The 2009 Colorado Classic 1000 was the 3rd annual CC1000 to be held. The ride sold out early, about two months before the start of the event. It started at the Holiday Inn in Lakewood, Colorado, and finished at the Old Town Inn in Crested Butte, Colorado. 65 riders from 12 states left the Start with the goal of completing a challenging 1000-mile route in 24 hours or less. Not an easy route for this task either, mostly scenic two-lane roads through the Colorado and New Mexico high country which crossed the Continental Divide at 9 locations and climbed mountain passes totaling almost 150,000 feet in elevation. There was less than 35 miles of freeway! The riders checked in and their odometers were recorded, and then right at 5:00 AM they filed out, turning in their "Start Cards" and on their way. The weather conditions for the ride were almost perfect, at least for most of the day. Comfortable temps and little chance of rain, though by the end of the ride, the skies opened up in what has become typical Colorado Classic 1000 fashion. The finishers were greeted at the Finish with a commemorative Finisher's award and the opportunity to register with the Iron Butt Association for SaddleSore1000 certfication.