few steep segments. ○ Descend Lookout Mountain, a local favorite. Looking for more route options? Check out Team Evergreen's library of routes at Ride with GPS for an extensive, curated collection of great rides in Colorado!
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Authors What to help improve this guide? Contact michael@ahlers.family to share your ideas!
Michael Ahlers Also known as the Triple Bypass Super Fan, a consummate, number-crunching roadie, I'd been riding competitively in the MABRA region since 2004, but, in the summer of 2012, I got burned out enough to take up different hobbies. When my wife, Heather, and I moved to Colorado a few years later, I was introduced to Triple Bypass, and the event captivated me. The awe-inspiring scenery, formidable challenge, and rare format of Triple Bypass reignited my passion for cycling! Even though it's not officially a race, Triple Bypass became a competitive outlet and I approach it as a time trial—a compelling reason to ride my bike again after it'd been collecting dust for years. What's more, the hard-working folks who organize it, at Team Evergreen Cycling, are a friendly, welcoming bunch who've built an exciting community for cyclists of all kinds. With them, you always enjoy the ride! Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't give special thanks to Heather for all the support she's given me over recent years in pursuit of my goals for this event! A few of the happiest moments I've had on this ride come from the encouraging messages she sends me that appear on my bike computer after completing key segments.
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