COLORADO FRONT RANGE 1200
Rocky Mountain Cycling Club
 
SANCTIONED BY

Randonneurs USA
Randonneurs Mondiaux

Rocky Mountain Cycling Club

2023 Rider Info

Updated 18-March-2023

Ride Start Accommodations  -   Bike Shops  -   Environmental Tips  -   Transport from DIA

Transport from DIA
If you are flying in, you will probably arrive at Denver International Airport. Available transportation:
  • RTD-Denver (Regional Transportation District) Bus Service - RTD-Denver offers dependable, comfortable service, $10.50 fare (no charge for bikes), and stops at the Louisville-Superior Park-and-Ride near the event start/finish (it will stop on the north side of US-36; the Quality Inn host motel is north across the parking lot, beyond the cinema) as well as Boulder, etc. This is the "AB" route. RTD info - Sky Ride. Note: returning to the airport, the bus will pick up on the south side of US-36. There is a covered pedestrian walkway, with elevator, crossing US-36.
  • In years past there were airport van shuttles, but now your option other than renting a vehicle would be ride hailing services such as Uber or Lyft.
  • Cycling from DIA is legal, signposted, and there are broad shoulders to ride leaving the airport. It is about 40 miles cycling from DIA to Louisville/Superior.
Ride Start Accommodations
There are several motels within ½ mile of the ride start (same side of US-36, some on the east side of McCaslin Blvd.).
  • Quality Inn - 303-604-0181 - This is the ride start motel. West of McCaslin Blvd.
  • Best Western Plus - 303-327-1215 - East of McCaslin.
  • La Quinta - 303-664-0100 - East of McCaslin.
  • Marriott Courtyard - 303-604-0007 - East of McCaslin.
  • Residence Inn by Marriott - 303-665-2661 - East of McCaslin.
There are also motels in Boulder (5-7 miles further up US-36), and one or more in the Interlocken/Broomfield area (3-5 miles before the Louisville/Superior exit). Around the Louisville motels are also numerous places to eat, hardware stores, and a cinema.

Bike Shops
There are several bike shops in the area, including:

Environment & Caveats
  • Early-morning frost at higher elevation is possible. Bring adequate layering.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are typical in the mountains - these can bring cold rain and downdrafts.
  • High altitude means increased sun exposure: use adequate sunscreen.
  • Arid climate - pay special attention to hydration.
  • Extended Climbs - None of the climbs are steep, but most are extended, and above 6,000 ft. will require extra energy.
  • Wildlife can appear on the roads, especially at dawn and at dusk. In addition to deer, elk, coyotes, and possibly bear and free-range cattle, be especially wary of moose, who can be aggressive and dangerous. Give moose the right-of-way.
  • Cattle grates (to hem in free-range cattle) need care in crossing.
  • Sunrise: 5:33   Sunset: 20:33.
  • Average June temperature ranges:

    LowHighElev.
    Boulder53°83°5,340 ft.
    Estes Park45°75°7,522 ft.