Pikes Peak Hill Climb
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
Not just another race.
It was a gold rush in Colorado that coined the words “Pikes Peak or Bust.” Unfortunately, there were more pioneers than gold. A prominent part of the Rocky Mountains, Pikes Peak could be seen for miles by the weary Kansas travelers looking for homesteads in the west.
Today however, it is more famous for The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Some 35,000 spectators enjoy a week filled with events leading up the race in nearby Colorado Springs, Colorado. The events including a chili cook-off, live bands and the Denver Bronco Cheerleaders.
The steep course includes 156 turns in 12 miles starting at over 9,000 feet and ending at the 14,110 foot summit. The eleven classes of vehicles include semi trucks, super stock cars and motorcycles.
Not only is it a challenge to win the race, it is a major feat just to finish it. A participant must be an excellent driver and in superior physical condition since the thin air slows reflexes and taxes muscle strength. Perhaps even more important is the effect the altitude has on engines. Engines commonly lose 30% of their power by the time the vehicle reaches the summit.
While you are waiting for the race, take a ride on a historic train. The 3 hour, 10 minute ride on the track of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway is 8.9 miles long. Perchance, you might see Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep or the yellow-bellied Marmo while the train takes you slowly through Englemann Canyon and then up the steep track. Let the conductor tell you about such things as the giant bolder fields Colorado blue spruce, Ponderosa pine trees and Minnehaha Falls.
Perhaps a day trip south through Canyon City, Colorado to see the World’s Highest Suspension Bridge over the Royal Gorge will strike your fancy. The bridge is 1,260 feet (384 meters) long and 18 feet (5 meters) wide with a thousand tons of steel in the floor of the bridge alone.
Other things to see while in Colorado Springs — The Cave of the Winds where the ancients believe the Great Spirit lived and the United States Air Force Academy.
This year (2010) The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be held in late June.
For more information on the race
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by Marti Talbott
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Frommer’s Colorado (Frommer’s Complete)
