2012 Denver-to-Aspen Recap: NBTW! (Nothin' But Tailwinds!)

The 2012 Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic is in the books! And it truly was a classic! For the first time in recent memory, the cycling gods and weather gods came into near perfect alignment to produce near "perfect" weather conditions, conducive for comfortable riding conditions and blazing fast times for many riders.

The Denver-to-Aspen course features over 13,000 feet of climbing (some of it at very high altitude) in 180 miles. Denver-to-Aspen, perhaps more than any of the other event of the Colorado Triple Crown, is at the mercy of the weather gods. Headwinds across the South Park Valley or the Arkansas River Valley (from Buena Vista to Twin Lakes) can easily add one-to-two hours to rider's finishing times. This year's Denver-to-Aspen, however, had the most cooperative winds in recent memory. Charlie Henderson, RMCC club president and ride leader, summed it up best, "In all of the years I have been running this event, I have never seen winds as favorable as these!" Indeed, it was a pleasant surprise to all of this year's participants to encounter light tailwinds from Fairplay to (and over) Trout Creek Pass AND a gentle southwesterly tailwind from Buena Vista to the turn-off for Hwy 82 at Twin Lakes, a truly rare occurrence for this event.

Many riders started the event with a bit of trepidation about the weather forecast. The generally favorable forecast in the days leading up to Denver-to-Aspen had deteriorated significantly in the 36 hours prior to start of the ride, with forecasters predicting a 50% chance of rain and risk of severe thunderstorms in the Denver area. Much to the chagrin on this year's participants, the wet weather never materialized west of Kenosha Pass as had been predicted. Riders did encounter a few light rain showers on the eastern slopes of the Independence Pass and headwinds off of Twin Lakes, but the generally cooperative weather had most riders grinning from ear-to-ear!

Right from the start, riders encountered a gentle tailwind from the east as they ascended Deer Creek Canyon and High Grade Road. RMCC veterans Ryan Franz and Mark Lowe, accompanied by RMCC new-comer Eric Nelsen, set a brisk pace up the first climb of the day, clearing Pleasant Park in a mere 61 minutes before tackling the westward rollers along Hwy 285 through Aspen Park, Pine Junction, and Bailey. Ryan and Mark continued to ride together, cresting Kenosha Pass (10,001 feet elev.) in record time (3 hours, 1 minute). From the moment both riders made the plunge from Kenosha Pass into the South Park Valley, it became gleefully obvious that the virtually omnipresent headwinds of the South Park Valley had taken haitus for this year's Denver-to-Aspen. Ryan and Mark continued a brisk paceline over Red Hill Pass (9,993 feet) into Fairplay. Ryan started to back off the pace a little bit south of Fairplay and Mark--salivating once again at the temptation of riding a sub-10 hour Denver-to-Aspen--dropped the proverbial "hammer," picking up the pace to clear the South Park Valley from Kenosha Pass to Buena Vista in 2:28 (23.9 mph).

With the blessing of gently southwesterly tailwinds (and with Ryan in hot pursuit), Mark continued a brisk pace from Buena Vista up to Twin Lakes and up the plush eastern slopes of Independence Pass (12,095 feet elev.), ultimately clearing the pass 8 hours, 38 minutes after the 4:00 am start in Ken Caryl. In the end, Mark and Ryan both eclipsed the 10-hour barrier, a first for this event. Mark's 18.62 average speed bettered his 2011 course record by 24 minutes. However, former professional racer Michael Carter's 19.1 mph average speed, recorded when Denver-to-Aspen was run as public double century event during the late 1990s, still remains the fastest mile-per-hour time recorded on the Denver-to-Aspen route. Steve Rudolph, at 52 years young, rounded out the men's podium with a stellar sub-11 hour Denver-to-Aspen, a personal best for Steve. Diana Benoit, our lone female competitor for 2012, also posted a personal best time on the Denver-to-Aspen course. RMCC distance legend Carol Hvrada's average speed of 16.1 mph, recorded in 2005 when Denver-to-Aspen was run as a 300 km brevet, remains as the female benchmark for this event.

Congratulations to all of this year's riders!

Thanks to Charlie Henderson and Dan McDonald for providing event support for this year's Denver-to-Aspen.

Ride Data:

• 24 Registrants
• 19 starters, 2 non-starters, 3 no-shows
• 10 Denver-to-Aspen first timers
• 19 official finishers
• 18 of 19 riders finished in sub-15 hour time, successfully completing the first leg of Colorado Triple Crown
• Two sub-10 hour finishing times (first sub-10 hour times for this course)
• New course record: 9:40 (18.62 mph)

Preliminary results (top 3):
Men:

1. Mark Lowe, 9:40
2. Ryan Franz, 9:56
3. Steve Rudolph, 10:50

Women:

1. Diane Benoit, 11:45

Full results will be posted on the RMCC main page soon.

Images of 2012 Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic:

Mark can sleep peacefully, finally cracking the sub-10 hour barrier after 4 previous Denver-to-Aspen attempts.

Ryan Franz, taking advantage of his aerodynamic prowess and bomber downhill skills, also posted a stellar sub-10 hour time.

RMCC veteran Steve Rudolph posted  a personal best at this year's Denver-to-Aspen with a time of 10:50. Steve is contemplating riding the Death Ride in 2 weeks. (C'mon, Steve, I know you want to do it!)

RMCC new-comer Eric Nelsen, competing in his first ultra-endurance cycling event, posted an amazing sub-11 hour time...not bad for a first-timer! Eric is using Denver-to-Aspen to prepare for the Bob Cooke Mount Evans Hill Climb in July.

Tom Miller, competing in his second Denver-to-Aspen, battled through wheel problems to better last year's time by 2 hours 25 minutes! Nice job Tom!

Josh Horwood completed his first Denver-to-Aspen posted an impressive 11:35 time! 

Craig Howell also completed his first Denver-to-Aspen with aspirations of completing the Triple Crown.

RMCC veteran Kelly Shannon, completed his first Denver-to-Aspen since 2006. It was good having Kelly back out there! (Kelly decided to make the ride a bit more difficult this year by riding with the dog in his rear jersey pocket. :)

Diane Benoit was our lone female competitor this year. Diane posted a personal best time of 11:45. Nice job, Diane!

Mark Pfiel struggled a bit with some G.I. issues during the climb up Independence Pass, but managed to recover and finish in plenty of time. Nice job, Mark!

Riding his first Denver-to-Aspen, RMCCer Todd LeBlanc posted an excellent time of 12:07! 

Tim O'Leary completed his second Denver-to-Aspen over an hour faster than last year's time!

Glad to have survived, Mike DiPardo completed his first Denver-to-Aspen in 12:41.

RMCC club veteran and Colorado Triple Crown finisher, Dick Wiss, at the Woody Creek Tavern

Colorado Triple Crown veteran, Michael Henderson, at the finish of this year's event.

Mel Morris, who traveled from Amarillo, TX to compete in this year's Denver-to-Aspen, is using the Colorado Triple Crown series as preparation for the Furnace Creek 508 in October. Congratulations, Mel!

Keith Jenson (and son) at the Woody Creek Tavern. This was Keith's first Denver-to-Aspen.

Jason Kaminski after successfully completed the first leg of the Colorado Triple Crown. Congratulations Jason!

Duane Walborn at the finish of Denver-to-Aspen. Nice ride, Duane!

Fearless RMCC president, Charlie Henderson, once again provided event support for this year's Denver-to-Aspen.
Thanks Charlie!

RMCCer Dan McDonald also sacrificed his Saturday to support Denver-to-Aspen! Thanks for your help, Dan!

Aspen trees line the shoulders of Independence Pass as riders make the bomber descent down the pass into Aspen. 

Denver-to-Aspen: One Day and Counting!

June 16th is almost here! It's one week and counting until next weekend's Joe Lookingbill Denver-to-Aspen Classic! Here's a few extra notes for next weekend's event:

1) Weather: The weather forecast still looks pretty good for next Saturday for Littleton, Fairplay, and Aspen. However, there is currently is a 30% chance of rain showers (some could be severe) in the Denver area with highs in the low 80s in Denver. Riders should be prepared for possibility of rain!

2) Registration: You need to have pre-registered for this event! Registration for this event is now closed. If you missed the window to register, we hope you will consider trying in 2013!  

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. Please be ready 15 minutes early for pre-ride instructions.

4) Gear Bags: All riders may provide a well-marked (BIG letters, easy to read) gear bag that can be placed in our primary support vehicle prior to the start of the ride. Coolers are acceptable.

5) Course notes:  As of June 8, 2011, CDOT is not reporting any delays from road construction on Hwy 285, Hwy 24, or Hwy 82. 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).

6) RMCC support vehicles: We are planning on having two RMCC support vehicles for this ride. Support vehicles will be stocked with extra water, a floor pump, (and hopefully a spare set of wheels, Shimano-compatible, 10-speed cassette). The primary vehicle 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 must register their support vehicle (name of driver, cell phone number, make/model of vehicle, and license number) with Charlie prior to the start of the ride. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. Please e-mail Charlie (CharDi2528@aol.com) with this information by Thursday, June 14, or if it is last second, please bring a note card with this information and give this to Charlie prior to the start of the ride.

7) Checkpoints/Passports: After much debate, we have decided to use event passports again this year. This enables riders to record their times if they get ahead of our support vehicles. All riders should plan to have their event passports validated at the following official checkpoints: 1) Conifer (the RTD Park-n-Ride on the north side of Hwy 285), 2) Kenosha Pass Summit, 3) Buena Vista (the intersection of Hwy 24 and Linderman Avenue along the right side of the road), 4) Twin Lakes store, and 5) Woody Creek Tavern. Finishers should have their event passports validated by Charlie or RMCC 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.

8) Additonal Support Points: All riders with personal support vehicles can receive support at the above checkpoints AND at the following locations: 1) Bailey (Conoco station on the right) and 2) Fairplay (the Sinclair/Strip mall on the right as you enter town), 3) Independence Pass summit.

9) 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 may 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.

10) 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 two 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. 3) Woody Creek. Riders must reach the Woody Creek Tavern by 7:00 pm to receive Colorado Triple Crown credit and qualify for the other events of the Triple Crown. Riders who reach Woody Creek after 9:00 pm will not receive an official finishing time. It is RMCC policy to not have participants finish this ride by descending Indendence Pass in the dark!

11) 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!

12) 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!

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

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

Congratulations to Dick Wiss!

Dick Wiss, with his trusty Serotta, displays his well deserved Colorado Triple Crown kit. Dick completed the Colorado Triple Crown in 2009 and now becomes the second RMCCer to successfully complete the California Triple Crown series.

Congratulations to RMCCer Dick Wiss (64 years young!) for successfully completing the 2012 California Triple Crown! In order to become an official California Triple Crown "winner," riders must successfully complete three of the California double century events in a single cycling season. California has 21(!) different double century events that riders can participate in. All of these rides (given their 200 mile distance) are difficult; however, some of the events borderline "insanely difficult," featuring steep grades, intense heat, and between 18,000 to 20,000 feet of climbing. Like the events of the Colorado Triple Crown, the California events are not officially "races," but they are timed events. The primary goal of these events is to finish safely within the allotted time limit. However, there is a certain degree of "bragging rights" that comes with finishing competitively. And with nearly 500 riders(!) completing the California series in 2009, 2010, and 2011, finishing competitively is something to brag about! To complete the California series, Dick successfully completed the following events:

1) El Camino Real Double Century: Irvine, CA, 2/18/12
2) Solvang Spring Double Century: Solvang, CA, 3/24/12
3) Mulholland Double Century: Agoura Hills, CA, 4/14/12

Dick, who successufully completed the inaugural Colorado Triple Crown in 2009, co-resides in Boulder during the summer months and Phoenix, AZ during the winter months. Dick was able to use his intense winter training in the Arizona sun to prepare for California Triple Crown series. Dick is using these events to prepare for this summer's RMCC Colorado High Country 1200 km brevet!

Congratulations again to Dick!

2012 Foothills Climbfest Recap

Thirteen RMCCers "toed the line" for the start of the 2012 Foothills Climbfest, contested on Saturday, May 26, 2012. Starting at the Ken Caryl RTD Park-n-Ride, the Climbfest is a grueling test of cycling perseverance, climbing well over 8000 feet in 80 miles. The route includes five climbs in the foothills to the southwest of Denver, including Deer Creek Canyon/High Grade Road (a true foothills classic), Shadow Mountain/Brook Forest, Parmalee Gulch, High Drive Road, Brook Forest/Shadow Mountain (in reverse). The Climbfest has become a mainstay on the RMCC calendar over the past few years. Like other RMCC Challenge Series events, it's not officially a race...but it's as close to race as any event on the RMCC calendar. Riders are encouraged to push themselves to the maximum of their cycling limits and friendly competition is encouraged.

Riders were greeted with cool but pleasant riding conditions (temperatures in the mid-60's) to start the event. However, there was an omnipresent haze in the sky from the ongoing forest fires in New Mexico. Weather conditions became increasingly adverse as the event progressed. The passage of a front brought swirly, (and at times) somewhat dangerous riding conditions, with southwesterly winds gusting over 60 mph. Temperatures warmed up throughout the day as well, reaching an unseasonably warm 90 degrees in the Denver area. The warm, windy conditions made it very difficult for riders to stay hydrated. Other riders really struggled with the smokey conditions. Participant Josh Horwood commented, "the conditions were tough! The smoke made it very difficult to breathe." In traditional RMCC fashion, however, Josh and the other participants persevered!

In spite of the tough weather conditions, riders set a blistering pace up High Grade Road early during the first climb of the day. Seth Stingley, a RMCC new-comer from Palmer Lake, set a very hard pace up the 3,000 foot Deer Creek Canyon/High Grade Road climb, with club veteran Mark Pfeil not too far behind. Not familiar with Climbfest course, Seth made an untimely wrong turn in Conifer, allowing Mark to slip into the lead....a lead that he would not relinquish for the remainder of the event. Mark finished in 4:54. Crafty club veteran, Steve Rudolph, who fell victim to a Deer Creek Canyon "tack attack," battled back from his untimely flat finish in third position with a time of 5:01.

Diane Benoit, who inadvertently showed up to this year's event, was a bit stunned when she found out the Climbfest was not the RMCC club ride. Diane commented, "What do you mean this isn't the club ride?!?" Diane decided to participant in this year's Climbfest anyway as our only female competitor, finishing with an excellent time of 5:54.

The warm, windy weather conditions were not conducive for breaking course records. Wendy Field's 2009 time of 5:31 (14.70 mph) and Mark Lowe's 2011 time of 4:23 (18.48 mph) remain the course benchmarks for this challenging event.

Congratulations to all of this year's participants! Results will be posted shortly on the RMCC mainpage.

Mark Pfeil road a stellar event, completing the challenging course in 4:54, an impressive feat given the warm temperatures and gusty winds.

Seth Stingley, in hot pursuit of Mark Pfeil at the top of Shadow Mountain, put in a tremendous effort, finishing in 4:58. This was Seth's first Climbfest, as well as his first time riding the Evergreen back roads.

 Riding the RMCC club ride which overlapped with the Climbfest, Sargent McDonald meets up with Steve Rudolph and Tom Groves at the top of Shadow Mountain. Steve commented, "How come you aren't out here, Sargent?"

Ron Sheng and Marty Medina took a quick break to refill their water bottles on Shadow Mountain.

Kerry Stewart took a quick break on top of Shadow Mountain before beginning the final jaunt back down Deer Creek Canyon.

Tom Miller, who proudly displayed his Colorado Triple Crown kit, used the Climbfest as preparation to make another run at the 2012 Colorado Triple Crown.

The Foothills Climbfest has an abundance of beautiful mountain scenery, including red rock formations at South Valley Park.

Thanks to club president, Charlie Henderson, and Mark Lowe for providing support for this year's event!

Boulder Fearsome Five Recap

Boulder's beautiful Chautauqua Park...the gateway to Flagstaff Road

Fifteen RMCCers lined up for the inaugural Boulder Fearsome Five on Sunday, May 6, 2012, a new, extremely challenging RMCC event. This event features a unique format: participants had ten hours to climb (and descend) Boulder County's five most difficult climbs, including Flagstaff Road, Magnolia Road, Sugarloaf Road, the Fourmile Canyon-to-Sunshine Canyon Loop, and James Canyon/Overland Road (aka the "SuperJamestown") via Lee Hill Road. Mile-for-mile, this is the most difficult event the RMCC has to offer, featuring multiple climbs with insanely steep pitches. And given the steep grades and high altitude, this course is very likely the most challenging century course in the nation! The route climbs over 14,000 feet in a mere 98 miles. It also includes a tricky, somewhat technical (for road bikes) seven mile dirt and gravel section during the climb up Fourmile Canyon, through the community of Gold Hill, and windy descent down the upper three miles of Sunshine Canyon.

RMCCers at Eben G. Fine Park, the start of the inaugural Boulder Fearsome Five

When asked why the event was placed so early on the RMCC cycling calendar, event organizer Mark Lowe responded, "this event is really meant to prepare riders for the much more difficult events the club has to offer later in the summer...whether it be a mountainous brevet or one of the Colorado Triple Crown double century events. Plus the non-competitive format is conducive to greater rider participation. And even if riders can't (or don't want to) complete all of the climbs, riders are guaranteed to get a great workout!"

Most riders would agree with that. However, many riders weren't so excited about riding the dirt and gravel roads over Fourmile Canyon and Sunshine Canyon. RMCC speedster and Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) Charly Miller recipient (sub-56 hours, 40 minutes), Billy Edwards, definitely wasn't so keen about the dirt roads. "I don't know...some of those gravel sections were pretty sketchy!" Ryan Franz, also a Charly Miller recipient from last summer's PBP, disagreed, "I've ridden thousands of miles on roads like that." Club veteran, Will de Rosset, agreed with Ryan, stating that "it really wasn't that bad!"

Snow accumulating the SuperJamestown made for a frigid descent!

At the start, riders were greeted by partly cloudy skies, cool temperatures in the mid-50s (much cooler than the summer-like temperatures the Front Range had been experiencing over the previous several weeks), and relatively gentle (but chilly) breezes. As the day progressed, however, the Boulder Fearsome Five truly lived up to its name as the weather became a bit more "fearsome" in its own right. Temperatures began to plummet as the afternoon progressed, and riders experienced snow showers--heavy at times--on James Canyon Road and Overland Road, an unpleasant surprise to many riders who were inadequately prepared for the winter-like weather! A couple of Fearsome Five participants made the ill-fated attempt to complete the climb up the SuperJamestown as the nasty, bitter weather progressed, only to become hypothermic during the frigid descent. Fortunately, Jamestown locals rescued these riders, sagging them back to the Eben G. Fine park.

Dave Secunda is stunned by the snow showers on Overland Road

Event results will be posted shortly on the RMCC website according to number of climbs successfully completed, not according to time. Congratulations to Ryan Franz, however, for setting the club benchmark for the course! Ryan completed the mountainous course in 7 hours, 21 minutes, a truly impressive feat for this very challenging course! Congratulations to all of the riders who participated in this insanely difficult new RMCC event!

Interestingly, several riders felt "cheated" that the course route was only 98 miles...not 100 miles. We'll see if we can fix that for next season!

Special thanks to RMCC veteran, Dick Wiss, who gave up his Sunday to provide event support!!!

Will deRosset, Chuck Matthys, and Kelly Shannon are grateful to have survived the insane climbing and bitter cold!

What the riders said about the Boulder Fearsome Five:
"Great, challenging course! I would come back again. It's in my backyard!"
-Ryan F.

"I [was] trying to survive!"
-Tom G.

"I think you should rename the ride the 'Climb, Puke, and Repeat x 5...the CPR 5!'"
-Sargent M.

"Great event! Thanks for organizing it!"
-Sheeyun P.

"I was shivering so hard that I couldn't control my bike!"
-Chuck M.

"I can live with myself for only completing four climbs!"
-Sandy P.

When asked about the event, Billy E. didn't say a word as he prepared for his frigid descent down James Canyon Road...he just gave me the one-finger salute. (I consider that a compliment when talking about this course BTW! :)

"This course could only have been created by the mind of madman!!! Wait a second...that was me!"
-Mark L.

The dreaded tunnel along Boulder Canyon Road

Boulder Fearsome Five: Los Cinco Diablos

Back in the future!

Due to road damage sustained during the EPIC flooding that struck the Boulder County and the rest of the Colorado Front Range in September 2013, we will be unable to host this event in 2015. Final repairs in James Canyon and Lefthand Canyon should be completed by the end of 2015.


Okay...everyone wants to claim that they have the "hardest century ride" in the nation:

1) Planet Ultra has the Mulholland Challenge, featuring 13,375 feet in 116 miles (115.3 feet/mile)

2) The Mt. Shasta Summit Century features 16,500 feet of climbing in 139 miles (118.7 feet/mile)

3) The Everest Challenge Stage Race (day #1) features 15,465 feet of climbing in 120 miles (128.8 feet/mile)

Well...the RMCC has just upped the ante with this year's first challenge series event, the Boulder Fearsome Five!!! Featuring 14,000+ feet of climbing in 98 miles (142.8 feet/mile), we have what we believe is truly the nation's most vertically-challenged cycling century! With several climbs over 8,000 feet in elevation, our rarified Colorado air definitely adds to the challenge! And I wouldn't get too disappointed that the course is a little shy of 100 miles. With the amount of "weaving" that many riders will be doing during these climbs, I'm sure that many participants will easily eclipse the century mark!

The climbs featured in this event are truly Boulder County's most "devilish" climbs...Flagstaff Mountain Road, Magnolia Road, Sugarloaf Road, Four Mile Canyon Road/Sunshine Canyon Road combination, and Super Jamestown via Lee Hill Road. In fact, there's probably not many places in the world where you can find as many challenging road cycling climbs within such close proximity to each other as in Boulder.

Here's what you're getting into...CLIMBING INSANITY!!!

Event Background Information and Rules:
1) Date: Sunday, May 6, 2012. Check-in time/Start time: 7:30 am/8:00 am


2) Start/End location: Eben G. Fine Park, west Arapahoe Street, Boulder, Colorado.
Note: If possible, try to park in the neighborhoods to the east and south of the park to preserve parking for park patrons.


3) RMCC membership is required to participate in this event. If you're not a member and you want to participate, please sign up!

4) Pre-registration is encouraged (but not required) to participate in this event. Pre-registration allows us to plan how much water we need to stock our support vehicle with. If you make a last second decision to partipate, please plan to bring extra water for yourself which you can store in the support vehicle. There is no registration fee.

5) The primary goal of this event is to safely complete as many of Boulder County's most notorious climbs as possible within the 10 hour time limit. This club event is not a race!  For some riders, this event will be an opportunity to spend a fun (but challenging) day on the bike with their fellow RMCC colleagues. For other riders, it will a chance to train for other "climbing" events...maybe a local hillclimb race or the events of the Colorado Triple Crown. However, for everyone who participates, it will be a cruel reminder that cycling season is here! Time to dust off those climbing legs and get to work!!!

6) Each rider will receive an event passport during the check-in. At each control point, riders must record: 1) the time they reach the control point and 2) answer the question on the passport to verify that they actually completed the climb. Please bring a pen or pencil to record your answers.

7) Riders must complete the climbs in the following order: 1) Flagstaff Mountain Road, 2) Magnolia Road, 3) Sugarloaf Road, 4) Fourmile Canyon-Gold Hill-Sunshine Canyon, 5) James Canyon Road/Overland Road (via Lee Hill Road). Please refer to the cue sheet and map for route specifics. This will be posted on the RMCC mainpage very soon! For a prelimary preview of the route, click: Boulder Fearsome Five.  Riders may complete as few or as many of the climbs as they want to. But in order to receive credit for any of the climbs, they must have their event passports turned into the final checkpoint at Eben G. Fine Park by 6:00 p.m. Passports will not be accepted after this time.

8) Results will be posted based on number of climbs completed. Individual rider's times will not be posted.

9) Riders must have a red tail light to ride through the tunnel in Boulder Canyon. This tunnel is not very long (75 yards or so), but it is simply too dark to ride through it safely without a tail light! Rider safety is our utmost importance!

10) Please bring a good attitude, a smile, and your climbing legs! This ride is extremely difficult!

Event Tips and Strategies:
1) Nutrition and hydration are critical to completing this challenge! These climbs are insanely difficult and it is very easy to bonk (especially early in the season) if you do not keep up with your caloric intake, hydration, and electrolytes. Consider eating a bar or snack at the top of each climb.

2) After completing the first climb up Flagstaff Mountain Road, riders are encouraged to return to their vehicles at Eben G. Fine Park to refill their water bottles before starting the jaunt up Boulder Canyon to the beastly Magnolia Road.

3) Riders are strongly encouraged to ride with three water bottles. The RMCC will provide a support vehicle stocked with water that will be located at the turn-off for Foumile Canyon in Boulder Canyon. Riders will be able to access this vehicle before starting the climb up Fourmile Canyon. Riders may store any additional provisions that they may require in the support vehicle, but please note that most riders won't reach the support vehicle until at least 3-5 hours after the event has started.

4) After descending Sunshine Canyon, riders may get additional water at the Shell Gas Station on the west side of Broadway Street at the intersection of Rosewood Avenue and Broadway Street before tackling Lee Hill Road. Please note that there are a few restaurants (including a Subway) directly to the east of the gas station. So if you need a lunch break, feel free to stop and refuel. But don't stop too long...the clock is still running!

5) Consider riding with 25 mm tires for this event! These will be especially helpful on the long (7+ miles) packed dirt sections of Fourmile Canyon Road, Gold Run Road, and Sunshine Canyon Road.

6) If your legs require a bit of "warming up" before riding, consider arriving 15-20 minutes early to do a bit of spinning.


Brief notes about the climbs:
This event has absolutely NO junk miles. Starting at Eben G. Fine Park off of west Arapahoe Street in Boulder, riders will begin to climb IMMEDIATELY...

Devil #1: Flagstaff Mountain
From Eben G. Fine Park, riders will head south through side streets of west Boulder to approach Baseline Road, which runs to the north of Boulder's beautiful Chautauqua Park. From this point, riders will begin the daunting task of climbing Flagstaff Mountain, gaining nearly 2300 feet from Eben G. Fine Park. The actual climb is only a little over 5 miles long, but mile 4 to 4.5 will have you begging for mercy, pitching up over 20% in the switchbacks! Flagstaff will be featured in this summer's US Pro Cycling Challenge during Stage 6 (Golden-to-Boulder), giving RMCC riders the opportunity to pre-ride this epic climb!

From Flagstaff Mountain, riders may return back to Eben G. Fine Park where they can grab a quick snack and refill their water bottles, before beginning the second climbing challenge of the day. From Eben G. Fine Park, riders will turn west up Boulder Canyon for the next devilish challenge...Magnolia Road.

Devil #2: Magnolia Road
Okay...Magnolia Road is a BEAST! Don't be fooled by its serene, peaceful name... Magnolia Road has Boulder County's steepest sustained grades, climbing almost 2100 feet in 5 miles (avg 9.1% and 420 feet/mile). In comparison, Lookout Mountain in Golden climbs 1,250 feet in 4.5 miles from the pillar at the bottom of the mountain to the turn-off for Buffalo Bill's grave (277.7 feet/mile). Magnolia is 34% steeper than Lookout Mountain! The first two miles will hit you like a "ton of bricks," averaging almost 14%! The road does "mellow" a bit after the first two miles, but then pitches upward again as the road switchbacks toward the summit. Exhausted riders will turn around at the "Pavement Ends" sign. Be sure to record your time and answer the informational question on your cue card to receive credit for completing the climb. At this point in the event, riders will have climbed 5,000 vertical feet in only 22 miles! From the turn-around point, riders will begin the gnarly descent down Magnolia Road, returning to Boulder Canyon. Be cautious of gravel on the road! From Boulder Canyon, riders will continue west a very short distance, where they will reach the turn-off for Sugarloaf Road...

Devil #3: Sugarloaf Road
It can be argued that this climb is perhaps the "easiest" of the Boulder Fearsome Five climbs: 1) It doesn't have the insanely steep grades featured in the other climbs of the Fearsome Five and 2) Sugarloaf Road "only" gains 1,600 feet in 6.7 miles. (Although it does descend almost 500 feet to the turn-around point at the "Pavement Ends" sign. Riders do have to climb back up this section to return to the "high point" of this climb). However, Sugarloaf Road can become a beast of climb if there are brisk westerly headwinds or if temperatures are on the toasty side. Sun exposure can be a real issue on this climb as forest fires from past years have left the top portions of this climb with a barren, moonscape appearance. Be prepared to descend like "blazing saddles" when returning toward Boulder Canyon as this descent is not nearly as technical as some of the other downhills that riders will descend during the Boulder Fearsome Five.

Devil #4: Fourmile Canyon-Gold Hill-Sunshine Canyon: The Dirty Devil!
"I beg your pardon! Road bikes on dirt roads??? This is simply preposterous!!! This simply cannot be!" This route is a clear departure from RMCC tradition to not ride road bikes on gravel roads! But that's what you're going to do to complete this devilish challenge!!! The Fourmile Canyon Road-Gold Run Road-Sunshine Canyon route is simply one of the best cycling climbs in the state! Andy Hampsten, the only American to ever win the Giro D'Italia (1988), has called this route his favorite in Boulder County...well, if it's good enough for Andy, then it's good enough for the RMCC!

In all honesty, if you've never ridden this route, then you're missing out on a true cycling gem! This loop features serene, peaceful canyon roads, generally gentle climbing grades, and amazing mountain views! However, there is the omnipresent reminder of forest fires. 2010's Fourmile Canyon fire devastated large sections of Fourmile Canyon and Sunshine Canyon...the damage can be seen for miles...

And now...here's the dirt...on the dirt. There is a long (7+ mile) hard-packed dirt section starting shortly after Fourmile Canyon Road veers to the west and the road name changes to Gold Run Road. This dirt road is in very good shape. Yes...there are some gravel sections, especially in the switchbacks, but these are fairly easy to negotiate. And the views--amazing rock formations and pristine vistas--are stunning! Riders will climb through the rustic town of Gold Hill before reaching the summit of Sunshine Canyon Road. At the summit, participants will have already climbed over 10,000 feet in under 53 miles! From the summit, riders will begin a tricky, 3 mile descent on the hard packed dirt roads. Remember to ride cautiously and take your time! Eventually, the pavement will return in earnest and riders can begin the blazing 3,000 foot descent down Sunshine Canyon Road back to Boulder.

The Mini-Devil: Lee Hill Road
Lee Hill Road is a route that is familiar to many RMCC club veterans, as the club frequents this climb several times per year. Lee Hill Road features steep grades (and twisty descents), climbing over 1,400 feet from Boulder before descending to Lefthand Canyon Road. Don't get greedy!!! Riders who are running a little short on time should consider returning back to Boulder via Old Stage Road so they can have their passports turned in before the 10 hour time limit expires! Riders will get credit for completing this mini-devil climb!

Devil #5: The Super Jamestown
This devil, known to Boulderites as the "Super Jamestown," climbs James Canyon Road through the town of Jamestown, eventually pitching upward as the road name changes to Overland Road. For riders who are already suffering, this climb is a heinous way to add to their misery! After passing through Jamestown, James Canyon Road continues to get steeper and steeper and steeper! The final 1.5 miles features consistent grades of 14-15%! As the road flattens out a bit at the summit and riders reach the very much anticipated "Pavement Ends" sign, riders can be content that the hardest part of the day is complete. But participants shouldn't get too content! They still have to get back to Boulder (over Olde Stage Road) to get their event passports turned in before the 10 hour time limit expires.

Words of Caution:
1) Overall, this route is a fairly safe route. However, Boulder Canyon--with its speedy traffic--is not the safest cycling road. But hey...it's Boulder, and most drivers are fairly conscientious of cyclists. In spite of this, riding single file is imperative!!! Always be sure to look behind you before passing another rider to make sure you are obstructing traffic.

2) As previously stated many times, please be extremely careful when riding (either ascending or descending) Boulder Canyon Road. This road has a very narrow (and in some places no) shoulder.

3) I'll mention it again...as riders cruise west up the Boulder Canyon, they will encounter a short (75 yard) tunnel approximately 3 miles west of Eben G. Fine Park. Riders must have a rear red tail light to ride through this tunnel!!! It is simply too dark to procede through it without a tail light!!! If you notice that you will be riding through the tunnel as vehicles approaching from behind, please pull of the road momentarily to allow traffic to enter the tunnel first!!!

4) On Magnolia Road, please be extremely careful on this descent! This is not the place to try to beat your friends to the bottom! It is very steep and windy and there are still many patches of gravel on the road.


Good luck to everyone as you prepare to "dance with the devils!" May the cycling forces be with you!