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How the Buffalo Bicycle Classic helped a first-gen CU student discover strength, purpose, and community.

Before the sun rose over Boulder Canyon on Sunday morning, hundreds of cyclists clipped in and rolled out—not just for the challenge, but for a cause close to my heart. Each September, the Buffalo Bicycle Classic (BBC) launches from the University of Colorado (CU) campus early on a Sunday morning, offering seven road routes and two gravel routes ranging from 10 to 100 miles. Over the past couple of decades, I’ve tried different courses, but for the past five or more years I’ve settled on the Gravel Epic. The Buffalo Bicycle Classic raises funds for first-generation CU scholars—of which I was one—so it’s an event worth supporting.

A highlight of the BBC is that several routes take advantage of the rare opportunity when Boulder Canyon is closed to traffic for a few hours. All of the BBC courses are worth riding depending on your fitness, abilities, and interests—but if you can, riding Boulder Canyon (simply “The Canyon” to locals) is a special experience. The Canyon follows Boulder Creek, connecting Boulder to Nederland, Eldora Mountain Ski Resort, and the Indian Peaks Wilderness. It’s a 17-mile climb with nearly 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Normally, it’s a busy, narrow corridor with little shoulder space and high-speed traffic, but during the event it transforms into a safe, car-free ascent—a ride I look forward to all year.

Depending on your route, you might ascend The Canyon all the way to Nederland. Alternatively, riders can take The Canyon part way up and then make the left turn onto Magnolia Road, a notoriously steep stretch with long gravel sections. While Magnolia is slightly less enjoyable (and arguably more punishing) on the legs, both routes eventually lead to Nederland. From there, all of the Epic routes head north and climb steeply out of Nederland along the Peak-to-Peak Highway. Though open to cars, this road has a wide shoulder and relatively light traffic. 

Photo by Robert Wood

The Gravel Epic detours briefly off the Peak-to-Peak onto Ridge Road and gravel Cold Springs, then rejoins for a few miles. At this point, gravel riders face a route decision: take the Switzerland Trail Option or Gold Hill Road Option.  

• Switzerland Trail Option (59.2 total miles/elevation gain 7146 ft): From the Peak to Peak, riders turn onto Sugarload Road and connect to the historic Switzerland trail. This route features a rugged 4WD road with technical, rocky sections. A minimum of a 40mm tire is recommended for this challenging terrain. 

• Gold Hill Road Option (53.1 total miles/elevation gain 6583 ft):  Riders continue on Peak to Peak Highway until reaching Gold Hill Road - a mostly downhill, smooth gravel road that drops into the historic mining community of Gold Hill. 

From Gold Hill, both routes converge again as riders descend Gold Run Road into Fourmile Canyon, tackle the final gravel climb up Poorman Road, and then coast down Sunshine Canyon back into Boulder.

The Gravel Epic blends challenging climbs, extensive gravel surfaces, and visits to historic mountain towns like Nederland and Gold Hill. Along the way, several aid stations provide support, with my favorite being the Nederland stop at Tin Shed Sports: plenty of snacks (try the Nutella tortilla) and drinks, free mechanical help, stunning views, and great camaraderie.

Of course, no ride is complete without the right bicycle setup. According to ride director Jenny Anderson, what you ride is just as important as where you ride—especially on the mountain gravel routes. Over the years, I’ve dialed in my gear to meet the specific demands of the Gravel Epic. I’ve experimented with different bikes, and more recently I’ve relied on Otso’s Warakin gravel bike—first the stainless steel version, now the titanium model. The Warakin’s relaxed geometry makes it ideal for this ride. It climbs like a road bike, which makes The Canyon or Magnolia manageable even among roadies on ultralight machines. I’m not much of a “weight weenie,”…a term cyclists use for those obsessed with shaving grams off their bikes…but I appreciate the one-pound weight savings of the titanium frame. More importantly, the Warakin feels comfortable and capable on mixed surfaces, including some of the BBC’s rougher gravel like the Switzerland Trail. For me, nothing beats the ride quality of a metal frame from an American builder.

I also upgraded from Shimano’s 11-speed GRX groupset to the newer 12-speed version. That extra climbing gear is invaluable for the Gravel Epic’s 5,000-plus feet of climbing. Proper gearing is essential for these mountain routes. Tire choice is equally critical. Over the years, tire widths across road, gravel, and mountain bikes have grown, as research shows larger tires run at lower pressures can actually be faster while adding comfort. In my experience, a minimum of 40mm is best, and going wider pays off on the tougher sections. My Otso rolls on Schwalbe 40mm G-One tires, which strike the perfect balance of volume, tread, and low rolling resistance—ideal for this ride.

When the first weekend of September rolls around again, I hope to see you out there, riding for a cause, and for the joy of the climb. Whether you are chasing miles or meaning, there is a place for you in this ride. Choose a route and a bike that suits your abilities and goals. Ride bikes. Change lives.