FAQ

 

How hard is the ride?

This is tough to answer because everyone has a different idea of what's easy & what's difficult. The vast majority of the trail looks like this on a scale of 1-10:

• Technical skill - 3 (how well you can navigate tricky trail)
• Strength - 4 (how much pedaling power you can generate)
• Endurance - 5 (how long you can sustain that power)

Note that these are averages, not peak difficulties. This is real mountain biking but also has a huge range of options, so riders of all ablities will feel at home here.

You should be comfortable riding 3+ hours per day at altitude. Keep in mind that this is high-alpine terrain, which means lots of rocks! It's nothing like our more technical trips but the Winter Park piece has some truly challenging terrain for those willing.

By comparison to our other trips this is the easiest ride we offer.

Those looking for addt'l challenges will find all they can handle on days two & three - again, it's all about the options.

What do you mean about the trip being "60+" miles?

60 miles is the minimum you'll probably do. Some will do substantially more. Some will opt for shuttles or a rest day & only log 45 miles. The breakdown looks like this -

• Total minimum mileage - 44 (about 22 per day)
• Avg mileage - around 60-75
• Max mileage - unlimited!

What kind of shape do I need to be in?

Expect to be in the saddle an average of 3+ hours per day so be sure you're comfortable on your bike. Equally important is your ability to ride at altitude - the route never dips below 7000' and quite a bit is above treeline! The altitude is by far the biggest mandatory challenge. You'll receive detailed fitness info once registered, but suffice to say if you can ride three days in a row you'll be fine here.

Is there a certain pace to the ride?

Not really. There's a loose start in the AM after discussing the trail for the day. People typically fall into groups based on riding abilities & conversational topics. Some hammer, some yammer.

There's no structure from us about pace with the exception that you'll need to pass the lunch stop by a certain cut-off time. Cut-off times are generous, we rarely have to use them.

Do you have guides on the trail?

This is not a guided tour. If you're expecting a sushi chef, hotels rooms, numerous bike guides, or a large staff catering to your needs, this is not your trip!

Our focus is to provide the logistical support necessary for you to ride the trail in style. That includes terrific meals, water, facilities, shuttles where necessary, a beautiful campsite, a warm campfire, camp showers & facilities and anything else we can do within our resources to ensure a fun & enjoyable trip.

You will need to be entirely self-supported while on the trail between camp & sag stops. We do have a shuttle available but it does not travel the trail itself, just the support points. Your job is to spin pedals until you reach those points and to handle all your personal needs while off-trail.

And remember that we are prepared to handle virtually any emergency & ensure safety of our riders should that need arise.

How's the food?

Awe-inspiring. Lunch is lite to keep you feeling strong on the bike. Breakfast & dinner are huge & varied. All-you-can-eat chips, salsa & guacamole are available as soon as you reach camp each day. Fruit is everywhere you look.

All meals are served with meat "on the side," so if you're a vegetarian you won't be punished with mac & cheese for three nites.

What's the camping scene?

Primitive camping - technically, we're car-camping, but camps will be minimal. There'll be a big kitchen for group meals, snacks, a campfire, a hand wash area, pit privies available on numerous occasions daily, a lunch & water stop at each day's halfway point (called "sag stops"), and lots of tent space that nite.

Camp showers are available for a quick rinse & public nekkid-ness is usually greeted with group applause.

What do I need to bring?

Apart from your bike & riding gear, you'll need to show up with everything you'll need for the weekend, excluding food & bike tools. Tent, sleeping bag, clothes & personal items are really all you need, you'll receive a gear list once registered.

Each rider is allowed one large duffel bag to be shuttled from camp to camp. Bring what you need to be comfortable, but remember that it ALL has to fit into one duffel bag. The one exception to this rule is a folding camp chair.

Funny story - every year we'll receive calls from riders wondering how they're supposed to fit everything they need into a single bag. And yet we've NEVER had heard a post-trip complaint that they couldn't bring something they needed.

Take-home message: We'll take good care of you, we promise!

What's the weather like?

Expect weather to be in the 70's during the day with some very intense sun. Sunscreen is a must! Nites in camps are cool, usually dipping below 50 after dark. You can expect to be riding in shorts & short or long-sleeved jerseys, carring a rainshell is wise as afternoon storms are common. Some lite arm/leg warmers are a nice bonus on the passes but not really necessary. It's usually cool and always windy on the passes so be prepared.

At nite pants, thick fleece & maybe some polypro long underwear (if you're cold blooded) & a hat are the most common sight. Remember weather's about as predictable as a herd of cats, so plan for contingencies. In the hi alpine it can shift from 80's & sunny to snow in the blink of an eye.

Where should I fly into for this event?

Denver is best, then make your way to Boulder for the nite. The start is in Rollinsville, about an hour from Boulder.

Can I ship my bike out? Or can I rent a quality bike there?

Yes, several options. We'll fill you in later.

Why don't you supply energy bars for the trail?

We supply all your meals EXCEPT your on-trail food. Some people like Power Bars, some like Clif Bars, some like pork chops.

Seriously, there's just no way to make this politically feasible so we stopped trying. So pack a dozen of your favorite bars, gels or Twinkies & spend an hour around the fire telling everyone why your system is the best!

What are the best tires for the trail?

Expect loamy alpine soil & hardpack with plenty of granite in Winter Park. A good all-around 2.1 tread like a Panaracer Fire XC (an old reliable) is fine. If you're gunning for the harder terrain a meaty 2.35 will serve you well. Ideally, plan your tires around what you plan to ride on day two.

If you only own one set of tires, simply ignore this question altogether, the answers won't affect your ride.

Do cell phones work on trail? What about personal 2-way radios?

Kind of nice to call your friends from the Continental Divide & say, "wish you were here." Phones will usually work from up there. The key is to never count on them, that's when they'll fail. Generally speaking, cell access is extremely limited.

2-Ways are usually effective for few miles, rarely more. Again, just don't count on them. Otherwise they're a great way to stay in touch with others in the group, lots bring them.