Posted on 8/17/2015 by Alyssa Hubbard

USA Pro Cycling Events and Festivals in Summit County

Just a brief drive through Summit County will give you a pretty good idea of the excitement and anticipation these few days prior to the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. Banners announce the coming events and electronic highway signs warn of impending closures and delays and the front page of the Summit Daily newspaper is dedicated to the event. Not only are these events great ways to celebrate the hard work of others, but they're also surrounded by festivals full of great beer, live music and fun events! These festivals are just a short drive from Keystone!

Arapahoe Basin
On Tuesday, August 18, the Pro Cycling Challenge will bring the cyclists over Rabbit Ears Pass, through Kremmling, over Ute Pass, along Lake Dillon and up to Arapahoe Basin. This greuling second day is sure to bring some excitement to our neck of the woods in Keystone! If you are hoping to combine a day of relaxation and excitement, A-basin may be the place for you on Tuesday! From 9 am to 6 pm, the chairlift is free to mid-mountain with some spectacular vistas and an easy hike (or chairlift) back down to the base area for games and drinks.

Barbeque, pizza and steamed dumplings are just a few of the items that will be offered at the food tents in the Festival Village. The 6th Alley Bar and Grill is also open from 8 am to 10 pm with limited lunch items. At noon, the Stage 2 Finish Festival will begin with a "Kid of the Mountain" bike race for kids 12 and under. Music and live race coverage is provided and vendors will be set up around the base. Starting at 5:30 is a free concert featuring the Freddy Jones Band and Bonnie & the Clydes.  There is also a free concert happening tonight at A-Basin, Brother's Keeper featuring John Popper of Blues Traveler, along with special guests The Samples, from 5:30 - 9 pm. 

Parking is extremely limited, so we highly recommend staying in Keystone and then taking the free shuttle from Keystone's River Run Village parking, where parking is also free. The shuttle will run from 9 am to 2:30 pm, but will stop running temporarily while Highway 6 will be closed due to the race. The shuttle will then resume from 6 pm to 10 pm. Highway 6 to Arapahoe Basin will be closed from approximately 2:30 pm to 6 pm to all traffic, so don't plan on arriving at Arapahoe Basin during these times.

Breckenridge
Breckenridge is both the Stage 4 finish on Thursday and the Time Trial host city on Friday. Activities and events throughout Breckenridge will be sure to entertain for the day!
On Thursday, August 20th, Breckenridge will have the Festival Village open from 12 pm to 7 pm in the Tiger Dredge Lot. This Festival will have everything from bike stunt shows, demos, music, food and race coverage! The Entertainment Stage in the Festival Village will have live music from 12 - 2pm and from 5:30 - 7pm featuring the bluegrass band Trout Steak Revival. Around 3:45, racers will begin to finish Stage 4 in Breckenridge on Main Street! More live music and parades on Main street continue until 7 pm.

On Friday, August 21st, Breckenridge will host the Time Trial. The Festival Village will be open from 10 am to 5 pm, with more bike stunt shows, music, food and general entertainment. The massive TV will show live coverage of the Time Trial. Opening ceremonies for both the Men's Time Trial and the Women's Inaugural Time Trial will be located on North Main Street and the Time Trial Awards Ceremonies for both will be located later that day on the Riverwalk Center Awards Stage.

Take advantage of all the activities and entertainment and enjoy the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts which will also be taking place throughout this week! And be sure to check out some great lodging here in Keystone to be near all the events!  Wrap up your weekend at the Mountain Town Music Festival, happening Friday and Saturday in Keystone featuring a Colorado peach harvest theme, fireworks, art and craft vendors, and live music from acts like David Wax Museum, Delta Rae, Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, Mosey West and more! 

Written By: Amy Drees

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