Transport from DIA
If you are flying in, you will probably arrive at Denver International Airport. Available transportation:
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RTD-Denver (Regional Transportation District) Bus Service - RTD-Denver offers dependable, comfortable service, $12 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 Comfort Inn host motel is north across the parking lot, beyond the cinema) as well as Boulder, etc. This is the "AB" route.
RTD info - click on "skyRide". Note: returning to the airport, the bus will stop on the south side of US-36. There is a covered pedestrian walkway, with elevator, crossing US-36.
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There are also airport van shuttles, which will drop you at your motel, in the $25 range (plus possible charge for bikes), reservations not required. Inquire in the arrival area.
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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.).
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Comfort Inn - 303-604-0181 - This is the ride start motel. West of McCaslin. Ask for the RMCC event discount rate.
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La Quinta - 303-664-0100 - East of McCaslin.
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Marriott Courtyard - 303-604-0007 - East of McCaslin.
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Hampton Inn - 303-666-7700 - 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:
Links of Interest
Excursions - Looking for some relaxation before or after the event?
Environment
- Afternoon thunderstorms are typical in the mountains - these can bring cold rain and downdrafts. This should be less of an issue for riders following the recommended stages, as the mountain segments are in the morning.
- Afternoon thunderstorms with lightning, strong winds, and hail, are possible for the Eastern Plains. Keep an eye on the sky and an idea of what shelter may be nearby.
- High altitude means increased sun exposure: use adequate sunscreen.
- Arid climate - pay special attention to hydration.
- None of the climbs are steep, but most are extended, and above 6,000 ft. will require extra energy.
- Sunrise: 5:40 Sunset: 20:30.
- Average July temperature ranges:
Stages
The stages are oriented towards riding the course unsupported, finishing in the 65+ hour time range, and taking into account the sparse services and accommodations along much of the route, especially at night (between 9pm and 6am). Each loop comes back to the start/finish motel to rest and resupply; there are a number of restaurants and stores in the area.
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Day 1: 250 miles - climb Lefthand Canyon, Carter Lake, and Horsetooth Reservoir - The initial segment is the longest with the most climbing, but starts with (a) 70 miles on the Plains, followed by (b) the 17 mile, 4,000 ft. climb up Lefthand Canyon, (c) the Peak-to-Peak Highway, the 15 amile descent of St. Vrain Canyon, (e) brief but stiff climbs up Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir, then 90 miles or so of lightly rolling Plains mileage.
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Day 2: 204 miles - transit Ft. Morgan through the Eastern Plains - The second loop is shorter, with the least climbing: (a) through Kersey into the sparsely-populated plains to of Weldona Valley and to Ft. Morgan; (b) back south of the large ranch you just transited on its north side, with a noisy but short segment on I-76, and a quiet finish.
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Day 3: 175 miles - climb Big Thompson and descend Devil's Gulch - The third is the shortest loop with (a) a milder canyon climb up Big Thompson Canyon to Estes Park, (b) descent of the Devil's Gulch switchbacks through Glen Haven (fresh cinnamon rolls!), and (c) plains miles to finish up.
Checkpoints
Checkpoints are of the following types:
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Establishment checkpoints such as stores - not staffed by event officials. Have someone working at the establishment register your card.
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Information Checkpoints - Annotate the card yourself, entering the time of passage and the answer to the question for that location on the control card.
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Secret Checkpoints - There may be one or more Event Staffed secret checkpoints along the route.
Rules and Procedures
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Riders are to follow the standard rules for brevets - see the Randonneurs USA "Rules for Riders" .
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Personal Support may travel the event route between checkpoints, but are only allowed to assist their rider (or others) at the checkpoints or en route in an emergency situation, and are not to "leap-frog" their rider. You must register your personal support (vehicle and contact info) before the ride start.
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If you must abandon or have other difficulties which delay you, you may leave a message on the Field Operations line (303-604-1163 or 303-579-5866) or at other numbers which may be provided. Please also mail your card to the address listed thereon.
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