Drawing cyclists from around the globe to Castle Rock, The Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival unofficially kicks off the Colorado cycling season. Having established itself as a regional tradition, this Sunday, June 7th, 2015, the 28th annual edition of the Rocky Mountain regions’ largest premier cycling festival will spin its wheels.
This year’s courses include the re-designed ERock Century Course which runs through the rural horse property settings east of Franktown to the rolling hills of the Black Forest.
Courses for More Serious Adult Riders
The 100 mile “perfect century” course features 7 supported Aid Stations and 5700 miles of elevation gain, with no mountain passes. As many bike enthusiasts know, it has been a number of years for some of these roads to connect to make this new loop possible.
The Metric Century Course runs 62 miles and has 3 supported Aid Stations and 3,350 feet of Elevation Gain. Traversing the high plains between Denver and Colorado Springs, riders can enjoy Front Range vistas ranging from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak.
A new 40-Mile Course has 2 Supported Aid Stations & 2,500 feet of Elevation Gain takes riders through the Front Range’s gentle hills of celebrated horse properties, an easier ride for those who have not been diligently off-season conditioning on their stationary bikes that want to kick off the season with a less taxing early season ride.
There’s also a 27-Mile Gravel Course that takes mountain bikers and cyclo-crossers through the rolling hills, high plains and Castlewood Canyon State Park adjacent to Castle Rock. This has 1 Supported Aid Station and 1,700 feet of elevation gain, on a mix of dirt and paved roads and bike paths. 
Courses for Families With Kids
There is an 8-Mile Family Course, with 1 Supported Aid Station that is designed for novices and families with little cycling experience. Another option is to head out on the East Plum Creek Bike Path, which includes great views of the Front Range and local creek side terrain.
The Shimano Youth Series race is similarly for children between the ages of 5 and 12. The course is an off road loop that is safe and relatively easy. Helmets are mandatory and each rider will receive special prizes from our sponsors.
And as always, ensuring a safe day of cycling is the goal, so the entire event is a fully supported ride; from aid stations to tech support; SAG vehicles to medical services.
Make sure to stick around for the expo and party after the finish at the Douglas County Events Center, located southeast of downtown Castle Rock. Camping is available at the REI Camping Oasis on the fairgrounds on Saturday night until Sunday morning for both tent camping and RV camper parking.
Indoor showers will be also available. and REI will have outdoor kitchens set up to prepare pre-ride dinner and breakfast with music provided at the REI Bike Powered Stage.
The Subaru Elephant Rock Ride assists several non-profit partners in raising funds for their organizations. In 2013, these organizations raised an estimate of $330,000. Teams include those that benefit Zimbabwe, transplants, Douglas County non-profits, childhood illness, Alzheimers, a special needs school and Young Life.
So dust the bike off and help raise money for some great causes!
