

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
Atmosphere
Course
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
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
8 other maps for this race
- RideWithGPS— Ride with GPS event page!
- RideWithGPS— view the full map on the RideWithGPS website
- RideWithGPS— View the full map on the RideWithGPS website.
- RideWithGPS— View the full map on the RideWithGPS website.
- RideWithGPS— View the full map on the RideWithGPS website.
- RideWithGPS— Buff Epic Route Map
- RideWithGPS— View the full map on the RideWithGPS website.
- RideWithGPS— View the full map on the RideWithGPS website.
Quality Score
first year
no finisher counts yet
small race — neutral
needs a few years of results
3 timing sources · 10 photos
no finisher data yet
no winner time yet
typical high 78°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (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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