by Carin Kirkegaard

Cyclists get ready for a Rocky Mountain tradition! Join thousands of fellow bike riders and kick off the unofficial start to the Colorado cycling season, June 4, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock.

Whether you are six or sixty, prefer to ride on the road or in the dirt, there is a course for cyclists of all abilities. All of the rides start and finish at The Douglas County Fair Grounds in Castle Rock.

The 19th Annual Compass Bank Elephant Rock Cycling Festival offers a variety of courses for all ages. Adult races include 32, 50, 65, and 100-mile road courses. In addition, there is a 25 mile off-road course and an eight mile family course. Kids ages five through 12 can sign up for the free Eyeball Animation E-Rock Race. With staggered starting times by age group, the off-road loop is safe and professionally designed with the age of the cyclists in mind.

The festivities will begin Saturday night with the first Downtown Castle Rock Pre-Ride Block Party. There will be bicycle races and a bicycle decorating contest for kids, along with live music and training tips from cycling experts. As dusk descends, a cycling movie classic will be shown on a giant outdoor screen. Throughout the night many local restaurants will offer special dinner discounts.

Cyclists can register online at www.active.com and will be able to sign up through midnight May 31. The race is also accepting mail-in registrations, as well as walk-in registrations at many local bike shops in the Denver Metro area.

To find out more about registration, visit the Elephant Rock website at www.elephantrockride.com.