are perfect daytrips. Or, gear up at the Montrose BMX Complex and the Montrose Skate Park, both free. Wineries and orchards fi ll the area, which pair perfectly with the all-
natural, artisan cheeses made at nearby Rocking W Dairy. At night, get nostalgic at Star Drive-In Theatre, celebrating its 60th year with nightly give-aways. Comfortable lodgings are plentiful. Visit
www.visitmontrose.com.
Crested Butte, August 21. Stage 2 ends at wildfl ower central with a sprint through Crested Butte’s downtown. The fi nish line is three miles up at Mount Crested Butte. The area’s quirky nature shines through for USAPCC events. Townie
Crit loops cruiser-bike riders through town, with a pass through a local bar, in crazy bike gear: tutus and wigs are encouraged. Toddlers compete in a pedal-less bike race, while elite hand cyclists compete on the same loop as Townie Crit—minus the bar stop. A few days prior, an amateur race rides sections of the USAPCC course, and live music serenades all race day. Hikers can trek in the almost two million acres of national forest, or
mountain bike and then shop at unique boutiques. Families like the zip line and Adventure Park. Sate yourself at the steakhouse Maxwells, Brick Oven pizza or on the
wide-open deck at 9380. Lodgings run from chic to condo. Visit
www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com.
Gunnison, August 22. The host city for the start of Stage 3 also sees Stage 2 pass through on August 21. The royal treatment is rolled out both days at Queen’s Court, which includes music, a kids’ zone, places to play and explore, and more. On August 19, amateur cyclists can ride the brutal Stage 3 course over
Cottonwood and Independence Passes. On August 20, a criterium-style citizen’s race warms up a loop the pros ride during Stage 2. More casual fans can roam an exhibit of repurposed bike parts as art
at the Gunnison Arts Center. Gear heads of another sort can peruse the Gunnison Car Show August 16–19, including a cycling-themed chainsaw carving contest. Water sportsmen love nearby Blue Mesa Reservoir, with 96 miles of shore-
line, and the gold medal waters of the Gunnison, Taylor and East Rivers. Families enjoy the Morrow Point boat tour, an hour and a half pontoon ride through the awesome upper Black Canyon. The new Gunnison Whitewater Park hosts recreational canoeing, kayaking and rafting. Or, look up at the Gunnison Valley Observatory, with specialized lec-
tures available on Fridays and Saturdays, through September. Visit
www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com.
Plan Your Race Course
Updated race, route and host city infor- mation can be found at USA Pro Cycling Challenge’s main website,
www.upccinfo.com. For more host city information, pick up yo copy of Colorado & Utah TourBook, which lists dining, lodging and attractions and highlights
p your
merchants who honor AAA discounts. Available at your local AAA offi ce (see p. 11). Race packages, including special VIP seating and special access to athletes, can be booked at
http://usapcc-viptravel.velovacations.com/.
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