Morgul-Bismarck Circuit
The most historic race course in American cycling. Home of the Red Zinger Bicycle Classic (1975-79, sponsored by Celestial Seasonings) and the Coors International Bicycle Classic (1980-88) — 14 years of racing where Greg LeMond, Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx, Andy Hampsten, and Davis Phinney battled. The name comes from pets — a cat named Morgul (after a Laugh-In character) and a dog named Bismark, belonging to early promoters. The 13.1-mile loop runs McCaslin Blvd, CO-128, CO-93, and Marshall Road. "The Wall" (Strava #632472, 2.19 km) — a 4.1% average ramp that spikes to 14.8-18% at the top. Featured in the 1985 film "American Flyers" (dir. John Badham, starring Kevin Costner) — the climactic "Hell of the West" race was filmed here. Davis Phinney won 2 Tour de France stages and won the Olympic bronze ('84 TTT). Pure suffering, pure glory.
Distance
21.1 km
Elevation Gain
380 m
Elevation Loss
380 m
Est. Time
1h 10min
Elevation Profile
Photos
Strava Segments (1)
The Wall (McCaslin & CO-128)
2.19 km • 4.1% avg
101m
climb
Morgul-Bismarck Circuit
Boulder Velo Club
Distance
21.1 km
Elevation Gain
380 m
Est. Time
1h 10min
Grade
1.8%
The most historic race course in American cycling. Home of the Red Zinger Bicycle Classic (1975-79, sponsored by Celestial Seasonings) and the Coors International Bicycle Classic (1980-88) — 14 years of racing where Greg LeMond, Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx, Andy Hampsten, and Davis Phinney battled. The name comes from pets — a cat named Morgul (after a Laugh-In character) and a dog named Bismark, belonging to early promoters. The 13.1-mile loop runs McCaslin Blvd, CO-128, CO-93, and Marshall Road. "The Wall" (Strava #632472, 2.19 km) — a 4.1% average ramp that spikes to 14.8-18% at the top. Featured in the 1985 film "American Flyers" (dir. John Badham, starring Kevin Costner) — the climactic "Hell of the West" race was filmed here. Davis Phinney won 2 Tour de France stages and won the Olympic bronze ('84 TTT). Pure suffering, pure glory.