Written by Simon Chen, Managing Director, The Little Nell
Aspen is a cyclist’s heaven. There are plenty of quiet roads, steep climbs and the views are some of the finest in the world. Because of this reputation, Aspen was a host for the third year in a row to the USA Pro Challenge, featuring the world’s best riders racing around the state of Colorado.
Stage 1 with Snowmass in the background. Photo credit: Steve Goff.
To complement the race, The Little Nell created a luxury biking experience for road riders with former pro cyclists Christian Vande Velde, George Hincapie and Craig Lewis. In addition to supported rides in the area such as Independence Pass, Ashcroft and the course for Day 1 of the Pro Challenge, the participants of the “Clip in With Christian”’ weekend, dined together at element 47 and Ajax Tavern and shared an incredible farewell dinner prepared by Executive Chef Bryan Moscatello paired with hand selected wines from The Little Nell’s cellar. Craig Lewis is the proprietor of Stelvio Selections and brought his wines to share, which were enjoyed over war stories from the pros and spirited television commentator Bob Roll, also a past pro cyclist. Participants also received VIP access to the viewing area for the Pro Challenge stages in Aspen.
Here’s me, climbing up Independence Pass. Photo credit: Steve Goff.
We were also lucky enough to have Aaron Gulley, cycling writer for Outside Magazine, and his wife, Jen Judge, a professional photographer, join us for the event. They are incredible riders and we were thrilled to show them everything The Little Nell and Aspen have to offer. Aaron covered the adventure for his Outside Online blog.
A beautiful bluebird day for our group ride to Ashcroft. Photo credit: Steve Goff.
Another wonderful guest, Andy Levine of DuVine Cycling and Adventure Company, also documented the weekend for the DuVine blog.
Here at the hotel we’re already thinking of ways to get Christian Vande Velde back to join our guests. Who knows…maybe we will put him to the test this winter for some skiing?!
-Simon
