Where We Are Riding - August 2026
Where We’re Riding — August 2026
A monthly series from Allen
By August, cycling reaches its most adventurous season.
The high mountain passes are fully open. Wildflowers still line alpine meadows. Long daylight hours encourage rides that begin with sunrise and finish well into the evening. It's the month when many cyclists finally embark on the trips they've been planning all year.
August rewards exploration.
This month we're heading to the towering peaks of Switzerland, the gravel roads surrounding Steamboat Springs, and the emerald valleys of Slovenia's Julian Alps—three destinations that showcase mountain riding at its very best.
August: The Height of the Season
There is a special rhythm to riding in August.
The urgency of spring events has passed. The weather has settled. Fitness is established. Rather than preparing for the season, you're fully immersed in it.
It's the perfect time to slow down just enough to appreciate where the bike can take you.
Europe / Rest of World Spotlight
Swiss Epic — Swiss Alps
(Mountain Bike)
If there is a mountain bike event that captures the beauty of the Alps, it is Swiss Epic.
The multi-day stage race winds through some of Switzerland's most spectacular alpine terrain, combining flowing singletrack, challenging climbs, and unforgettable scenery. Riders spend each day moving between mountain villages, high passes, and forests that seem untouched by time.
While the terrain demands respect, the experience is surprisingly balanced. The organization is world-class, the villages are welcoming, and every stage ends with the satisfaction that only a full day in the mountains can provide.
Learn more here:
Swiss Epic reminds us that mountain biking can be as much about the journey as the destination.
United States Spotlight
SBT GRVL — Steamboat Springs, Colorado
(Gravel)
Colorado has no shortage of spectacular gravel roads, but SBT GRVL has become one of the country's premier celebrations of the discipline.
Centered in Steamboat Springs, the event combines smooth ranch roads, high-elevation climbs, and expansive mountain views with an atmosphere that feels welcoming to riders of all abilities.
The routes flow through working cattle ranches, aspen groves, and broad mountain valleys, creating a ride that is every bit as memorable for the scenery as the challenge.
Learn more here:
SBT GRVL shows that world-class gravel doesn't have to sacrifice hospitality.
Lifestyle Ride of the Month
Julian Alps — Emerald Rivers & Alpine Passes
(No event required)
One of Europe's best-kept cycling secrets lies just south of Austria.
The Julian Alps combine dramatic mountain scenery with remarkably quiet roads, crystal-clear rivers, and welcoming alpine villages. Climbs such as the legendary Vršič Pass offer spectacular views without the traffic often found on more famous Alpine routes, while the valleys around Lake Bohinj and the Soča River provide gentler rides equally rich in scenery.
What makes Slovenia especially memorable is its intimacy. Distances are manageable, villages are closely connected, and it's easy to combine challenging rides with afternoons spent beside turquoise rivers or enjoying traditional mountain cuisine.
Fresh trout from alpine streams, handmade cheeses, locally produced wines, and quiet cafés overlooking the mountains create the perfect conclusion to a day on the bike.
For route inspiration and travel information:
https://www.slovenia.info/en/
August in Slovenia feels refreshingly undiscovered.
The Thread That Connects Them
Swiss trails. Colorado gravel. Slovenian passes.
Three mountain regions.
Three entirely different personalities.
What connects them is the opportunity to experience mountains at their most welcoming—when the roads are clear, the trails are dry, and every day seems long enough for one more climb.
Why August Matters
August is about making memories.
The strongest rides are no longer measured by training metrics or finishing times.
They're remembered for the places they took us, the people we met, and the conversations shared over a well-earned meal at the end of the day.
Whether you're riding through Switzerland, exploring Colorado's ranch country, or discovering the Julian Alps, the message is the same:
The best adventures often begin with a map, a bicycle, and an open calendar.
Next up: September — iconic mountain passes, golden light, and the first hints of autumn as we head to Italy's Stelvio Pass and the backroads of Idaho.
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