Every Utah cyclist has heard of the legendary Alpine Loop. It’s more than just a scenic byway—it’s a proving ground. A place where mountain bikers test their grit, road cyclists push their limits, and nature flexes its raw, untamed beauty.
The Alpine Loop is a breathtaking 30-mile scenic drive through the Wasatch Mountains, established in the 1930s. It offers stunning views year-round—century-old pine trees dusted in snow, vibrant yellow, orange, and red aspens in the fall, and moose wandering through the meadows. But with unpredictable weather and drastic temperature swings, you can only plan so much—the rest comes down to physical endurance, skill, and mental strength.
Meet Ben: The Newcomer with a Mission
Ben, our behind-the-scenes website wizard. If you've visited our website and noticed amazing updates or anything that has made checkout easier, helped you learn specs, or showcased the beauty of our bikes, much of that is thanks to Ben and his team's work. Ben is a mountain biker. When a few of us started riding the new Veyo and Suncrest, he took notice. Curiosity turned into intrigue. One conversation led to another, and soon he was asking about road gear, components, and everything in between. His initiation into road cycling? A 35-mile ride with adventure photographer Chris Burkard up South Fork in Provo Canyon. By the end, Ben was hooked.
So when we planned an early-morning assault on the Alpine Loop the following week, we threw out an invite. Without hesitation, Ben was in.
A Dawn Patrol to Remember
We started at 6 AM on a Thursday before work, meeting at the base of American Fork Canyon so we could return in time for the day. Our group had a mix of bikes—Jared rode the Empire, Connor the Veyo, Ethan and Ben on the Suncrest, and I was on my Shafer. With bikes ready, lights on, and Strava tracking, we set off.
(As for me, the Shafer performed great on the climbs with 45c tires inflated to 40 psi each. The bike felt incredibly comfortable throughout the ride)
The climb started tough, with strong headwinds and cold temperatures. Our first stop was at the Timpanogos Cave visitor center, a gateway into the 'heart' of the mountain, where we refilled our water bottles. As we continued climbing, we reached the Pine Hollow parking lot just in time to catch a stunning sunrise. We took a quick water break and checked in on each other. Ben was in awe of the ride’s beauty. His breathing was heavy.
We pressed on, stopping again at the fork leading to the Timpanooke parking lot for snacks—our go-to fuel: granola bars, trail mix, meat sticks, and Nerds Clusters. With this being the final stop before the summit, we made sure to recharge.
For Ben, this was more than just another ride. It was his second-ever road ride, and he had just conquered the Alpine Loop—one of Utah’s most grueling (and rewarding) climbs. The sense of accomplishment was written all over his face. We lingered at the top, soaking in the mountain air, the golden aspen leaves glowing in the morning light.
Descending the Alpine Loop is equal parts exhilarating and brutal. The icy wind cut through our layers, turning fingers numb and noses runny. Some of us had forgotten gloves—a rookie mistake. The road twisted and turned through deep, shaded canyons, our tires humming against the pavement.
We flew past Sundance, where the Sundance Film Festival all started, Robert Redford's old stomping grounds.
By the time we hit Provo Canyon, the temperature had warmed, and the final stretch was smooth—until Connor decided to push the pace. We hammered at 22-24 mph, adrenaline surging, legs burning. But somewhere along the way, we lost Ben.
We eased up, waited for him, and rolled back into the parking lot together. There he was, pounding each pedal stroke with determination to make it to the end. Because no matter how fast or slow you go, the best rides aren’t just about speed or elevation—they’re about the people you share them with.
We did something that morning. Something that mattered. For some it was a casual pre-work ride, for others it was a morning to remember.
