Races›Century Ride (100mi)

Mountains to the Desert Classic

Race-specific weather data and nutrition strategy for Mountains to the Desert Classic in Telluride, CO, US.

CyclingCentury Ride (100 mi)Registration Open
LocationTelluride, CO, US
Date
September 26, 2026
Register on RunSignUpBuild Your Fueling PlanOfficial website
Race Location37.94°, -107.81°
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Race-Day Conditions

Low Heat Risk
Temperature
64°F

57–70°F range

Humidity
57%

44–77% range

5-year average via Open-Meteo. 80% of race days fall within the range shown. Updated Mar 30, 2026.

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Favorable temperature range

Typical race-day temperature of 64°F is in the optimal range for performance. Standard fueling and hydration targets apply.

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Consistent intake on the bike

Cycling allows for higher fueling rates than running since there is less GI jostling. Set a timer for every 15-20 minutes and aim for steady intake. Bottles are easier to manage than gels at high speeds.

Sample Century Ride (100mi) Nutrition Plan

Based on a 165 lb cyclist finishing in ~6 hours. Your plan will differ based on body weight, experience, and conditions.

HourCarbsFluidSodiumExample
Hour 160g20oz400mgDrink mix + bar
Hour 280g24oz500mgDrink mix + gel
Hour 380g24oz500mgDrink mix + chews
Hour 480g24oz500mgDrink mix + rice cake
Hour 570g22oz500mgDrink mix + gel
Hour 660g18oz400mgGel + sports drink
Total430g132oz2800mg

These are general estimates. Get your personalized plan for this race →

What to Expect at Mountains to the Desert Classic

Mountains to the Desert Classic is a Century Ride (100 mi) century ride (100mi) held in Telluride, CO, US. Based on 5 years of historical weather data, athletes can expect median race-day temperatures around 64°F.

Temperatures at Mountains to the Desert Classic typically range from 57°F to 70°F. This falls in the favorable range for endurance performance. Standard fueling and hydration targets should work well, though individual sweat rates still vary — a sweat test gives the most accurate picture.

Cycling events allow for higher fueling rates than running since there's less GI jostling. Most riders can comfortably handle 80–100g of carbs per hour, delivered through a mix of bottles, bars, and on-bike snacks. Set a recurring 15–20 minute timer as a fueling reminder — it's easy to forget when you're focused on the road.

We do our best to keep race details accurate and up to date, but things can change and occasionally we simply get something wrong.

Always check the official website for the most complete and current information.

See something wrong? Let us know and we'll fix it.

Fueling and hydration suggestions are based on published sports science research including ACSM position stands, ISSN guidelines, and peer-reviewed work by Jeukendrup, Sawka, and others. This is not medical or dietary advice — individual needs vary. Always test your nutrition strategy in training before race day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I eat during the race?
Your nutrition plan depends on your body weight, experience level, and race-day conditions. Use our free calculator to get a personalized, hour-by-hour fueling plan with specific carb, fluid, and sodium targets for this Century Ride (100mi).
What is the typical race-day weather?
Based on 5 years of historical data, race-day temperatures at Telluride, CO typically range from 57°F to 70°F (median 64°F). Humidity ranges from 44% to 77%.
How much water should I drink?
Fluid needs vary based on your sweat rate, body weight, and race-day temperature. A typical range is 400-800 mL per hour, but hotter conditions at Telluride, CO may require more. Our calculator provides personalized fluid targets adjusted for the expected weather.
How many calories do I need?
Rather than replacing all calories burned, focus on carbohydrate intake — the primary fuel for endurance performance. Target 30-50% of caloric expenditure through carbs. Our calculator computes the exact hourly targets based on your Century Ride (100mi) pace and body weight.
When should I start fueling?
Begin fueling within the first 30-45 minutes. Start at about 70% of your target intake and ramp up to full by hour 2. This gives your gut time to adjust. Starting too late makes it nearly impossible to catch up on carbs and fluids.
Source: runsignup_apiView sourceVerified: Mar 30, 2026Confidence: 95%