Adaptive Bike Races and Cycling Events in Colorado This Summer

Adaptive bike racing season is picking up across Colorado this summer, and there are a few events worth paying attention to if you’re looking for a new challenge, a different race atmosphere, or simply an excuse to spend more time on the bike. Whether you’re already racing on an adaptive bike or just curious about trying a gravel event for the first time, more races are starting to intentionally include adaptive athletes in their event structure instead of treating it like an afterthought.

One event that continues to stand out in Northern Colorado is FoCo Fondo. The event has built a reputation for approachable gravel riding, multiple course options, and a community-focused atmosphere that attracts a wide range of riders. This year, FoCo Fondo continues its dedicated para athlete category across the 32-, 60-, 100-, and 118-mile routes. Riders can register in adaptive categories including visually impaired, trike, and stand-up divisions with both assist and non-assist options depending on participation numbers.

FoCo Fondo also offers podiums and prizes for para athletes, which is still relatively uncommon in many gravel events. Special category podiums go three-deep, and first-place para athletes receive prizes. If enough riders register within each adaptive subcategory, organizers will also separate awards by equipment type and division.

One thing that makes FoCo Fondo appealing for adaptive riders is the variety of course lengths. Not every athlete is looking for a 100-mile day, and having shorter options can make it easier to test equipment, practice fueling strategies, or build confidence on gravel before committing to bigger events later in the season.

Personally I can say that my race last year made me an ENTHUSIASTIC gravel biker. I had so much fun with this community. I felt very comfortable as a female athlete doing something new amongst a loving and supportive group of people from various identities including queer, female, and adaptive athletes. I would highly recommend spending some time at bag pick up the day before to speak with all the organizations that will make you feel so welcome.

Another event worth checking out this summer is the adaptive category connected to the Boggy Draw Beat Down during Escalante Days in southwest Colorado. The race recently expanded to include adaptive athletes for their 15 mile course, giving riders another option outside the Front Range race scene. The terrain around Dolores offers a different style of riding with higher elevation gravel roads and long stretches through forested terrain. For riders looking for a more endurance-focused day on the bike, this could be a solid addition to the calendar.

The Charge Across Colorado ride series is another great option for adaptive athletes looking for a summer challenge while supporting small rural Colorado communities along the route. The event is designed to help uplift local towns through cycling tourism while giving riders the opportunity to experience Colorado’s landscapes at their own pace. Just like in the general cycling community, challenge and adventure look different for different people, and events like this can be a great fit for riders looking to get outdoors and explore Colorado using their adaptive bikes or e-bikes.

If you’re interested in adaptive cycling but don’t yet have access to the right equipment, there are several organizations in Colorado that can help you get started. Adaptive Adventures regularly hosts adaptive cycling clinics and demo opportunities where riders can try different bikes and setups. Their programs can be helpful for figuring out whether a handcycle, recumbent trike, adaptive mountain bike, or another setup fits your goals best.

There are also growing local efforts connected to the City of Boulder Parks & Recreation, Jefferson County Open Space, and Friends of FoCo Fondo to increase access to adaptive recreation, trail experiences, and cycling opportunities throughout Colorado. Friends of FoCo Fondo is offering a scholarship for registration for para athletes.

At the end of the day, these races are just another way to challenge yourself, train toward a goal, and spend time outside with other athletes. Colorado’s adaptive cycling scene is still relatively small, which also means it’s easy to meet people, ask questions, and learn from riders who have already figured out equipment, training, and race-day logistics.

If there are additional races you are excited about please CONTACT US so I can shout them out.