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Event Logistics
Packet Pickup
Please take advantage of packet pick-up before the race. Otherwise, you will need to pick up your race packet on or race morning (not recommended). Packet pickup will be held July 11 and 12 at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO.
If you are registered for the race, bring your USAC license to packet pickup. Citizen riders will need a photo ID. Timing Chips will be included in the race packet and picked up before the race with instructions for proper placement. The correct number placement diagram will be displayed at packet pickup. Merchandise will also be included in your packets.
Directions & Parking
FROM DENVER (EAST)
32.4 miles West on US Interstate 70 to Idaho Springs and take the “Mt. Blue Sky” exit (#240)
FROM DILLON (WEST)
36 miles East on US Interstate 70 to Idaho Springs (thru Eisenhower Tunnel) & take the “Mt. Blue Sky” exit (#240)
START LINE
320 Chicago Creek Rd
Idaho Springs, CO 80452
AWARD PARTY
Shelly Quinn Fields (east end of town)
101 East Idaho Springs Rd. Idaho Springs, CO 80453 (Directions here)
IDAHO SPRINGS IS NOW ALL PAID PARKING
Please carpool as we will have very limited free parking for the race.
Free parking is located along Colorado Blvd., at the east end of town and Loaves & Fishes (8-10 spaces). Once the few free spots fill up, you will need to pay for your parking, $1/ hr for the first 3 hours, then $4/ hour.
There are QR codes throughout the city, on the parking signs, this will make paying for parking in the morning when you leave your car very easy. The parking kiosks are not open until 10am, so you must pay for your parking with the QR code.
Lodging
Idaho Springs has plenty of options to stay the night before the race. Check the link below for options.
Spectators
Unfortunately, we cannot allow spectators along the road during the event. There is limited space on the top of Mt. Blue Sky, and we close the road to spectator and vehicular traffic to protect our riders. Please have your family and friends join you at the Award Party to share in the fun!
Hwy 5 (the road to the Summit of Mt Blue Sky) is closed from 9 pm the day before the race until 2 pm race day.
Friends and Family are welcome to attend the Finish Celebration at Shelly Quinn Fields. Parking is limited, so have them park in Town and stroll over to the finish area.
Ride Details
Blue sky hill climb
Formally Mt Evans, Mt Blue Sky is an iconic ride up the highest paved road in North America. We close the road to the top for your safety and viewing pleasure. It’s the only way to ride this epic road without vehicular distraction. You vs. mountain.
You can ride in the Citizens Challenge or enter the USA Cycling Race. Racers must have a USAC license. Both routes are the same, 27 miles and over 6,700’ of gain, finishing at the Summit at 14,130.’
The Hill Climb is in honor of Bob Cook, US Olympian and record holder. Bob Cook died of brain cancer at the age of 23, and the Hill Climb is a memorial to this extraordinary athlete. NY Times Article
Ride categories
citizens challenge
For someone who does not race on a regular basis or never races at all.
Interested in challenging yourself and competing against the clock.
Allows you to modulate your experience based on your goals. You can still treat it as a race, but how hard you go is up to you.
You do NOT need to purchase a USAC license for the Citizens Challenge
No prizes are awarded, but you will see your time against other riders.
It’s about the fun and the challenge.
Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Blue Sky State Championship Hill Climb
USAC Racers are required to have a license
It is competitive—you are not only competing against your best time, but you are competing against others!
There are podium finishes for the top 3 in each category.
Colorado residents participating in the USAC categories qualify for the Colorado State Hill Climb Championships.
Race Flyer here
Weekend Schedule
Thursday, July 11
Packet Pick Up - Colorado School of Mines in Golden, in conjunction with the Triple Bypass pickup. Details to follow.
friday, July 12
Packet Pick Up - Colorado School of Mines in Golden, in conjunction with the Triple Bypass pickup. Details to follow.
saturday, July 20
Race/Ride HERE
Ride day pickup is available, though not recommended.
Gram Slam riders will receive their snazzy jersey at the finish.
course maps
START
320 Chicago Creek Road in Idaho Springs
[The old middle school]
FINISH
Mt. Blue Sky Summit 11.130’
RACE DISTANCE
27.4 Miles
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This epic climb takes place on the highest paved road in the United States. It’s a 6,714′ climb from an elevation of 7,500′ all the way up to 14,130 feet. There will be an aid station at Echo Lake with electrolytes, water, and gels. Water and snacks will also be available at the summit.
Be prepared to ride down to your car. There is no shuttle service from the summit.
cut off times
Riders must be down through the guard gate on Hwy 5 by 2:00 pm. If you are not down and through the gate by 2:00 pm, you are officially out of the race and are not covered by medical, support or event insurance. This is for the safety of our riders and staff.
Bag drop
Bring gear for the ride down!
We will provide a bag for clothing that will be transported to the summit This bag can hold any of your warm weather gear for the descent. Clothing shuttles will be located at the start line, and the vans will leave at 7:45am, 8:45am, and 9:00am. Plan to have your bags in the vans in plenty of time before they depart.
Note: The descent will be cold, and you will be expected to ride down. Make sure you bring what you need to keep you warm in your clothing bag for the descent! Please wear highly visible clothing for the trip down the mountain; this will ensure your safety in the case of adverse weather conditions.
Please mark your name and telephone number to the bag. PRINT LEGIBLY. If you do not have your name and telephone number on the bag then it cannot be returned to you if you do not claim it.
You will drop your bag near registration in the Gear Trucks, which will be located near the start line.
You are responsible for bringing the bag down with you - it will have drawstring straps.
What goes in the bag? We recommend warm attire for the ride down!
What should NOT go in the bag? Anything breakable – these bags will get thrown around. Do not put valuables like cell phones, wallets, etc. in the bag.
On Course support
HYDRATION STATION
There will be a hydration station located at Echo Lake which will provide water bottle hand-ups, hydration mix and gels. There will also be water, hydration mix, gels, and light snacks at the finish on the summit.
Please do not throw any trash on the mountain. It is a special place and we want to continue to use it. Please put trash in your pocket and dispose of trash receptacles at Summit Lake, the top, and at the start line. No off-trail use permitted due to sensitive environment, please do not walk, ride, or drive off the roads, or designated trails. Public urination is illegal, do not do it! Use discretion while changing at your car, please respect the residents of Idaho Springs.
NO LITTERING ON COURSE, THIS WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION.
NO PUBLIC URINATION, THIS IS ILLEGAL.
PERSONAL SUPPORT
Unfortunately, we cannot allow spectators unless they volunteer. There is limited space on the top of Mt. Blue Sky and we cannot have cars on the road to protect our racers. Please have your family and friends join you at the Award Party to share in the fun!
finish PARTY
The finish/awards party will be located at the Shelly Quinn Fields (east end of town) 101 East Idaho Springs Rd. Directions here
We will have free beer, finish food, and merriment. This is also the location where awards will be given, starting at approximately 11:00 am, to the racers and Colorado State Champions will be crowned. You can pick up any merchandise you did not pick up and Grand Slammers will get their fab jersey.
Register
Pricing
Your Entry Includes:
Hydration station at Echo Lake with electrolytes, water, gels, and a bottle hand-up
The coveted Bob Cook Memorial Blue Sky Hill climb jersey (Citizens Race/Ride - optional add for USAC race)
A big ol’ finisher medal to swing around your neck
Closed road from Echo Lake to the summit
Complimentary beer and food at the finish party in Idaho Springs
Rider timing - Timing is included for ALL Riders
The experience of a lifetime!
Jersey (Citizens Challenge only)
2024 Entry Fee
Citizens Challenge
$150 | Jersey includedUSA Cycling Sanctioned Race
$110 | Jersey not included
REFUND POLICY
Your entry is non-refundable. You will see optional rider cancellation coverage offered by a third party available for purchase during registration. The optional insurance generally covers accidents and illness leading into the event. The optional insurance is not a ‘change my mind policy’. It does not cover change of plans, lack of training, minor injuries, general sickness, bad weather day etc. Please consider purchasing additional rider insurance if you would like extra peace of mind and check the policy limitations before you purchase.
No exceptions. Please don’t email us and ask for a refund. It is unfair to those who invested in insurance, and we hate being the bad guy. We have provided a number of options for you.
FRIENDS & FAMILY TRANSFERS
There is NO public resale of entries. If you have a friend of family member who would like your entry we are happy to transfer it to them at any time. If this transfer happens after April 10th, they will be assigned your jersey size. The transfer MUST be done officially in our system. We need updated contact information for the new rider. Your transfer can be completed from your rider dashboard. Transfers close July 5. Transfer Fee: $15
NO DEFERRALS
Likely there will not be a Blue Sky Hill climb in 2025 due to scheduled road maintenance. For this reason there will be no deferrals offered.