Ride The Rockies is an annual bicycle tour that takes 2,000 cyclists, assisted by more than 100 volunteers, on a weeklong ride on paved roads through Colorado's Rocky Mountains each June. This year, the ride begins in Grand Junction, and are those folks in for a treat.

Ride The Rockies is scheduled for June 13-19. In celebration of 25 years, Ride The Rockies patrons will be treated to a seven-day, 532-mile trek ascending four of Colorado's most scenic mountain passes, including Red Mountain, Coal Bank, Wolf Creek and Poncha. Cyclists will also travel Molas Divide and experience two natural wonders in the Colorado National Monument and the Grand Mesa.

The first ride on June 13 will take riders through Grand Junction and over the top of the Colorado National Monument for a 46-mile ride that will delight and stretch the cyclists. This ride is a tease, getting participants ready for one of the toughest climbs in Colorado, a 90-mile ride from Grand Junction to Delta over the top of the Grand Mesa, the largest flattop mountain in the world. The elevation peaks at 10,839 feet, but riders will have to pedal even higher when they hit Red Mountain Pass, at 11,090 feet in elevation, later in the week.

No big deal for most of these riders, who are in incredible shape, even though this is a “non-competitive” ride. Riders are “encouraged to ride at their own pace,” and “training for the tour is strongly recommended,” but let's face it - you have to be a brute to even participate in this event.

Riders on past Ride The Rockies tours have varied in age from 7 to 85 years old and have represented all 50 states and 18 foreign countries.

The City of Grand Junction lays out the red carpet for these riders and their support groups. My buddy Nick rides in this event just about every year, and his buddies are really looking forward to seeing Grand Junction and taking advantage of some of our fine local wines while they're here. Many cyclists won't be satisfied with “only” a 46-mile ride that first day; Nick says he's taking a group through the orchards and vineyards to Palisade just to add a few miles. Great idea (if you're in super shape and a brute like Nick and his buddies!).

Ride The Rockies is quite a spectacle whether you participate or just watch. Personally, I like to watch. Five hundred thirty-two miles is a lot of miles on a bicycle seat!