A Recap on the Inaugural Tour

The first annual DEATH RIDE TourT took place June 5 - 7, 2009 with 11 participants - as pictured from left to right.

Matt Dunn
Kris Mann
Mark Rosenthal
Patti Rosenthal
Deborah Sopinsky
Mark Gregarek
Jared Hall
Barry Sopinsky - Tour Director
Skip Cathcart
Brandon Sopinsky
Steve Bell - Campus Cycles employee and tour mechanic - taking picture

to see more pictures from 2009 go to:
http://deathridetour.shutterfly.com/deathridetour

A great time was had by all. New friendships were formed and for the riders this was one of the most challenging three day cycling events they had ever participated in. The DRTT covered a distance of 229 miles with 24,176 feet of climbing. The weather cooperated as much as possible for early June in the Colorado Rockies. The ride commenced - as now tradition at the Hillside Cemetery in Silverton, CO on Friday June 5th. A memorial flag was planted in honor of Barry's deceased parents, Irvin & Rhoda Sopinsky. Memorial flags were also planted on day two at Telluride's Lone Tree Cemetery and day three at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango.

The weather cooperated as much as possible for early June in the Colorado Rockies with day one starting off slightly chilly in the early morning, however by the time you had conquered the first climb - Red Mountain Pass you were pretty comfortable.

The decent of Red Mountain was a challenge with many technical switchbacks - then into Ouray for a break. From Ouray to Ridgeway was a nice rolling ride on the Million Dollar Highway. The balance of day one became more difficult as we turned west for climb number two -Dallas Divide into Placerville. The strong headwind now became the obstacle to conquer - not just the 8,970 foot pass.

Finishing day one into Telluride after the strong headwind over Dallas Divide was challenge number three for the day.

Looking for riders making the last climb of the day.

Day two was to be a nice long downhill after Lizzard Head Pass (10,223 ft) - climb number three. Well a nasty headwind made the 71 miles yet another hard challenge for the riders.

A quick stop in Rico produced a some humor with Skip's performance in front of the Theatre Café.

After passing through Mancos there was another easier climb over Hesperus Hill then ending day two with a wonderful 12 mile decent into Durango.

Day three in Durango started off a beautiful sunny morning with the Iron Horse right on schedule.

The last two climbs - Cool Bank and Molas pushed the riders to give everything they had to complete the 229 miles ending back in Silverton, CO

Jared Hall was very happy to have achieved the last climb of the tour.

So if you think this is an event you would like to participate in - then go ahead - sign up! You'll have a great time.