The Tour of Utah, dubbed “America’s Toughest Stage Race,” will snake through the Wasatch Mountains on August 17-22. Over 130 cyclists will ride a prologue and five stages on grueling roadways, and all you can do is stand there and watch… unless you’re a masochist and want to feel the pain of elite cyclists. If that’s the case then The Ultimate Challenge is for you.
The Ultimate Challenge is a noncompetitive ride that covers the final Park City to Snowbird leg of the tour. It’s a great way to get a taste of the pain, suffering and elevation dizziness that the pros will experience one week later when they compete for the top prize. In addition, pro rider and Tour de France yellow-jersey recipient Dave Zabriskie will lead the charge.
Here’s the breakdown: on Saturday, August 14th, the ride begins at Park City High School at 6am. Riders will head east around Kamas and the Jordanelle Reservoir before gradually climbing to Midway. Then the fun begins as the route goes by Sundance, over the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, down American Fork Canyon, through Alpine and Draper, then north to Sandy and up a final, 3,000 vertical foot climb in Little Cottonwood Canyon to Snowbird. In all, it covers 96 miles with nearly 11,000 feet of climbing.
If that’s not enough to scare you off, then you can go ahead and register at www.tourofutah.com. The registration fee is $180 and includes ride support, rest stops, post-ride dinner and swag. Pay $225 and you get a commemorative jersey to really make you feel like a pro. The Tour of Utah is limiting The Ultimate Challenge to only 500 riders, so sign up early.