This is a great spin designed to loosen up one's muscles from Thursday's hill climb. Starting in Rio Grande Park in Aspen, this out-and-back ride takes place on relatively gravel-free asphalt with a very limited number of vehicles driven by local residents at a speed not exceeding 35 mph. The paved road is often ridden by local cycling enthusiasts and has plenty of “share the road” signs that are posted and obeyed by all traffic.

The total distance of this event is about 30.5 miles. This road ride is a steady climb following Castle Creek. It offers cyclists a continuous panorama as it views the seven (7) high peak including Hayden, Leahy, Cathedral, Castle Star, and Taylor. The three (3) mountains in view along this ride are Pearl, Bencroft, and McArthur. The riding surface levels out around mile 10 mile of the 13.1 mile leg and allows you to gaze at the huge faces of granite at the end. Best of all, this ride provides participants with a chance to coast practically all the way back into town. Hence: Crank it up and practically fly back home!