Here are my top 5 road races.  Obviously, there are alot of quality races that I haven’t done, but for someone who races in a small community this might be your first introduction to some of these hidden gems.

#5 – Battle Ridge Road Race – stage 4 of the Tour de Bozeman – Bozeman, MT

This route is in the beautiful Bridger Mountain Ranger just outside of Bozeman.  You climb Battle Ridge twice from two different approaches.  The course lends itself to a breakaway, as riders are tired from the stages leading up, and lower GC contenders are going on suicide missions sensing cracks in the leaders’ armor.

#4 – North Shore Circuit Race – Bellingham, WA

It’s been run as a collegiate race and regular race for years.  The circuit has no flat parts, but you wouldn’t call if a pure climbers course either.  The hill on the backside is hard, but not hard enough to drop a sprinter who can climb.  The circuit has phenomenal pavement and stunning scenery.  The weather is usually wet, and gives the race that spring classics feel.

#3 – Rocky Mountain Roubaix – Missoula, MT

This classic has changed routes a couple times, but the most recent route is a perfect mix of gravel, pavement, and hills.  Wheel, tire, and bike choice all play factors.  It’s really setup up as a sprinters course, but 1 out of every 3 years there’s a solo suicide winner.  This keeps the racing nervous and exciting.

#2 – Cow Country Classic – Wolf Creek, MT

In recent history it’s been the Montana State Championship.  A rolly course, that suits strong endurance minded riders.  It’s hard to say the winner is a certain type of rider.  The one characteristic is “hard man.”  At 86 miles it’s the longest single day race we have in the area, and the hills don’t make it any easier.

#1 – Dooley Mountain Road Race – Elkhorn Classic – Baker City, OR

100 miles, 3 summits, last stage.  Beautiful Oregon roads with good pavement and no traffic.  By the end of the race you’ve been through a war.  The last climb is not steep, but long, and the 90 miles finally takes it’s toll.  All categories do the 100 mile stage, so it gives the race a “participatory vibe,” complete with party at the summit.