FAQ

Why the earlier date?
A few reasons, the biggest being staying off the Lyons bike (dirt) path. They have their traditional Bluegrass Festival in late July, we needed to avoid that to change the Lyons route.

What happened to the 80 mi option?
We changed the finish to the course & cut out some miles on that end. That shortened things up just a hair. Actual mileage of the 75 mi route is around 77+. Do a couple laps around the parking lot if you want 80 again...

Why wear the bib & helmet number?
Your event bib & helmet number gives you access to aid stations, food, drink, bathrooms & SAG support. It also buys you dinner after the event and a beer or two. Without your band you will be turned away. These will be in your event packet at the start - don't forget it!

Food at aid stations
Energy bars, gels, fruit, sandwiches, chips, cookies, water & energy drinks. Nothing heavy – you want to stay light on your pedals. There will be a light lunch available on the longer courses. And get this - at the Ward aid station, the Millsite Restaurant will have french fries & maybe pizza slices for sale. Bring cash for this.

Rain gear/clothing
Expect it to be in the 70's-80's, a little cooler up high. The possibility of a brief afternoon shower is always there so a lite rain shell is wise to carry but not mandatory. Expect some serious sun - wear sunscreen! Something we learned last year - it will rain only on those without a rainshell! Come prepared: rain at altitude = serious cold, even in summer.

Obviously we can't control everything on route so come prepared for whatever Ma Nature feels like throwing at you.

Mechanical support
Select aid stations will have mechanical support volunteers. There is no mechanical support on the roads themselves so come prepared to fix a flat at the least. Serious mechanical difficulties can always jump in a SAG vehicle.

What should I bring?
You'll need a bike for starters. Don't forget your helmet, gloves & a couple water bottles or a Camelbak. Basic road tools to fix common issues are highly recommend - 5mm allen wrench, pump & a spare tube at the minimum.

Be sure to bring your ID while you ride & for beer afterwards if you choose. Along those lines, bring a little money for extras – beer, jerseys, massage etc.

How long will it take me to finish?
Depends on you, here's a rough gauge: Easy-going cyclists pedal about 12 mph on a flat road. Pretty darn quick riders in fine shape go about 16 mph. Racers and those in superb shape cruise at 20+ mph. Again, these times are very rough and do not include rest stops! The speed demons will finish around lunchtime. The SAG team will make sure that everyone is at the finish line by 5:00 p.m.

Route Directions
We will provide you with a route sheet and will mark the route clearly with arrows & signs. When in doubt, follow the signs & marshal instructions. (Be careful about following the cyclist in front of you -- they might be lost!)

Who is the beneficiary?
We're working on that piece now. We'll have around a dozen quality volunteer organizations by spring that will benefit from the event.

Refunds
Refunds are available before May 15th and are subject to a $10 processing fee. After May 15th there are no refunds.

Weather
This is a rain or shine event, there are no rain-dates. Please come prepared to weather the typical Colorado climate.

Packet pickup/mail
You may pickup your event packet at any of our pickup locations, choose when you register. Those not picked up at shops will be available at the event start/finish until 4pm. Or if you prefer we'll mail it to you for a $6 fee. Your packet will include course maps, event number, aid station locations, raffle tickets, sponsor goodies and anything else we think you should have.

Jerseys
Pre-ordering a jersey is the way to go, we're only producing a small number this year. Mostly because we have tons of the 2007 jerseys left over. Jerseys will be in your event packet or available at the start. You may exchange sizes at the start provided we have sufficient quantities.

Parking
Parking is available at Stazio Fields, event marshals will direct you. Overflow parking is available on private property close by.

For a quick warm-up, park in town & take the Boulder Creek Path downstream to the start. The Creek Path will connect with Greenbelt path at 55th st, that leads you directly into Stazio.