Synopsis: While there are numerous reasons to visit Castle Rock Colorado, there is one particular annual event held in the city that’s worth planning a vacation around. Named after a natural rock formation that resembles a towering elephant‚ the Elephant Rock Cycling Festival draws thousands of participants from all over. After lunch, we head out and follow the foothills north. We head south admiring the view of Pikes Peak. The day is clearing and the sun is warming. Heading East, we begin climbing into the Black Forest. The work is difficult 7/10 keeping us anaerobic and fast.