Cycling Bellyache Ridge, Colorado
Ride 5.3 miles gaining 2,085’ at 7.5% average grade.
This one is a bit of an outlier but we really enjoyed it. The climb is just off I-70 and not far from Vail, Loveland, and Guanella Passes. There is mild and slow moving traffic along the climb and the road is in very good condition. The steepest quarter mile is 10.4% and begins at mile 1.1.
Plenty of parking at the start of the climb.
Although we don’t see them much along the way, the area includes a couple of golf courses and Golf Academy.
Finish where the pavement ends.
Climb report by Mike Persellin of Robbinsdale, Minnesota, USA. Photos by PJAMM Cycling.
Bellyache Ridge is a tough, short climb up from I-70 near Wolcott, Colorado. You are on the western, dry side of the Great Divide, and it can be quite warm. The start is at 7,017 feet and the finish is at 9,102 feet; so altitude is not quite as much a factor as with most of the other Colorado climbs. The climb is not overly difficult, with just a few double-digit segments. Once you’re past the golf course, the views over the Eagle River valley and I-70 corridor are stunning. It’s a new, wide road with little to no traffic, and the road ends where residential development stops. It would not be surprising if the road and finish are extended in the near future.
Thank you Mike!