2025 RIDE GUIDE
We are thrilled you'll be joining us for Tour of the Moon on September 13th. In addition to delivering a fantastic time both on and off the bike, this year's event once again delivers financial support to two of our favorites charities in Bicycle Colorado and One Riverfront.
Please read the details below to ensure a smooth and enjoyable weekend and don't forget to bring front and rear lights! They are required for riding in the Colorado National Monument.
This Ride Guide has what you need to know, including:
directions and parking information
route map
course etiquette
packet pick-up information
on-course nutrition and tech support details
packing suggestions
complete weekend schedule
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Parking Once There
Downtown Grand Junction has ample parking. Click here for more information on the location of parking lots, which are marked with the letter P. Please note that West Main Street will be closed for our event.
Registration / Packet Pick-Up
Grand Junction Convention Center in Downtown Grand Junction
(just south of the start / finish)
159 Main St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Friday, September 12
from 4 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, September 13
from 6:15 – 8:15 a.m.
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Primal is proud to be the official cycling apparel partner of the Ride Collective and the Copper Triangle. They are committed to supporting organizations and events that make our state and the world a better place, two wheels at a time. Visit them at their tent or online.
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Come to the Zinn Cycles retail store near downtown Louisville for a full bike fitting and consultation, where we can design and build you your dream bike or even help improve the fit on an exisitng bike. We also offer stock bikes for those who don’t need custom. We have bikes and components to fit the widest size range of people, from 4’8” to 7’5” and everyone in between.
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Whether you can pedal up mountains or you’re just starting your wellness journey, get tuned up by joining the Ready. Set. CO challenge. Get the UCHealth app now and set a personalized goal in the wellness program or sign up to compete for rewards to keep you motivated.
Route Details / GPX Files
41-MILE (Classic Loop)
64-MILE (Metric Century)
You can ride either the 41- or the 64-mile course; and you may decide which one on ride day when you exit the Colorado National Monument.
Download the course map from our website.
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.
Be careful, especially on the way down.
The Colorado National Monument has some steep descents and some substantial cliffs. Bighorn sheep also frequent the area and will sometimes be on the road. Please ride with caution. When taking in the views, pull safely off to the side of the road so not to impede traffic.
Ride Start
This event is not a race, but we’re excited to introduce a carefully planned police-escorted two-wave start system to ensure smooth rider flow and safe vehicle management through the park’s winding roads.
7:15 AM – Both Routes / More Experienced Riders
8:15 AM – Both Routes / More Relaxed Riders
👉 You can select your preferred wave during the registration process.
⚠️ All riders must be on course by 8:15 AM—don't miss the start!
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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 course 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.
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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) -
Bring a number of layers for all weather including rain, then decide in the morning what to wear and carry. Cool mornings usually become warm afternoons with a chance of showers.
Tailwind Nutrition: Fueling Your Ride, Every Mile
We’re proud to partner with Tailwind Nutrition as our Official Hydration Sponsor, bringing you the same trusted fuel that endurance athletes rely on. Made by athletes for athletes, Tailwind’s all-in-one nutrition and hydration will be on course to keep you energized, hydrated, and cramp-free—so you can focus on the ride, not your fueling.
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.
LIGHT CHECK
Staff will be at the East entrance of the Monument to check if you have a bike plate 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.
Credentials
Your rider credentials include a wristband, bike plate, and raffle ticket. Affix your bike plate to your handlebars with the zip ties. Use your wrist band to gain access to the aid stations and the post-ride lunch. Please note, the wristband is your meal ticket so don’t lose it.
Important Reminders
1. Raffle ticket - Find our red bucket at registration or on the stage and place your raffle ticket to win. Must be present to win.
2. On your bike plate is a ticket for a free beer (if of age). Keep the ticket in a safe spot and redeem after your ride at the outside bar.
When we ride together, we ride better. At EF Adventures, community is at the heart of every adventure—whether that’s ascending Mallorca’s most famous climbs, pushing each other over the line on a real Tour de France stage, or rolling from grape to plate in Tuscany’s culinary heartland.
Join like-minded adventurers on over 30+ active tour destinations. Share in the best regional cuisine at hand-selected restaurants, make stops for cultural detours and world-class wine, kickback at always local, never ordinary 4- & 5-star hotels, and uncover new perspectives through our expert Tour Directors and local guides. To learn more, visit our booth to speak with a Tour Consultant or visit efadventures.com.
One night. One classic. 40 years strong.
Get ready for the ultimate cycling weekend in Grand Junction. 🎬Kick things off Friday, Sept 12 at 6:00 PM with a special 40th anniversary presentation and screening of the iconic film American Flyers at the Grand Junction Convention Center.
Fun Stuff All Weekend
A post-ride lunch is included with your registration. Enjoy music and the downtown surroundings, while eating, perusing the bike expo and partaking in tasty libations.
CHAIR MASSAGES
Need a break from the saddle? On-Site Oasis chair massages offer deep relaxation and stress relief. Enjoy a targeted massage to help ease muscle tension and improve flexibility. Just $1 per minute. Perfect for a quick recovery or a moment of pampering after your ride.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Tour of the Moon will start and finish at the Grand Junction Convention Center
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
4 – 8 p.m. – Grand Junction Convention Center
Packet Pick-Up
Walk-On Registration
Merchandise
Expo
6:30 p.m. - 40th Anniversary American Flyers screening - Grand Junction Convention Center
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Pre-Ride Activities; 6:15 – 8:15 a.m. – Grand Junction Convention Center
Day of Registration & Packet Pick-Up
Bike Tech Support
Coffee & Hydration Station
Wheels Down; 7:15 & 8:15 a.m.
Start Waves - Check your registration for your specific wave
Must have lights on bike (front and rear) when riding in the Monument
Post-Ride Activities; 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Grand Junction Convention Center
Lunch
Beer Garden
Live Music by Schaffer Brothers Band
Expo
Merchandise
Massages & Dry Needling
Prize Drawings
Course Close; 3:30 p.m.
Too Big? Too Snug?
Every rider receives a jersey or a Tech Tee with their registration. If it doesn't fit, swap it out at registration or at our merchandise booth (size changes subject to availability). Before the ride, you may also purchase arm-warmers, vests, hoodies, jackets and more.
Smile! You're On Camera
Get your personal event photos with Flashframe! Flashframe is the official participant photographer at Tour of the Moon. Your personal photos will be available online after the event. Make sure your bike plate is facing front at all times and don't forget to smile!
