23rd Bicycle Tour Colorado to make stops in Valley

VALLEY — The San Luis Valley will welcome another group of bicyclists as the 23rd annual Bicycle Tour Colorado features the San Luis Valley loop.

About 600 riders are anticipated with this group.

The 453-plus mile ride, scheduled from June 18-24, will begin on Sunday, June 18, in Pagosa Springs. The first day will feature 98 miles, topping 10,230 feet elevation on Cumbres and La Manga Passes, from Pagosa Springs to Antonito where riders will congregate at the Antonito school.

On Monday participants may choose from among four options ranging from 29 to 121 miles between Antonito to Alamosa, where Adams State University will host the riders.

In Alamosa, SLV Pizza and Locavores will offer food, and SLV Brewery will host a beer garden. Live entertainment in the ASU library parking lot will include Dj E from 12-4 p.m. on Monday, SLV Big Band from 4:30-6 p.m. and Indian Nickel from 6:30-8 p.m. The public is invited to stop by and greet cyclists and enjoy live entertainment.

On Tuesday, June 20, Bicycle Tour Colorado riders will journey from Alamosa to Salida over Poncha Pass for a total of 82 miles. After a day off in Salida on Wednesday, the tour participants will travel on Thursday, June 22, from Salida over Monarch Pass to Gunnison, a total of 64 miles, and on Friday, June 23, they will head back into the San Luis Valley from Gunnison to the Ski Hi Stampede grounds in Monte Vista, a total of 106 miles.

Riders will then come full circle on Saturday, June 24, as they ride over Wolf Creek Pass back to Pagosa Springs.