For the third time in Ride the Rockies 25-year history, Grand Junction has been selected as the starting point for the annual cycling tour of Colorado.

The 532-mile event is set for June 13-19 and takes riders from here to Salida.

“We began working about 18 months ago to try to bring the Ride the Rockies tour back to Grand Junction, and we are absolutely thrilled to be selected as the first host community on the tour. It's a great event that's going to benefit the entire valley economically,” said Barbara Bowman with the GJ Visitor & Convention Bureau.

According to Ride the Rockies research, local businesses in communities hosting the cycling group overnight earn an average of more than $250,000 in just a 24-hour period; the tour will stay two nights in Grand Junction. In addition to the economic boost, Ride the Rockies provides host communities with a huge amount of publicity.

Approximately 2,000 bicyclists will participate in this year's event, with an additional 1,000 to 1,500 staff and volunteers accompanying them along the designated route.

Cyclers will begin their trek with a 23-mile ride on Rim Rock Drive through the Colorado National Monument. Staff members of Ride the Rockies are currently working with the Monument to determine the exact route the ride will follow. Ride the Rockies will depart Grand Junction on June 14 via the Grand Mesa. Approximately 1,000 individuals are expected to stay overnight on the Mesa State College campus, including in the new North Avenue dorms, on the floor in a gymnasium, and in tents on athletic fields; many of the remaining Ride the Rockies participants will likely stay in Grand Junction lodging properties.

For more information or to register, visit www.ridetherockies.com or call (303) 954-2784.