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 - 8 (how well you can navigate tricky trail)
• Strength - 7 (how much pedaling power you can generate)
• Endurance - 6 (how long you can sustain that power)

Note that these are averages, not peak difficulties.
This is real mountain biking and is not a beginner trail! Because of the geography our support points are limited on this one. That means certain sections will be longer than others.

You should be comfortable riding narrow singletrack while playing slalom with large "babyhead" rocks in your path. Overall, keep in mind that this is high-alpine terrain, which means lots of rocks! If you have the skillset to roll thru/over rocky terrain it won't seem nearly as technical to you.

If you're familiar with our Kokopelli trips, this trip is a notch easier but more technical in nature.

Most of the technical sections are found while descending, while a lot of the climbs are moderate, graded jeep roads & former rail grades. There are several options for more aggressive riding for those up to it, also a few spots to take the casual route & avoid tech challenges if you prefer.

What kind of shape do I need to be in?

Expect to be in the saddle an average of 4-5 hours per day, so buy that good saddle you've been eyeing at the shop. Equally important is your ability to ride at altitude - the route never dips below 7000' and quite a bit is above treeline!

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 countless 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 hi-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 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 or Colorado Springs are best. It's a 2-3 hour drive to Salida, pretty much smack-dab in the center of the state.

Can I ship my bike out to Salida? 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 with plenty of granite. Larger volume tires like 2.1 - 2.4 will give you a bit more cush in the rocky stuff & you'll go faster thru the tech. Leave the semi-slicks racing skins at home, you'll want some real tread, at least up front. If you run ultra-lite tires you can expect some flats.

This is true alpine cross-country riding. If you run heavy downhill tires you'll pay for it on the climbs while wimpy, skinny tires will suffer on the descents.

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.