Mountains to the Desert Classic
Mountains to the Desert Classic is a road cycling race on September 26, 2026 in Telluride, CO, with an entry fee of $185.
- Date
- September 26, 2026 (66 days to go)
- Price
- $185
- Sport
- Road Cycling
From the Organizer
The Mountains to the Desert Classic (M2D) is celebrating its 23rd anniversary as the primary fundraising event for the Just For Kids Foundation!
M2D is a beloved local ride beginning in Telluride, Ridgway, or Norwood and finishing in Gateway, Colorado. Whether participants choose to ride 100 or 70 miles, they will experience the full beauty and grandeur of the Colorado landscape, as it tracks the San Miguel River and transitions from high mountains to desert terrain. From alpine glow and aspen forests to sandstone cliffs and palisades, join this iconic ride in support of our San Miguel County communities.
Let's ride! Bring your friends and family and let's celebrate! Return shuttles and more itinerary or logistical information available here.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
65°
Typical Low
30°
Chance of Rain
32%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Telluride 4wnw, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Telluride, CO
Population
2,595
as of 2023
City Elevation
8,726 ft
Nearest Airport
TEX
Telluride Regional Airport · 5 mi
Time Zone
Mountain Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Mountains to the Desert Classic, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
66
Days to train
- Race
- Mountains to the Desert Classic
- Date
- September 26, 2026
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
Road cycling rewards pacing judgment and consistent time on your bike more than raw power. If you already ride regularly and can comfortably ride a few miles, you have a good starting base for most beginner-friendly events.
Road Cycling
Built around sustained effort on a bike, exploring cities on the open road. Beginner distances create a great entry point into endurance sports.
Coming Up
More Road Cycling races near Telluride, CO
July 23 - Beginner / Advanced @ Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
169 miles away
Asaayi Bike Race
From $40 · END OF THE PAVEMENT ON N31
156 miles away
Bird to Bird – Gravel Bike Ride
From $50 · 211 Elk Avenue
78 miles away
Boggy Draw Beat Down
507 Central
49 miles away
Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Telluride than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to TellurideFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Mountains to the Desert Classic
Sep 26, 2026