Copper Triangle Celebrates 20 Years of Colorado Cycling, Community + Purpose

For two decades, the Copper Triangle has marked the height of Colorado's cycling season, drawing riders from across the state and beyond to tackle one of the most iconic alpine rides in the Rockies. On Saturday, Aug. 1, the event returns to Copper Mountain Resort for its 20th anniversary, once again combining breathtaking mountain scenery with a mission that extends far beyond the finish line.

The 79-mile route climbs more than 6,500 feet over Fremont, Tennessee and Vail passes, carrying cyclists through Summit, Lake and Eagle counties. Along the way, riders pedal through historic Camp Hale, past remnants of Colorado's mining heritage and across high-alpine landscapes that showcase why the Copper Triangle has become a bucket-list ride for so many cyclists.

"The Copper Triangle Cycling Classic brings together everything cyclists hope for in a Colorado ride: a beautiful route, the challenge of three high mountain passes — plus pesky Battle Mountain — exceptional support, amazing volunteers, great aid stations, usually cooperative weather and a strong sense of purpose," says Polly Dawkins, executive director of the Davis Phinney Foundation. "It is demanding. But it is also safe, memorable and incredibly rewarding."

Unlike many endurance events that reinvent themselves over time, the Copper Triangle has stayed remarkably true to its roots.

"In some ways, one of the Copper Triangle's greatest strengths is that it has changed very little," Dawkins explains. "The route, the challenge, the incredible support and the character of the ride have remained remarkably consistent. The organizers continue to improve safety and the rider experience, but they have never lost sight of what made the event special in the first place."

That consistency has helped create a loyal community of returning riders.

"It is one of those rides you want to come back to," Dawkins says. "It is a significant accomplishment without feeling inaccessible. People return for the spectacular and challenging course, an exceptionally well-supported day, a purpose they can rally around and a community that shares their love of cycling.”

While the scenery alone would make the ride memorable, the Copper Triangle also serves a greater purpose. A portion of every registration benefits the Davis Phinney Foundation, which helps people with Parkinson's live well today through movement-based programs, education and community resources. Since 2006, the event has raised more than $1.6 million for the foundation.

"The Davis Phinney Foundation's mission gives the ride a purpose beyond the personal challenge," Dawkins shares. "Cyclists understand the importance of movement, persistence, community and showing up for one another. Those values are also central to our work helping people with Parkinson's live well today."

Riders who join Team DPF can amplify their impact through additional fundraising while receiving perks such as exclusive finish-line hospitality, commemorative gear and fundraising support.

The event has also evolved in thoughtful ways, including welcoming e-bikes, making the ride accessible to more participants while preserving the spirit of the experience.

"E-bikes can be an incredible adaptive technology — for people with Parkinson's and for anyone who wants or needs a little support to continue riding," Dawkins says. "They expand access and enable more people to keep doing something they love.”

Davis Phinney rides part of the route every year, shares Dawkins, alongside people with Parkinson’s, family members, friends, supporters and cyclists who simply want their miles to matter.

Every registered rider receives a commemorative jersey or technical T-shirt, well-stocked aid stations, a finisher medal and access to the post-ride celebration at Copper Mountain Resort featuring lunch, live music and a beer garden.

Registration is capped at 2,500 riders, with online registration available through July 26 if space remains. Day-of registration will be available at Copper Mountain Resort if the event has not sold out. Event-day pricing is $205 for the ride with a commemorative jersey or $185 for the ride with a technical T-shirt. All registrations include an automatic donation to the Davis Phinney Foundation. Riders 16 and younger participate free.

Whether you're chasing a personal milestone, soaking in some of Colorado's most spectacular mountain scenery or riding to support those living with Parkinson's, the Copper Triangle continues to prove why it remains one of the state's most enduring cycling traditions.

Learn more at theridecollective.com/coppertriangle and davisphinneyfoundation.org.