Aspen Invitational
The Route
This ride is a once in a lifetime experience with breathtaking views! The Aspen Invitational is limited to 60 riders & led by Cari Higgins, US Women’s Pro Cyclist along with 5 other pro cyclists.
Riders will start at Bugsy Barnard Park in Aspen, Colorado. Pedaling the first 25 miles of rolling hills in the Aspen valley & up towards Snowmass, riders will have uninterrupted views of the Elk Mountains. Riders completing the route will climb 3,000 feet in the final 35 miles with a total elevation gain of just under 4,000 for the day. Finish the ride by rolling into Bugsy Barnard Park for the finish line festival and BBQ.
The route is fully supported with sag wagons, medical & mechanical services. Aid stations are available throughout the entire course with plenty of energy snacks, water & encouraging volunteers to keep you going!
Ride Leader
Cari Higgins is a 23-time USA Cycling National Champion & known in the cycling world as a fierce competitor. She’s traveled the world representing the USA from 2006-2016. After multiple World Cup & Pan American medals, she was part of the USA Olympic “long team” leading up to the London Olympics.
Cari now lives in the Boulder area & her full-time career has transitioned into real estate sales. Since the inception of Brake the Cycle in Aspen, Cari has been our lead rider. Her vision of what the impact Brake the Cycle has on actual lives & villages in rural Zambia was transformed when she toured some of the beneficiaries in 2017. Her commitment & passion is contagious, & we are delighted to have her as part of our leadership team!
Team
Cari has been joined by an impressive cadre of pros, retired pros, and trainers over the years. By joining the ride, you will have the experience of “riding with the pros” who provide guidance, support, & some laughs along the way. Some of Aspen Invitational alumni pros include Katie Compton, George Hincapie, Daniel Holloway, Danny Summerhill, Kiel Reijnen, Erica Clevenger, & several others!
eBike Riders
Recognizing the growing wave of eBikes (electric assist), we have fully embraced our growing eRider team founded & led by Aspen donor, Linda Porter. With our ride starting in downtown Aspen at lung gasping 7900 ft above sea level, our route covers three significant climbs. Introducing the eBike option has not only opened up our event to a new group of riders, it has added a social aspect to the ride itself. The electric assist allows those who could not otherwise ride the climbs or cover the mileage to participate. In some cases, they seem to be having more fun than the seasoned cyclists!
Volunteers
Volunteers are a huge part of our event success! They are the ambassadors for our riders and donors. Our course volunteers are available to support the riders with food, drink and encouragement by staffing the five aid stations and the finish area.
Lodging
Limelight Aspen
(970) 925-3025
Hotel Aspen
(970) 925-3441
Annabelle Inn
(877) 266-2466