2019 Ride the Rockies Visitor's Guide

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RIDE THE ROCKIES 2019 GUIDE

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CYCLING TIPS COMMUNITY GUIDES NUTRITION & MORE!

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WELCOME Hello and welcome to the West of 105 guide to the 2019 edition of Ride the Rockies.

Some of you will hopefully know West of 105 magazine.

Launched in September last year, we are a digital lifestyle magazine that tries to bring the best and most interesting parts of life West of the 105th meridian to those living in Colorado and those visiting from across the country and from around the world.

We are approaching our one-year anniversary, and we are thrilled to be working with Ride the Rockies.

This year is going to be an interesting ride, not least because it is a loop - well sort of a loop as it technically ends in Mt. Crested Butte - but because of the intensity of this past winter - and the fact that it isn’t quite ready to give up in the higher parts of the state. Bring some colder weather gear just in case!

For this guide, we spoke to a few very talented people to get some insight into long-distance, multi-day rides like Ride the Rockies, and we’re sure that even the

TABLE OF CONTENTS

most experienced riders will learn something from them. One of them is Kevin Dessart, the Director of Coaching Education and Athlete Development for USA Cycling. He offers some tips on how to make a long ride a little bit easier.

We also took a look at the Two Wheels For Change campaign, a brand new initiative of the Denver Post Community Foundation that supports several charitable organizations that provide various cycling-related services to those in need across the world.

We have also produced mini guides to the host towns that have a few recommendations for where to eat and drink after a long day in the saddle as well as where to get your caffeine fix before you head out in the morning.

Be sure to follow West of 105 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and let us know your thoughts on our guide using @westof105 on all three platforms.

See you on the road.

Brittany and Rob

6 & 8 bike giveaways

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TWO WHEELS FOR CHANGE

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BY THE NUMBERS

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THIS YEAR’S STATS

CYCLING TIPS

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THE CHARITABLE ASPECT OF RTR

DEVIN DESSART SHARES PRO TRICKS

E-BIKES

RTR OPENS UP TO A

WHOLE NEW DEMOGRAPHIC

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SOLO RIDERS CLUB

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DON’T GO IT ALONE

EAT WELL

CHEF BIJU THOMAS TALKS US THROUGH PROPER NUTRITION ON THE ROAD

14-31 COMMUNITY GUIDES

CRESTED BUTTE GUNNISON

BUENA VISTA SNOWMASS CARBONDALE HOTCHKISS

MT CRESTED BUTTE

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LIV IS GIVING AWAY THE LANGMA ADVANCED 1 DISC! Retail value: $2,520

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TWO WHEELS FOR CHANGE

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New to Ride The Rockies this year is the Two Wheels For Change campaign. An initiative of the Denver Post Community Foundation, the campaign benefits the Denver Post Community Foundation and all the initiatives it supports as well and a mix of other charitable organizations that provide various cycling-related services to those in need across the world.

Born from a desire to make cycling accessible to everyone, no matter what their life circumstances are, the Two Wheels For Change campaign aims to change the lives of people in need with the gift of cycling.

Every participant, whether you are riding as an individual or a team, has had a fundraising page set up for them by Pledge Reg, a partner site of the RTR registration page Bike Reg. This makes it incredibly easy to start fundraising. To activate your fundraising page, simply go to pledgereg.com, search for Ride the Rockies 2019 and follow the instructions to find and activate your account.

You can customize your page to tell people why you are fundraising. You can also create a tem and invite others to join. Then simply share the page and start fundraising.

Money raised through the campaign will be distributed to the following non-profit agencies who benefit the cycling community through the Denver Post Community Foundation.

ADAPTIVE SPORTS CENTER Adaptive Sports Center: The ASC is a full-fledged therapeutic recreation program that operates year-round, with adaptive activities ranging from mountain biking and skiing to ice climbing and kayaking.

Over 6,000 activities are provided annually to nearly 800 individuals who come to Crested Butte from all over the U.S. and overseas each year.

BICYCLE COLORADO Based in Denver, the mission is to lead a passionate and growing movement that champions the interests of everyone who rides or wants to ride a bicycle in our state. For more than 25 years, we’ve used advocacy, education and passion to make Colorado one of the most bicycle-friendly states in the nation. We encourage and promote bicycling, increase safety, improve conditions and provide a voice for people who ride bicycles in Colorado. With the support of our members and numerous partnerships across the public and private sector, we’ve made significant strides in improving bicycling since 1992.

DAVIS PHINNEY FOUNDATION Davis Phinney Foundation: As an Olympic Bronze medalist and Tour de France stage winner, Davis Phinney has celebrated the most victories of any cyclist in American history. From the late 1970′s until his retirement from professional cycling in 1993, Davis achieved more wins – 328 victories in all – than any other US Cyclist. In 2000, after years of feeling not quite right, and an almost endless round of tests, Davis was diagnosed with Youngonset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD). Finally, the years of

battling constant fatigue, the mental fogginess, and the muscle cramping of bouts of sudden numbing weakness had a name. Realizing that there are ways to improve the quality of his day to day living, Davis started Davis Phinney Foundation as a way to promote and fund innovative research that demonstrates the effects and importance of exercise, speech, and other elements that are critical to quality of life. Davis continues to celebrate daily victories in his life and inspire others with his message of optimism and encouragement to help people with Parkinson’s live well today.

WISH FOR WHEELS A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that gives brand new bicycles and helmets to kids in low income communities. Founded in 2004, our first giveaway made it clear that the bikes bring health and happiness into these kids’ lives and for that reason, we are committed to making a difference.

Our unique model bundles corporate philanthropy, team building, and employee engagements through bike builds, to deliver brand new bikes to kids in the community.

We are successful thanks to the generosity of our corporate partners and volunteers in the community.

Our mission, through the gift of a new bicycle, is to transform the lives of kids from low-income families, broadening their scope for personal growth and a healthy lifestyle.

WORLD BICYCLE RELIEF A global bicycle charity, World Bicycle Relief mobilizes people in developing countries with access to education, healthcare and economic opportunity. World Bicycle Relief (WBR) builds and distributes specially-designed, locally assembled, rugged

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bicycles. With the experience and expertise gained over the last 10 years designing and delivering more than 400,000 Buffalo Bicycles, WBR has developed an efficient, innovative and scalable model to successfully address the great need for reliable, affordable transportation in rural areas of developing countries.

While the fundraising cutoff date for the Two Wheels for Change campaign is June 9 (Day 1 of Ride the Rockies), every donation is important, so consider activating your account and sharing your fundraising page around if you haven’t already, even if it is for a week!

INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISING Each participant whether you are on a team or not, will be set up with your own fundraising page automatically after you register. Individuals will be eligible for the “Individual” Category prizes and incentives.

TEAM PLEDGE REG FUNDRAISING Team members will fundraise individually and your collective amount fundraised as a team will be tracked through Pledge Reg. The top three teams who fundraise the most for Two Wheels at a Time will be eligible for “Team” category prizes, individuals on teams will also qualify for the individual prizes and incentives.

There are incentives for fundraising, too, with the first place team getting a catered team party, and the first place individual getting $1,000 credit towards the purchase of a bike. There is also a Big Agnes camping package and a $200 gift card from cycling apparel company Primal. And anybody who raises more than $500 gets a Ride The Rockies Jacket.

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GIANT IS GIVING AWAY THE GIANT DEFY ADVANCED 1!

GIVEAWAY

Retail value: $2,520

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RTR BY THE NUMBERS

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CARBONDALE @WESTOF105 | #CrosstheMeridian

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B U T T E 9

cycling tips

We all need help from time to time. Sometimes it is as simple as getting a little boost from “Eye of the Tiger” coming from the speaker of a nearby cyclist or help changing a flat.

But one of the best ways to ensure a successful ride is to have the right gear and know how to use it.

USA Cycling is the national governing body for bicycle racing in the United States, and we spoke to Kevin Dessart, USA Cycling’s Director of Coaching Education and Athlete Development, and asked him for some tips and tricks to help make your ride that much easier.

GOING OUT TO HARD For long rides, most cyclists feel really good in the beginning and don’t think they pushing too hard, but in reality a lot of them are. Even if you feel good, bring it down

Kevin Dessart is the Director of Coaching Education and Athlete Development for USA Cycling. In his role with USA Cycling, he has had the opportunity to work and educate a myriad of coaches and athletes ranging

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10-15 percent. Pace yourself, and go out easier than you think you should. Perhaps the best way to know how hard or easy to go out is to use a power meter and to know your power ranges don’t go above them.

BIKE FIT Not having your bike set up correctly can lead to a multitude of aches pains and injuries. If, for example, your saddle is too low you aren’t going to get a proper extension and that will put undue stress on your knees.

If your saddle is too far forward or back, your reach to your bars will put strain on your back or neck which can lead to muscle fatigue and pain. If you’ve ever had numb hands while riding, it is probably related to your bike fit. Shoulder aches after a long ride? Your bars might be too low. Most bike shops will have a certified bike fitter.

KIT In terms of what you wear, a clean chamois every single day is so important when it comes to comfort. Bring prepared weather wise is also very important. The weather in the Rockies in June can fluctuate wildly, and so having the proper clothing is super important - that means leg and arm warmers, a vest or a rain jacket, something to cover your head beside your helmet. And gloves. Gloves are huge and can alleviate a lot of problems. Shoe covers, too, are important. If your extremities get cold, that can make for a miserable ride.

Clip-less pedals are great, but the shoe, a good one with a carbon sole, transfers more power and you don’t waste energy. But try a range of shoes, whether velcro, lace up or BOA, to find the right one for you.

TRAINING AND TAPERING When it comes to being prepared for an event and being well rested, there’s a fine line between being well rested and losing some of your fitness. For example the week before an event like Ride the Rockies, training should be brought down in a progressive manner with some shorter, harder efforts but at the same time you shouldn’t be doing a workout

from beginners to World Champions. As an athlete, he has raced 19 Ironman triathlons (including 9 World Championships), and countless Road, Mountain Bike, and Cyclocross races.

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that you need to recover from. And don’t try to cram your training, it won’t work!

REST AND RELAXATION Rest and recovery is the most important part of your training. If you’re not properly rested or recovered, you won’t be able to reach the maximum goal of each workout. Most people think more is better, no pain, no gain and all that. That’s old school and while you do have to put in the work, recovery (and nutrition) is just as important - if not more important - than the training.

AT THE END OF THE DAY While there is a lot of science around ice baths and the like as post-workout recovery techniques, generally speaking, if something works for you, do it. There is a mental advantage to doing something that you think is working. So, whether that be stretching, ice baths, a long cool down, yoga, meditation, a rub down, compression socks or even a nap immediately after getting off your bike, do it if it works for you. One of the best things anyone can do when it comes to recovery is rest.

Oh, and cutting back on those post-ride beers won’t hurt, either.

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E-ride the rockies For the first time ever, Ride the Rockies will allow e-bikes to participate, opening the event up to even more people The idea of spending a good part of seven consecutive days on a bike doesn’t appeal to everyone, but there are a lot of people who do love the idea of spending seven days in the mountains of Colorado, but for one reason or another don’t think they can do it or literally can’t. In fact, lots of e-bikes that are sold , majority 5000 sold to baby boomers more than 80 percent of people who buy and ride e-bikes do so because of various health issues.

Everyone from lifelong cyclists that have undergone procedures such as knee replacement surgery to those who have other serious medical conditions,

have found that e-bikes allow them to enjoy (or continue to enjoy) the mountains that make Colorado such a special place.

Ride the Rockies is, on the surface of it, all about cycling, but it is more than that, it is as much about getting outside and enjoying the incredible scenery on offer in Colorado as it is about cranking out miles - after all you can do that in a gym.

E-bikes will allow more people to experience Ride the Rockies and the mountains of Colorado, and that can only be a good thing.

The bikes are not without detractors, of course, but the idea that e-bike riders will be whizzing around the mountains

and flying past those struggling to climb up mountain passes is unfounded, and even if someone is having an easier time than you, that shouldn’t devalue your own experience.

This year, Ride the Rockies (and Pedal the Plains) has partnered with BEST e-Bikes USA and Pedego Denver to provide vehicle support and battery charging, battery charging. And BEST e-BIKES USA have a special program that will enable people to buy, ride and sell (on consignment) an e-bike for RTR. There will also be a limited number of e-bikes to try during RTR, so stop by and see the BEST e-BIKES USA team and borrown a bike for your evening commute to see how you like them.

DON’T GO IT ALONE This year, Ride the Rockies has introduced the Solo Riders’ Club. The new club is intended to help those riding the Rockies on their own find other solo riders to share the experience with.

Every year after the dust settles on another Ride the Rockies, people get thinking. Then they start emailing with suggestions of how Ride the Rockies could be better or address this or that particular concern. While all suggestions are gratefully received, some ideas ara so good that they eventually become part of a future Ride the Rockies. One of those ideas is the new Solo Riders’ Club.

The email that was the beginning of the Solo Riders’ Club was pretty simple.

It asked the organizers if they could do something to help solo riders meet each other. Anyone who has done RTR will tell you that riding with someone else, whether it be just one other person or a large group, makes the ride easier and more enjoyable, even if it is just on the occasional (and almost always welcome) nice long stretch of flat road or at aid stations. And, of course, evenings after a long day in the saddle are much more enjoyable when you have someone to reminisce with (and possibly share a beer or two).

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The SRC is also a great resource when preparing for the ride, whether you’re a first-time rider or if you are unfamiliar with Colorado and the elevations you will be riding at when you get there. The Solo Riders’ Club was born to make sure everyone has the best possible experience on Ride the Rockies, so if you are going to be doing RTR on your own, read on to find out how to get involved.

Joining the RTR SRC is literally as simple as logging into Facebook and joining the group. If you don’t have a Facebook account, you can always create an account and delete it after RTR. Aside from the wealth of information that is the Facebook group, the SRC will also have reserved tables in the gathering tent for every meal and dedicated meeting spots so you can set off together in the morning.

Search for “Ride The Rockies SRC” on Facebook or visit facebook.com/ groups/RTRSRC. To find the meeting points and the SRC reserved tables, look for the teardrop-shaped banner flags (right).

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LOOK FOR THIS FLAG DURING THE RIDE TO MEET OTHER SOLO RIDERS!

EAT WELL

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Chef Biju Thomas is a professional chef known for light, simple dishes bursting with bold flavors.

He is the owner of Biju’s Little Curry Shop which has three locations in Denver.

He is bringing his significant culinary chops to the Ride the Rockies Prologue as not only as an accomplished chef but also as a chef for pro cycling teams and the co-author of the Feed Zone series of books that feature hundreds of easy, healthy recipes and snack ideas for an active lifestyle.

The Ride the Rockies website has a few recipes from FEED ZONE TABLE, the latest book from Biju Thomas and Dr. Allen Lim. Of the recipes on the website, one that is surely worthy of any RTR participant is Mac ‘N’ Cheese Bolognese, a dish created at the request of professional cyclist Mark Cavendish during the 2015 Tour of California.

Cavendish went on to win that day’s stage! Recipe below. Click here to see the other recipes.

Biju Thomas grew up in Denver and started riding and racing bikes in high school. At the same time, he started cooking in restaurants and has been combining the two pretty much ever since.

While Thomas’ restaurants offer Indian food in a Chipotle-style setting, when he is cooking and writing for athletes, the food, as you might expect, is quite different. Overall, Thomas says, it is a very clean, fresh and modern take on food. It is food that is easy to understand and digest and simple enough to be repeated at home, which is an important part of training for an event like Ride the Rockies.

For athletes, both pro and amateur, finding the balance between flavor and nutrition when it comes to what to eat to optimize training can be difficult. Years of experience working with professional cycling teams has given Thomas that ability, but making sure calorie needs are met can be a little more challenging as athletes need to be able to eat and keep down the volume they need.

Mac ‘N’ Cheese Bolognese

As an example of what Thomas means when he says clean, fresh and modern, the Prologue meal will include dishes such as chilled cashew rice with a fresh herb salad, chopped cucumber and green olive salad, grilled chicken breast with feta and red onion and grilled salmon with tomatoes and lemon butter.

In 2009, Thomas teamed up with Dr. Allen Lim, a sports physiologist, cycling coach, and a founder of Skratch Labs, to improve the everyday diets and performance nutrition of professional cyclists and their teams. In the years since, Thomas has cooked for dozens of elite professional cyclists. His Feed Zone series of books with Lim feature hundreds of easy, healthy recipes and snack ideas for an active

lifestyle. Biju Thomas has been a chef for pro cycling teams and coordinated food for one of the sport’s biggest races, the Tour of California.

Biju has also been the chef for the Dempsey/Del Piero Racing, a Grand-Am and Le Mans motorsports team.

Thomas will be cooking lunch on the summit of Cochetopa Pass as part of the 10th Annual VIP Prologue Experience June 7-8.

General tips and advice for RTR participants can be found on the Ride the Rockies website. Chief among them include eating one to two hours before each day of the tour and every thirty to forty minutes while cycling. Eating a recovery meal within an hour of finishing each day is also recommended.

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8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni or curly noodles 1 cup minced bacon 1 pound ground beef ½ cup minced onion ½ cup finely diced carrots ½ cup minced celery 2 cloves minced garlic ½ cup tomato paste 1 cup dry white wine 1 cup whole milk 1 large tomato, diced 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, basil, or a mixture) Coarse salt and pepper to taste Freshly grated Parmesan Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and prepare the pasta as directed on the package.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

Brown the bacon in a heavy pot over medium-high heat until crisp. Add the ground beef and continue to cook until browned.

Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and cook until the carrots are tender, about 5–6 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan. Add the tomato paste and use a wooden spoon to fully incorporate it, scraping the bottom of the pan. Turn the heat down to medium and add the white wine, cooking about 5 minutes to reduce the liquid and let the flavors meld. Turn the heat off and quickly stir in the milk until well combined. Finish with the diced tomato and fresh herbs, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss with pasta and garnish with Parmesan.

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TOWN HISTORY WHERE TO EAT & DRINK SPECIAL RTR EVENTS & HAPPENINGS CRESTED BUTTE - PAGE 14 GUNNISON - PAGE 17 BUENA VISTA - PAGE 20 SNOWMASS - PAGE 23 CARBONDALE - PAGE 25 HOTCHKISS - PAGE 28 MOUNT CRESTED BUTTE - PAGE 30 14

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CRESTED BUTTE

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Originally inhabited by the Ute people, John Gunnison was one of the early white explorers to enter the area.

Coal and silver mines opened in the late 1870s and the area began to attract more and more people. Many small towns didn’t survive the decline of silver mining, but Crested Butte did thanks to it being a supply town. With the eventual closure of coal mines in the areas, the town eventually started a period of decline which it didn’t come out of until Crested Butte Mountain Resort opened in the 1960s. Today, Crested Butte is one of Colorado’s most desirable mountain towns with a wellpreserved historic downtown. It has a thriving arts community and attracts thousands of people year round, although “mud season” is understandably slower.

Photo: Denise Chambers / Miles

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Headquarters: Crested Butte Community School, 818 Red Lady Avenue

HAPPENINGS Sidewalk sale: Specials and deals for Ride the Rockies participants at select stores. From 12 PM until shop closing hours The 2019 Ride The Rockies Expo will be held June 8, June 9 and June 15. The RTR Expo will showcase bicycle and component manufacturers, outdoor industry professionals, non-profit organizations and other vendors.

The June 8 expo in Crested Butte will be held from 12 PM to 7 PM

LOOKING AHEAD: STAGE ONE Sunday, June 9 Crested Butte to Gunnison Distance: 65.1 Miles

Elevation Gain: 2,492’

Highlights: Taylor Reservoir

Route Open: 8 AM - 10 AM

Gunnison Headquarters: Jorgensen Park, E Tomichi Avenue & S Teller Street

Route Closure: 4 PM

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Elevation of Crested Butte 8,909 feet Elevation of Gunnison 7,703 feet

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Crested Butte DRINKING & DINING ARRIVAL DAYS (JUNE 8 & 15) Irwin Brewing Crested Butte’s newest craft brewery brings 23 years of brewery experience to the valley.

Opened in January 2017, IBC currently has 10 different styles of ales and lagers. IBC sells growlers and kegs at their 326 Belleview Ave location Friday – Saturday 3-6pm, but several of their beers are available on draught at bars and restaurants in town (see website for details).

326 Belleview Av 970 275 7578 Friday – Saturday 3-6pm

The Secret Stash Pizzeria Voted best pizza and wings every since they opened in 2002, Secret Stash has Crack Fries, Stash Wings, and Stuffed Mushies to name but three appetizers. There are a few salads as we all almost two dozen pizzas including the Mac Daddy (thousand island dressing, mozzarella, shaved ribeye, onions, american and cheddar cheese, topped with cool lettuce and pickles on a sesame seed crust). And Secret Stash doesn’t take reservations.

303 Elk Ave 970-349-6245 Mon-Wed: Closed Thur-Sun 4:30pm-9:30pm

Frank’s Deli Offering what is claimed are Crested Butte’s best sandwiches as well as to-go meals, homemade soups, salads and all natural meats, at Frank’s you can expect deli platters (meat and cheese, lox or smoked trout options) and speciality sandwiches. You can also build your own sandwich!

525 Red Lady Ave 970 349 5011 10AM until 6:30PM, 6am opening on Sunday for RTR

Mikey’s Pizza In 2007, Mikey’s Pizza opened in CB and filled a gap that needed to be filled - it brought New York-style pizza to Crested Butte and the people rejoiced. Today, Mikey’s offers slices “the size of your head” as well as sandwiches, salads, calzones and all-day breakfast options.

611 3rd St 970 349 1110 M - F 10AM - 9PM | Weekends 3PM - 9PM

Butte 66 Bar and Grille Serving casual classics (ribs, burgers and the like), along with a full menu of drinks (including full strength milkshakes), Butte 66 also has a big deck that is great if the weather is nice. As for what to eat, start with loaded roadhouse waffle fries, follow that

with some blackened shrimp tacos and finish with a double chocolate milkshake.

10 Crested Butte Way 970 349 2999 Open 11 AM - 6 PM

Public House Public House celebrates local Colorado craft breweries, including Crested Butte’s own Irwin Brewing, wineries, and distilleries, seasonally relevant and farm-driven food, generous lodging, and the conviviality of live music. As for food, you can expect dishes like poutine and blistered shishitos to start as well as salads, burgers, and mains like shrimp and grits and mac n cheese.

Unfussy, but delicious food.

202 Elk Ave 970 349 0173 Wed - Sun 11:30 AM - Close

Montanya Distillers Once voted best restaurant in Crested Butte by TripAdvisor, Montanya is ostensibly a rum distillery, but with a bar (with an extensive cocktail iist), food that gets rave reviews and regular live music, it is so much more than just a distillery. With two patios that will be open, weather permitting of course, there is likely going to be plenty of space. There are no reservations at Montanya, so just show up.

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212 Elk Ave 970 799 3206 Open 11 AM - 9 PM

The Divvy Open on Saturday June 8th for lunch only (due to a private event that evening), the restaurant has recently undergone a concept change and is now a Korean world fusion restaurant that offers sharing plates for the table. The menu will have adventurous dishes for those that want to try but there will be more down to earth dishes for the less adventurous. The Divvy will,be open for lunch and dinner on June 15th for those staying in Crested Butte after the ride.

620 Gothic Road 970 787 5447 Open 11 AM - 10 PM

DEPARTING DAY (JUNE 9) Octopus Coffee 21 Elk Ave 970 312 5394 Open at 6AM

Izzys

218 Maroon Ave 970 349 5630 Opens at 7AM

Paradise Cafe 435 6th St 970 349 5622 Opens at 7AM

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GUNNISON

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Would it be possible to tweak the Gunnison narrative just a bit to --Just like Crested Butte, Gunnison was originally home to the Ute Indians. The history of the town coincided with a state-wide mining boom. Named after John W. Gunnison, the leader of an expedition charged with finding a transcontinental rail route through the Rocky Mountains, the town became incorporated in 1880, the same year the railroad arrived.

Today, Gunnison is home to Western Colorado University and has a rich heritage in ranching, tourism and education.

Crested Butte ski area, Blue Mesa Reservoir, and Monarch ski area are all nearby offering a mecca for lovers of the great outdoors.

Awesome hiking, biking, and water sports abound.

Visit the Pioneer Museum located adjacent to Jorgensen Park. The Museum is open to Ride the Rockies participants FREE of charge In Legion Park, the Gunnison Arts Center will present live music at 6 PM along with a beer garden and food vendors. Legion Park is directly across the street from Jorgensen Park Arrival Day June 9 Arrival Day June 14: Dancing in the Streets: Closure of East Virginia Avenue 5pm – 8pm High Alpine Brewing Company Beer & Wine & Food Vendors:

HAPPENINGS

Jorgensen Park, E Tomichi Avenue & S Teller Street

Vendor Expo: 10am – 7pm at Jorgensen Park – Outdoor Ice Rink

LOOKING AHEAD: STAGE TWO Monday, June 10 Gunnison to Buena Vista Distance: 83.2 Miles

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Elevation Gain: 5,393’ Route Open: 6 AM - 8 AM Route Closure: 4 PM

Highlights: Monarch Pass, Collegiate Peaks, Arkansas River

Main Street

Buena Vista Headquarters: Riverside Park, 717 E

Elevation of Buena Vista: 7,965 feet

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Elevation of Gunnison 7,703 feet

Formal in the Front

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(Well, not really. More "Casual Fine Dining. ...")

! ck a B e th n i y Part (Gunnison County’s only River Bar)

Call 641-2493 for availability & reservations. Dinner from 5pm 2674 Colorado 135 | garlicmikes.com @WESTOF105 | #CrosstheMeridian

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GUNNISON DRINKING & DINING ARRIVAL DAYS (JUNE 9 & 14) Mario’s Pizza & Pasta Simple wood-paneled pizzeria featuring classic and Chicago-style pies plus pasta and sandwiches along with appetizers, soup and salad, Stromboli and calzones. Mario’s Pizza will also be offering a dinner special on June 14 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM at IOOF Park.

Garlic Mike’s Order a drink from the bar and enjoy the river in the back of the restaurant before enjoying an authentic Italian meal.

From burrata caprese and calamari for appetizers to salads and soups, diners can choose between house special pastas or pick their own pasta, sauce and additions. There is also a variety of other main courses on offer.

213 W Tomichi Ave 970 641 1374 Open 11 AM - 9 PM

2674 CO-135 970 641 2493 5PM until close

The Dive Pub Pub food meets Colorado craft beer at the Dive.

A newer addition to Gunnison, The Dive features an outdoor patio, daily specials, snacks, soup and salad, sandwiches and other classic pub grub items including poutine. Happy hour specials are offered from 3:30 PM - 6 PM Monday to Friday.

Power Stop Offering a range of early-morning breakfast offerings, Power Stop also has plenty of lunch and dinner dishes including wings and appetizers, sandwiches, burgers (interesting offerings include a peanut butter bacon burger, a Cubanostyle and The Commish for the super hungry rider (a burger with three slices of cheddar cheese, chicken breast, chicken-fried steak, bacon, fried egg and mozzarella sticks.

213 W Tomichi Ave 970 641 1375 11 AM - 10:30 PM

High Alpine Brewing Company With a second floor deck overlooking Main Street, this brew pub is perfectlylocated for refueling and rehydrating.

111 North Main Street 970 642 4500 11 AM - Midnight

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905 North Main Street 970 641 2328 6 AM - 10 PM

Firebrand Delicatessen Serving up tasty sandwiches for nearly 25 years, this sandwich shop has vegetarian and meat offerings.

There is also a number of baked goods on offer

(locals rave the muffins are the best around).

108 North Main Street 970 641 6266 7 AM - 3 PM

Pie-Zan’s Pizzeria Another classic pizza place, Pie-Zan’s offers whole pizzas and pizza by the slice. Apart from slices, there is a buildyour-own option as well as around 20 house specialties. From 11 AM to 3 PM there is a lunch special, calzones, pasta, salad, Stromboli and wings.

There is also a patio and beer and wine on offer and delivery within city limits.

730 North Main Street 970 641 5255 11AM - 9 PM

The Gunnisack This cozy restaurant is somewhat of a local institution. There are nightly specials that compliment the regular menu which includes burgers served on our freshly baked buns, appetizers, Steaks, salads, samiches, seafood, chilis and soups. Desserts, kids menu, vegetarian, gluten free, full bar.

142 North Main Street 970 641 5445 11 AM - 9 PM

DEPARTURE DAYS (JUNE 10 & 15) Double Shot Cyclery

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Double Shot Cyclery serves espresso and coffee from Mountain Phoenix Roasters in Salida and First Ascent in Crested Butte. All beans are organic and fair-trade.

There is also a breakfast menu that offers baked goods and breakfast burritos.

222 North Main Street 970 642 5411 7 AM - 7 PM

W Cafe Breakfast entrées, omelettes, French toast and pancakes with sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas, soup and salad for lunch. W Cafe will also have offerings at the community lunch on June 9th and 14th at the Jorgensen Park outdoor Ice Rink 114 North Main Street 970 641 1744 7 AM - 2 PM

Backcountry Cafe Backcountry Cafe offers the standard breakfast staples including omelettes, skillets, benedicts, sweet offerings and almost a dozen specialty breakfast dishes. While breakfast is served all day, the lunch menu kicks in at 11 AM and offers wraps, burgers, sandwiches and more. Do yourself a favor and order something with pork green chili!

138 North Main Street 970 641 7423 7 AM - 2:30 PM

BUENA VISTA

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Pronounced Bew-na Vista by some, BV by others and, apparently, Bewnie by a few, this quaint town of just under 3,000 people has the beautiful views itsname suggests.

The seemingly botched pronunciation of Spanish for beautiful view isn’t actually a mispronunciation at all.

At a meeting in 1879, residents and property owners in the area held a meeting with a view to creating a formal community. Two names were proposed by attendees: Collegiate Peaks, after the mountains in the area, and Buena Vista. The latter was proposed by Alsina Dearheimer who wanted to borrow the first syllable of the English word beautiful, and, as they say, the rest is history.

Photo: Matt Inden / Miles

HQ

Riverside Park, 717 E Main Street

(Eddyline also has a taproom and a restaurant in town - both are worth checking out!)

Lunch will be between 11-4:30ish with Elkhorn Catering serving pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken breast sandwiches, veggie burgers and bratwurst.

Dinner will be from 5 PM to 8 PM where Simple Eatery will have a pasta bar at the Community Tent Entertainment: 1 PM - 3PM CooperMartin Duo 3 PM - 4PM Enchanted Strings 4 PM - 5 PM Ceruleus 5 PM - 7 PM Mountain Mantra The Lariat will be offering live music from rock/altpop quartet Preachervan

HAPPENINGS

Breakfast & coffee in the morning is from 5 AM to 9 AM.

Eddyline Brewery is the official beer sponsor at the RTR beer garden

Please bring cash for food vendors.

ATM at Collegiate Peaks Bank next door to Chaffee County Times newspaper off of E. Main.

LOOKING AHEAD: STAGE THREE Tuesday, June 11 Buena Vista to Snowmass Distance: 73 Miles Elevation Gain:

5,779’

Arkansas River, Independence Pass

Route Open: 6 AM - 8 AM Route Closure: 4 PM Highlights:

Snowmass Headquarters: Snowmass Village Recreation Center, 2835 Brush Creek

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Road Elevation of Gunnison 7,703 feet Elevation of Buena Vista: 7,965 feet

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BUENA VISTA DRINKING & DINING ARRIVAL DAY (JUNE 10) Deerhammer Founded in 2010, this grain to glass distillery was inspired by the bootstrap ambition of some of the early European settlers.

Built by co-founder Lenny Eckstein who cobbled together used dairy equipment and repurposed machinery, Today Deerhammer turns of some great

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products including the Deerhammer Single Malt Whiskey, their cornerstone contribution to the American craft spirits world. Deerhammer also offers tours of its very bijou distillery. Make an appointment if you can; if you just turn up they will do their best to accommodate.

321 E Main St 719 395-9464 11AM-10PM DAILY

Eddyline Brewery This year’s official beer of Ride The Rockies, the Eddyline taproom features twelve beers on tap as well as tasting room only specialties.

A menu of pub food and wood fired pizzas makes this a popular place for locals and visitors; RTR participants will love it, too, particularly the outdoor patio. Eddyline’s flagship Crank Yanker IPA is an easy drinking IPA with tropical aromas of mango, orange, and

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pineapple. But be careful, at 7% ABV, it isn’t to be toyed with. One mile away at 926 S Main is the Eddyline Restaurant .

Registered 2019 RTR riders and volunteers can stop into the Eddyline Brewery and Taproom in Buena Vista and pick up a commemorative 2019 RTR pint glass.

102 Linderman Ave 719 966 6018 11 AM - 9 PM

BUENA VISTA DRINKING & DINING The Lariat Restaurant and live music venue the Lariat was once voted best bar in the Rockies, and for good reason. With an ever-changing menu inspired by the seasons that includes an eclectic range of dishes including fried green tomatoes, melon and prosciutto skewers, bison sliders and vegan spaghetti, front and back patios and lots of live music, the Lariat is a popular spot.

On the day RTR rolls into town, rock/alt-pop quartet Preachervan will be at the Lariat as they as they make their way around the country on tour.

206 E Main St 719 395-9494 11 AM - 11 PM

Simple Eatery A fresh casual dining restaurant serving lunch, dinner and drinks daily.

Expect salsas made from local ingredients, soups made from scratch as well as seasonal pasta dishes. There is also an artisan bakery onsite and a frozen yoghurt bar.

Enjoy all of the above on the patio.

402 E. Min Street 719 207 9400 10:30 AM to 8 PM

House Rock Kitchen With a goal of making healthy eating fun using fresh, seasonal and local ingredients to nourish and make delicious food, you can expect salads and burritosas well as a selection of House Bowls that are made up of a protein (grilled chicken, house-smoked beef brisket, for example) and a range of globally inspired bases - Indian, Moroccan, Greek and the like. There are also burgers and sandwiches and a few other things.

421 East Main St 719 966 2326 11 AM to 9 PM

Sorelle Delicatessen Well-suited for those who want to grab a few things and head to their hotel or campsite and relax, the family-owned and operated Sorelle Delicatessen is Italian inspired and serves a wide range of sandwiches using all-natural meats and cheeses along with many house made specialty menu items.

Also on offer are salads,

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soups and fresh pasta dishes.

303 Highway 24 719-395-8417 11 AM -8 PM

The Buena Viking Serving all kinds of goodies from a funky food truck on Main Street, the Buena Viking has an extensive menu that includes signature burgers, melts and different loaded assortments of tater tots and sweet potato fries. Favorites include the Boone Burger (which has a slab of cream cheese and jalapenos) and signature burger the Viking (cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo).

The First Snow has goat cheese and honey on it while the truffle parm tots are surely to die for.

321 E. Main St. 719 398 0136 11 AM to 8 PM

Wesley and Rose Lobby Bar From freshly-baked artisan breads and beignets to crisp salads, specialty cocktails and grass-fed Colorado beef, the restaurant offers

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a rotating selection of seasonal handcrafted dishes. With a private dining room and an adjoining patio, bar is ideal for a casual meal.

Surf Hotel, 1012 Front Loop 719 966 7048 DAILY FROM 4PM

DEPARTURE DAY (JUNE 11) Brown Dog Coffee Company: A mainstay in BV, Brown Dog Coffee prides itself on offering the best customer service and the highest quality possible. Coffee is from sustainable and socially responsible farms and is roasted on site to ensure a fresher cup of coffee.

With outdoor seating that looks out towards the Collegiate Peaks, BDCC is a great place to enjoy a coffee with a muffin, a brownie or a cookie, all of which are baked onsite.

If nothing else, stop in and say hi to Kona A.K.A The Brown Dog! 713 US-24 719 395-2634 7:30 AM until 4:30 PM

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SNOWMASS Like many of the towns on this year’s Ride the Rockies route, Brush Creek Valley (which is where the town of Snowmass Village is) was originally where the Ute people hunted, fished, and gathered wild foods in summer. Nonnative explorers first saw the Elk Mountains in the early 1850s.

Ranching followed and in 1958, Olympic skier Bill Janss began buying up ranches in the valley with an eye toward emulating the success of Aspen ski area. In December 1967, Snowmass-AtAspen opened. The Town of Snowmass Village was incorporated a decade later in 1977. Construction is currently underway on the final phases of Snowmass Base Village — the largest ski resort development underway in North America. In 2010, over 36,000 vertebrate fossils (including mammoths, mastodons, ground

Photo: Jeremy Swanson

HQ

Snowmass Village Recreation Center, 2835 Brush Creek Road

sloths, horse, camel and deer), were found in sediments deposited by an alpine lake during the last interglacial period.

The site is known as the Snowmastodon site.

HAPPENINGS Food vendors:

•Windy City Eats •Cowgirl Lemonade •Home Team BBQ Entertainment: •Live Music in Town Park from the Drunken’ Poets Band from 4:30 PM – 8 PM, Town Park Stage •Welcome and Awards from 6:00 – 7:00 PM on the Town Park Stage •Outside Movie Feat.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Presented by Aspen Film and East West Partners shown at Snowmass Base Village at 8:00 PM

LOOKING AHEAD: STAGE FOUR Wednesday, June 12 Snowmass to Carbondale Distance: 79.3 Miles (with Castle Creek option) 38 miles (without 24

Castle Creek option) Elevation Gain: 6,190’ (with Castle Creek option) 2,529’ (without Castle Creek option)

Route Closure: 4 PM

School, 180 Snowmass Drive

Highlights: Roaring Fork Valley, Ashcroft Ghost Town

Elevation of Snowmass Village 8,209 feet

Route Open: 7 AM - 9 AM

Carbondale Headquarters: Carbondale Middle

Elevation of Carbondale 6,181 feet

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DRINKING & DINING SNOWMASS ARRIVAL DAY (JUNE 11) Slow Groovin Slopeside Colorado barbecue, which is to say it doesn’t adhere to any one particular style, instead doing whatever is necessary to make the best barbecue possible, mixing flavors and techniques from across the country.

67 Elbert Lane 970 429 4761 12 PM to 10 PM

The New Belgium Ranger Station Tucked away at the at the end of the Snowmass Village mall, the Ranger Station offers 12 beers on

tap as well as hand-crafted cocktails and a selection of wines. There is also pub food such as pretzel rolls, sliders, nachos as well as soups and salads.

100 Elbert Lane 970 236 6277 11 AM - 9 PM

Big Hoss Grill Affordable restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with homemade food at down to earth prices.

Specializing in barbecue and Mexican dishes.

Located on the Snowmass Mall.

45 Village Square Store #1 970.923.2597 7.30 AM to 9 PM

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The Artisan Restaurant Located on the lobby level of the Stonebridge Inn, The Artisan is known for its seasonal cuisine and comfortable atmosphere. Enjoy dishes such as cilantro and lime shrimp ceviche, calamari, blackened chicken alfredo or Colorado NY strip steak on the secluded outdoor patio. An extensive wine list, innovative cocktails, and a selection of Colorado’s finest craft brews on tap compliment the menu.

300 Carriage Way 970 923 2427 Daily 7 AM - 10AM, 3 PM-5.30PM 5.30PM-10 PM

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Black Saddle Bar & Grill

Located at the Snowmass Club Golf Clubhouse, the Black Saddle offers dishes such as chicken tortilla soup, parmesan truffle fries and crispy Korean pork ribs as appetizers, while there is a small selection of salads including beet and goat cheese and the classic Cobb. There are also sandwiches and several main courses, served from after 5pm, including steak and frites, chicken Milanese and shrimp scampi.

239 Snowmass Club Circle, 970 923-5600 Mon. & Tue. 12 PM - 9 PM; Wed.-Sun. 4 PM -9 PM

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CARBONDALE Settled by gold and silver miners, hunters and farmers, the early settlers started cattle and sheep ranches and began growing potatoes, which for over 50 years was the mainstay crop of the Carbondale economy. Incorporated on January 31, 1888 and named after Carbondale, Pennsylvania where some of the early settlers came from, the town suffered from the silver panic of 1893. The turn of the century saw a surge in potato farming, and the community stabilized and prospered. Today, Carbondale has a vibrant arts community, some truly excellent places to eat and drink and has a wide range of community gatherings and events.

Photo: Pierre Hollard

HQ

Read our 24 Hours in Carbondale feature here and plan your next visit!

Carbondale Middle School, 180 Snowmass Drive

HAPPENINGS 4th & Main Events • •

• • •

• • • • •

10AM: Carbondale Farmer’s Market 11:AM: Taste of Carbondale food vendors & beer garden 11AM-2PM: Live Music by Dwight Ferren 2PM-4PM: Music Provided by KDNK, Community Radio 4PM: Ride the Rockies/Denver Post Community Foundation Check Presentation; Live Painting by Marcel Kahhak; Music by Roaring Fork High School Jazz Band 5PM: Wolf Tones 6PM: Callin Old Souls 7PM: Guilty Pleasure 7:45PM: Beer Garden Last Call 8PM: Event Ends

LOOKING AHEAD: STAGE FIVE Thursday, June 13 Carbondale to Hotchkiss Distance: 65.4 Miles

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Elevation Gain: 3,958 Route Open: 7 AM - 9 AM Route Closure: 4 PM

Highlights: McClure Pass, Paonia State Park and Reservoir Hotchkiss Headquarters: Delta County

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Fairgrounds, 403 Fairgrounds Elevation of Carbondale: 6,181 feet Elevation of Hotchkiss 5,331 feet

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2019 Calendar of Events Jan 19: Feb 3 or 16: Mar 14-16: April 20: April 25-28: May 11: May 17-23: May 18: June 8: June 9: June 9: June 12-13: June 16: June 22-23: July 4: July 5: July 13 or 14: July 14: July 26-28: July 27: July 28: Aug 9-11: Aug 10 or 11: Aug 11: Aug 16: Aug 18: August 23:

Full Moon Tri Rassle the Castle Green is the New Black Fashion Show Town Easter Egg Hunt & 5K 5 Point Film Festival Dandelion Day Bonedale Bike Week Bike Park Competition 8th Annual Bonedale Skate Revival Community Pedaleando Summer Park Concert Series Ride the Rockies Rodeo & Concert Team Roping & Sorting Event 4th of July Parade & Pool Party 18th Annual Mt. Sopris Music Fest Jaripeo y Baile Mexican Rodeo Summer Park Concert Series Carbondale Mountain Fair Mt. Sopris Runoff & 4mi Run Porcupine Loop Bike Race Compassion Fest Jaripeo y Baile Mexican Rodeo Summer Park Concert Series The Hoot Our Town - One Table Cowboy Up

Sept 6: Sept 7-8: Sept 8: Sept 10-15: Sept 12-15: Sept 18: Sept 21: Sept 21-22: Oct 5: Oct 5: Oct 11: Oct 12: Oct 20: Nov 28: Nov 28: Dec 15:

Wilderness Workshop Party Roaring Fork Ranch Roping Summer Park Concert Series National Sheep Dog Finals No Man’s Land Film Festival Chamber Business Confluence Clay Center’s Annual Fundraiser Western Slope Pickleball Tournament Potato Day Parade & BBQ Ross Montesori 5K & Marmot Mile Celtic Fest Oktoberfest Aloha Shaka Cross Race #1 Turkey Cross Trot Aloha Shaka Cross Race #2 Jingle Bell 5K Run

Dates Subject to Change

Recurring Events SUMMER

Farmers’ Market: Wednesdays Wild West Rodeo: Thursdays

YEAR ROUND

First Fridays Celebration every month

www.carbondale.com This advertorial content was provided

by Tourism Council of Carbondale. © Tourism Council of Carbondale 2018 @WESTOF105 | #CrosstheMeridian Photo Credit: Ben Mawhinney

Come experience why Carbondale was named one of the ‘50 Best Places to Live’ 27

by Men’s Journal.

DRINKING & DINING CARBONDALE ARRIVAL DAY (JUNE 12) Carbondale Beer Works A classic Colorado brewpub with a great selection of beer and a good selection of pub food. The On a Whim Hot Wings are tossed in a hot sauce made with their own On a Whim IPA. Vegetarians might want to try the Veggie Brewben, a sandwich made with “Pastramied” mushrooms.

647 Main St 970 704 1216 Sunday-Thursday 11 AM-11 PM

Batch at Roaring Fork Beer Company Batch is essentially Roaring Fork Beer Company’s downtown Carbondale taproom.

The funky eatery offers almost as much in the way of art as it does anything else. It is one of the coolest spaces in town to grab a beer or a housemade soda.

358 Main Street 970 510 5934 Monday-Thursday 3PM-10PM

The Way Home A two-room hotel and excellent restaurant, The Way Home offers dishes that are comprised of as many local and regional ingredients as possible.

With an ever changing menu that balances Italian roots and South American influences, it is hard to say what 28

delights await Ride the Rockies participants, but as examples, the oxtail poutine and the trout with cauliflower, pancetta and parsnip are as good as they sound. The two are almost austere but in the coolest way.

for six years and have recently rennovated and expanded their space.

689 Main St 970 510 5417 5 PM-10 PM

Peppino’s Pizza With a second location in Glenwood Springs, Peppino’s Pizza is your classic pizza joint. With pizza by the slice, this is a popular spot for local kids and anyone looking for a quick fix. There are also calzones and stromboli as well as a range of salads, subs and sandwiches.

They also have Colorado beers and house made root beer on tap.

White House Pizza A classic American pizza house with all manner of doughy concoctions that will get you well and truly loaded with carbs. There are also Stromboli and calzones, sandwiches, pastas, soups and salads.

Whitehouse attributes its success to its spinart dip - spinach and artichoke hearts blended into a creamy parmesan dip served warm with herbed focaccia bread and veggies.

801 Main Court 970 704 9400 11AM-11PM

Senor Taco Show Visitors to the Senor Taco Show website are greeted with a bold statement, namely that this is the best Mexican food in Colorado (or pretty damn close). With a relatively small menu of tacos, quesadillas, tortas, burritos as well as a few Mexican beers, this place is a great place for a quick bite or a full meal. By the time RTR rolls into town, Senor Taco Show will have only been in operation

46 N 4th Street 970 510 5363 Lunch 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM Dinner 5 PM-10 PM

524 Main Street 970 963-2993 11 AM-9:00 PM

Marble Distilling Co Probably the most stylish distillery in the state (and possibly the country), the familyowned and -operated craft distillery and tasting room is the perfect place for something a little stronger. The handcrafted, artisan spirits (the Gingercello is always a big hit), are pot distilled through crushed Yule marble using Colorado grown grains and pure Crystal River spring water (even the distilling equipment is American made). There is a patio with a fireplace, a rooftop deck and the members-only Barrel Room. There is also the

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Distillery Inn, five beautiful suites right in the heart of downtown and the only inn in the world that is housed within a working distillery.

150 Main Street 970 963 7008 Monday-Thursday, 3 PM10PM; Friday-Saturday, NOON-11 PM; Sunday, 3 PM-8 PM

DEPARTURE DAY (JUNE 13) Bonfire Coffee On a quest to consciously and ethically source the highest quality coffees, Bonfire is more than just a local coffee shop. Roasted in small batches and with respect to the effort and dedication that goes into getting coffee from source to cuo, Bonfire offers a wide range of single-origin and blended coffees. Very popular with locals and visitors alike, Bonfire always seems to be buzzing.

433 Main Street 970 510 5327 6:30 AM - 5 PM Daily

Village Smithy A local favorite since 1975, the Village Smithy is open for breakfast, brunch and lunch seven days a week. The Smithy offers hearty portions of everything including skillets and scrambles, burgers and benedicts and chile relleno and chicken chimichangas.

26 South 3rd Street 970 963-9990 7 AM to 2 PM

HOTCHKISS

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Named for Enos Throop Hotchkiss who led the first recorded prospective settlers into the North Fork in 1880, the town.

Hotchkiss allegedly illegally scouted the area on his own the year before, picking out likely homesteads while the Utes were still in possession. Returning the following year when it was legal, Hotchkiss became one of the first legal settlers in the valley. The town is built primarily on the early homestead claims of Hotchkiss and the Duke brothers who accompanied him in 1881.

Today, Hotchkiss is brimming with orchards and produces all manner of produce including peaches, apples and cherries. There are also several accomplished winemakers turning local grapes into awardwinning wines. There is also Gold Medal trout fishing

HQ Delta County Fairgrounds, 403 Fairgrounds

HAPPENINGS The Bell Creek Band at Delta County Fair Grounds from 5 PM 6:30 PM If you have the stamina to venture out of town (or stop on your way in!), there are some spectacular wineries in the region. A few around Hotchkiss and Paonia include: Leroux Creek Vineyards 970 872 4746 Azura Cellars 970 390 4251 Black Bridge Winery 970 527 6838 Endless Endeavor Winery 970 527 4769 Note that some of the roads to access the wineries may not be paved. Call ahead to ensure the tasting rooms are open.

LOOKING AHEAD: STAGE SIX Friday, June 14 Hotchkiss to Gunnison Distance: 79.1 Miles Elevation Gain:

6,861’ Route Open: 6 AM - 8 AM Route Closure: 4 PM

Highlights: Black Canyon, Blue Mesa Reservoir Gunnison Headquarters: Jorgensen Park, E Tomichi Avenue & S

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Teller Street Elevation of Hotchkiss 5,331 feet Elevation of Gunnison 7,703 feet

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DRINKING & DINING HOTCHKISS ARRIVAL DAY (JUNE 13) Arrival Day, Thursday June 13 Taco Hut A casual Mexican restaurant with outdoor seating. The menu offers daily specials, tacos, burritos, enchiladas and combination platters.

301 East Bridge St 970 872 2100 Open from 8 AM-8 PM

Zack’s BBQ From smoked ribs, coleslaw and mashed potatoes, to southern 30

fried chicken and pancakes with eggs, Zack’s is a no frills, oldfashioned barbecue joint.

Take out is also available, so call an order in before you arrive.

721 E Bridge St 970 872 3199 6:30 AM-9 PM

Tucker’s Pizza, Pub & Arcade With a menu of pizzas, calzones and burgers among other things, Tucker’s is the place to go when you have an appetite. As the name suggests, Tucker’s has a full bar and an arcade with dart boards, pool tables

and classic arcade games including Pac-Man, Galaga and Big Buck Hunter.

221 E Bridge St 970 872 4039 11 AM - 8 PM

The Station A local grocery store and deli, The Station is the retail store and cafe for regional food distributor Farm Runners.

As such you can expect free-range eggs in your breakfast burrito, local cheese in your classic grilled cheese, and locally grown tomatoes on your gluten free pizza. There are also lots of grab-n-go items, too.

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235 Hwy 133 970 872 9633 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Pat’s Bar and Grill Everything in Hotchkiss is pretty much a few minutes away from everything else. And so it is with Pat’s, at least from the RTR Hotchkiss HQ. Expect salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers, a few Tex-Mex items and a range of barbecue and steaks for dinner. Pat’s will be offering a set menu the evening RTR passes through.

140 West Bridge St. 970 872 4215 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

DRINKING & DINING HOTCHKISS ARRIVAL DAY (JUNE 13) Arrival Day, Thursday June 13 PJ’s Neighborhood Pub Across the street from Pat’s, PJ’s has a rather eclectic menu featuring everything from a New Orleans-style pizza with cajun shrimp to a cider brined pork chop with

a molasses and apple reduction - and lots in between. The drink menu has our kinds of martini.

107 W. Bridge St, 970 872 4582 5-9 PM

133 BRGR The name pretty much says it all. With burgers and sandwiches such as

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the smokey blue cheese burger, the jalapeño chicken fried steak sandwich and the classic Philly cheese steak, 133 BRGR will satisfy those who need a meat fix.

There are also chicken and fish sandwiches on the menu among a few other things.

325 Highway 133 970 872 2173

11 AM - 9 PM

DEPARTURE DAY FRIDAY JUNE 14 Coaltrain Coffeehouse Get your caffeine fix before you head out of Hotchkiss at the only coffee shop in town.

328 Bridge Street 970 872 5282 6:30 AM - 2 PM

LOOKING AHEAD: STAGE SEVEN & finish line Saturday, June 15 Gunnison to Mt. Crested Butte Distance: 31.2 Miles Elevation Gain: 2,086’ Route Open: 8 AM - 10 AM Route Closure:

2:30 PM

7,703 feet

Closing Ceremony: 3 PM

Elevation of Mt. Crested Butte 9,898 feet

Mt. Crested Butte Headquarters & Closing Ceremony location: Mt. Crested Butte Parking lot, 620 Gothic Road Elevation of Gunnison

Happenings In anticipation that the riders will party hard on Friday night in Gunnison (street party anyone?!) before the short trek up to Mt. Crested Butte on Saturday morning,

closing festivities will be a bit on the tame side, but nonetheless still fun and celebratory!

Burnells Farmhouse Eatery will be on hand for refueling, while live music will be playing at the ski base area.

Congratulations on completing Ride the Rockies and hope to see you next year!

CONGRATULATIONS ON COMPLETING RIDE THE ROCKIES 2019! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR NOW GO ENJOY A CELEBRATORY ICE COLD EDDYLINE BEER - YOU DESERVE IT!

@WESTOF105 | #CrosstheMeridian

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