Gravel races often take place on gravel roads. Due to the abundance of unpaved roads in the US, such races are much easier to organize logistically.
Velosurance is a national insurance agency founded by two cyclists in response to the insurance needs of bicycle riders nationwide. We partnered with an A.M.Best “A” rated, US insurance company to provide a multi-risk policy offering protection to all types of cyclists.
Colorado is one of the most popular cycling destinations
Most Colorado residents own at least one bicycle and use a bicycle on a regular basis.
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Colorado cycling in numbers
Colorado features countless trails, numerous national, state and city parks.
73%
Bike ownership
39,000
Miles of trails
42
State parks
90
Bike friendliness score
Colorado from a cyclist's perspective
On top of being very bike-friendly, the centennial state is jam packed with diverse landscapes, challenging terrain, and breathtaking scenery, making it a cycling paradise. Whether you're an avid mountain biker or a road cyclist, Colorado offers a diverse range of terrain and destinations to suit rides of all fitness levels.
Colorado boasts some of the best mountain biking trails in the world. Destinations like Crested Butte, Fruita, and Durango offer an extensive network of trails; from smooth singletrack to technical descents, there's something for everyone. The state is the home of 4 IMBA epic rides: Monarch Crest, Buffalo Creek, Aspen Snowmass and the Silverton to Durango section of the Colorado Trail. Even if you're just stopping in or based out of Denver, excellent mountain biking is just a short drive away: Floyd Hill in Idaho Springs is a loop that offers excellent downhill trails, North Table Mountain in Golden has a sweet singletrack network, and Rutabaga Loop in Lair o'the Bear Park is a rollercoaster ride packed with whoops, berms and jumps.
The state features iconic road cycling routes, including the breathtaking Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park and the challenging climbs of Independence Pass and Mount Evans. These routes provide not only a physical challenge but also the opportunity to experience the state's beauty at a slower pace.
Many towns and cities in Colorado are bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes, trails, and bike-sharing programs. Places like Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins are known for their active cycling communities and infrastructure that encourages and supports cyclists. Colorado has implemented cyclist-friendly laws and initiatives, making it safer and more enjoyable for riders. Motorists are generally aware of cyclists, and the state continues to invest in improving cycling infrastructure.
Colorado Cycling Weather
Colorado has a diverse climate so weather can vary significantly depending on the region and time of year.
Sunny days a year
300
Riding season
March - October
300 sunny days a year
Riding season
March - October
Colorado Cycling Destinations
Trail Ridge Road
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Distance: 44 mi
Elevation gain: 4,661 ft
Time: 6 hr
One of the most epic road rides in the county, the Trail Ridge Road meanders through the heart of the Rocky Mountain National Park and soars to an elevation of 12,183 ft, seemingly leaving the earth behind. The grade is steady and never too steep, with a few false flats. The highest paved road in the country, this cliff-hugging highway seamlessly blends straightaways and winding turns, each revealing a different facet of the park's natural beauty. As you ascend, you’ll be surrounded by distant peaks in all directions. You are also likely to spot grazing elk, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife along the roadside and surrounding cliffs.
Independence Pass
Aspen/Twin Lakes, CO
Distance: 32 mi
Elevation gain: 4,187 ft
Time: 4.5 hr
One of the most scenic routes in the world, this ribbon road starts in Aspen and rolls over the Continental Divide, eventually reaching Twin Lakes. It travels through 32 miles of mountainous terrain and reaches an elevation of 12,095 ft. One of the best times to ride it is in late spring, around Memorial Day Weekend, when the snow has melted but the road remains closed to cars. Pedaling the Independence Pass is no joke: the uphill grade averages 4% with two 7% sections at approximately midway and near the finish, so make sure to approach this ride with prior fitness and skill needed to ride fast, steep downgrades.
Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway
Estes Park/Central City, CO
Distance: 55 mi
Elevation gain: 4,187 ft
Time: 3.5 hr
Colorado’s oldest Sce nic Byway, designated in 1918 it stretches for 55 miles from Estes Park in the north to Black Hawk in the south, winding through the ridges and valleys of the Front Range. The ride begins by skirting the edges of the Rocky Mountain National Park, climbing 1700 ft in the first 8 miles. This route has no flat sections, with multiple longs and short climbs and descends. This ride is jam packed with scenic attractions and rolls though small mining towns of Ward and Nederland, perfect places to take a lunch break.
Colorado Trail, Silverton to Durango
Silverton/Durango, CO
Distance: 72 mi
Elevation gain: 10,826 ft
Time: 1 d
While the entire Colorado Trails is nearly 500 miles long, packed with challenging alpine terrain from start to finish, the section of the trail between Silverton and Durango is 72 miles long and can be done in a day, rather than weeks. This section of the trail is regarded as the one of the best long-distance mountain bike trails in the world as it is designated as the IMBA Epic. Surrounded by jagged mountains, this narrow singletrack stays very high in the San Juan mountain range, deep in the backcountry. The trail has 4 distinct sections with summits as high as 13,218 ft and requires utmost fitness, skill and caution.
Loveland Pass
Lake Dillon Marina, CO
Distance: 30.8 mi
Elevation gain: 3,163 ft
Time: 5 hr
This out-and-back ride starts at high mountain Lake Dillon in Summit county and takes you to the top of a gorgeous 11,990 foot mountain pass on the Continental Divide. The ride begins with a gentle ride through the neighborhoods, but once you reach the Keystone Ski report the real climb begins, with sections eventually get as steep as 8%. Pine forest will eventually open up to big mountain vistas and culminates with a dramatic switchback right before the summit. Once you reach the summit, you turn around and reap the rewards of your hard work with epic downhill.
Monarch Crest
Poncha Springs, CO
Distance: 36.2 mi
Elevation gain: 2,035 ft
Time: 3.5 hr
This is a long, technical high-elevation ride. It is actually a combination of a number of trails: the Monarch Crest Trail (14 miles), a portion of the Continental Divide, Silver Creek Trail and a portion of the Rainbow Trail. The trail is a tight singletrack that meanders through pine forest, open valleys, technical rock fields, blazing fast descends and gut wrenching climbs, all while accompanied with spectacular views with endless vistas. When attempting this ride, be prepared for extreme weather, ranging from intense sun to freezing rain and snow, even in the summer: pack extra clothes, food and water.
Colorado Cycling Events
Cycling is very popular in Colorado, there’s a cycling event for every type of rider.
Copper Triangle
This 79-mile loop with 6,500 ft elevation gain goes over 3 mountain passes - Fremont Pass (11,318 ft), Tennessee Pass (10,424 ft) and Vail Pass (10,666 ft). The course rolls through 3 ski areas and numerous historic mining outposts, including Camp Hale, which is the training ground for the famous 10th Mountain Division. Multiple long sustained climbs and blazing descends are accompanied with mountain weather: expect mid-30s at the start, scorching 90’s by noon and mountain thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Event website
Mount Blue Sky Climb
One of the popular climbing races in Colorado, this entire race is a long climb: it starts at 7,540 ft and goes up to 14,130 ft, finishing 130 ft below the summit of Mount Blue Sky. Also known as the Mount Evans Hill Climb and Bob Cook Memorial Hill Climb originated in 1962 and has been held every year. The race is 27.4 miles and ascends 6,590 ft on the highest paved road in the United States. Due to the altitude, this race is often affected by inclement weather: the temperatures often dip below freezing and the race has been canceled before due to snow.
Event website
Triple Bypass
One of the premier climbing races in Colorado and quite possibly the hardest century ever, it covers 118 miles with 10,800 ft of vertical feet climbed. Dubbed as the ride for “those who dare” it goes over three mountain passes: Juniper Pass (11,140 ft), Loveland Pass (11,990 ft) and Vail Pass (10,560 ft). The course is known for steep sustained climbs and blistering, long, twisty descends where you drop 4,500 ft over 16 miles so top-bike handling skills are required.
Event website
Leadville 100
Known as the “granddaddy of all endurance MTB races”, Leadville 100 is a long day in the saddle. The race out-and-back format, starts in the mining town of Leadville at 10,152 ft and climbs to 12,424 ft. The course is packed with steep climbs and technical descents over mixed terrain, from paved roads to alpine singletrack.
Event website
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
More of a festival than a race, this event was established in 1972 and continues to be one of the premiere cycling events in Colorado. There are actually 2 races: on Saturday there’s the road race where the participants race a train from Durango to Silverton over a 47 mile course that goes over 2 mountain passes, and on Sunday there’s a mountain bike race that utilizes segments of the 2001 MTB World Cup Tour. Both races culminate with a family-friendly festival with vendors, food, music and beer.
Event websiteColorado's best bicycle insurance
No matter where your adventures take you, protect your bicycle and yourself from the unexpected with America's best bicycle insurance.
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Coverages and Features
Velosurance core policy offers must-have protection such as accidental damage, theft, or loss in transit. Each policy can be customized by adding additional coverages such as liability protection, uninsured motorist coverage, and medical gap coverage.
Total loss by theft
Bikes are very easy to steal and equally difficult to recover, and a hefty U-lock doesn’t guarantee that your bicycle will remain yours when you return. Velosurance provides peace of mind when your bike is stolen or damaged in the process.
Medical coverage
If you’re hurt and require medical attention, our policy's optional purchase medical payments will cover your medical bills, up to the policy limit. The policy medical payments are paid directly to you to supplement the deductible of your personal health insurance policy.
Any crash or accidental damage
Our policy will pay to replace the bike when it is accidentally damaged and beyond repair, including damage that occurs while being carried on or in your vehicle. If the damage can be repaired, the policy will cover all the costs associated with the bike's repair, including tax, labor, and shipping. Cosmetic damage that does not affect the bike's safety is excluded.
Damage or loss in transit
Bikes often get damaged in transit by personal vehicles, airlines, or courier services. Filing a claim with the airlines and courier services is a notoriously difficult process with a questionable outcome. Our policy covers the insured bike for loss or damage while it's on its way to or from your destination by air or road. Even if the bike falls off a vehicle bike rack or is hit in a rear-end accident, it is covered, no arguments.
Electric bicycle coverage
We cover all electrically assisted Class 1, 2, and 3 bikes with a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph. All coverages available for conventional bikes also apply to e-bikes.
Liability protection
Our policy optional coverage purchase will protect and defend you from your personal liability (injury, sickness, death, or damage to property, including fire damage) that you are found legally liable for. Coverage limits offered: $25,000, $50,000, $100,000, or $300,000 per occurrence.
Worldwide coverage
If your travels take you outside of the USA and Canada, our policy can be extended, at a small additional premium, to cover physical damage, such as a crash, and will also cover theft as well as loss or damage by an airline.
Our shop or yours
When filing a claim you’ll need to provide a repair estimate from a bike shop. We have a nationwide network of partner bike shops that are familiar with our process and can help you speed through your claim. If you prefer to work with your favorite bike shop, that works too.
Gear and apparel
If your insured bike is damaged in a crash, our policy covers the bike as well as your apparel, such as helmets, shoes, glasses, or riding kits, that were also damaged in the crash, and will pay up to $500 per accident and $1,000 per policy term. Spare parts that are not installed on the bike, such as a spare wheelset, are also covered for loss or theft up to $500 per loss and $1,000 per policy term.
Your choice of lock
We do not dictate what type or brand of a lock must be used to protect the bike from theft. You are welcome to use any lock that you trust. The best security is provided when securing an unattended bike with metal locks combined with a high-quality chain. Securing your bike to a solid and immovable object, such as a bike rack, with a high-quality lock will send a bike thief onto the bike secured with a more vulnerable lock.
No depreciation
Our policy never depreciates your bike's insured value. Depreciation is a hidden deductible that increases over time, and is applied if the bike is stolen or totalled. No one is ever happy with a depreciation (actual cash value) insurance settlement: the bike is first devalued and then a deductible is applied, resulting in a reimbursement that is far less than it takes to replace the bike. We pay what you paid, minus the deductible.
24/7/365 coverage
Our policy covers the insured bike(s) at all times, anywhere in the USA and Canada, and can be extended worldwide on request. There are no exclusions on time of day, or limitations on how long a bike could be stored away from home. 24/7/365 means every minute of every day, no matter where or when.
Standalone bicycle insurance
A standalone policy does not piggyback on coverage provided by the policies you may already have, such as home insurance. A claim against our policy will not reflect on your insurance score and will not affect your rates with other insurance carriers. With home insurance rates going up every year, it’s prudent to reserve your claim for when you really need it, because no matter how expensive your bike is, it’s a lot cheaper than a kitchen fire or a basement flood.
Why Velosurance is best for your bicycle
Not all types of insurance are created equal. Velosurance levels the playing field by offering a stand-alone bike insurance policy, where claims will not affect your homeowner or renters policy premiums.
| Policy Coverage |  | Homeowner/Renters Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Insured at Full Value | Yes | Possibly |
| Crash Damage | Yes | No |
| Theft Coverage | Yes | Limited |
| Theft by Force | Yes | No |
| Theft of Accessories | Yes | Limited |
| Theft Away From Home | Yes | Possibly |
| Vehicle Contact | Yes | No |
| Personal Liability | Yes | Possibly |
| Permissive Use Policy | Yes | No |
| Replacement Bike Rental | Yes | No |
| Event Fee Return | Yes | No |
| Cycling Apparel Coverage | Yes | No |
| Medical Payments | Yes | Possibly |
| Racing Coverage | Yes | No |
| E-bikes | Yes | No |
| Coverage in-transit | Yes | No |
| USAC, USAT and IMBA Member Discount | Yes | No |
| FREE INSTANT QUOTE |
Not all insurance policies cover bikes equally and it often takes a claim to find out that your bike isn't covered. We did the hard work and read all the fine print. To see the difference, see bicycle insurance comparison.
Customer Stories
Client satisfaction is our #1 goal. Here's what our clients say about Velosurance
"Velosurance is truly a necessity for any cyclist who is serious about their bicycle. I don't have to worry about my bike as I know if anything happens I'm covered. Dealing with Denis and Dave is also fantastic as they answered all my questions and helped through the enrollment process. Give velosurance a shot, you definitely wont be disappointed. "
Julian D
Miami, FL
"Excellent customer service and even better insurance. They were remarkable when I was involved in a case of vehicular violence (hit and run on my bicycle). I've recommended bicycle insurance to so many people, and it's always Velosurance. I'll use them for life. "
Chris R
Los Angeles, CA
"This was my first ever insurance claim. I'm pleased to be able to say that your company did a wonderful job in helping me through the process. I recommend your company to all of my racing friends. Thanks for doing right by me! "
Bryan L
New York, NY
Check out Velosurance reviews to see what else people are saying about us.
Contact Us
'Convinced yet? Let's make something great together.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.'
Colorado's best bicycle insurance
No matter where your adventures take you, protect your bicycle and yourself from the unexpected with America's best bicycle insurance.
Free instant quote
Velosurance story
Velosurance is a national insurance program founded by two avid cyclists, Dave Williams and Denis Voitenko in response to the insurance needs of bicycle riders nationwide.
It all started over tacos
One very rainy day at a local taco joint in Fort Lauderdale we started discussing how badly home and renters policies insured bicycles. We knew there had to be a better way so we set about finding out how we could take a traditional piece of insurance and make it better, much better. On that wet day over tacos, Velosurance was founded.
We partnered with Markel American Insurance Company, an A.M. Best, A rated, US insurance company, and a leader in recreational insurance, to offer a multi-risk bicycle insurance policy providing protection to all types of cyclists, and with none of the silly restrictions that other insurance wants to place on riders.
Our mission
The Velosurance mission is to be fair to everyone involved, and to offer our best advice to clients so they can make an educated decision about their bicycle insurance coverage. We also like to ride as much as possible.
We are riders too
Bicycle prices increase every year and cyclists who are serious about their sport are spending big money on high value bikes. Other forms of insurance, like homeowners and renters insurance, do a poor job insuring high value bicycles so we founded Velosurance to fix that.
Velosurance provides a stand-alone, no bike value depreciation, bicycle insurance policy to replace the cobbled together, sub standard coverages offered by traditional insurance.
We are cyclists just like you, and we understand that when your bike gets damaged in an accident you want the shortest possible downtime. We make it our mission to see that your claim check arrives before the repair parts do and you get back pedaling as soon as you want to.
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Velosurance discounts
Members of USA Cycling, USA Triathlon, and International Mountain Bicycle Association (IMBA) receive discounts on Velosurance bicycle insurance products.
Velosurance provides bicycle insurance policies in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.