Boulder FAR

The main objective is to help you ride far, further than your average day on the bike. To strip away the tedious planning and logistics to experience a journey that takes you beyond yourself. 

Our first FAR took place in the vicinity of Boulder, Colorado in early June. An area of the US noted for its access to high altitude adventure, riders gathered in the small town of Rollinsville, situated way up in the rocky mountains at 2,642m/8,668ft. Members travelled from as far as Mexico City to traverse the magnificent mountains of Colorado, and pedal their way up Mt. Blue Sky, one of the few paved ‘Fourteeners’ [a mountain pass that rises above 14,000 feet] in the state. Making the day extra special, this would be one of the last opportunities to ride Mt. Blue Sky before it closes for repairs over the next two years. A great opportunity to tackle one of America’s highest climbs with the support of the RCC. 

We checked in with RCC Member 51117, Taylor Triolo, who gave us a close-up of her day riding the inaugural Rapha FAR.

7:00 am. ELEV: 8874 ft. MI: 0. ASCENT: 0 ft.

The RCC FAR Boulder is a truly big day for me. It has the potential to be the greatest elevation gain I’ve ever made on a bike. I’ve been preparing with friends for weeks.

ME: “You guys go ahead. I’m just gonna keep it slow and steady. I’ll see you at the at

the re-group at Echo Lake.”

I’m not the fastest rider among my friends. I’m not the strongest. I’m not the first up

every climb. I’m slow and steady. I’m the one trailing behind, then thanking everybody

for waiting for me at the top.

Okay, on to the next climb. My Wahoo says: 30 miles, 7,000 feet for the next climb. Oof.

11:45 am. ELEV: 10,722 ft. MI: 42. ASCENT: 6,500 ft

LIA: “Hey Tay, we’re heading down. It’s starting to rain – what do you want to do?”

I’ve been riding in the mountains of Colorado for more than 15 years. I grew up

following my parents up high mountain passes on flat pedals. Rain, wind, hail, snow.

The weather above 10,000 feet changes fast. Today is typical: fast-moving clouds,

sprinkles of rain. What’s next?

ME: “I want to try it. I’ll turn around if the weather gets worse.”

LIA: “Ok! Good luck!”

1:20 pm. ELEV: 12,860 ft. Mi: 51. ASCENT: 9,000 ft.

ME: “Keep eating!”

Oh yeah, eating. And pedaling.

Another switchback. The benefit of endless windy switchbacks: one direction is a

headwind – but the headwind alternates with a fabulous tailwind. Ahhhhh! Focus! Keep pedaling. 

I haven’t seen anyone else come down yet. If I see them come down, maybe I’ll turn around. Keep pedaling.

1:55 pm. ELEV: 13,987 ft. Mi 55.5. ASCENT: 9,969 ft

ME: “Keep pedaling. Slow and steady. I’ve got this.”

Slow and steady. Focus. This is really not much different than med school or residency

right? Just keep pedaling. Endless late nights at the hospital. This is what I’m all about.

How far can I go? Farther. I’ve got this.

2:06 pm. ELEV: 14,130 ft. MI: 56. ASCENT:10,000 ft.

Top of Mount Blue Sky. Get some water from Steve.

High five Roger. Eat something. Rain is coming. Time to get off this mountain.

3:35 pm ELEV: 7,536, MI: 84, ASCENT: 10,000 ft

ME: “Come on Piers! Two more climbs and we’re there!”

For the first time in many hours, I link back up with Piers, an RCC ride leader who’d

been in front most of the day. The rain picks back up. We see the support cars one last

time, and the support team cheers us on from an open window, assuring us that we can

complete the ride. We slog through the final elevation gain.

The next one is a 12% grade. Ugh!

ME: “We’re doing great!”

Piers is immune to my millennial affirmations.

5:58 pm ELEV: 8,874, MI: 102, ASCENT: 14,258 ft

From the last climb, we can see Mt. Blue Sky. In the distance it floats among the clouds

like a memory from a different ride. It’s magical.

ME: “I’m so grateful. What a beautiful day.”

PIERS: “We are very, very lucky to live here.”

The rain starts to pour just as we find the Rapha team welcoming us back to Rollinsville.