Event Overview
Made famous by the 1980s cycling classic American Flyers, the Tour of the Moon is one of the most visually spectacular cycling events in the United States. Held in September 2026 in Grand Junction, Colorado, the ride takes cyclists through the Colorado National Monument along the iconic Rim Rock Drive. The name comes from the sheer, red-rock canyons and tower-like formations that create a landscape so alien it feels like cycling on the moon. This is not a race, but a timed gran fondo-style event that emphasizes the sheer beauty of the high desert and the camaraderie of the climbing community.
Course Details & Terrain
The classic route covers approximately 41 miles with nearly 2,300 feet of climbing. While the distance sounds modest, the profile is dominated by the massive ascent up Rim Rock Drive. The terrain consists of perfectly paved but winding roads that cling to the edge of 2,000-foot canyons.
The primary climb starts almost immediately after leaving Grand Junction, with gradients hovering between 5% and 8% for several miles. Once on the rim, the course features 'rollers'—short, punchy climbs and descents—before a hair-raising, technical descent back down into the Fruita valley. The exposure is significant; there are no guardrails in many sections, and the wind can be a factor on the exposed plateaus. The altitude (starting at 4,500ft and peaking near 6,700ft) adds an extra layer of difficulty for those traveling from sea level.
Who Should Enter? (Beginners vs. Experienced)
For Beginners: If you are comfortable with basic climbing and descending, this is an achievable 'epic.' The total mileage is low enough that most recreational cyclists can finish, provided they use compact gearing. The main challenge for beginners is the sheer scale of the landscape and the need for steady pacing on the initial climb.
For Experienced Athletes: For the seasoned climber, the Tour of the Moon is a chance to test your threshold power at altitude. The goal here is usually to set a fast time on the 'Rim Rock' segment. It’s also a masterclass in descending skills; the tight switchbacks and steep drops require total focus and excellent bike handling.
Coach Raye's Race-Day Pro Tips
- Altitude Acclimation: If you are coming from sea level, arrive in Grand Junction at least 3 days early. Drink twice as much water as usual and avoid alcohol; the dry desert air and altitude will dehydrate you before you even clip into your pedals.
- Gearing is Key: Ensure your bike is fitted with at least a 30t or 32t cassette. Even strong riders will appreciate the ability to 'spin' up the long canyon grades rather than mashing the pedals and burning out their quads for the second half of the ride.
- Look Through the Turns: On the descent into Fruita, keep your eyes looking far ahead through the switchbacks. The scenery is distracting, but the road requires 100% of your attention. Save the photo-taking for the designated aid stations on the rim.
How to Train for This Event
The Tour of the Moon is won (or enjoyed) in the mountains. Raye (your AI coach) creates bespoke cycling plans via WhatsApp that focus on sustained 'Sweet Spot' intervals to build the aerobic capacity needed for long climbs. If you don't live near mountains, Raye will prescribe specific low-cadence strength endurance sessions on the trainer to simulate the torque of the Rim Rock ascent. With Raye’s data-driven approach, you’ll have the power and the confidence to conquer the lunar landscape. Start your Colorado journey with Raye today.