Due to snow, slush, and ice on Highway 82 on Indy Pass as of 8:30am, the Ride will not be held
Highway 82 at Lincoln Creek as of 8:30am
about the 2019 ride for the pass
The Ride has two finish lines: The first at Weller Lake turnout, just over two miles from the starting line for families and recreational riders, and the second at the Independence ghost town site ten miles from the start. All riders doing the ten mile Independence route are timed and included in the competitive category for their respective age groups; all Weller riders are untimed. In addition, E-bikes—category 1/pedal assist ONLY—are welcome to ride. They will be in their own, untimed category, starting 15 minutes after the timed riders, and will NOT be eligible for prizes associated with placing.
In years past the Ride has attracted almost 400 riders and starting line registration has been crowded, so riders are encouraged to pre-register prior to the Ride. Winning race times to Independence are usually around 40 minutes, with most riders finishing in less than two hours.
There are aid stations and turnaround sites at various points along the route. The Ride is followed by a party at the St. Regis Hotel in Aspen featuring free beer and other beverages, as well as dozens of fantastic drawing prizes donated by Roaring Fork Valley businesses.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR WITH QUESTIONS —
PLEASE CONTACT RIDE COORDINATOR
DINA BELMONTE
970-379-1222
dinab@sopris.net
Frequently Asked QuestionS
When does the Ride start?
10:00am for the timed ride to the ghost town of Independence.
10:10am for the recreational ride to Weller and all e-bikes.Where is the shuttle?
The shuttle starts at the pullout across from Difficult Campground approximately 2 miles below the start line – the last shuttle leaves at 9:15 a.m.What is the Ride route?
The start is at the Winter Gate 5 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82. If you enter Aspen from the west and stay on Highway 82, you can’t miss it. There will be two finish lines: The first at Weller Lake turnout, just over two miles from the starting line for families and recreational riders, and the second at the traditional Independence ghost town site ten miles from the start (climbing 2,300 feet and topping out at 10,800’ in elevation).How do I register?
We encourage all participants to register online (hit the green registration button at the top of this page). ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 2PM FRIDAY, MAY 17. You may also register in person at the Limelight Hotel in Aspen, 355 S. Monarch Street, on Friday, May 17, from 10am-7pm, or at the starting line—registration will close at 9:00am sharp for timed riders and 10:00am for non-timed riders.Where do I pick up my Ride packet?
Ride packets & number plates will be available in the lobby of the Limelight Hotel (see #4 above) on Friday or on Saturday morning at the starting line prior to the Ride start.Where is parking available?
Only very limited parking is available at the start line and along Highway 82. We recommend car pooling, parking across from Difficult Campground 3.5 miles east of Aspen and taking the free shuttle van from there (runs from 8:15-9:15 am.), or parking in Aspen and riding your bike to the start line.When does the race end?
The course sweep will start at 12:30 p.m. – we try to have everyone off the course by 1:00 p.m.When does registration close?
9:00am the morning of the Ride at the starting line for timed riders going to Independence and 10:00am for non-timed riders going to Weller.How will timing work?
We are using number plates with disposable chips. The plate will be placed on the front of the rider’s bike.Do I have to be timed?
The 2-mile ride to Weller is a non-timed event. The 10-mile ride to Independence is a timed event. All e-bikers will be untimed.Can I ride to the summit?
You are welcome to go where you please, although all IPF’s support ends at Independence and when the course is swept at 12:30 p.m.What do I do with my warm clothes?
Please bring your own labeled bag and bring to the appropriate truck uphill of the start line – look for the signs that correspond to your destination (Weller or Independence)– clothes must be delivered by 9:45 a.m. because trucks need to leave for the aid stations by then. Any bags left at the finish will be brought down to the start by 1pm. If not claimed, bags will be at the St Regis after-party by 2pm.Where is the after-Ride party?
This year’s after-Ride party will be held at the St. Regis Hotel, 315 East Dean St., Aspen, from 1-3:30pm, where we will announce the winners of each age category, give away amazing raffle prizes, and offer free beer, other beverages, and snacks.How much does registration cost?
Fees are $45 for individuals and $75 for families for the timed ride to Independence and $25 for individuals and $50 for families for the non-timed Weller ride through 2pm (for online registration) and 7pm (for Limelight registration) on Friday, May 17 . The morning of the Race, May 18, registration fees increase to $50 for individuals and $80 for families for the Independence ride and $30 for individuals and $55 for families for the Weller ride. Families include children under 15.
Do Aspen Cycling Club dues pay for Ride registration?
No, the two are separate.Is there an Aspen Cycling Club sign-up spot?
Anyone who participates in the Ride and is not a Cycling Club member will have his/her points counted in the Cycling Club standings if he/she signs up for Cycling Club membership within a week of the Ride for the Pass. For more information on the Cycling Club, contact them via their website, aspencyclingclub.org.Where are the aid stations?
There are four aid stations – one at Weller finish line, one at Lincoln Creek, approximately 3.5 miles from the start, one at Lost Man (7 miles), and one at the finish line (10 miles). Each aid stations has water, some bike repair tools, energy bars, and a first aid kit. EMTs will be riding along – watch for orange bibs with STAFF label on riders – and ambulance support will be at Lincoln Creek. There are porto johns at the start and both finishes (Weller and Independence).When will results be available?
Preliminary results will be available at the after-Ride party. Official results will be available within 24 hours, and will be e-mailed to participants and will appear on IPF’s website. Local newspapers should also publish results within five days.Are there any lodging specials in town?
The Aspen Square Condominium Hotel in Aspen is offering a special rate of $169 + tax per night for a fireplace studio—just mention “Ride for the Pass.” To make a reservation, call 866-286-3798 or 970-925-1000 or go to: https://www.aspensquarehotel.com/utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=sojern&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxJbS6Onp4QIVVp7ACh3IuAbUEAAYASAAEgJYvfD_BwEWhat is the cancellation policy? In the event of inclement weather or icy or snowy conditions on Highway 82 on race day, the Independence Pass Foundation will use its best judgment to determine whether the Ride will be reasonably safe for participants. When possible IPF will will alert participants of cancellation by email, website and Facebook postings by 5pm the day prior. However, weather and conditions depending, it may be necessary to cancel the Ride the morning of Ride day. Because IPF is a non-profit organization that assumes almost all Ride-related costs well prior to Ride day, there will be no refunds in the event of cancellation.
Rules of the Road
— Wear a helmet.
— Watch for water, ice and other hazards – rough spots and water are marked by signs or cones.
— Be aware of “Road Hazard” and “Wet Pavement” signs.
— Number plate must be visible on the front of your bike.
— If you have any problems, please pull off the road.
— The first aid station is at Lincoln Creek; second is at Lost Man.
— Stay in line at the Finish Line if you want to be timed.
— Obey the Yellow Line – watch out for two-way traffic as some riders will be descending as others are still ascending.
— Watch out for the motorcycle rider who will be sweeping the course from time to time.
— Pass on the left – pull over to the right for faster traffic.
— Watch out for uphill traffic and pedestrians during your descent – control your speed.
Ride 2019 Sponsors (as of June 1, 2019)
$5,000
St. Regis Aspen
$2,500
Alpine Bank
Fidel Duke
Resnick Family Foundation
Ute Mountaineer
$1,000
Barbara Allen
Aspen Public Radio
Aspen Times
Bandit Wines
Blazing Adventures
John & Jacolyn Bucksbaum
Forrest Painting
Hansen Construction
KDNK Community Radio
$500
Anonymous
Aspen Brewing Company
Aspen Daily News
Aspen Tree Service
Balcomb & Green
Basalt Bike & Ski
Bob Camp
Chinook Charitable Foundation
Chris Klug Properties
Christie’s Int’l Realty Aspen/Snowmass
Earth-Wise Horticultural
Frias Properties
The Gant
David Hyman & Barbara Reid
Jeff Kenner
Obermeyer Wood Investment Counsel
James & Hensley Peterson
Reese Henry & Company
Rockwood Trust, Bruce Lee
Ryan Investments
SGM
Timberline Bank
Craig Ward & Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s Int’l Realty
$250
Alpine Valley Services
Aspen Sports
Best Sign Systems
David Borchers, MD
Steve & Donna Chase
Cunningham Mortgage Company
Paul D’Amato & Beth Cashdan
Debbi & Steve Falender
Boots Ferguson
GZO Roofing
Bill & Joyce Gruenberg
H3 Architects
Harry Teague Architects
High Mountain Taxi
Holy Cross Energy
Rodney & Niki Jacobs
Kazakh Adventures
Carol Ann Kopf
Oates Knezevich Gardenswartz Kelly & Morrow, PC
Pagni Lawn
Renewal by Andersen
Ski.com
T-Lazy-7
Thomas Land Management
Valley Lumber
King Woodward