Colorado Triple Crown

Colorado Triple Crown Jersey: A Sneak Peak!

2012-02-06T13:33:00.017-07:00

Rumor has it that the Colorado Triple Crown kits are in press now and should be shipping by the end of February 2012! Something to get excited about!!!

2012 Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic Roster

2012-02-06T13:33:00.016-07:00

Registration has started for this year's Colorado Triple Crown events and a few riders have already committed to becoming Colorado Triple Crown Finshers!. We'll try to keep the roster updated so you can see who's registered.

Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic Roster (updated 2/12/12):

Holland, Greg (Lakewood, CO)
Horwood, Joshua (Loveland, CO)
Howell, Craig (Littleton, CO)
Kaminski, Jason (Longmont, CO)
Lowe, Mark (Arvada, CO)
Park, Sheeyun (Arvada, CO)
Van Meter, Erika (Aspen, CO)
Walborn, Duane (Centennial, CO)

2012 Colorado Death Ride Roster

2012-02-06T13:33:00.014-07:00

Colorado Death Ride (updated 2/12/12):

Holland, Greg (Lakewood, CO)
Horwood, Josh (Loveland, CO)
Howell, Craig (Littleton, CO)
Kaminski, Jason (Longmont, CO)
Lowe, Mark (Arvada, CO)
Van Meter, Erika (Aspen, CO)
Walborn, Duane (Centennial, CO)

2012 Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop Roster

2012-02-06T13:33:00.012-07:00

Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop (updated 2/12/12):

Holland, Greg (Lakewood, CO)
Horwood, Josh (Loveland, CO)
Howell, Craig (Littleton, CO)
Kaminski, Jason (Longmont, CO)
Lowe, Mark (Arvada, CO)
Park, Sheeyun (Arvada, CO)
Van Meter, Erika (Aspen, CO)
Walborn, Duane (Centennial, CO)

2012 Cripple Creek Crippler Roster

2012-02-06T13:32:00.004-07:00

Cripple Creek Crippler (updated 2/12/12):

Lowe, Mark (Arvada, CO)
Park, Sheeyun (Arvada, CO)
Van Meter, Erika (Aspen, CO)

2012 Colorado Triple Crown Registration

2012-01-29T23:46:00.004-07:00

Registration the Colorado Triple Crown and RMCC Challenge Series Short-Course events will open 1/30/12! Thanks for everyone's patience! Here's a few pointers regarding Triple Crown registration:

1) Registration will be available via two options: 1) on-line through Google Accounts or 2) downloadable mail-in registration form.

2) Register early! Complete applicatons will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Colorado Triple Crown events are limited to the first 50 pre-registered riders. If we do reach our 50 rider registration cap for an event, registration for that particular event will be closed for 2012. Pre-registration closes one week prior to the start of each event.

3) Please review the pre-qualification requirements! You do not need to be pre-qualified in order to sign up for Colorado Triple Crown events; however, if a rider does not meet the pre-qualification requirements by the date of the event, he/she will not be allowed to participate. For any questions regarding pre-qualification, please ask Mark Lowe (mvlowe5@comcast.net).

4) We will be offering Colorado Triple Crown T-shirts this year (for purchase) with your registration. Consider upgrading your casual cycling attire...certain to be the envy of all of your friends!

Colorado Triple Crown Kit

2011-12-16T01:04:00.032-07:00

The RMCC is very proud to present our new Colorado Triple Crown cycling kit!

Members of the RMCC have been riding the original events of the Colorado Triple Crown--Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic, Colorado Death Ride, and the Grand Loop--since the club's inception in 1993 as preparation for longer ultracycling events. We didn't formally organize the events into the Colorado Triple Crown until 2009. To date, there are only 13 riders in RMCC history who have successfully completed all three of these events in a single calendar year. The list of Colorado Triple Crown finishers includes:

Rex Farnsworth: pre-2009

Carol Hvrada: pre-2009

Charlie Henderson: pre-2009

Michael Henderson: 2011

Andrea Koenig: 2009

Gary Lancaster: 2011

Mark Lowe: 2009, 2011

Jerry Mack: pre-2009

John Mangin: 2009

Tom Miller: 2011

Patrick Nourse: 2009

Ray Rupel: 2009

Dick Wiss: 2009

(*The Grand Loop was cancelled in 2010 because of road construction on Trail Ridge Road. Because of this, there were no official Colorado Triple Crown finishers in 2010.)

To recognize our Colorado Triple Crown finishers for their accomplishments, Jeff Wu and Clair Lochridge at Team Alchemist in Boulder helped us design a new Colorado Triple Crown cycling kit for our Triple Crown finishers. Team Alchemist is Boulder's finest custom cycling clothing designer, and Jeff and Clair did a stellar job on our design...very classy! Thanks to Jeff and Clair for their hard work on our Triple Crown kit!!! Additionally, we would like to thank Hammer Nutrition, whose donation helped make this possible. Look for these kits out on the road by spring 2012!

Congratulatons to all of our Triple Crown finishers!

We're hoping that more of you will attempt to be come Colorado Triple Crown finishers in 2012!!!

Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic

2011-12-16T01:01:00.014-07:00

Date: Saturday, June 16, 2012

Sign-in/Start: 3:00 am/4:00 am

Start location: Ken Caryl, at the RTD park-and-ride on the northeast corner of Shaffer Parkway and Ken Caryl Avenue in west Littleton, just east of the interchange with C-470.

Distance/climbing: 180 miles/13,500 feet

Brief description: An epic 180 mile day on the bike from the town of Littleton to Conifer, Bailey, Fairplay, Buena Vista, Twin Lakes, Aspen, and Woody Creek. It features some truly spectacular Colorado scenery, including amazing views of the Mt. Evans Wilderness, Kenosha Pass, the South Park Valley, the Collegiate Peaks, Twin Lakes, Independence Pass, the Frying Pan Wilderness, and the ritzy the town of Aspen!

Course map/Cue sheet: Denver-to-Aspen

Registration: RMCC membership AND pre-registration are required to participate in this event! This event has a $30 registration fee. Registration is limited to the first 50 pre-registered riders. Registration closes on June 7, 2012. Participants may withdraw by June 7, 2012 for a full refund. After June 7, no refunds will be granted. For more information about RMCC membership: RMCC membership. For information regarding pre-registration, click here: Colorado Triple Crown Registration

Event organizer: For specific questions about the event, e-mail Mark Lowe (mvlowe5@comcast.net).

Ride leader: Charlie Henderson (chardi2528@aol.com)

Additional notes:

1. Some ultra-distance cycling experience is encouraged (but not required) to participate in this event. This event can be used as a pre-qualifier for the other events of the Colorado Triple Crown.

2. This event has a 17 hour time limit. Riders must finish in less than 17 hours to receive an official finishing time. Riders must finish in less than 15 hours in order receive Colorado Triple Crown credit and to pre-qualify for the other Colorado Triple Crown events.

3. Lights and reflective gear are required!

4. The Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic is an Ultramarathon Cycling Association (UMCA) UltraCycling Cup event for 2012: (http://www.ultracycling.com).

5. Please refer to the Colorado Triple Crown Blog for last minute information regarding the event: (http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com) .

Who was Joe Lookingbill? Joe Lookingbill was one of the “founding fathers” of the Rocky Mountain Cycling Club. He was the mastermind behind the Denver-to-Aspen Classic and was one of the event directors during the 1990s when Denver-to-Aspen was run as a public ride. Joe passed at an early age after a battle with cancer. The Denver-to-Aspen Classic continues to be run in Joe's memory and the route that he designed remains one of the most difficult and spectacular “double century” courses in the nation.

Course Description

The Denver-to-Aspen ride can be broken down into 7 different segments:

1) Littleton to Conifer, 19.1 miles.

Leaving Checkpoint #1, the RTD Park-n-Ride at C-470 and Ken Caryl, the climbing begins immediately! After riding past South Valley Park, riders will begin the grind up Deer Creek Canyon, gaining 3,000 vertical feet to the town of Conifer (basic services). Please take advantage of port-o-potty facilities in Pleasant Park along the way if you need to! From Conifer, riders will turn west onto Hwy 285 and ride 1.7 miles to Checkpoint #2, the Conifer RTD Park-n-Ride. Please note that riders will need lights to safely navigate the first segment of this ride!

2) Conifer to Kenosha Pass, 31.2 miles.

Participants will continue riding west on Hwy 285, facing an onslaught of large rollers as they pass through Pine Junction (store). Hwy 285 has an excellent shoulder to ride on during this section and traffic is usually light during the early morning hours. From Pine Junction, riders begin a short but blazing descent down Crow Hill toward the town of Bailey (basic services, personal SAG vehicles allowed here). Of note, please watch for rumble strips after Pine Junction as they will definitely catch your attention if you're not paying attention! As participants ride west from Bailey, Hwy 285 will continue to undulate upward to the town of Grant (no services). Riders will appreciate the pristine mountain scenery of the Mt. Evans Wilderness to the north!

From Grant, riders will begin a moderate climb to Checkpoint #3, the summit of Kenosha Pass, gaining approximately 1,500 vertical feet in 7 miles. Kenosha Pass is a playground for many off-road enthusiasts, including mountain bikers and four wheelers, so please be wary of traffic! By the time riders reach the top of Kenosha Pass, they will have climbed nearly 7,000 vertical feet in 50 miles!

3) Kenosha Pass to Fairplay, 20.1 miles.

After summiting Kenosha Pass, riders will begin an exhilarating 3 mile descent down the western face of the pass into the beautiful South Park Valley. As riders cruise through South Park, they will pass through the town of Jefferson (basic services) and encounter a number of sweeping rollers along the way. Hwy 285 has a descent shoulder to ride on during this section as large portions of the road have been repaved in the past few years. Riders will then encounter a short but moderate climb up Red Hill Pass (9,993 feet) before descending to the town of Fairplay (basic services). Although Fairplay is not an official checkpoint, all riders are encouraged to stop here and refuel!

4) Fairplay to Buena Vista, 38.7 miles.

From Fairplay, riders will continue on Hwy 285 as it meanders southwest through the South Park Valley. Participants will then grind their way up Trout Creek Pass (9,346 feet), a short but moderate climb (with a notorious reputation for bad weather and wind during this event!), before embarking on a scenic descent to the small town of Johnson Village (basic services). Please note: The shoulder along this section of Hwy 285 is generally good, but there is an endless stream of rumble strips south of Fairplay. The shoulder does narrow in places as you descend Trout Creek Pass to the west. Please ride this section carefully as traffic can be a bit brisk! From Johnson Village, participants will ride north for 3 miles along Hwy 24 to Checkpoint #4 in Buena Vista (basic services). Riders are encouraged to refuel in Buena Vista if they are running a bit low on supplies as there is still another 43 miles and 4,200 feet of vertical gain to the top of Independence Pass!

5) Buena Vista to Twin Lakes, 25.3 miles.

From Buena Vista, participants will continue riding north along Hwy 24, enjoying the spectacular views of the Collegiate Peaks to the west! Hwy 24 climbs subtly for approximately 20 miles from Buena Vista to Balltown (no services). The road is in excellent condition with a wide shoulder, but it is not unusual to experience pesky headwinds along this section of Hwy 24.

Riders then turn west onto Hwy 82 (Independence Pass Road) at Balltown and will ride 6 miles along the northern shores of the Twin Lakes to Checkpoint #5 at the Twin Lakes Store. The views from Twin Lakes are truly spectacular, but headwinds off of the lakes can be a bit brisk! All riders should plan to stop and refuel here before beginning the final 2,700 foot ascent to the the top of the pass!

6) Twin Lakes to Indendence Pass Summit, 17.8 miles.

From the Twin Lakes store, participants will continue west along Hwy 82, passing through lush forests with waterfalls and wildflowers. As Hwy 82 continues to undulate upward, it will enter a large bowl of plush vegetation at the base of the final ascent. From there, riders will begin the daunting task of climbing Independence Pass Road as it snakes its way five miles to the top of the pass. The air will become noticeably thinner at this point in time as riders ascend into the stratosphere!!!

7) Independence Pass Summit to Woody Creek, 28 miles (and a whole lot of downhill!).

At an elevation of 12,095 feet, Independence Pass truly is one of Colorado's most spectacular mountain passes! Enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery and congratulate yourself on reaching the summit of this epic Colorado climb! But don't celebrate too long...your work for the day is not done yet!!! You still have 28 miles (and a whole lot of downhill) to go! From the top of the pass, riders will begin a blazing descent as Hwy 82 plunges into the Frying Pan Wilderness. Please ride this descent with extreme caution as Independence Pass Road is often strewn with large rocks and has many large potholes. The road is also very narrow in places, barely wide enough to allow one vehicle to safely pass through! The scenery, however, is absolutely stunning!!! You'll definitely wish you could spend a bit more time with your digital camera photographing aspen groves and wildflowers as you wind your way down the pass!

After descending over 4,000 vertical feet, participants will reach the ritzy town of Aspen. Riders will stay on Hwy 82 as it winds through town, cruising past the turnoff for both Snowmass Mountain Resort and the Aspen Airport (both to the west). Finally riders will turn right (east) onto Smith Way (one of the first right-hand turns after passing the airport) toward the bicycling friendly community of Woody Creek. Upon reaching your final destination at the Woody Creek Tavern, please have a RMCC official or a representative from the tavern record your finishing time. Congratulations! Your hard work for the day is finally complete!!! Now enjoy some world-class nachos! Please note that the Woody Creek Tavern only accepts cash, not credit cards!

How the heck do I get home after the big ride?

Gettng home from Aspen after the big ride has always been a dilemma for many Denver-to-Aspen participants. Well, here are some suggestions for getting home:

1) Encourage your family or friends to meet you in Aspen! You can spend the rest of the weekend exploring the Aspen area with them and they can help transport you and your bike back home afterward.

2) Many riders use personal SAG vehicles, driven by family or friends, to support them during the ride. Please feel free to use the comments section below to try to find participants who might have extra space in their vehicles for transporting you and your bike back to Littleton!

3) Consider spending the night in Aspen or Glenwood Springs and then riding back the next day! I know this sounds crazy, but this would actually be excellent training for longer 24 hour events and multi-day events!

4) A group of riders who does not have transportation back to Denver could arrange to rent a large SUV or van to transport their bikes and gear back to the Denver area...

Please let us know if you have additional ideas!

Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop

2011-12-16T01:00:00.026-07:00

Date: Saturday, July 28, 2012

Sign-in/Start: 2:30 am/3:00 am

Start Location: Golden, at the Coors-Tek parking lot at the north corner of 10th and Jackson Street.

Distance/climbing: 200 miles/15,500 feet

Brief description: The Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop starts in Golden and passes through Boulder, Lyons, Estes Park, Granby, Winter Park, and Idaho Springs. Climbing over 15,500 vertical feet in 200 miles, the Grand Loop isn’t called "grand" for nothing! The Grand Loop is indeed one of Colorado's most spectacular cycling loops. This route, which traverses Rocky Mountain National Park via Trail Ridge Road (from Estes Park, CO in the east to Grand Lake, CO in the west), covers 48 miles of the most majestic scenery in the entire state of Colorado. Bring your altitude lungs as well as your climbing legs! Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous highway in the United States, with more than eight miles lying above 11,000 feet and a maximum elevation of 12,183 feet. Not to be outdone, the route also climbs Berthoud Pass (11,307 feet) during the return from Winter Park.

Course map/Cue sheet: Grand Loop

Registration: RMCC membership AND pre-registration are required to participate in this event! This event has a $30 registration fee. Registration is limited to the first 50 pre-registered riders. Registration closes on July 21, 2012. Participants may withdraw by July 21, 2012 for a full refund. After June 21, no refunds will be granted. For more information regarding RMCC membership: RMCC membership. For more information about pre-registration, please click here: Colorado Triple Crown Registration

Event organizer: For specific questions about the event, e-mail Mark Lowe (mvlowe5@comcast.net).

Ride leader: Charlie Henderson (chardi2528@aol.com)

Additional notes:

1. Pre-qualification is required to participate in this event. Please refer to Colorado Triple Crown Registration for information regarding pre-qualification. Please e-mail Mark Lowe or Charlie Henderson for specific questions regarding pre-qualification.

2. This event has an 18 hour time limit. Riders must finish in less than 18 hours to receive an official finishing time and Colorado Triple Crown credit.

3. Lights and reflective gear are required!

4. The Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop is an Ultramarathon Cycling Association (UMCA) UltraCycling Cup event for 2012: (http://www.ultracycling.com).

5. Please refer to the Colorado Triple Crown Blog for last minute information regarding this event: (http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com).

Who was Tim Kalisch?

Tim Kalisch (1967 to 2011) rode with the RMCC from the early 2000s until his untimely death in August 2011. An inspirational rider for many RMCC members, Tim set numerous course records during the time he rode with the club. Tim—with his race-inspired pedigree and liking for motorcycles and drag racing—was always pushing the pace. He routinely demonstrated that long-distance cycling events could be ridden hard! Never easily phased by adversity, Tim had the uncanny ability to inspire other club members to ride to the best of their abilities as well. And in the true spirit of the RMCC, Tim was never opposed to an adventure! Tim would attempt training rides that only riders with super-human capabilities would even consider trying. Tim would ride from his home in east Denver to Limon (and back) in the same day. And in preparation for some of the more difficult RMCC brevets, Tim once rode from Golden to the summit of Mt. Evans and St. Mary’s Glacier in the same day…simply for the joy of cycling!

More importantly, Tim’s popularity within the RMCC stemmed from his exceptional consideration for others, especially new club members. He always remembered what it was like to be new to cycling—a time when he was not one of the fastest riders. And he always offered words of encouragement to other riders while out on the road. Tim was exceptional at building camaraderie within the club. His passing was a devastating loss to his family, the club, and those who knew him best…

In November 2011, the RMCC Board of Directors re-named the Grand Loop to the Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop in Tim’s remembrance, a small gesture to a man who had such a grand impact on so many lives, both inside and outside our club.

For Tim, the Grand Loop was his epic ride. From the rider profile he wrote in the January 2009 RMCC newsletter, Tim described his epic experiences with the Grand Loop: “200 miles, around 15000 feet of climbing. 13 hours in the saddle [and] almost 40 miles climbing just to Trail Ridge. [I’ve] done it three times and for some reason want to do it again, even though I would gladly sell my bike to the highest bidder at the end every time."

We ride the Grand Loop with Tim in our hearts. His spirit lives on with us out there on the road…

Course Description: Coming Soon!

Colorado Death Ride

2011-12-16T01:00:00.025-07:00

Date: Sunday, July 1, 2012

Sign-in/Start: 1:30 am/2:00 am

Host Hotel/Start and finish location: Ridgway, CO at the Ridgway Lodge and Suites, 373 Palomino Trail, Ridgway, CO. Phone: 970-626-5444.

Distance/climbing: 225 miles/16,000 feet

Brief description: An epic ride across southwest Colorado’s spectacular San Juan Skyway, including the mountain towns of Ridgway, Ouray, Silverton, Durango, Mancos, Dolores, Rico, Telluride, and Placerville. The Colorado Death Ride features jaw-dropping mountain scenery that is second-to-none!

Course map/Cue sheet: Colorado Death Ride

Registration: RMCC membership AND pre-registration are required to participate in this event! This event has a $40 registration fee. Registration is limited to the first 50 pre-registered riders. Registration closes on June 24, 2012. Participants may withdraw by June 24, 2012 for a full refund. After June 24, no refunds will be granted. For information regarding RMCC membership: RMCC membership. For information regarding pre-registration, please click here: Colorado Triple Crown Registration

Event organizer: For specific questions about the event, contact Mark Lowe (mvlowe5@comcast.net).

Ride leader: Charlie Henderson (chardi2528@aol.com)

Additional notes:

2. This event has a 19 hour time limit. Riders must finish in less than 19 hours to receive an official finishing time and Colorado Triple Crown credit.

3. Lights and reflective gear are required!

4. The Colorado Death Ride is an Ultramarathon Cycling Association (UMCA) UltraCycling Cup event for 2012: (http://www.ultracycling.com).

5. Please refer to the Colorado Triple Crown Blog for last minute information regarding the event: (http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com).

Course Description

The Colorado Death Ride can be broken down into five segments:

1) Ridgway to Silverton, 33 miles.

After a very short night of sleep, riders will stumble out of bed as they prepare for the 2:00 am start time. From the Ridgway Lodge and Suites Motel, riders will head south along US Hwy 550 toward the scenic mountain community of Ouray, the northern gateway to the San Juan Mountains.

As riders pass through the town, curious bystanders stumbling home from the pubs and breweries will gawk at the riders who pass quietly down mainstreet in the middle of the night. Approaching the southern end of town, participants will see a narrow mountain road that snakes its way up the side of the mountain into the blackness of the night. This is the start of Red Mountain Pass!

Red Mountain Pass (elev. 11,019 feet) is one of the most notorious mountain passes in Colorado! Known for it's breath-taking views and teeth-chattering drops, this pass is not to be taken lightly! Red Mountain Pass is one of Colorado's classic mountain climbs, gaining 4,100 feet in 23 miles from Ridgeway. As riders grind their way up the mountainside in the darkness, they will hear the sounds of waterfalls crashing hundreds of feet below. They will also notice the air become thinner and colder! Be sure to bring your full selection of winter riding gear as it is not unusual to encounter sub-freezing temperatures at the top of this pass, even on the most pleasant of summer evenings. At the top of the pass (no services), riders will begin an exhilarating but chilly 10 mile, 1,800 foot plunge to Checkpoint #1, Silverton (gas station). A word of caution while riding this segment: Be sure to NOT ride too close to the edge of the road when climbing or descending Red Mountain Pass...there is NO shoulder or guardrail and the drops exceed 1,000 feet in places!

2) Silverton to Durango, 48.3 miles.

From Silverton (elev. 9300 feet), participants will continue riding south on Hwy 550, promptly beginning their next climbing challenge for the day: the Molas Pass-Coal Bank Pass combination. As cyclists depart from the chilly, sleeping town of Silverton, they will begin a short but steep climb up Molas Pass, gaining 1,350 feet in 6 miles. As they climb up the pass, participants will begin to catch the first glimmer of daylight to the east. Surrounded by spectacular snow-capped peaks and serene alpine lakes, participants will begin to appreciate the true grandeur of the San Juan Mountains! Upon reaching the top of Molas Pass (elev. 10,910 feet), Hwy 550 makes a brisk four-mile plunge to the low point between Molas Pass and Coal Bank Pass (elev. 9800 feet). Participants will then climb three moderate miles to the top of Coal Bank Pass (elev. 10,640 feet).

From the top of Coal Bank Pass, participants will begin the long, often exhilarating 4,100 foot descent toward the town of Durango. As riders pick up steam down the pass, they can imagine themselves racing the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train (in the opposite direction), as bike racers do every Memorial Day weekend during the Iron Horse Classic, one of Colorado's longest standing bicycle races. After passing Cascade Village at the bottom of Coal Bank Pass, riders will continue along the Million Dollar Highway (Hwy 550) as it rolls past the Durango Mountain Resort, opulent mountain homes, and plush groves of aspen.

Hwy 550 will then make a final plunge toward the community of Hermosa. A word of caution: be sure to ride across the railroad tracks in Hermosa with caution as they cross the road at an awkward angle. These tracks have been known to take out a cyclist or two! From Hermosa, participants will continue riding south along Hwy 550 for ten relatively flat miles to the town Durango (elev. 6512 feet, full services). Durango is one of Colorado's outdoor meccas, attracting thousands of tourists throughout the year for a variety of activities, including camping, hiking, rafting, skiing, and mountain biking. It is also home to several of Colorado's cycling legends, including Tom Danielson, Ned "The Lung" Overend, and Todd Wells. Unfortunately, participants won't be able to spend much time "playing" in Durango as they still have a long day on the bike ahead of them! From Durango, participants will turn west (right) onto US Hwy 160 and ride approximately 1.2 miles to Checkpoint #2, the Exxon gas station along the south side of the road.

3) Durango to Dolores, 46.1 miles.

Continuing west from Durango, Hwy 160 climbs gently for a couple of miles. This section of the highway, however, steepens as it climbs an additional ten miles to the top of Hesperus Hill (elev. 8109 feet), passing through the community of Hesperus (limited services) near the top of the climb. As riders continue west, they will appreciate the La Plata Mountains, a small sub-range of the San Juan Mountains to the northwest of Durango.

Continuing west on Hwy 160, riders will begin a moderate ten mile descent to the community of Cherry Creek (no services) before tackling a short (but moderate) 1.5 mile climb. At the top of this climb, riders will embrace six more miles of moderate descending to the town of Mancos (elev. 7028 feet, basic services). As riders approach Mancos from the east, the surrounding landscape will become noticeably more arid. Riders will see Mesa Verde National Park off in the distance to the southwest. In Mancos, riders will veer northwest (right) onto CO Hwy 184 (the Dominquez-Escalante Memorial Highway), which rolls it way uphill 18 miles through very scenic farm land to the intersection of CO Hwy 184 and CO Hwy 145. Riders will then turn northeast (right) onto CO Hwy 145 and ride 1.5 miles along the southern edge of McPhee Reservoir to Checkpoint #3 in Dolores (Dolores Food Market).

4) Dolores to Rico, 35.9 miles

From Dolores (elev. 6936 feet), participants will continue riding northeast along on Hwy 145 through the beautiful Dolores River Valley. This section of highway, which has a decent riding shoulder and generally light traffic, rolls its way upward for 36 miles and climbs over 2,000 vertical feet. As riders approach the town of Rico (basic services, elev. 8825 feet), the vegetation will become noticably more plush as the mountains become draped in forests rich in conifers and aspen trees. After a few larger rollers, participants will cruise into the town of Rico, which will likely be bustling with Independence Day activities. Note: If winds are favorable, participants should experience a pleasant tailwind while riding northeast along the Dolores River. This will make their gradual ascent from Dolores to Rico seem a bit easier!

5) Rico to Ridgway, 60.9 miles.

From Rico, Hwy 145 continues to meander to the northeast back into the heart of the San Juan Mountains. As riders continue to grind their way upward, the surrounding mountains will become increasingly majestic and spectacular! You'll definitely want to stop and take some photos with your digital camera. The scenery is simply stunning!

Riders will see the spectacular Wilson group of 14ers (Mt. Wilson, Wilson Peak, and El Diente) and the Lizard Head Wilderness, which lie to the west of Hwy 145. As oxygen deprivation sets in, riders will grind their way to the top of Lizard Head Pass (elev. 10,222), climbing over 1,400 vertical feet in 12 miles from the town of Rico. Be forewarned: the final two miles of this climb are a bit steep, especially for weary legs!

From the top of the pass, riders will begin a short but blazing descent as Hwy 145 plunges toward the turnoff for the mining town of Ophir. The mountain scenery will remain spectacular along this section of Hwy 145! After passing the turnoff for Ophir, riders will face a relatively steep two mile climb before making the final rolling descent past the Telluride Ski Resort toward the Telluride turnoff (elev 8750 feet). A word of caution: this section of Hwy 145 has virtually no shoulder, relatively brisk traffic, and is littered with potholes. Please use extreme caution during this descent!

From the Telluride turnoff, riders will turn left at the "T" intersection to the east of Telluride and promptly begin a blazing 12-mile plunge through the town of Sawpit (basic services) to Placerville (elev. 7316 feet, general store). Note: this section of Hwy 145 has good pavement, but there is no shoulder and traffic can be heavy, especially on a holiday weekend!

From Placerville, Colorado Death Riders--with over 200 miles in their weary legs--will turn east (right) onto CO Hwy 62, promptly beginning the final climb of the long day...a 13 mile, 1,700 foot climb to the top of one of Colorado's most gorgeous mountain vistas, the Dallas Divide. At 8,970 feet, the Dallas Divide is one of the most-photographed locations in the state of Colorado. The views of the Sneffels Range to the south of the divide are simply stunning! And if riders have luck on their side, their quest to reach the summit of the divide will be aided by prevailing tailwinds from the west. Upon reaching the top of the divide, riders will be 'home-free" as they begin the blazing 10 mile plunge toward the final checkpoint in Ridgway (Ridgway Lodge and Suites Motel)!

Congratulations on completing the Colorado Death Ride!

FAQ
Has anyone actually died while riding the Death Ride loop? To the best of our knowledge...no. But we know of plenty of riders who wished they were dead while they were attempting to complete the Colorado Death Ride! It is definitely an endeavor that should not be taken lightly as it is arguably the hardest single-day cycling loop in the state of Colorado!

Cripple Creek Crippler

2011-12-16T00:59:00.005-07:00

Date: Saturday, August 11, 2012

Sign-in/Start: 3:30 am/4:00 am

Start location: Ken Caryl at the RTD park-and-ride on the northeast corner of Shaffer Parkway and Ken Caryl Avenue in west Littleton, just east of the interchange with C-470.

Distance/climbing: 207 miles/17,000 feet

Brief description: A new Colorado Triple Crown event for 2012, the Cripple Creek Crippler is one last opportunity for RMCC riders to earn Colorado Triple Crown credit. However, it ain’t gonna be easy! Featuring relentless rollers and steep climbs, this event is anything but flat! Riders can expect a long, “crippling” day of climbing. From Ken Caryl, the route passes through the foothills communities of Conifer, Pine Junction, Deckers, and Woodland Park. Riders will then navigate the scenic (but steep) loop through to the rustic mining community of Cripple Creek (elev. 9494 feet) to the southwest of Colorado Springs, capturing spectacular views of Pikes Peak and the Pike National Forest along the way. Riders will then make the long journey home, passing through Woodland Park, Deckers and Pleasant Park in the reverse direction. Better get out your granny gear! This one’s gonna hurt!

Course map/Cue sheet: Coming soon!

Registration: RMCC membership AND pre-registration are required to participate in this event! This event has a $30 registration fee. Registration is limited to the first 50 pre-registered riders. Registration closes on August 4, 2012. Participants may withdraw by August 4, 2012 for a full refund. After August 4, no refunds will be granted. For more information regarding RMCC membership: RMCC membership. Please select the following link to register: Colorado Triple Crown Registration

Event organizer: For specific questions about the event, e-mail Mark Lowe (mvlowe5@comcast.net).

Ride leader: TBD

Additional notes:

1. Pre-qualification is required to participate in this event. Please refer to Colorado Triple Crown Registration for information regarding pre-qualification. Please e-mail Mark Lowe for specific questions regarding pre-qualification.

2. This event has an 18 hour time limit. Riders must finish in less than 18 hours to receive an official finishing time and Colorado Triple Crown credit.

3. Lights and reflective gear are required!

4. The Cripple Creek Crippler is an Ultramarathon Cycling Association (UMCA) UltraCycling Cup event for 2012: (http://www.ultracycling.com).

5. Please refer to the Colorado Triple Crown Blog for last minute information regarding this event: (http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com).

Course Description: Coming Soon!

New for 2012!

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1) The RMCC presents the Cripple Creek Crippler, a new Colorado Triple Crown series event! For those riders who want another chance to become a Colorado Triple Crown Finisher, here’s your opportunity! But you’re gonna have to work for it! Climbing 17,000 feet in 207 miles, the Cripple Creek Crippler is not for the faint of heart!

2) Successful completion of any three of the four Colorado Triple Crown events will earn the rider the distinctive honor of Colorado Triple Crown Finisher. As such, the RMCC will not be offering make-up rides for the Triple Crown events in 2012.

3) To recognize our Colorado Triple Crown finishers for their accomplishments, the RMCC—with the help of Jeff Wu and Clair Lochridge at Team Alchemist in Boulder, CO—has created a new RMCC Colorado Triple Crown cycling uniform, including jersey and bibs. Thanks to Jeff and Clair for their hard work on our Triple Crown kit! Additionally, we would like to thank Hammer Nutrition, whose donation helped make this possible. Please note: in order to be eligible for this kit, you must complete any three (of the four) Colorado Triple Crown events in a single cycling season.

4) In November 2011, the RMCC Board of Directors unanimously voted in change the name of the Grand Loop to the Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop in remembrance of long-time RMCC member, Tim Kalisch, who passed away in August 2011.

5) The original three events of the Colorado Triple Crown Series (Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic, Colorado Death Ride, and the Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop will be run as a “staged” event. The fastest cumulative time of these three events is the Colorado Triple Crown champion!

Registration

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1) Club membership is required to register for the events of the Colorado Triple Crown. Please note that club membership has a very affordable $25 fee. RMCC membership has its advantages because it gives you access to other club events and discounts! For more information on RMCC membership: RMCC membership.

2) Pre-registration is required to participate in these events. Pre-registration closes one week prior to each event! Registration is limited to the first 50 pre-registered riders. To register for the events of the Colorado Triple Crown (Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic, Colorado Death Ride, Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop, and the Cripple Creek Crippler), please click here: Colorado Triple Crown Registration

3) All participants may be asked to provide a valid driver’s license or other official proof of identification during the rider check-in.

4) Each Colorado Triple Crown event has an additional registration fee. These fees are typically much less than it would cost to enter an untimed local century event or high-profile bicycling race. The fees help defray the costs of running the event, not to turn a profit for the club. Participants should refer to the individual events for additional information regarding the registration and fees.

5) The events of the Colorado Triple Crown are extremely challenging! For cyclists who are interested in participating, some ultra-cycling experience is highly recommended (but not required) to participate in Denver-to-Aspen. However, pre-qualification is required to participate in the other events of the Colorado Triple Crown. To pre-qualify for the other Colorado Triple Crown events, riders must accomplish one of the following:

1) Successful completion of the Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic in less than 15 hours,

2) Completion of any of the following RMCC 300 km brevets within the following time limits:

a) Black Forest 300 km: less than 14 hours

b) Cripple Creek 300 km: less than 16.5 hours

c) Peak-to-Peak 300 km: less than 14 hours

3) Successful completion of a mountainous double century event (or longer) in another part of the country within the previous year.

4) Successful completion an epic, mountainous ride of your own invention. Please contact Mark Lowe (mvlowe5@comcast.net) or Charlie Henderson (chardi2528@aol.com) with additional questions regarding pre-qualification.

General Information

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Background Information:

The Colorado Triple Crown—the most difficult events in the RMCC Challenge Series—are a collection of single day, double century road cycling events. They are, simply put, the most challenging road cycling events in the state of Colorado! These events include the Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic, Colorado Death Ride, and the Grand Loop. Since the early 1990s, the RMCC has been riding the three individual events of the Colorado Triple Crown as preparation for Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP), Boston-Montreal-Boston (BMB), and other longer endurance cycling events. In 2009, the RMCC formally organized these events into the Colorado Triple Crown, Colorado’s most challenging double century road cycling events. Completion of three of the Colorado Triple Crown stages in a single calendar year earns the cyclist the unique designation of a Colorado Triple Crown Finisher! In 2012, the RMCC will be adding a fourth event to the Colorado Triple Crown series--the Cripple Creek Crippler--to give riders an additional opportunity to complete the series.

1) The Colorado Triple Crown, presented by the Rocky Mountain Cycling Club (RMCC), is a series of four (approximately) 200 mile timed bicycling events. These events are currently the most difficult single-day double century road cycling events in the state of Colorado.

2) The purpose of the RMCC Colorado Triple Crown is to promote the growth and development of ultra-cycling in the state of Colorado, encourage participation in long-distance cycling events, and recognize individual cyclists for their accomplishments.

3) The events of the Colorado Triple Crown are NOT races; however, each stage is ridden as single-day, draft-legal timed cycling event. Each stage has an overall time limit and each participant must complete each event in the designated time to receive an official finishing time. When participating in a Triple Crown event, the primary goal is simply to finish safely! However, participants are encouraged to challenge themselves and put their best effort into each event!

4) Cyclists do NOT have to participate in all four stages. Participants may pick-and-choose which events they would like to participate in. Each official finisher will be recognized for his/her accomplishment! However, in order to earn the designation of Colorado Triple Crown Finisher, a cyclist must successfully complete at least three of the four stages in a single calendar year. To date, there are only 13 riders in RMCC history who have accomplished this feat.

5) These events are not "organized tours." You will not get fancy aid stations or an elaborate post-ride pasta dinner. You will not get a plastic bag full of event memorabilia. You will not get a personal massage after completing your event. You will not get a sparkly "I did it!" medal. Each participant who does successfully complete three of the four Colorado Triple Crown events, however, will receive a certificate of recognition for completing the series. More importantly, each rider will earn the pride, recognition, and bragging rights of completing one of the most difficult sporting events on two wheels in the state of Colorado!

6) Each event will be minimally supported with at least one support-and-gear (SAG) vehicle that will carry water and gear bags. Each participant is responsible for providing a well-marked gear bag containing additional supplies (food, clothing, and other gear) that he/she might require to successfully complete the ride. Cyclists may access their gear bags at checkpoints along each course. Please be aware that the support vehicle is first and foremost a safety vehicle. In the event of an emergency, the vehicle may have to leave the course. Riders should always be prepared to support themselves by carrying money to purchase food and beverages at stores along the route if necessary.

7) Please be forewarned: each event of the Colorado Triple Crown is VERY challenging!!! At a distance of approximately 200 miles—and many thousands of vertical feet of climbing—each event is an extremely difficult physical and mental feat!!! Cyclists must be somewhat self-sufficient and be comfortable riding up to 50 miles without support. An "I can do it!" attitude is fantastic but will likely NOT be adequate to successfully complete the events of the Colorado Triple Crown! You need to come prepared for your event!

8) The RMCC is fortunate to have all four events of the Colorado Triple Crown included in this year's UltraMarathon Cycling Association (UMCA) Ultracycling Cup, a point series that recognizes some of the world's most accomplished endurance road cyclists. UMCA membership is NOT required to participate in the Colorado Triple Crown but is always encouraged. To inquiry about the UMCA: select: http://www.ultracycling.com/ .

Rules, Regulations, and Safety

2011-12-16T00:54:00.002-07:00

1) All participants are required to wear an approved helmet at all times while they are riding. Failure to ride with a helmet will result in disqualification.

2) The routes used during Colorado Triple Crown events are open to traffic! There are no road closures or police escorts. There are no course marshals. Cyclists must ride defensively with safety as their utmost priority!

3) Riders shall obey all rules of the road! It is the rider’s responsibility to know the laws of the State of Colorado and to follow them. These are detailed at: http://colobikelaw.com/law.php. Flagrant disregard of local and state traffic laws will result in disqualification. Please come to a complete stop at all stop signs and red lights and use hand signals appropriately.

4) Lights that comply with Colorado law are required while riding during hours of darkness. Riders must have a white front headlight and a red taillight. Be sure you have fresh batteries! Participants riding during hours of darkness without operating lights will be disqualified! Please keep in mind that it is prudent to ride with VERY GOOD lights! Colorado mountain roads can often be strewn with rocks, sticks, or an occasional deer that wanders into the road! It is much easier to descend mountain passes safely when you can confidently see where you are going. Additionally, you will be able to ride more safely when weary-eyed drivers can easily see you from behind.

5) Cyclists must also ride with reflective gear during the hours of darkness. Reflective vests (or a triangle) and reflective ankle bands are required while riding in low light conditions.

6) Prior to the start of a Triple Crown event, each participant will receive a course map and queue sheet that will provide turn-by-turn directions and locations of support points and checkpoints. Participants must stop at each checkpoint to have his/her time recorded by an RMCC official. If a RMCC official is not present, the cyclist should make a mental note of the time they reached a checkpoint and have the time validated by an RMCC official at the next checkpoint along the course. A participant may be disqualified if he/she misses a checkpoint. If a cyclist leaves the route, he/she must return to the route at the exact same location.

7) Each event of the Colorado Triple Crown has a time limit. All participants must complete the course within the designated time limit to be listed as an official “Finisher” and receive Colorado Triple Crown credit:

1) Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic: 17 hours (less than 15 hours to pre-qualify for the other Triple Crown events)

2) Colorado Death Ride: 19 hours

3) Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop: 18 hours

4) Cripple Creek Crippler: 18 hours

8) Various checkpoints along each stage may also have time cut-offs. A cyclist who reaches a checkpoint after it closes may not be allowed to continue riding OR may be shuttled ahead to the next control point along the course by the support vehicle. These riders unfortunately will be listed as “DNFs” and will not receive an official finishing time or Colorado Triple Crown credit. The time limits are imposed to maintain event safety and allow other participants to receive the support they need to successfully complete their ride.

9) As a courtesy to the drivers of our support vehicles, we formally request that participants do not lean their bicycles up against a support vehicle. This can cause scratches to the support vehicles and may inhibit other riders from gaining easy access to their gear bags.

10) The RMCC reserves the right to remove any rider from the course for the reasons of their own safety or the safety of others!

11) The RMCC requests that riders do not urinate in public view. Whenever possible, riders are encouraged to use the designated restroom facilities at checkpoints, including parks, convenient stores, restaurants, etc.

12) The use of MP3 players/I-PODS is not allowed as riders cannot safely hear approaching traffic.

13) Any rider found cheating or deliberately violating the above rules will be disqualified.

14) The RMCC ride director reserves the right to interpret any existing rule or regulation, or to invoke new rules or regulations that are deemed necessary. The ride director’s interpretation and decisions regarding the rule is final.

15) Results for each event will be listed in finishing order, including gender and age.

16) As rider safety is out top priority, the RMCC reserves the right to postpone or cancel any of the Colorado Triple Crown events due to adverse weather conditions or dangerous road conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

2011-12-16T00:54:00.000-07:00

1) Do you offer support and gear (SAG) support?

Yes. We will have at least one SAG vehicle on the course at all times. Participants are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the support vehicle. Each rider may provide an easy-to-identify gear bag that he/she may use to transport extra food, nutritional supplies, clothing, etc. The support vehicle will transport each participant’s gear bag from one support point to the next. Each cyclist may access his/her gear bag at these support points. As previously mentioned, please be aware that the support vehicle is first and foremost a safety vehicle. In the event of an emergency, the vehicle may have to leave the course. Riders should always be prepared to support themselves by carrying money to purchase food and beverages at stores along the route if necessary.

2) Can I provide my own SAG vehicle?

Yes. The RMCC will allow (and encourages) individual cyclists to be supported by personal SAG vehicles while participating in the Colorado Triple Crown series. Participants should notify the event organizer or ride leader that they will receive personal SAG support prior to the start of the event. Cyclists who have personal support vehicles may be asked to provide support other participants, especially in the case of an emergency. When supporting a rider, a personal SAG vehicle may only provide support for a rider at designated support points and checkpoints along the route. SAG vehicles may not follow, pace, or repeatedly “leapfrog” a rider, as this may disrupt to flow of traffic on narrow mountain roads and jeopardize the safety of other riders! Cyclists may not receive water bottle hand-offs from moving SAG vehicles.

SEVERE WEATHER CONTINGENCY: If a cyclist encounters severe weather conditions, he/she may seek cover in a private support vehicle at any location along the course until the passage of the severe weather. Participants must resume cycling in the exact location where they left the course or will be disqualified.

3) How come the RMCC does not provide more elaborate aid stations?

Because nutritional requirements vary greatly between cyclists, it is impossible to meet the dietary requests of every participant! Additionally, cyclists who are riding events of this caliber usually know what works best for them during ultra distance events. As such, participants must provide their own nutritional supplies (bars, gels, energy drinks, etc.) to successfully complete their event!

4) How much water/food should I carry?

There may be as many as 40+ miles between checkpoints, so cyclists should carry at least 2 water bottles with them at all times. Some cyclists may even benefit from riding with a small Camelback. The official support vehicle will supply water to participants at designated support points. We also request that each cyclist ride with at least one energy bar between checkpoints to ward off the dreaded “bonk!” For additional nutritional needs, participants may stop at restaurants or convenient stores along the course to purchase additional food and beverages if necessary.

5) Is aero equipment (e.g., aerobars, aero wheels) allowed?

Yes. The RMCC, however, requires that riders use aero equipment responsibly! Drafting is allowed! Please do not use aerobars while riding in pacelines or descending mountain passes! This can be extremely dangerous and can jeopardize the safety of other riders! Additionally, Colorado mountain passes are probably not the best place to use you deep-profile aero wheels as these wheels can be very difficult to safely handle in gusty mountain winds!

6) How much climbing will I do during my event?

Each event of the Colorado Triple Crown has between 13,000 and 17,000 feet climbing. None of the climbs the Triple Crown events exceed 12%; however, many of the climbs are LONG…be prepared for 20+ miles of continuous climbing! Altitude is also very important consideration!!! Each stage of the Colorado Triple Crown spends a substantial amount of time above 10,000 feet and sections of the Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic and Tim Kalisch Memorial Grand Loop even exceed 12,000 feet in elevation! We strongly suggest that riders coming from out-of-town arrive a few days early to become acclimated to our thin Colorado air. High altitude sickness can affect any rider who is not adequately acclimated!

7) What sort of mechanical support is provided during my event?

There will be very limited support available. Your bicycle needs to be in exceptional working order prior to start of your event and all participants need to be self-sufficient at fixing basic mechanical problems. The official support vehicle will be stocked with a floor pump for topping off your tires in case you flat. The drivers of our support vehicles are also willing to lend a hand if you have a mechanical problem; however, please keep in mind that the drivers of our support vehicles are NOT bicycle mechanics. If you have a mechanical failure that prevents you from completing a ride, you will be listed as a DNF. As such, we encourage you to use equipment that is reliable first, then lightweight or aero second.

8) How will I navigate the course?

Each participant will receive a map and queue sheet during rider check-in. Each participant may also download a copy of the event cue sheet and map from the RMCC website prior to the start of the event. Queue sheets will provide turn-by-turn directions for navigating the event course. Each cyclist is responsible for navigating the course successfully by using the map and queue sheet! Courses are not marked, but please note that the Colorado Triple Crown routes are NOT difficult to navigate. The Colorado Death Ride, for instance, only has 6 turns in 225 miles!

9) What sort of weather conditions will I encounter?

Colorado weather can be very unpredictable. On almost any given day in the summer it is possible to experience rain, hail, intense lightning, and even a freak snowstorm with sub-freezing temperatures! Riders are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to local weather forecasts in the days preceding their event and prepare accordingly! At a minimum, you should have a rain jacket, leg/knee warmers, shoe covers, and long-fingered gloves.

10) What additional equipment or supplies should I bring?

All cyclists MUST carry some form of identification and an emergency contact phone number! All participants should also carry spare tubes, a pump, a patch kit, basic tools, money/credit card, and a cell phone.

11) What should I do if I need to withdraw from my event?

If a rider is unable to complete a Colorado Triple Crown event for any reason, he/she must contact the ride director as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we are not set up to immediately pick you up if you need to withdraw from an event. If you must discontinue for a reason that is not an emergency and you do not have personal support, please attempt to arrange for private transportation to pick you up. Otherwise, please be prepared for the fact that it may be many hours before our support vehicle can pick you up.

12) What should I do if I experience an accident or serious medical issue?

If a rider is experiencing symptoms of a serious medical condition OR if a rider is involved in a collision or crash, he/she should contact emergency medical services ASAP (i.e., call 911)! Please notify the rider director as soon as possible!

13) Can I volunteer to support a Colorado Triple Crown event?

Finding volunteers to support our events can be a challenging endeavor! After all, the RMCC is a club of cyclists and we want to participate in these events too! If you (or a friend) are willing to volunteer for a Triple Crown event, please let us know! We can always use an extra hand!

Death Valley Fall Double Century

2011-11-03T01:22:00.009-06:00

On October 29, 2011, RMCCers Andrea Koenig, Ronaele Foss, and Mark Lowe crashed Adventure Corps' autumn version of the Death Valley Double Century, featuring some arid (but very scenic) terrain and 9,000 feet of climbing. Results can be found at: http://www.adventurecorps.com/deathvalley/2011/2011dvfall.html

Riders line up for the 7:00 am start. Riders started in groups of 70, based on expected finishing time. (Picture courtesy of Ronaele Foss.)

Exploring Death Valley National Park the day before the event, Andrea and Mark check out Zabriski Point, a few miles to the east of Furnace Creek. Death Valley is actually a very pleasant place to ride from the months of October through March with low humidity and comfortable temperatures.

Interesting clouds adorn the rocky landscape at Zabriski point.

The Death Valley landscape has an extremely ancient, extra-terrestrial appearance to it. No wonder George Lucas filmed parts of the Star Wars films here!

The climb to Dante's View is the largest climb in Death Valley National Park, ascending over 5000 feet in approximately 25 miles from Furnace Creek.

The fall version of the Death Valley Double traverses past several sand dunes in the northern end of the national park.

An area known as the "Devil's Cornfield" to the north of Furnace Creek features endless miles of yucca plants, ominously reminiscent of some of the landscape of the Colorado Last Chance 1200 km...

Scotty's Castle, located in the northeast corner of Death Valley National Park, was constructed in the 1920s as a vacation home by Chicago millionaire, Albert Johnson. Construction of the villa was never completed as the Johnsons fell on economic hardship after the crash of the stockmarket in 1929. The villa remains as a wonderful aid-station for the Death Valley Double Century!

There were a few clusters of trees in the vicinity of Scotty's Castle (3,000 feet elevation), which lies just to the northeast of Death Valley, but otherwise the valley is devoid of almost anything that grows.

The general store, located at the Furnace Creek Resort, provided plenty of food and beverages for Death Valley Double riders and tourists alike.

In summary, Chris Kostman's Adventure Corps (http://www.adventurecorps.com) is a fine-tuned event-promoting machine, running some of California's finest "ultra" experiences in one of the nation's most amazing sporting venues...Death Valley. For riders looking to attempt a double century event, the fall (and spring) version of the Death Valley Double Century would be a very manageable experience. Adventure Corps events are extremely well-supported with fully stocked aid stations and a very friendly staff of volunteers! Overall, a great way to spend a weekend!

Why I Like Broncos Sundays...

2011-10-23T21:27:00.004-06:00

Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves

-Henry David Thoreau

Don't get me wrong...I like the Denver Broncos as much as everyone else. Nothing seems like a more enjoyable use of Sunday than getting together with family and friends to tailgate and watch the Broncos play.....except for one thing.....exploring the world on two wheels! Autumn is my favorite time of year to get out and ride. It’s a time of year to get out and ride for the joy of riding…no power intervals, no speed work, no (okay...maybe a little) intensity. It's a time to escape the hustle and bustle of life, clear my mind, reflect on the past week, and contemplate the future days ahead... Broncos Sundays, in particular, are my favorite autumn days to ride, as Broncos games usually mean lighter than unusual traffic, making for a more enjoyable weekend riding experience...

I venture out on for my late Sunday morning ride, deciding to tackle the Lookout Mountain-Bergen Park-Squaw Pass/Echo Lake loop one last time for the season. It's just a matter of weeks before it will be too chilly to venture over 11,000 feet for this season. There's still a bit of chill in the air from the previous night. The late morning autumn breezes are a bit brisk, but refreshing. After riding a few miles from home, I realize that I forgot my cell phone. "It must have been a subconscious decision," I think to myself. "I hope that noone really needs to get a hold of me today!" I pause momentarily, smiling selfishly, and then continue riding...

I spin my way up Lookout Mountain to the west of Golden, my legs still trying to find a descent cadence. Lookout Mountain Road is nearly deserted except for a few vehicles returning from church or late morning brunch. “The road is all mine!” I think to myself.

I ride through Bergen Park and turn west onto Squaw Pass Road. The scenery along Squaw Pass is stunning! All along the pass, hillsides are draped in golden aspen trees, preparing to drop their leaves as the winter season approaches. I search for elk along the base of Bergen Peak, but the park is deserted. There is still nary a car along the road. "Everyone's at home getting ready for the game. How can everyone sit at home, watch TV, and waste a beautiful day like today?" I think to myself. "Their loss is my gain!" I continue to grind my way up the pass. As I ride, I image the excitement of crowd at Mile High Stadium—Broncos fans in a frenzy—praying that Tebow will lead the Broncos to a Super Bowl victory, following in the steps of John Elway.

I pause frequently to snap some digital photos and enjoy the autumn scenery. As I ride past the Squaw Pass turnoff, I observe an elderly couple shooting some photos of the groves of aspen along the road. "Nice day for a ride!" they holler at me. I smile back and reply, "It's a great day to ride! I always enjoy riding when the Broncos are playing...traffic is almost always light. I have to roads to myself!"

As I continue to venture up the pass, a brisk gust of wind blows golden leaves off of a patch of aspen trees along the road, tossing the leaves into the air like confetti. I glance down at the road, which is littered in golden aspen leaves. It reminds me a bit of the confetti that the Broncos fans are likely throwing at the game..."This is nature's way of celebrating another winning season!" I think to myself. If only Mother Nature could send some luck the Broncos' way...

I reach the top of Juniper Pass and make the brisk plunge to Echo Lake. I stop briefly at the Echo Lake Lodge, which is all boarded up for the season...I stop to take some more photos, hoping that someone can snap a photo of me and my bike...I look around…there are a few people fishing at Echo Lake, but there is hardly a person in sight! I lean my bike against a small cluster of golden aspen trees and snap a photo of my bike...a little way to remember this Broncos Sunday ride.

I look up toward the Mt. Evans Road. The gate is pulled across the road with a sign that reads, "Closed for the Season." I devilishly think to myself, "Not it I can help it!" I promptly walk my bike around the gate and begin one final ascent of Mt. Evans to Summit Lake. As I climb up the Mt. Evans Road, I realize that I'm all by myself now...not a car or person on the road. This is what I've waited for all season! I have the Mt. Evans Road all to myself...As I ascend the peak, I see a few marmots poke their heads through large cracks in the asphalt along the road. The stunning views of the mountain vistas along the Mt. Evans road never cease to amaze me! As the road rises above Echo Lake, entire hillsides are ablaze with golden aspen.

I reach Summit Lake. The winds are blowing briskly, but temperatures remain quite mild for this time of year. A new fence has been constructed along the east border of the lake..."Very picturesque," I think to myself, but I wonder if it will withstand the fury of Old Man Winter when he finally makes his return...I glance up toward the summit of Mt. Evans—another 1300 feet of climbing and five miles to go—but decide to not make the final ascent to the top of the peak. I take one final glance around at the Mt. Evans wilderness tundra for the season, and then turn around to make the final descent home. I descend the Mt. Evans road, make the short climb to the top of Juniper Pass, and begin the long descent down Squaw Pass Road. While descending Squaw Pass, I am passed by two cars in 18 miles.....the roads remain deserted except for me and my bike!

I ride through Bergen Park and Genesee, eventually reaching the top of Lookout Mountain. From there, I begin my final descent home. As I make exhilarating descent down Lookout Mountain Road, I stop for a few moments at the Buffalo Bill turnoff. I gaze down at the city of Golden below. The mid-afternoon October sun has started to make its plunge beyond the mountains to the west, casting long shadows over of the western Denver suburbs. I blaze down Lookout Mountain Road, a big ear-to-ear grin on my face as I barely have to tap my brakes. No traffic whatsoever. The road is still all mine!

I ride into downtown Golden. Denver Broncos fans are starting to spill out into the streets from the Buffalo Rose and Woody's Pizzaria. The word is out: the Broncos finally won (and the game was actually in Miami J!) In spite of their victory and excitement for the Broncos’ success, I’m still grateful that I didn’t spend my afternoon watching the game...

This is why I like riding on Broncos Sundays:

With the roads free of traffic, it's a chance to escape the realities in our lives and “get lost” in the world around us, at least for a few hours…

It's a chance to explore some new terrain and re-explore some of our old “stomping grounds.”

It's a chance to rekindle some friendships with some old riding comrades…

It's a chance to reflect on our lives, including our good fortunes as well as our misfortunes…

It's a chance to remember the ones we have lost and the ones who have lost so much...

It's a chance to celebrate the end of a season and recover both mentally and physically...

It’s a chance to re-invent ourselves and prepare for the future as Mother Nature prepares to wipe the slate clean and start all over again...

MVL

Bicycle Ballet...A New Challenge Series Event?!?

2011-10-13T08:41:00.000-06:00

Ahhh.....bicycle handling skills.....something that anyone who rides a bicycle can benefit from!!! Check out this video that has been circulating the internet for the past few years. It clearly demonstrates the bicycle handling skills that every rider can only dream on having!!!

Perhaps we could add "bicycle ballet" to our Challenge Series calendar? Obviously, this may not be the most appropriate event for a cycling club that focuses more on endurance-oriented riding! But we're always looking for some new ideas for Challenge Series events...we already have some great events with the Foothills Climbfest, Mt. Evans Challenge, and events of the Colorado Triple Crown. But we are always open to new ideas!

Racing Amongst The Hoodoos: Trials and Tribulations at the 2011 Hoodoo 500

2011-09-11T23:51:00.003-06:00

On August 26, 2011, I ventured to St. George, Utah to participate in Planet Ultra's Hoodoo 500, a 517 ultra-marathon cycling race with over 30,000 feet of climbing in southwest Utah (http://www.hoodoo500.com). For me, this was my first attempt at a true ultramarathon cycling event. I decided it was finally time to make the leap from double century events to something a little bit longer! Planet Ultra is a small company run by Deb and Brian Bowling, who live in the St. George area. They are responsible for running many of California's double century events that are included in the California Triple Crown. Having participated in other Planet Ultra events in the last few years, I knew that Deb and Brian's event would be first-class, and they definitely did not disappoint!

Driving to the race, I was filled with mixed emotions. I was excited for the RMCC members who had successfully completed PBP...especially those who had earned membership to the Charly Miller Society, an elite group of American randonneurs who had completed PBP in under 56:40. At the same time, my heart was saddened by the death of Tim Kalisch during the previous week. My heart ached for Tim and his family. I must admit that my heart was not 100% emotionally prepared to ride a 500 mile bicycle race...

I knew that participating in the Hoodoo 500 would be an adventure. I was entered in the "Voyager" category. Voyager riders, in the randonneuring spirit, were expected to be entirely self-sufficient for the duration of race. Voyager riders were unable to receive outside support from event staff or solo (supported) riders. (Receiving outside support would result in a time penality.) My only means of support would be access to four drop bags that I had prepared in advance and would be placed at four different time stations along the course. It took many hours of preparation to get these drop bags ready for this event. I used small, inexpensive coolers that I purchased from Wal Mart. By using coolers, I know I could mix up my bottles of Perpetuem (in advance) and I could store them on ice in the coolers. The coolers and ice would essentially keep the bottles from spoiling. This would hopefully save quite a bit of time mixing bottles at time stations. This actually turned out to be an excellent strategy, but I ended up wasting too much time a time stations for other reasons...

I had several major concerns entering the race:

1) The heat. This was a extreme concern as riding along the Colorado front range and high country is usually considerably cooler than riding in the deserts of the southwestern US. I was definitely not used to riding in potentially 100+ degree temperatures.

2) Night riding. I struggled with riding through night terribly during last year's Colorado Last Chance 1200 km brevet, and I knew that this was going to be an issue during this year as I really had not practiced this skill very much this year.

3) Competition. There were some very strong riders entered in the Voyager category, including Alberto Blanco and Andy Palmer. Alberto is a 30 year-old Category 1 cyclist from California who finished fourth in this year's Race Across America (RAAM). He probably would have finished second in RAAM had he not developed a severe case of "Shermer's neck" and was passed on the last day by the second and third place finishers. (Alberto did not start the race...he probably most certainly would have won the Voyager division). Andy is a Category 2 cyclist who lives in Highlands Ranch, CO. Andy is an excellent time-trialist and would routinely place very highly in the Cherry Creek Time Trial series in the Pro-1-2 category. Andy was also no stranger to long-distance cycling events, finishing second at the Texas Tejas 500 two years ago. The only time I had ever beaten Andy in cycling event was the 2005 Chilly Cheeks Duathlon, a winter duathlon series at Cherry Creek Reservoir...obviously much shorter than a 517 mile bicycle race!

The morning of the race, my first concern about the heat became a reality with temperatures hovering around 90 degrees at 5 am. (Temperatures the day before the start of the race peaked at 108 degrees!) And temperatures on race day were only expected to be a few degrees cooler. As a result of the heat, I made a last-second decision to ride with a camel back, something I had never done before. I knew that if I could fill the bladder of the camel back with ice, I might be able to keep my core temperature a bit cooler. Ultra race Andre Michaud from Durango, a Hoodoo 500 veteran who was participating in this year's event as a Solo (supported) rider, also offered some great advise for helping to survive the heat. Andre suggested filling panty hose with ice cubes and wearing the panty hose as an "ice necklace" around my neck. The ice would melt quickly, soaking my jersey to keep my core temperature a bit cooler. Andre's suggestion turned out be extremely helpful!

The first stage of the race was a 83 mile leg from St. George Utah to Kanab, Utah, passing through a small section Arizona along the way. Riding through the early morning hours, I established a pace that felt sustainable, alterating pacing with Wisconsin rider (and eventual Voyager winner) David Haase. David is an extremely smooth rider, staying very aero and never wasting any energy, as opposed to my frequent sloppy, out-of-the-saddle efforts. Andy had fallen back a bit as he was already experiencing problems with cramping, an ominous sign early during the first morning of a very long bike ride. Andy has an uncanny ability to recover, however, and I knew he could never be counted out! About 40 miles into the ride David and I started to experience brisk headwinds from the east, which made our voyage more challenging. During one pull, David commented that the headwinds were brutal. I told David that I was just trying to ignore them, but they were definitely taking their toll on me as well. David and I pulled into the Kanab time station the same time, however, he was a bit more organized than me and rolled out of the time station a few minutes ahead of me. Still no sign of Andy...although I knew he wouldn't be too far behind.

The second stage of race ventured 72 miles north from Kanab, Utah to Bryce Canyon National Park. After a relatively smooth start to the race, things would begin to unravel a bit. A quickly caught up with David after about 30 minutes of riding. The terrain had become noticeably more "hilly" at this point in time, riding over an endless stream of large rollers and short climbs through the scenic desert landscape. In spite of gradual rise in elevation, temperatures were starting to heat up...although they were nowhere near as "toasty" as they were the previous day in St. George. I had pulled ahead of David a bit during this section, but he was never very far behind. About 112 miles into the ride, however, I experienced my first setback...I looked down at my front tire in dismay, which was starting to flat. I had ridden many double century events and long brevets this year without a single flat, so I was probably overdue....David cruised by and politely asked if I had everything I needed. I told him I would be "okay." That was the last time I saw David during the race...

I changed my flat as quickly as possible, and had no sooner started to ride again when the front tire immediately flatted again...likely a pinch flat...I dropped a few choice curse words. My morale began to go flat as well, especially as temperatures continued to heat up! I nervously changed the second flat, realizing that I was out of tubes until I could access my next drop bag in Escalante, which was still almost 80 miles away. I road a few miles up the road and stopped at a Chevron station along the side of the road, exhausted and dehydrated. I ate a sandwhich and refilled my 70 oz camelback, which I had completely drained in only 30+ miles from Kanab! As I regrouped, I watched Andy cruise by, looking fairly smooth and unphased by the heat. He was oblivious to my tire flats and mental decompensation.

As I continued to venture north, I encounted some cooling thundershowers which dropped some very welcome rain. The rain and slightly cooler temperatures definitely improved my spirits as I continued to trek northward. I eventually reached the turnoff for Bryce Canyon National Park, riding along a beautiful bike path surrounded by amazing red rock formations on the outskirts of the park. After passing Bryce Canyon, I reached the next time station, an unmanned Chevron station. I took my time reloading my bottles and camelback and ate a Cliff bar (or two). As I prepared to pull away, Andy pulled into the time station. He had apparently flatted while riding along Bryce Canyon National Park and I had unknowingly re-passed him. I asked him how he was doing and he was apparently suffering from the heat as much as I was...

I pulled out of the time station, and after only three additional miles of riding, I made my fatal mistake of the race. Rather than paying attention to the cue sheet, I followed the course markings that had been left on the course for the previous weekend's Desperado Dual Double Century...Before I realized I had made a mistake, I had ridden 10 miles down the road. I was dumbfounded! I've never been superb at on-the-bike navigation. Ask anyone from the RMCC...if there's a turn to be missed, I'll likely be the one to miss it! However, this mistake was heart-wrenching. It was a truly ominous feeling adding an extra 20 miles (10 mile out-and-back) to a 517 mile ride! At that point in time, there was nothing I could do...the damage was done. My moral was crushed. I regretfully turned around, returning to the course and resumed my pilgrimage to Escalante.

I rode extremely flat and uninspired the rest of the way to Escalante (203 miles). The afternoon skies had become much more ominous as the thunderstorms had increased in intensity, kicking up some nasty headwinds and heavy showers for nearly 25 miles up the gradual climb before Escalante. After cresting the climb (which had become rather steep towards the top), I began the long 20 miles descent to Escalante with the cooling rain pouring down on top of my head. I must admit that I've never liked riding in the rain very much, and after two flats and a badly missed turn, these thundershowers were not a very welcome experience! I frowned at the skies as the rain pelted down around me. I arrived in Escalante nearly 2.5 hours behind the time I had planned to get there, my front tire starting to go flat again. I was definitely ready to quit...but as a voyager I was responsible for finding my own way back to St. George. Given the fact that I was over 200 miles into the race, I decided to keep riding...

In Escalante I made the executive decision to change my problematic front tire. After fiddling around with the tire for nearly 45 minutes (I couldn't get the new tire mounted on my tubeless front wheel...a problem frequently encountered with Shimano's tubeless wheelsets), I decided to take my chances and put my old tire back on...Fortunately, I did not experience any additional flats for the rest of the race! As I prepared for the next leg of race, I watched the smooth water bottle hand-off to 54 year-old Joel Sothern, the eventual 2011 solo race winner. (Joel also holds the overall Voyager record, which he set last year in 34:21.) The solo racers had started nearly two hours after the voyager participants, which meant that Joel was already two hours ahead of my time!

I pulled away from Escalante feeling emotionally drained. The race had definitely not gone the way I had anticipated. I've always been an advocate for positive thinking, but I was having trouble being very positive at this point in time. And Loa, the next time station, was nearly 87 miles down the road. The skies were darkening quickly as night approached and there was the looming 4000 foot climb over Boulder Mountain, the second highest location on the course at just under 10,000 feet in elevation. The slot canyons and rock formations, with their steep, "punchy" climbs, became increasingly spectacular as I traveled away from Escalante. As I continued to ride into the night, I was passed by the tandem team, Turbodogs (2 tandem bikes, alternating pulls every 15 minutes or so). I would spend the next 40 miles trying to keep pace with the Turbodogs. As I began the climb up Boulder Mountain, I tried to keep the Turbodogs in sight, stopping several times to eat an energy bar. I must admit that it was the first time I struggled keeping up with tandem bikes going uphill! As soon as I would catch up with them, the team would switch bikes and the fresh set of legs would continue to zip up the mountain. It was nice having their words of encouragement, which helped boost my morale a bit! The Turbodogs eventually crested Boulder Mountain, and that was the last I would see of them...

Much of the climb up Boulder Mountain was a blur. I struggled with hunger pings, fatigue, and of course weary legs! It was a long climb. It seemed like I was climbing forever! After cresting the mountain, I took the descent down Boulder Mountain with extreme caution. I was very grateful for my Light-In-Motion lighting system, but I still had visions of a deer crossing my path during the long, chilly downhill. Temperatures on these higher mountain peaks frequently dipped below freezing, even in August, so I was prepared for the worst! Fortunately, there were no mishaps and temperatures were cool, but not frigid. During the next 30 miles, I passed through the small town of Torrey. I continued to struggle with intense fatigue and really wanted to put my head down along the side of the road. Unfortunately, the space blanket (that I was supposed to be carrying with me) was in my drop bag in Loa. So I forced myself to keep moving, although I could have used some toothpicks to pry my eyes open! The last 10 miles before Loa, the skies once again began to flash with lightning and the rains poured down, a fitting end to difficult 287 miles of riding in 23 hours, much , much slower than I had anticipated. As I pulled into the Loa time station, I learned that Andy was still there and he was sleeping. All was not lost yet!

My careful pre-race preparation paid off in Loa as my drop bag proved to be extremely helpful. I had placed a fresh change of cycling gear and toiletries in my drop bags in Loa and Panguitch, just in case I would need to take a shower. It was my smartest move of the race! I took a quick shower, slammed down a sandwich, and put my head down for 90 minutes, just enough time to mentally and physically regroup. After my short nap, I woke up feeling mentally recharged. I had pre-driven the last half of course during the previous day during my drive over from Grand Junction. It was a huge mental advantage to have at least briefly seen the final 228 miles. I hesitantly got back on the bike as thundershowers still lingered in the area. I began the climb out of Loa, catching Josh Talley and Rick Jacobson, two yoyager riders who had caught up with me in Loa and had opted to not take a break at that time station. I soon began the blazing descent toward the town of Koosharem, UT, the start of a nearly 40 mile stretch of gradual downhill and scenic rollers. I had my work cut out for me! Andy had left the Loa time station two hours before I did and I wasn't going to go down without a fight!

I arrived at Panguitch, Utah (375 miles), in 5 hours and 20 minutes after leaving Loa. Upon arriving in Panguitch, I was excited that I had made up an hour on Andy during the last interval. I reloaded my bottles and camelback. As I pulled away from Panguitch, race director Brian Bowling commented that I had "so much stuff!" (He was referring to my 4 water bottles of Perpetuem, my frame bag, and my camelback.) I new I would probably need most of it...I still had 140 miles to make the final trek back to St. George. After only a mile or so of riding, the road began to tilt upward as I approached the race's longest climb...Cedar Breaks National Monument...a nearly 30 mile, 5000 foot ascent to the race's highest point at 10,400 feet. After 375 miles, a long climb can be a demoralizing experience, but my legs began to "come to life," feeling better than they had felt for the previous 375 miles. The climb up Cedar Breaks was very similar to many Colorado climbs...never very steep, but very long. This climb in particular felt very similar to climbing the north face of the Grand Mesa outside of Grand Junction , although it never had the grandiose, panoramic views of the Grand Mesa. I was climbing for nearly 2 hours and 50 minutes before I reached the summit of the climb. I passed Seana Hogan, multi-RAAM winner and eventual solo female champion along the way. She had probably passed me during my brief nap in Loa, choosing to ride through continuously.

Approaching the summit of the climb, I began to experience some additional hunger pings. I stopped for about 10 minutes to eat a couple of Larabars, which I had stashed in my jersey pocket. The skies had become increasingly threatening as I approached to summit of the climb. During the final few miles of the climb, the skies opened up and the chilly rain poured down, lightning crashing around me. Temperatures continued to drop as the rain turned to small hailstones. I felt more "at home" with the cooler Colorado-esque temperatures (and thin air). I crested Cedar Breaks National Monument and began the long descent toward Cedar City.

The descent down Cedar Breaks amazing! It was easily one of the fastest descents I have ever done. With only minimal turns, it was very easy to "open up" on this descent, reaching speeds of 50+ mph. The only downside was that traffic descending the Cedar Breaks was fairly heavy! Many of the cars driving toward Cedar City were going considerably faster than I was! Southwestern Utah drivers have a tendancy to be a bit oblivious to speed limit signs as there was nary a police car ticketing speeding drivers.

As I pulled into Cedar City (433 miles), temperatures had once again tipped the scales in the low 90s, in spite of the passing thundershowers. And I knew that it was only going to get hotter from this point on! I refilled my Camelback at the Chevron time station in Cedar City and headed out to complete the next leg of the race, a 70-mile stretch to Snow Canyon. The initial stretch though the town of New Castle was a challenging, gradual 30 mile climb with pesky headwinds. Headwinds had picked up considerably, as well as the temperatures. As temperatures continued to rise, cracking the 100 degree barrier, I began to feel extremely flat again. During this section, I made the mistake of not refilling my Camelback, which I had almost emptied in only 40 miles. And unfortunately, I had lost my craving for Perpetuem, As I continued to ride, I became increasingly dehydrated and I had to stop briefly on several occasion for "hot foot" problems, which occurred in spite of my custom D2 shoes. Without a functioning computer, the final 40 miles became an act of attrition as I impatiently pedaled toward the final turn down Snow Canyon toward St. George.

After what seemed to be an eternity of riding, I reached the turnoff for Snow Canyon (mile 503), beginning the final 14 miles descent into St. George. My body was beginning to shut down at that point in time due to dehydration. Every bump in the road made my body ache! The descent down Snow Canyon--with its stunning red rocks formations--was amazing...hoodoos at their finest! I pulled into the Best Western Abbey in St. George as dusk was setting with a time of 39:13, 2:51 behind David and 16 minutes behind Andy. At that point in time, however, I was less concerned about my finishing time. I was just glad to have finished this year's Hoodoo 500! My hats of to David, Andy, and all of the other voyager riders! And thanks to Deb and Brian Bowling and all of their hard-working volunteers for hosting a stellar event!

Things that I went well:

1) Riding with a Camel Back...a real life-saver for the tough conditons, although I could have used my space blanket before reaching Loa. And I really should have refilled my camel back in the Veyo, the final convenience store before St. George.

2) Drop Bags were well prepared. I had all the necessary supplies to complete the race!

3) Brief nap and shower in Loa. Although this was not the most time-efficient measure, it rejuvinated my moral, making the second half of the race much more enjoyable.

4) I actually rode pretty well during the second half of the ride, with negative splits, finishing less than 3 hours behind Voyager winner, David Haase and only 15 minuted behind Andy Palmer. (I still have yet to beat Andy in a bike competition. He's one tough rider and a genuinely nice guy too!)

5) Nutrition. I survived pretty well on energy drink, energy bars, and 4 small sandwiches. I never had to stop to buy food, although I did grab a well-deserved Pepsi at the time station in Cedar City!

Things that went poorly:

1) Waaaaay too much time off of the bike at time stations!

2) Heat. No control over this one, but definitely my comfort level for riding in the heat could be improved with practice.

3) Flats. No control over this one either. My tires were new. Luck wasn't on my side!

4) Poor navigation. Missed turn was a deal breaker! I should have pre-driven the first half of the course too. Live and learn...

5) No functioning computer after Panguitch. Having pre-driven the second half of the course the day before was a life saver!

6) Nearly succumbing to adversity early in the race. Having ridden so many events this year without a single mishap, I wasn't used to having things not go as planned. Sometimes it's best to "pray for the best, but expect the worst!"

Please note: pictures used for this post were taken by Planet Ultra volunteers.

We Lost One of Our Own...

2011-08-21T23:10:00.006-06:00

I regretfully report that we lost one of our own this past week with the passing of Tim Kalisch....

Tim has ridden with the RMCC from the from the early 2000s. Tim was not your typical cyclist. With his small but muscular frame, numerous tattoos, and flat-top haircut, Tim seemed to resemble a Harley Davidson enthusiast more than a cyclist. But...boy could he ride! Tim, along with fellow club members Jim Kraychy and Sargent McDonald, repeatedly decimated RMCC course records during the 2000s. In fact, Tim's time of 6:06, established during the 2009 Stove Prarie 200 km (part of the RMCC 1-2-3 Stage Race), still stands as a course record to this day.

Tim was a tenacious competitor on the bicycle. He raced as a Category 3 American Cycling Association (ACA) racer with the Natural Grociers (Vitamin Cottage) team. Tim was a phenomal downhill rider, carving corners with the skill of a downhill ski racer. Even more impressive were his abilities on the flats. No rider understood the benefits of aerodynamics better than Tim, who who could ride with his head perched on his handlebars (without the assistance of aerobars) for hours on end, allowing him to close huge gaps or place impressive distances on his competitors. Tim also rode with the quiet confidence of a skilled poker player. Tim was always very stoic on the bike and was never easily phased by adversity. He never complained about riding in brutally cold temperatures or in stiff headwinds. Tim would just ride...and ride hard!

More importantly, off the bike, Tim had a warm personality that drew outsiders into the club. My own personal interests in the RMCC were sparked by my interactions with Tim (as well as Sargent McDonald and Jim Kraychy). I learned more about riding a bicycle from watching Tim ride than from any other rider I have ridden with. In my own personal experiences of riding with Tim, I will never forget my first RMCC Tuesday night hillclimb in 2004. While ascending Lookout Mountain along Hwy 40, Tim dropped me like a paperweight during an effortless, out-of-the-saddle final push to the top of the mountain. I remember saying to myself, "Man, that guy is good! I've got some serious work to do to keep up with him!" And I was always inspired by watching Tim and Jim ride Lookout Mountain repeats throughout the season. Tim understood the benefits of training hard and teamwork...

Well...if Tim gets a chance to read this...I have heard through the grapevine that they race El Caminos in heaven. And if they don't, I'm sure that he will have no problem taking them on his bicycle...

May you rest in peace...

You will always be an idol to me. You will be missed by all of us...

MVL

2011 Colorado Triple Crown Finishers

2011-08-09T00:16:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to all of this year's Colorado Triple Crown Finishers!

These riders have earned the distinction of completing all three Colorado Triple Crown Events (Denver-to-Aspen, Colorado Death Ride, and Grand Loop) in a single calendar year. These riders join a small group of RMCC members (a dozen or so) who have successfully completed the Triple Crown since the early 1990s. Congratulations to their hard work and perseverance!

Michael Henderson.....41:14*
Gary Lancaster.....46:02*
Mark Lowe.....33:57
Tom Miller.....44:25*

*First-time Colorado Triple Crown Finisher

The Grand Loop: A Truly Grand Day On Two Wheels!

2011-07-31T22:42:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to all of this year's Grand Loop participants!

Riders experienced balmy summer temperatures and cloudless skies...near perfect weather conditions that were conducive to fast riding times. And the scenery from Trail Ridge Road was stunning as usual!

Results will be posted shortly on the RMCC website...

Special thanks to Charlie Henderson for supporting the event!!!

Billy and Mark...glad to have survived the Grand Loop and even more excited to celebrate

Buffalo Bill Days in downtown Golden, CO.

A curious group of Grand Loop spectators on Trail Ridge Road in RMNP.

Thanks to Troy Howard for submitting this photo!

The Grand Loop: Registered Riders

2011-07-26T21:20:00.001-06:00

Here's a preliminary list of riders who are registered to ride Colorado's "grandest" double century:

Bergkessel, Kelly
Edwards, Billy
Franz, Ryan
Henderson, Michael
Howard, Troy
Knoblauch, Tom
Koenig, Andrea
Lowe, Mark
McDonald, Dan
Miller, Tom
Morris, Mel
Myers, Beth
Myers, Brent

A few final notes.....

1) Pre-registration for this event is required! Registration closes on Friday, July 29, 2011 at 12 noon.

2) If you think you have registered and your name is not on the roster, please let us know!

3) Please make sure your RMCC membership is active! You cannot participate in this event if your membership is not active!

4) If you need to withdraw from the event prior to the start, please let us know that too!

The Grand Loop: They Don't Call It "Grand" for Nothing!

2011-07-25T23:39:00.003-06:00

The Grand Loop...at 200 miles and 16,000 feet of vertical gain, they don't call it "grand" for nothing! The Grand Loop is indeed one of Colorado's most spectacular cycling loops. The route, which traverses Rocky Mountain National Park via Trail Ridge Road (from Estes Park, CO in the east to Grand Lake, CO in the west), covers 48 miles of the most majestic scenery in the entire state of Colorado. Bring your altitude lungs as well as your climbing legs! Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous highway in the United States, with more than eight miles lying above 11,000 feet and a maximum elevation of 12,183 feet. Not to be outdone, the route also climbs Berthoud Pass (11,307 feet) during the return from Winter Park. Here's "the skinny" on this weekend's event...

General Information:

1) Ride Date: Saturday, July 30, 2011

2) Start and Finish Location: Coors parking lot at 10th and Jackson Street, just to the north of Parfet Park in downtown Golden, Colorado.

3) Ride start/check-in: Rider check-in at 2:30 am. Ride start at 3:00 am. Lights and reflective gear are required!

4) Official support vehicles: We will have one support vehicle to SAG this ride, which will be driven by Charlie Henderson (Charlie's cell phone: 720-480-9714). Participants riding without private SAG support should plan to use this support vehicle to transport gear bags. These gear bags will be accessible at checkpoints along the course. Participants riding with private SAG support should notify Charlie prior to the start of the ride that they will have support from family or friends. Riders with private SAG support may be asked to support other riders. Please remember: no follow-vehicles.

5) Time limits: Please keep in mind that this is a timed bike ride! Participants have 18 hours to complete this ride to earn an official finishing time and to receive Colorado Triple Crown credit. Riders can only begin riding at the official start time and must reach all checkpoints before the following time cut-offs to receive an official finishing time: 1) Golden, Coors-Tek Parking Lot, 2) Lyons, 5:40 am, 3) Estes Park, 8:00 am, 4) Fall River Pass/Alpine Visitor Center, Rocky Mountain National Park, 12:00 noon, 5) Granby, 2:00 pm. 6) Berthoud Pass, 5:30 pm, 7) Idaho Springs (optional), 7:00 pm, 8) Golden, Coors-Tek Parking Lot, 9:00 pm. If riders are going to summit Berthoud Pass after 5:00 pm, please let Charlie know!

6) Checkpoints: All riders should plan to have their event passports validated at the following official checkpoints: 1) Lyons, Diamond Shamrock, south side of US 36, 2) Estes Park, Safeway on right side of road at intersection of Hwy 34 and Wonderview Avenue 3) RMNP Fall River Pass/Alpine Visitor Center, 4) Granby, store on northeast corner of Hwy 34 and Hwy 40, 5) Berthoud Pass summit, 6) Golden, Coors Tek parking lot (finish). Finishers should have their event passports validated by RMCC personel. If Charlie is not present at the finish, you can mail your event card to: Charlie Henderson, 2 Blue Grouse Ridge Road, Littleton, CO 80127.

7) Additonal Support Points: Riders with private SAG support may also receive additional support at these locations: Idaho Springs, Safeway.

8) Special notes about the ride: 1) Please bring your National Parks Pass/Photo I.D. or $10 ride into Rocky Mountain National Park. Tip: If you can arrive at the RMNP Fall River Road (east) park entrance before 7:00 a.m., you might be able to ride into the park without having to stop. 2) If the weather turns nasty, support can be anywhere! 2) Faster riders may out-run the support vehicle after the Alpine Visitors Center in Rocky Mountain National Park and will not be to access their gear bags after leaving this check point. These riders need to plan ahead and bring the supplies and gear that they will need to complete this ride!

9) Abandonment: If you need to abandon the ride for any reason, please call Charlie Henderson at 720-480-9714 as soon as possible to let him know! Additionally, if you are going to summit Berthoud Pass after 5:00 pm, please call Charlie to let him know! We don't want to spend all night worrying about where you are! Please note that we do not sweep the course!

10) Emergencies: If you have an accident or injury that requires emergent attention, please call 911. Please call Charlie ASAP to let him know!

11) Event Rules: Please review the event rules before the ride on Saturday: http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com/2011/05/rules-regulations-and-safety.html

The Colorado Death Ride: Preliminary Images

2011-07-04T22:02:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to all of this year's Colorado Death Riders! We had a small, but hearty contingency at this year's event, which included six starters, five finishers, and one DNF. Results will be posted shortly on the RMCC website.

Riders encountered beautiful, but rather warm riding temperatures, generally favorable winds, and some welcome (cooling) thundershowers on Lizard Head Pass and Telluride Junction.

After a long day on the bike, Mark is relieved to have survived another Death Ride!

Andre, an ultra-distance racer from Durango, used the Death Ride as final preparation for the upcoming Race Across Oregon in July and Hoodoo 500 in August. Good luck, Andre!

Despite knee problems, Michael finished this year's Death Ride strongly. "The Death Ride didn't get the best of me, but it got the best of my knee!"

Gary and Tom perservered through many punctured tubes and a blown-out tire,

exemplifying the RMCC spirit to not give up! Congratulations on completing your first Death Ride!

Struggling with fatigue, Andrea decided to back off of her usual intense riding pace and use this year's Death Ride as a good training day for Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) in August.

Charlie is all smiles after a long day of supporting riders. Thanks for your help, Charlie!

Michael Henderson's friend, Fred, provided valuable assistance for riders throughout the day

His help was very much appreciated!

The Colorado Death Ride: Registered Riders

2011-06-24T16:20:00.004-06:00

Here's a preliminary list of riders who have accepted this year's Colorado-death-defying challenge:

Auhll, Robert
Bergkessel, Kelly
Henderson, Michael
Koenig, Andrea
Lancaster, Gary
Lowe, Mark
Michaud, Andre
Miller, Tom
Morris, Mel
Pfeil, Mark

A few final notes.....

1) Pre-registration for this event is required! Registration closes on Friday, July 1, 2011 at 12 noon.

2) If you think you have registered and your name is not on the roster, please let us know!

3) Please make sure your RMCC membership is active! You cannot participate in this event if your membership is not active!

4) This event has a "cost-recovery" fee of $30. Please make your check out to RMCC and mail this to Charlie Henderson by 6/30/11:

Charlie Henderson
2 Blue Grouse Ridge Road
Littleton, CO 80127

5) If you need to withdraw from the event prior to the start, please let us know that too!

The Colorado Death Ride

2011-06-24T15:26:00.010-06:00

Okay...I must admit that there's not a lot of things in life that really intimidate me. My list includes:

1) Spiders
2) Heights
3) Incredibly sexy women
4) Cleaning the grout in a mildew-laden shower

Well...I think I'm about ready to add a fifth item to my list: silly-long bike rides!!! The Colorado Death Ride, the second event of the 2011 Colorado Triple Crown Series, could be considered as such a ride! Here's the skinny on next weekend's event:

1) At 225 miles, the Colorado Death Ride is the longest double century event on the UltraMarathon Cycling Association (UMCA) UltraCycling Cup calendar and arguably the hardest single-day event on the RMCC calendar.

2) The Death Ride has LOTS of climbing! The total vertical gain for the Death Ride has remained somewhat elusive over the years. Some sources have estimated the San Juan Skyway to have over 15,000 feet of vertical gain. Other sources have estimated the loop to have 20,000 feet of vertical gain. The exact amount of climbing probably lies somewhere in between. The Death Ride climbs over three mountain passes that exceed 10,000 feet in elevation and one pass that exceeds 11,000 feet! No other event on the UMCA calendar has so many individual climbs that expose riders to high altitude!

3) The Death Ride has jaw-dropping mountain scenery that is second-to-none! The San Juan Mountains are frequently one of the most-photographed regions in the state of Colorado. After riding this route, you will understand why this is the case. Be sure to keep your digital camera in your jersey pocket. You'll definitely want to have it on this ride!

General Information:

1) Ride Date: Sunday, July 3, 2011

2) Host Hotel/Start and Finish Location: Ridgway Lodge and Suites, 373 Palomino Trail, Ridgway, CO. Phone: 970-626-5444.

3) Ride start/check-in: Rider check-in at 1:30 am in the motel lobby. Ride start at 2:00 am. Yes...this is an early start, but we want participants to finish the ride during the daylight hours, especially on a holiday weekend. Consider setting two alarm clocks as this can be an easy start to miss! Lights and reflective gear are required!

4) Official support vehicles: We will have one support vehicle to SAG this ride, which will be driven by Charlie Henderson and Jim Kraychy (Charlie's cell phone: 720-480-9714). Participants riding without private SAG support should plan to use this support vehicle to transport gear bags. These gear bags will be accessible at checkpoints along the course. Participants riding with private SAG support should notify Charlie prior to the start of the ride that they will have support from family or friends. Riders with private SAG support may be asked to support other riders.

5) Time limits: Please keep in mind that this is a timed bike ride! Participants have 19 hours to complete this ride to earn an official finishing time and to receive Colorado Triple Crown credit. Riders can only begin riding at the official start time and must reach all checkpoints before the following time cut-offs to receive an official finishing time: 1) Silverton, 5:00 am, 2) Durango, 8:30 am, 3) Dolores, 12:30, 4) Rico, 3:45 pm. 5) Ridgway, 9:00 pm. If riders are going to leave Rico after 3:00 pm OR ride over the Dallas Divide after 8:00 pm, please call Charlie to let him know!

6) Checkpoints: All riders should plan to have their event passports validated at the following official checkpoints: 1) Silverton, gas station, 2) Durango, Exxon gas station on Hwy 160, 3) Dolores, Dolores Food Market, 4) Rico, Conoco gas station on the left side of CO Hwy 145, 5) Ridgway, Ridgway Town and Suites Motel. Finishers should have their event passports validated by staff at the motel. If Charlie is not present at the finish, you can mail your event card to: Charlie Henderson, 2 Blue Grouse Ridge Road, Littleton, CO 80127.

7) Additonal Support Points: Riders with private SAG support may also receive additional support at these locations: 1) Molas Pass, 2) Lizard Head Pass, 3) Telluride Junction, 4) Sawpit/Placerville, 5) Dallas Divide. Note: The Conoco Station at Telluride Junction can be extremely busy. Please watch for traffic at this support point.

8) Special notes about support: 1) If the weather turns nasty, support can be anywhere! 2) Faster riders may out-run the support vehicle after Dolores and will not be to access their gear bags after leaving this check point. These riders need to plan ahead and bring the supplies and gear that they will need to complete this ride!

9) Abandonment: If you need to abandon the ride for any reason, please call Charlie Henderson at 720-480-9714 as soon as possible to let him know! Additionally, if you are going to leave Rico after 3:00 pm or arrive at Ridgway after 9:00 pm, please call Charlie to let him know! We don't want to spend all night worrying about where you are! Please note that we do not sweep the course!

10) Emergencies: If you have an accident or injury that requires emergent attention, please call 911. Please call Charlie ASAP to let him know!

11) Event Rules: Please review the event rules before the ride on Saturday: http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com/2011/05/rules-regulations-and-safety.html

The Colorado Death Ride can be broken down into five segments:

1) Ridgway to Silverton, 33 miles.

FAQ
Has anyone actually died while riding the Death Ride loop? To the best of our knowledge...no. But we know of plenty of riders who wished they were dead while they were attempting to complete the Colorado Death Ride! It is definitely an endeavor that should not be taken lightly as it is arguably the hardest single-day cycling loop in the state of Colorado!

Race Across America (RAAM) Colorado Cycling Challenge

2011-06-17T06:56:00.003-06:00

Race Across America (RAAM), the planet's premier ultracycing event, has recently anounced details for a new 8-event road cycling series to provide prospective RAAM participants with greater opportunities to qualify for RAAM. Boulder, Colorado has fortunately been selected as one of the host cities for this exciting new race series.

The Boulder event, which is scheduled to take place on August 6, 2011, will consist of a 199-mile race and a 412-mile race, as well as three different non-competitive, "fun" rides. The routes for these events look very intriguing, covering many of the same Boulder backroads that are used by our RMCC Brevet Series.

For more details, check it out for yourself: http://www.raamchallenge.com

Please don't forget about the RMCC Triple Crown events, which have very affordable "cost-recovery" fees to offset the expenses of running these events!

More details will be posted very soon about the Colorado Death Ride, the next event of the RMCC Colorado Triple Crown Series...

Denver-to-Aspen: Denver Post Article

2011-06-17T06:39:00.000-06:00

Special thanks to Lindsay Jones (Denver Post writer) and Kean Krakel (Denver Post Photo Editor) for their wonderful write-up about the RMCC Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic and the Colorado Triple Crown on 6/13/2011!

http://www.denverpost.com/extremes/ci_18267366

Denver-to-Aspen: Preliminary Images

2011-06-12T22:46:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to all of this year's Denver-to-Aspen Finishers!

Participants encountered beautiful weather conditions with some pesky southwesterly headwinds through the South Park Valley.....

Here are the top 5 finishers (3 men and 2 women):

1. Mark Lowe 10h 4min
2. Andrea Koenig 11h 39min
3. Steve Rudolph 12h 5min
4. Diane Benoit 12h 17min
5. Michael Henderson 12h 49min

A complete list of results will be posted on the RMCC website in the days to come!

If any of this year's participants have photos or stories that they would like posted on the blog, please let me know! We would love to hear about your experiences! (mvlowe5@comcast.net)

A welcome site to all the riders who made it to the turn for Independence Pass Road...

The snow-capped mountains presented riders with stunning scenery!

The Twin Lakes P.D. patrolling for speeding cyclists...

The uphill rollers are relentless as riders approach Independence Pass from Twin Lakes.

Approaching the top of Independence Pass...

Large snow drifts ordain the sides of the road at the top of the pass.

The roads were fortunately dry!

Riders try to catch their breath at 12,000 feet!

Hammering the Aspen side of Independence Pass, Mark attempts to crack the 10:00 barrier.

Conditions were noticeably warmer and greener on the Aspen side of the pass!

A welcome site for sore eyes (and weary legs)!

Standing by his trusty steed, Mark ponders what could have been for the second year in a row...

(4 minutes!?!)

Andrea rolls into Woody Creek, relieved to be done!

Steve is all smiles after a hard day's work!

Diane had a magnificent ride after a harrowing experience with the rear-view mirror

of a passing vehicle along Hwy 285

Charlie arrives at Woody Creek after a long day of supporting Denver-to-Aspen participants.

Thanks again for directing the ride!

Denver-to-Aspen: One Week and Counting!

2011-06-04T21:33:00.005-06:00

One week and counting until next weekend's Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic! Here's a few extra notes for this weekend's ride:

1) Weather: The weather forecast looks good for next Saturday for Littleton, Fairplay, and Aspen. Obviously the forecast can change quite a bit in the days to come! Please keep your fingers crossed that the forecast holds!

As of 6/9/11, the forecast still looks favorable...mostly sunny in Fairplay (low 38, high 62) and Aspen (high 72)!

2) Registration: You need to pre-register for this event! Pre-registration for this event closes on June 8, 2011. To pre-register, select the following link: http://www.rmccrides.com/challengeregister.html. All riders need to have active club memberships to participate!

3) Check-In: Rider check-in begins at 3:00 AM at the Ken Caryl and C-470 RTD Park-n-Ride. The ride starts at 4:00 AM.

4) Course notes: 1) As of June 4, 2011, CDOT is not reporting any delays from road construction on Hwy 285 (at least the sections we're riding), Hwy 24, or Hwy 82. Independence Pass is open! Riders can expect large snow drifts on the sides of the road as they summit the pass. 3) Please do not miss the turn for Smith Way, which is the second-to-last turn before reaching Woody Creek! It is easy to miss, especially after a long day in the saddle. Remember: it is one of the first right-hand turns after passing the Aspen Airport (which is to the west).

5) Official SAG vehicles: We will have one support vehicle to SAG this ride, which will be driven by Charlie Henderson (cell phone: 720-480-9714). Participants riding without private SAG support should plan to use this support vehicle to transport gear bags. These gear bags will be accessible at checkpoints along the course. Participants riding with private SAG support should notify Charlie prior to the start of the ride that they will have support from family or friends.

6) Checkpoints: All riders should plan to have their event passports validated at the following official checkpoints: 1) Ken Caryl and C-470 (RTD Park-n-Ride), 2) Conifer (the RTD Park-n-Ride on the north side of Hwy 285), 3) Kenosha Pass Summit, 4) Buena Vista (the intersection of Hwy 24 and Linderman Avenue along the right side of the road), 5) Twin Lakes store, and 6) Woody Creek Tavern. Finishers should have their event passports validated by Charlie or by staff at the Woody Creek Tavern. If Charlie is not present at the finish, you can mail your event card to: Charlie Henderson, 2 Blue Grouse Ridge Road, Littleton, CO 80127.

7) Additonal Support Points: All riders should consider stopping at the following locations to refuel if they are running low on supplies: 1) Bailey (Conoco station on the right) and 2) Fairplay (the Sinclair/Strip mall on the right as you enter town). Riders with private SAG support may also receive additional support at these locations, as well as the summit of Independence Pass.

8) Special notes about support: 1) If the weather turns nasty, support can be anywhere! 2) There are no guarantees that official SAG vehicle will be able support riders at Twin Lakes store. Faster riders will likely out-run the support vehicle after Buena Vista and will not be to access their gear bags after leaving Buena Vista. These riders need to plan ahead and bring the supplies and gear that they will need to complete this ride! Remember: temperatures will likely be considerably colder on top of Independence Pass! Additional water can be purchased at the Twin Lakes store, but not on Independence Pass.

9) Time cut-offs: To successfully complete Denver-to-Aspen, you must get to Buena Vista expeditiously! Riders should plan to take the shortest breaks possible at checkpoints and support points. To ensure rider safety, we have 2 time cut-offs: 1) Buena Vista: 3:00 pm, 2) Twin Lakes store: 5:00 pm. If riders do not arrive at these checkpoints by these times, they will not receive official finishing time and will be asked to be SAG'd to Woody Creek. It is RMCC policy to not have participants finish this ride by descending Indendence Pass in the dark!

10) Safety: Please ride with extra caution durign the event at the following locations: 1) Pine Junction to Baily: watch for rumble strips!, 2) Trout Creek Pass: the shoulder narrows considerably as Hwy 285 descends into Johnson Village. Traffic is fairly brisk! 3) Independence Pass (Aspen side): Hwy 82 is often littered with rocks and there are several large potholes on the descent into Aspen! The road is also very narrow in places and can have lots of traffic!

11) Abandonment: If you need to abandon the ride for any reason, please call Charlie Henderson at 720-480-9714 as soon as possible to let him know! Additionally, if you are going to leave Twin Lakes after 4:00 pm or arrive in Woody Creek after 8:00 pm, please call Charlie to let him know! We don't want to spend all night worrying about where you are! Please note that we do not sweep the course!

12) Emergencies: If you have an accident or injury that requires emergent attention, please call 911. Please call Charlie ASAP to let him know!

13) Event Rules: Please review the event rules before the ride on Saturday: http://coloradotriplecrown.blogspot.com/2011/05/rules-regulations-and-safety.html

Denver-to-Aspen: Registered Riders

2011-06-04T21:31:00.005-06:00

We're excited that a large number of riders have accepted the challenge for this year's ride!

Registration for this ride has closed for this year. Thanks for everyone's interest!

Here's a list of our final roster for Saturday's event:

Auhll, Robert
Benoit, Diane
Bergkessel, Kelly
Brier, Philip
Dean, Robert
deRosset, William
Henderson, Michael
Knoblauch, Tom
Koenig, Andrea
Lancaster, Gary
Lowe, Mark
McDonald, Dan
Meadows, Brian
Michel, Mark
Miller, Tom
Morris, Mel
O'Leary, Tim
Pfeil, Mark
Ratcliff, Dave
Rudolf, Steve
Secunda, David
Schultheis, Mark
Schwinghammer, Pat
Summerhill, Frances
Zaske, Pam

A few final notes.....

1) If you think you have registered and your name is not on the roster, please let us know!

2) Please make sure your RMCC membership is active! You cannot participate in this event if your membership is not active!

3) If you need to withdraw from the event prior to the start, please let us know that too!

Denver-to-Aspen: So what am I getting myself into?!?

2011-05-29T22:41:00.217-06:00

The Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic is the first of the RMCC Triple Crown events for 2011. So what challenges will you face during this event?

Well, to sum things up:

1) An epic 180 mile day on the bike!

2) Many long climbs at high altitude with over 13,500 vertical feet of climbing!

3) Spectacular Colorado scenery, including amazing views of the Mt. Evans Wilderness, Kenosha Pass, the South Park Valley, the Collegiate Peaks, Twin Lakes, Independence Pass, the Frying Pan Wilderness, and the ritzy the town of Aspen!

4) A chance to eat at the Woody Creek Tavern where the world-class nachos that are second-to-none!

5) A chance to pre-qualify for the Death Ride and Grand Loop if you can arrive at Woody Creek in less than 15 hours!

6) Memories to last a lifetime!!!

The Denver-to-Aspen ride can be broken down into 7 different segments:

1) Littleton to Conifer, 19.1 miles.

3) Kenosha Pass to Fairplay, 20.1 miles.

4) Fairplay to Buena Vista, 38.7 miles.

5) Buena Vista to Twin Lakes, 25.3 miles.

7) Independence Pass Summit to Woody Creek, 28 miles (and a whole lot of downhill!).

After descending over 4,000 vertical feet, participants will reach the ritzy town of Aspen. Riders will stay on Hwy 82 as it winds through town, cruising past the turnoff for both Snowmass Mountain Resort and the Aspen Airport (both to the west). Finally riders will turn right (east) onto Smith Way (one of the first right-hand turns after passing the airport) toward the bicycling friendly community of Woody Creek. Upon reaching your final destination at the Woody Creek Tavern, please have a RMCC official or a representative from the tavern validate your passport. Congratulations! Your hard work for the day is finally complete!!! Now enjoy some world-class nachos! Please note that the Woody Creek Tavern only accepts cash, not credit cards!

Denver-to-Aspen: How the heck do I get home after the ride???

2011-05-29T22:38:00.001-06:00

General Information

2011-05-23T15:21:00.006-06:00

1) The Colorado Triple Crown, presented by the Rocky Mountain Cycling Club (RMCC), is a series of three (approximately) 200 mile timed bicycling events. These events are currently the three most difficult single-day double century road cycling events in the state of Colorado.

2) The purpose of the RMCC Colorado Triple Crown is to promote the growth and development of ultra-cycling in the state of Colorado, encourage participation in long-distance cycling events, and recognize individual cyclists for their accomplishments and hard work.

3) The events of the Colorado Triple Crown are NOT races; however, each stage is ridden as single-day, draft-legal timed cycling event. Each stage has an overall time limit and each participant must complete each event in the designated time to receive an official finishing time. When participating in a Triple Crown event, the primary goal is simply to finish safely! However, participants are encouraged to challenge themselves and put their best effort into each event!

4) Cyclists do NOT have to participate in all 3 stages. Participants may pick-and-choose which events they would like to participate in. Each official finisher will be recognized for his/her accomplishment! However, in order to earn the designation of Colorado Triple Crown Finisher, a cyclist must successfully complete all three stages in a single calendar year.

5) These events are not "organized tours." You will not get fancy aid stations or an elaborate post-ride pasta dinner. You will not get a plastic bag full of event memorabilia. You will not get a personal massage after completing your event. You will not get a sparkly "I did it!" medal. Instead, you will earn the pride, recognition, and bragging rights of completing one (if not all) of the most difficult and spectacular sporting events on two wheels in the state of Colorado!

7) Please be forewarned: each event of the Colorado Triple Crown is VERY challenging!!! At a distance of approximately 200 miles—and many thousands of vertical feet of climbing—each event is an extremely difficult physical and mental feat!!! Cyclists must be somewhat self-sufficient and be comfortable riding up to 40 miles without support. An "I can do it!" attitude is fantastic but will likely NOT be adequate to successfully complete the events of the Colorado Triple Crown! You need to come prepared for your event!

8) The RMCC is fortunate to have all 3 events of the Colorado Triple Crown included in this year's UltraMarathon Cycling Association (UMCA) UltraCycling Cup, a point series that recognizes some of the world's most accomplished endurance road cyclists. UMCA membership is NOT required to participate in the Colorado Triple Crown but is always encouraged.

Registration

2011-05-23T15:16:00.003-06:00

1) Club membership is required to register for the events of the Colorado Triple Crown. Please note that club membership has a very affordable $25 fee. RMCC membership has its advantages because it gives you access to other club events and discounts!

2) Pre-registration is required! Registration is limited to the first 50 pre-registered riders. You may register for each of the events of the Colorado Triple Crown (Denver to Aspen, the Death Ride, and the Grand Loop) by visiting the following link: http://www.rmccrides.com/challengeregister.html

3) All participants may be asked to provide a valid driver’s license or other official proof of identification during the rider check-in.

4) Each Triple Crown event may have a separate cost-recovery fee associated with it. These fees exist to help defray the costs of running the event, not to turn a profit for the club. Participants will be notified of fees prior to the event.

5) The events of the Colorado Triple Crown are extremely challenging! For cyclists who are interested in participating, some ultra-cycling experience is highly recommended (but not required) to participate in Denver-to-Aspen. However, prequalification is required to ride the Death Ride and the Grand Loop. To prequalify for these 2 events, riders must either: 1) successfully complete Denver-to-Aspen in less than 15 hours OR 2) complete the RMCC Black Forest 300km brevet in less than 14 hours. For other cyclists who are interested in participating, please contact Charlie Henderson with a resume detailing your ultra-cycling experiences: chardi2528@aol.com

Rules, Regulations, and Safety

2011-05-23T15:09:00.006-06:00

1) All participants are required to wear an approved helmet at all times while they are riding. Failure to ride with a helmet will result in disqualification.

5) Cyclists must also ride with reflective gear during the hours of darkness. Reflective vests (or a triangle) and reflective ankle bands are required while riding in low light conditions.

6) Prior to the start of a Triple Crown event, each participant will receive an event passport. Each participant will also receive a course map and queue sheet that will provide turn-by-turn directions and locations of support points and checkpoints. Cyclists must stop at each checkpoint to have his/her passport signed and time noted by an RMCC official. If a RMCC official is not present, the cyclist should either: 1) stop at a nearby store to have his time verified by a store clerk OR 2) record his/her time on the passport and have the time validated by an RMCC official at the next checkpoint along the course. A participant may be disqualified if he/she misses a checkpoint or loses his/her time card. If a cyclist leaves the route, he/she must return to the route at the exact same location.

7) Each event of the Colorado Triple Crown has a time limit. All participants must complete the course within the designated time limit to be listed as an official “Finisher” and receive Colorado Triple Crown credit. (Denver-to-Aspen in 17 hours, Colorado Death Ride in 19 hours, and Grand Loop in 18 hours.) Various checkpoints along each stage may also have time cut-offs. A cyclist who reaches a checkpoint after it closes may not be allowed to continue riding OR may be shuttled ahead to the next control point along the course by the support vehicle. These riders unfortunately will be listed as “DNFs” and will not receive an official finishing time or Triple Crown credit. The time limits are imposed to maintain event safety and allow other participants to receive the support they need to successfully complete their ride.

8) As a courtesy to the drivers of our support vehicles, we formally request that participants do not lean their bicycles up against a support vehicle. This can cause scratches to the support vehicles and may inhibit other riders from gaining easy access to their gear bags.

9) The RMCC reserves the right to remove any rider from the course for the reasons of their own safety or the safety of others!

10) The RMCC requests that riders do not urinate in public view. Whenever possible, riders are encouraged to use the designated restroom facilities at checkpoints, including parks, convenient stores, restaurants, etc.

11) The use of MP3 players/I-PODS is not allowed as riders cannot safely hear approaching traffic.

12) Any rider found cheating or deliberately violating the above rules will be disqualified.

13) The RMCC ride director reserves the right to interpret any existing rule or regulation, or to invoke new rules or regulations that are deemed necessary. The ride director’s interpretation and decisions regarding the rule is final.

14) Results for each event will be listed in finishing order.

15) As rider safety is out top priority, the RMCC reserves the right to postpone or cancel any of the Triple Crown events due to adverse weather conditions or dangerous road conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

2011-05-23T14:58:00.005-06:00

1) Do you offer support and gear (SAG) support?

Yes. We will have at least one SAG vehicle on the course at all times. Participants are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the support vehicle. Each rider may provide an easy-to-identify gear bag that he/she may use to transport extra food, nutritional supplies, clothing, etc. The support vehicle will transport each participant’s gear bag from one support point to the next. Each cyclist may access his/her gear bag at these support points. Please be aware that the support vehicle is first and foremost a safety vehicle. In the event of an emergency, the vehicle may have to leave the course. Riders should always be prepared to support themselves by carrying money to purchase food and beverages at stores along the route if necessary.

2) Can I provide my own SAG vehicle?

Yes. The RMCC will allow (and encourages) individual cyclists to be supported by personal SAG vehicles. Participants should notify the ride director that they will receive personal SAG support prior to the start of the event. Cyclists who have personal support vehicles may be asked to provide support other participants. When supporting a rider, a personal SAG vehicle may only provide support for a rider at designated support points and checkpoints along the route. SAG vehicles may not follow, pace, or repeatedly “leapfrog” a rider, as this may disrupt to flow of traffic on narrow mountain roads and jeopardize the safety of other riders! Cyclists may not receive water bottle hand-offs from moving SAG vehicles. SEVERE WEATHER CONTINGENCY: If a cyclist encounters severe weather conditions, he/she may seek cover in a private support vehicle at any location along the course until the passage of the severe weather. Participants must resume cycling in the exact location where they left the course or will be disqualified.

3) How come the RMCC does not provide more elaborate aid stations?

4) How much water/food should I carry?

5) Is aero equipment (e.g., aerobars, aero wheels) allowed?

6) How much climbing will I do during my event?

Each event of the Colorado Triple Climb has between 13,000 and 16,000 feet of vertical gain. None of the climbs the Triple Crown events exceed 12%; however, many of the climbs are LONG…be prepared for 20+ miles of continuous climbing! Altitude is also very important consideration!!! Each stage of the Colorado Triple Crown spends a substantial amount of time above 10,000 feet and sections of the Grand Loop and Denver-to-Aspen even exceed 12,000 feet! We strongly suggest that riders coming from out-of-town arrive a few days early to become acclimated to our thin Colorado air. High altitude sickness can affect any rider who is not adequately acclimated!

7) What sort of mechanical support is provided during my event?

8) How will I navigate the course?

Each participant will receive a map and queue sheet during rider check-in. Each participant may also download a copy of the event cue sheet and map from the RMCC website prior to the start of the event. Queue sheets will provide turn-by-turn directions for navigating the event course. Each cyclist is responsible for navigating the course successfully by using the map and queue sheet! Courses are not marked, but please note that the Colorado Triple Crown routes are NOT difficult to navigate. The Colorado Death Ride, for instance, only has 6 turns in 225 miles!

9) What sort of weather conditions will I encounter?

10) What additional equipment or supplies should I bring?

11) What should I do if I need to withdraw from my event?

If a rider is unable to complete a Colorado Triple Crown event for any reason, he/she must contact the ride director as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we are not set up to immediately pick you up if you need to withdraw from an event. If you must discontinue for a reason that is not an emergency and you do not have personal support, please attempt to arrange for private transportation to pick you up. Otherwise, please be prepared for the fact that it may be many hours before our SAG vehicle can pick you up.

12) What should I do if I experience an accident or serious medical issue?

13) Can I volunteer to support a Colorado Triple Crown event?