The 2011 Caribou Classic, a Sufferfest Reborn

(Sept 10, 2011) Caribou Ranch, Colo.-The Caribou Ranch has long been a famous retreat for musicians to get away from it all, get inspired by the beautiful surroundings the Ranch has to offer, and record new music. Artists such as Joe Walsh, Dan Fogelberg, Elton John, and others have made the Ranch their temporary home while working on recording music. For the first time, the Guercio Family has allowed cyclists access to their stunningly beautiful property. 

Every year for the past 6 or 7 years there has been a ride up in the Nederland area called the Sufferferst. The idea came about as many good ideas do, over beer.  A group of friends decided to get together and ride a whole bunch of the technically demanding trails and jeep roads outside of Nederland and call it the Sufferfest.  The ride eventually grew, and became an annual fall event. It was never a race, just a bunch of folks out riding hard for most of the day. 

For 2011, the event has become “The Caribou Classic”, and morphed into a full-fledged happening with over 125 riders showing up to ride. In its continued effort to improve relationships with landowners and forest service, and improve access for those of us who love to roll on two wheels, The Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance lined up the access to the ranch. The start/finish area and the post ride party were located in a small meadow on the property. With a small creek running through it, and the Indian Peaks as a backdrop, it was quite a venue.

The ride had a shorter and longer option. The shorter of the two was a 37-mile affair that sampled some of the West Magnolia trail system outside of Nederland, and then headed up and over Caribou Flats on the infamous FS road 505.  FS505 is a 7-mile stretch of rugged jeep road that climbs out of the town of Eldora. From near the highpoint of Caribou Flats, riders could chose to continue on the northern leg of the course, or drop down to the ranch for food, beverages, and music.  Those who continued north were in for the true sufferfest as the miles along the technical singletrack of the Sourdough Trail do not come easy. Regardless of the route chosen or the speed traveled, everyone who headed out for the ride came rolling in with a smile on their faces. 

The after ride party was hosted by Oskar Blues, and as always the boys threw down an awesome pile of food and coolers full of the frothy goodness. Once again, this event is another great example of the benefits of community activism, trail advocacy, and the hard work of all those involved. The Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance continues to improve the trail experience for everyone in Boulder County, so please get involved if you haven’t already!