Colorado Brevet Series – "Peak-to-Peak" 300km Brevet – 9-July-2008

Tips for the Rider

An Elevated Route! – This "Peak-to-Peak" 300km brevet climbs Coal Creek Canyon, then stays on the Peak-to-Peak Highway for nearly 50 miles to Estes Park, largely between 8,000 and 9,000 ft. Then it heads down Devil's Gulch and Big Thompson Canyon, and out onto the Plains, finishing up past Baseline Lake in Boulder, with the Flatirons as a scenic backdrop.

SPECIAL ROUTE ADVISORIES AND CHANGES

·         Hwy. 72 between Indiana and Hwy. 93 (4 miles) – Construction cones have been put in place, forcing cyclists to ride in the lane with traffic.  Ride single file and watch for traffic.

·         Peak-to-Peak Hwy. (Hwy.72) between Nederland and Hwy. 7 – Road surface has been rotomilled in at least two stretches – near Sugarloaf Road, and closer to Ward.  Take extra care on these stretches, especially descending.

·         Berthoud Construction – There is road construction in Berthoud, so we have re-routed through Campion.  The changes start 1.7 miles south of the turn from US-34 (Big Thompson Canyon) onto Rd. 29, where you turn left onto Rd. 20.

·         Platteville to Niwot – The route has been changed to follow quieter roads with easier turns.  (Downside is a five-mile segment on Hwy. 52 which is busy but has a wide shoulder, but the 3-mile busy, shoulderless stretch on Hwy. 66 is gone.)

 

Louisville Start/Finish – We are starting and finishing at the Louisville-Superior Park-n-Ride (south side of US-36).

Official Checkpoints – Please patronize stores used for checkpoints.

  • Nederland – Sinclair station - with good restrooms, good selection of items.
  • Meeker Park – Meeker Park Lodge Store - Limited selection, water and restrooms around side of store. REMOVE SHOES before entering store.
  • MacGregor Ranch – INFORMATION CHECKPOINT - follow instructions on your brevet card. Glen Haven store  is not a checkpoint but has renowned, tasty cinnamon rolls!
  • Platteville – Everyday Convenience Store - friendly staff.
  • Niwot – Convenience Store - Good selection of items, including Japanese snack items at counter!

Lighting – Remember that lighting and reflective equipment are REQUIRED for the ride start. Lighting includes street-legal headlight and taillight. Reflective equipment includes vest, ankle bands, and reflective material on your bike.

Secret Checkpoints – Any brevet may have one or more secret checkpoints along the route.

Coal Creek Canyon - Remember to keep the single-file rule in mind - this is a winding canyon road with no shoulders.

Nutrition (Estes Park - Platteville) – There are roughly 60 miles between the Glen Haven and Platteville checkpoints, and the official Glen Haven checkpoint is informational, not at a store, but consider restocking at Glen Haven. ALSO: Convenience store on west side of I-25 west of Johnstown; convenience store one mile east of Hwy. 60 and Rd. 13.  NOTHING AFTER THAT.

Finish – If there is no event official at the finish when you arrive, leave your brevet card in official vehicle, after having it registered at a nearby store (for example, Panera) and signing your card.

DNF – We do not sweep the course. If you do not finish the brevet, you may leave a message on 303-604-1163. If the official vehicle is at the finish and you return there, you may leave your brevet card there.

Rule and Waiver– Please review the Brevet Rules and sample Rider Waiver.

Not a Race – Observe traffic rules, ride responsibly, … and have fun!

- Brevet Basics -

  • Brevets are not races. Finishing is more important than finishing time. Lending assistance to other riders who require it is more important than finishing quickly. The last rider to finish within the time limits gets precisely the same credit as the rider who’s first to come in.
  • Observe traffic regulations, be safe, share the road, and be courteous to your fellow riders, fellow road users, checkpoint establishments, and members of the communities you visit.
  • Make sure your brevet card is filled out completely, including each checkpoint entry and your signature. Incomplete brevet cards (including missed checkpoints) are grounds for DQ.