North South Colorado Bikepacking Race

North South Colorado – Colorado, United States

• Date: August 28, 2026
• Location: Colorado, United States
• Distances: 647 mi / 1041 km
• Event Type: Self-supported Bikepacking Race

The North South Colorado bikepacking race invites riders on a self-supported journey of roughly 650 miles across the state's iconic Front Range. This is a challenge defined by long days, significant elevation, and the quiet satisfaction of traversing a vast landscape under your own power. It’s an adventure for those who find a rhythm in the steady crunch of gravel and the scale of the mountains. Saved from hiatus by a team of past participants and aspiring racers, the event continues its legacy with a grand depart scheduled for late August.

The route itself is the heart of the experience. Spanning nearly 650 miles, it accumulates over 56,000 feet of climbing, promising a formidable test of endurance. The terrain is a classic Colorado blend of remote gravel roads, backcountry doubletrack, and connecting stretches of pavement that carry riders through the varied ecosystems of the Front Range. From forested foothills to exposed high-altitude passes, the course is a showcase of the state's rugged beauty, demanding resilience and self-reliance from every participant in this demanding bikepacking race.

As a self-supported event, North South Colorado operates on the principles of ultra-endurance cycling. Riders are responsible for their own navigation, supplies, and accommodation along the route. There are no aid stations, no course markings, and no support vehicles. This format fosters a deep sense of personal accomplishment and connection to the landscape. The challenge is as much mental as it is physical, requiring riders to manage their effort, time, and resources across hundreds of miles of demanding terrain.

The spirit of the event is rooted in the grassroots bikepacking community. Revived by riders who wished to see its story continue, there's a shared understanding of what makes this journey special. The single grand depart allows for a collective start, where individual journeys begin together, fostering a sense of camaraderie before riders spread out along the course. This ethos is also reflected in the registration process, which prioritizes access for WTFNB/BIPOC riders before opening to the general field.

Stretching across such a significant portion of the state, the route offers a profound immersion into the landscapes that make Colorado a premier cycling destination. Riders will pedal through changing scenery, from the more populated corridors of the Front Range to the deep solitude of national forests. This journey connects the dots between different regions, offering a unique perspective on the state's geography. For those inspired by this scale of adventure, there are many other gravel events in United States to discover.

The 2026 edition breathes new life into this respected challenge, ensuring its place on the calendar for another year. It represents a pure, unfiltered form of adventure cycling, appealing to experienced ultra-racers and those ready to step up to a monumental challenge. With the route finalized and registration details available, the focus now shifts to preparation. For full details and to register, consult the official event website.