PHOTOS: Ride for the Pass signals summer’s imminent return to Aspen

News | May 18, 2025

Austin Colbert

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**Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.**
*Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times*

The 31st annual Ride for the Pass was held Saturday morning on Independence Pass near Aspen. A 10-mile road cycling race from the winter closure gate to the ghost town of Independence, it is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation and a sister event to the Ute Mountaineer’s Ski for the Pass.

The race is typically held the weekend before Independence Pass opens to vehicle traffic for the summer. The road is expected to open this week, although officials had not yet confirmed an opening date as of Saturday. Topping out at 12,095 feet, the pass is one of the highest paved roads in the country and connects Aspen to Twin Lakes on the other side.

The 2025 Ride for the Pass was won by Woody Creek’s Matthew Fox in 40 minutes, 18.4 seconds. In second was Aspen’s Ryan Koster in 42:16, and in third was Aspen’s Andrew Bluemel in 43:38.6.

The top female finisher was Denver’s Autumn Vegh in 47:54.4; she was 22nd overall. Second among women was Carbondale’s Bryn Brendamour in 49:12.4, and in third was Aspen’s Jenya Berino in 52:46.4.

More than 200 cyclists took part in the full 10-mile race. There was also a family-friendly 2-mile race and an untimed e-bike option. For more, visit independencepass.org. Live race results were provided by CJ Sports Timing.

Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers warm up prior to the start of the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers take off from the start of the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A racer takes part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. Like its sister event, Ski for the Pass, the family-friendly race is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A racer takes part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Racers take part in the 31st annual Ride for the Pass on Saturday, May 17, 2025, on Independence Pass near Aspen. The event is a fundraiser for the Independence Pass Foundation.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times