HalfRuns
Buffalo Bicycle Classic

Buffalo Bicycle Classic

The Buffalo Bicycle Classic offers a rare car-free ride through Boulder Canyon, supporting student scholarships.

Race Date

Sep 13, 2026

Location

Boulder, CO

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Location
Boulder, Colorado
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 35 Miles, 50 Miles, 70 Miles, 100 Miles, 75 Miles, 60 Miles, 42.3 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Destination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local Community

Course

Scenic Route

The Experience

The Buffalo Bicycle Classic, now in its 24th year, presents a unique opportunity for cyclists to experience Boulder Canyon without vehicle traffic. This special closure, from 7 to 9 a.m., is reserved for participants of the Epic, Epic 75, and Gravel Epic courses, offering an unforgettable ride on a stunning, car-free route.

Beyond the unique canyon experience, the event is a significant fundraiser for the BBC Scholarship Fund, dedicated to helping high-achieving, high-need students access a CU Boulder education. Participants can choose from a variety of ride options, including road courses ranging from moderate rolling routes to challenging climbs, and gravel courses from demanding mountain routes to scenic mid-distance options. A family-friendly "Little Buff" ride on car-free paths is also available.

This event, first run in 2002, has a steady field trend and serves as a vital fundraiser. Riders can further enhance their impact by becoming fundraisers themselves, inviting friends and family to contribute to the scholarship fund while earning additional swag.

Race-provided description

Join us for the Elevations Credit Union Buffalo Bicycle Classic on Sunday, September 13, 2026! Choose from nine unique ride options designed for every type of cyclist. Our road courses range from moderate rolling routes to the challenging Epic climbs. For dirt‑lovers, our gravel courses offer everything from long, demanding mountain gravel to scenic mid‑distance routes. And for families and newer riders, the Little Buff provides a fun, easy ride on car‑free bike paths.  Ride Boulder Canyon on one of the Epic courses:  If you’re riding the Epic, Epic 75, or starting the Gravel Epic, you’ll experience something truly special: westbound Boulder Canyon will be closed to vehicle traffic from 7–9 a.m. This is the one day all year when cyclists can enjoy this stunning canyon completely car‑free—an unforgettable perk reserved just for Buffalo Bicycle Classic riders. Help Us Fund the Future: The Buffalo Bicycle Classic is more than a ride—it’s a fundraising event dedicated to supporting Colorado students through the BBC Scholarship Fund. This year marks our 24th anniversary, and our mission remains clear: help high‑achieving, high‑need students access a CU Boulder education. Your registration supports scholarships—but you can make an even bigger impact by raising funds for BBC scholarships. As a part of ride registration, you have the option to become a fundraiser and collect awesome swag along the way.  We will create a custom page and you can invite friends and family to contribute, and help open doors for more students. Every contribution fuels opportunity. Since 2003, the Buffalo Bicycle Classic has raised $4.3 million, helping 450+ students pursue their degrees. Your support ensures these scholars can focus on their education—not their tuition bills. Every registration counts. Every fundraiser amplifies the mission. Every dollar changes lives. RIDE BIKES. CHANGE LIVES.

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Start Time

10:30 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt Crew or Women's V-neck

Start Location

University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

35 Miles50 Miles70 Miles100 Miles75 Miles60 Miles42.3 Miles

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details8/15

3 timing sources · 10 photos

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather0/10

typical high 78°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

52°

Afternoon (High)

78°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.0"

Precipitation

10 mph

Wind

51%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Buffalo Bicycle Classic?

The Buffalo Bicycle Classic is held on Sunday, September 13, 2026, starting at 10:30 AM.

Where does the Buffalo Bicycle Classic take place?

It takes place in Boulder, Colorado.

What distances does the Buffalo Bicycle Classic offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 35 Miles, 50 Miles, 70 Miles, 100 Miles, 75 Miles, 60 Miles, 42.3 Miles.

Is the Buffalo Bicycle Classic course flat and good for a PR?

The Buffalo Bicycle Classic is a rolling hills, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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