SEPTEMBER 14, 2024
Space Exploration by Bike
All cyclists will start and finish at the Grand Junction Convention Center in downtown Grand Junction. The ride will begin with a spectacular trek through the Colorado National Monument. After exiting the Monument, riders may elect to tackle a metric century through the beautiful farm country and surrounding areas of Fruita, or hang a right and wind their way back to downtown by way of quaint country roads and a jaunt through the Redlands.
COURSES
41-MILE (Classic Loop)
64-MILE (Metric Century)
LIGHTS ARE REQUIRED
The Colorado National Monument requires all cyclists (regardless of whether they are in an organized event or on their own) to have a white light that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a red light that is visible from at least 200 feet to the rear. The Monument has three tunnels, bored through solid rock, that are not lit, thus the reason for the safety requirement. All cyclists and support vehicles are required to use the lights in the three tunnels. You may turn them off once you’ve exited, but for your safety we advise that you leave them on for the duration of the ride.
Open roads - ride safe!
Tour of the Moon is held on open roads with vehicular traffic and marked and unmarked hazards. Though we go to great lengths to make the event as safe as possible, you are only as safe as you ride. Please ride carefully when descending. There are steep descents, tight curves and the road conditions vary from good to poor. Use caution and control your speed.
Click here to watch our safety video and read up on other safety tips.
Please also be mindful of the environment and wildlife. If you encounter any wildlife on course, please keep your distance. For more info on wildlife encounters click here.
RIDE START
This is not a race. You may start your ride anytime between 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. However, it is strongly encouraged that you join the police escort at 7:30 a.m. to help ensure the most safe and timely start to your day.
LIGHT CHECK
Staff will be at the East entrance of the Monument to check if you have a bib and lights; both are required to enter per our permit agreement with the National Park Service. Please make them visible to staff and park employees and know that this checkpoint is not an aid station and we will not have refreshments or port-a-lets. The entrance needs to remain free of congestion so as not to inconvenience the Monument’s daily visitors.
AID STATIONS
There will be one water stop and four aid stations on the course. Each aid station will be stocked with hydration drink, water, fresh fruit, and snacks of both the salty and sweet variety. Enjoy!
Water Stop – Cold Shivers Overlook (Mile 8)
Aid Station #1 – Saddlehorn Parking Lot (Mile 23)
Aid Station #2 & #3 – James M. Robb State Park (Miles 30 & 48)
Aid Station #4 – Wingate Elementary School (Mile 59)
SAG SUPPORT
SAGs will rove the course with additional water and supplies, while providing roadside assistance to those experiencing mechanical problems or those who become too fatigued to finish. Please be prepared however to handle your own flats and minor repairs. Volunteer road marshals, Colorado State Patrol and Medical Personnel will be on hand to help make your ride safe and enjoyable.
PRIVATE SAGS
For the safety of all riders, private sag vehicles are NOT permitted on the course.