DENVER, CO (Ride the Rockies) – A founding member of Colorado’s much-celebrated bike culture has announced its plans for 2012. The Denver Post Ride The Rockies, presented again by Wells Fargo, announced a route that spans 442 miles between Gunnison and Fort Collins.

“This year we wanted to combine six iconic rides into one rare and beautiful week of cycling,” said Chandler Smith, Tour Director of Ride The Rockies. “Whether it’s from Carbondale to Leadville over Independence Pass or Granby to Estes Park over Trail Ridge Road, each day is worthwhile all by itself. Together, they make for one wild ride.”

Starting in Gunnison on June 10, cyclists will pedal over five legendary mountain passes, through two national parks, and ride the highest continuous byway in the United States.

The full 2012 route is:

June 9 Gunnison – Registration

June 10 Gunnison to Hotchkiss 79 miles North Rim of the Black Canyon – 8,311 ft

June 11 Hotchkiss to Carbondale 68 miles McClure Pass – 8,755 ft

June 12 Carbondale to Leadville 85 miles Independence Pass – 12,095 ft

June 13 Leadville to Granby 92 miles Fremont Pass – 11,318 ft./Ute Pass – 9,165 ft. Century Option 106 miles Williams Fork Reservoir

June 14 Granby to Estes Park 63 miles Trail Ridge Rd – 12,183 ft./Milner Pass – 10,758 ft.

June 15 Estes Park to Ft. Collins 55 miles Horsetooth Reservoir – 5,420 ft.

Every year, riders from all walks of life meet in Colorado to ride bikes, celebrate with new and old friends, and soak in some of the best communities Colorado has to offer.

“There’s no better way to experience the beauty of our state and the friendliness of our communities than by riding your bike,” said Nathan Christian, Wells Fargo’s regional president for Colorado. “And there’s no better cycling tour than Ride The Rockies.

In addition to showing Colorado’s best to the country and the world, Ride The Rockies pumps thousands of dollars into the local communities it visits. From all of us at Wells Fargo, I’d like to thank all the participants and wish you happy riding!”

Ride The Rockies’ impact in Colorado can be found in more places than the bike shop with an average economic impact of $250,000 in each town throughout the week.

Thanks to more than 100 dedicated volunteers assisting cyclists and host communities providing inexpensive community meals and entertainment, this event continues to be a mainstay for riders of all stripes each year.

Cyclists may only register for the event online at ww.ridetherockies.com.

Applications will be accepted February 5 – February 24.

Ride The Rockies is a non-competitive event, and riders are encouraged to ride at their own pace. However, training for the tour is strongly recommended.

Riders on past Ride The Rockies tours have varied in age from 7 to 85 years old and have represented all 50 states and 18 foreign countries.

Proceeds from Ride The Rockies benefit Denver Post Community and all funds raised are returned directly to Colorado nonprofits. In addition, The Denver Post Community Foundation awards a $5,000 grant to a nonprofit organization in each host town..