RMBP Fall - Bicycle Paper.com

Fall 2013 BicyclePaper.com Vol 2 Issue 3
Randonneur
Your First Brevet — or
How to Succeed at Distance
Without Really Suffering
Girl Power: Riding the Crest of
Mountain Biking in Salida
By John Lee Ellis, Colorado Regional Brevet Administrator
A
re you intrigued by randonneuring events? Maybe even contemplating riding your first brevet but
wondering how tough it would be to
get into? Or maybe you don’t know
what “randonneuring” and “brevet”
mean in the first place … while in fact,
this riding format might be right up
your alley?
Randonneuring is the French term
for ranging widely across the landscape.
(You may know of
this term from the
backcountry skirandonnée events
in the Colorado
Rockies.) These
rides are not a
jaunt out to the
local coffee spot.
Rather, the idea
is to be out on a
grand excursion. v
Brevet is the term
for “certified” as you have to prove
you’ve followed the designated course
by checking in at “control stations”
along the route (which in our area tend
to be stores) — a bit like an auto rally.
These longstanding traditions date
back more than a century to France
and Italy. The courses are meant to
be challenging but not brutal and the
top goal is finishing, not finishing first.
Camaraderie and mutual support is
encouraged (but not mandatory, for all
you solitary riders out there!).
You can ride alone, in a group,
or with a few friends. The events are
non-competitive, so you can choose to
have a pleasant ride with buddies, go
for your own personal record, or help
out a friend who’s just starting out. The
control points offer chances to regroup.
So what is a
randonneur? People like to say that
randonneuring is
a “big tent” —
because riders can
have a wide range
of athletic ability,
a variety of goals,
and all fit in and
succeed, so long
as they follow the
rules and ride to
finish. You’ll see century riders, veteran
racers, triathletes, ultracyclists, tourists,
and club riders moving up to endurance
distances all in the mix.
An Ironman triathlete came to one
of our 300 km events (nearly a double
century), outfitted with his tri-bike and
See “Randonneurs” on page 11
Law
By Janie Hayes
A
t the top of Monarch Mountain in southern Colo- towns like Salida, that stereotype doesn’t quite hold. Here
rado’s Sawatch mountain range, the Continental Di- on the local trails it’s not uncommon to encounter as many
vide winds from Monarch Pass
women as men. Locals credit
like a ribbon along the ridgeline,
efforts by advocacy groups such
snaking through rocky meadows
as Salida Mountain Trails, the
above 11,000 feet. Here, the air
numerous informal women’s ridis thin and quiet, and the few
ing groups that have sprung up in
trees survive like lonely soldiers.
recent years, and the events that
This is the Monarch Crest Trail,
challenge women to ride in less
the famed mountain biking
competitive environments.
sanctuary that has been named
Local happenings like the
one of the best trails in the
annual Monarch Crest Crank
country by Bicycling magazine.
promote access to hardcore trails
The Monarch Crest Trail,
for those who enjoy a challenge
known colloquially as “the
but shy away from the competiCrest,” rolls over 34 miles, eventive, techno-fueled bravado that
tually dropping 4,000 feet. It’s
has traditionally characterized
a tough ride, with gut-busting
mountain biking culture. Held
climbs, some rocky descents, and
each summer or fall, it sees nearly
its fair share of technical single100 riders during a one-day celtrack. The ride has traditionally
ebration of high-altitude riding.
served as a playground for more
The easy going all-day ride serves
male mountain bikers than their
as a fundraiser for the Alliance
playground both men and women can enjoy.
female counterparts, given its A
Against Domestic Abuse (AADA),
Photo courtesy of Janie Hayes
prime terrain for risk taking,
the only nonprofit in the area that
competition and adrenaline-fueled descents.
provides services for domestic and sexual abuse victims.
But that state of affairs is changing among riders in the
Local Kim Bouldin started the event in 1999 afArkansas Valley, which sits at the base of Monarch Moun- ter moving to the area to work as a raft guide. She
tain. While some national estimates put female mountain
See “Girl Power” on page 9
bikers at less than 30% of the riding population, in local
Fruita
After Breckenridge
and Summit County, is
Colorado ready for a “stop
as yield” law?
pg 4
Mount Evans
With fantastic and
diverse riding, Fruita is
more than a stop on the
way to Moab.
What do you do when
you face the seemingly
impossible?
pg 5
pg 7
Trivia
Velodrome News
La Vuelta España
I
t is the last Grand Tour remaining on the professional calendar. It is hot, dry, mountainous
and fiercely contested, particularly by the country’s resident riders, while most of the foreigners are using it to prepare for the Worlds.
Q1. The 8-second winning margin of the 1989 Tour de France is widely known and discussed.
The Vuelta, however, has also had a few extremely close and exciting editions in its 78-year
history. When was the closest ever Vuelta contested and what was the margin?
Q2. Who was the first American to win a stage in the Vuelta? Hint: this is a bit of a
trick question.
Q3.Only seven Americans have won stages in the Vuelta (several of whom have now been
removed post facto due to doping admissions). Can you name them?
Q4. Only two Americans have ever worn the race leader’s golden jersey at the event. Can you
name them? What about the years?
Q5.Like the other Grand Tours, the Vuelta has historically been dominated by Europeans.
Who was the first non-European winner and when did this occur?
Answers on page 15
Dave Campbell has been writing race trivia since 1992. He began racing in 1982 in Wyoming, moving to Oregon in 1987. After years of racing triathlons, he returned to his roots as a competitive cyclist,
now racing in the Masters category. Dave is a high school science and health teacher and cross-country
coach in Newport, Ore.
Racing
Cyclocross Racing
in Colorado
By Chris McGee, Executive Director,
Bicycle Racing Association of Colorado
C
yclocross racing is the fastest growing and
arguably the most fun of the many ways to
race a bicycle. Known simply as ‘cross, this discipline originates from the nasty winter weather
of Northern Europe and features mud, sand,
uphills, pavement, staircases, downhills, runups, barriers, and other course elements that
challenge racers’ handling and fitness skills.
The culture of ‘cross is its most incredible
attribute. It brings out the goofballs, the cross
dressers, and most importantly, the tailgaters. In
keeping with its Belgian roots, ‘cross celebrates
mud, bad weather, fast racing and beer in equal
measure. While the racing is competitive and
features some of the best cycling athletes in the
world, the sport also celebrates participation and
effort for all racers.
In a sport that combines mechanized movement and nasty conditions, good equipment is
paramount to success. Experienced racers have
their tires, wheels, and bikes totally dialed — and
we’re talking about BOTH bikes — as the top
guys and gals always bring two bikes to each
race and regularly swap them out in the pits
when conditions warrant. To see great action at
a, ‘cross race, head over to the pits, where you’ll
witness bike changes at 20 mph and NASCARlike repairs, as the athletes and their support
crews try to keep the equipment rolling as fast
as possible. For those riders who may not be so
committed (or may not need to be committed
to a local institution), ‘cross welcomes you, too.
Bring a mountain bike (no bar ends, please) and
give it a try! We have racing categories for all
ages, gender and skill levels.
The sport is booming throughout the country,
and Colorado is no exception. “Cross fits the
demographics of our membership perfectly,”
says Clint Bickmore, Bicycle Racing Association
2 l Rocky Mountain Bicycle Paper
Boulder Valley Velodrome
Takes Hit During Storm
By Darren Dencklau
O
n August 3, 2013, severe weather in eastern caliber” facility up and running. When comBoulder County wreaked havoc and par- pleted, the 250-meter track will feature 42-degree
tially flattened the
banks and 12-deBoulder Valley Vegree straightaways,
lodrome, which was
a clubhouse, and
still under construcbike storage depot.
tion. The town of
Originally scheduled
Erie, Colo., where
to be open late last
the track is located,
summer, Boulder
reported
floodValley Velodrome
ing, downed trees
has experienced variand power outages
ous setbacks that
caused by the storm.
have kept the facility
News sources say
from opening.
that tornado sirens Flooding and high winds damaged the velodrome.
Once completwere sounded in the Photo courtesy of Jim Turpin
ed, it will become the
vicinity but no funnels were actually spotted.
de facto training facility for Olympic hopefuls
According to the velodrome’s website, the and a place where parents can get their kids
majority of the track was left undamaged except involved in the sport. Emerson says that the
for the unfinished eastside portion. Owners and majority of rider development on the track will
workers were busy repairing the damage early be geared towards female and Junior riders and
Monday morning following Saturday’s storm. he believes track racing builds community and
Additionally, a thorough cleanup had to be done improves riding skills that cross over to other
due to the flooding.
cycling disciplines. It also makes racing cheaper
In 2005, Frank Banta and Doug Emerson and safer for participants since it takes place in
formed Boneshaker, LLC, a business venture cre- a controlled environment free from roads and
ated to bring the velodrome to the central Front the expense that goes along with hosting other
Range. The following year they purchased land cycling events.
in Erie and the duo, along with local architect
For updates on construction, additional
David Beal and designer Peter Junek, have been information and to see photos of the damage,
working hard since then to get the “Olympic- visit bouldervalleyvelodrome.com.
Racing News
Stairs and barriers always attract the crowds.
Photo courtesy of BRAC
of Colorado’s (BRAC) Board President. “Races
are short and sweet, the venues are contained to
a small area for great spectating, kids are always
welcome and included in our events, and the social
aspect of the sport is huge. ‘Cross races are like
neighborhood block parties with a healthy dose
of fitness thrown in.”
The season in Colorado traditionally runs
from the weekend after Labor Day until the end
of December and is defined by the Colorado
Cross Cup, a season-long points competition
that includes most of the events on the calendar.
In addition to local racing, we are lucky enough
to host UCI (international-level) racing in late
October in both Fort Collins and Boulder. This
season will be the biggest year ever for ‘cross in
Colorado, with a huge local scene that will be
punctuated with the presentation of the 2014
Cyclocross National Championships at Valmont
Bike Park in Boulder from January 8-12. This
event will showcase three days of age-group
racing, capping with a weekend for the country’s
elite racers going head to head. This will be a
city-wide celebration of all things ‘cross, with
the perfect mixture of athletes, media, cycling
industry, vendors, food, drinks and fun. See you
this fall at the races!
For more information on Colorado cyclocross
racing, visit www.coloradocycling.org.
T
Tour de Pologne
aylor Phinney (BMC Racing) held off
the charging peloton to win stage 4 of the
Tour de Pologne on July 31. After a group of
eight riders spent most of the 231.5-kilometer day in a break, they were all reeled in with
about 10km to go. With 8km left in the race,
Valerio Agnoli (Astana) attacked but couldn’t
get away. Phinney immediately countered and
rode clear, gaining 16 seconds on the pack with
4km left. Several teams hit the front to close the
gap and set up their sprinters, but to no avail.
Phinney put his head down, ignored the pain,
and time trialed to the finish line to claim the
top honors.
Mountain Bike World Championship Team Announced
D
urango will be well represented in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, from Aug. 26Sept. 1, as three of its residents, Todd Wells (Elite
Men / Specialized Racing XC), Howard Grotts
(U23 Men / Specialized Racing) and Kaylee
Blevins (Junior Women / Durango Devo) have
been named to the National Team. Fort Collins
resident Georgia Gould (Elite Women / Luna
Pro Team) and Littleton’s Judy Freeman (Elite
Women / Crankbrothers Race Club) will complete the Colorado contingent, which accounts
for 25% of the national cross-country team.
Abbott Wins the Giro Rosa
M
ara Abbott (Boulder / Exergy TWENTY
16), racing for the U.S. National Team,
claimed back-to-back solo stage wins to bring
home her second Giro Rosa on July 8, 2013; she
first won the race in 2010. Her climbing abilities
set her apart from the rest of the field in stages 5
and 6 and propelled her to the top of the Queen
of the Mountain rankings and the general classification. Abbott credited her teammates for their
excellent work in controlling the race.
Fall 2013
Platinum & Beyond
Fort Collins Shines in a Platinum Hue
By Kim Sharpe, Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Coalition Coordinator
and Bicycle Ambassador Program Manager
Fa l l 2 0 1 3
Volume 2 • Number 3
Publishers Jay Stilwell
Ryan Price
Associate Publisher Claire Bonin
Editorial
Editor Claire Bonin
Assistant Editor Darren Dencklau
Editorial Intern Katherine Moncure
Writers Claire Bonin
David Campbell
Darren Dencklau
John Lee Ellis
Scott Godinez
Janie Hayes
Maynard Hershon
Paul Kieler
Joe Kurmaskie
Chris McGee
Molly North
Kate Rau
Kim Sharpe
Pablo Snazzy
Christine Soja
Brad Tucker
Photographers Bicycle Paper
Bicycle Racing
Association of Colorado
Paul Foley
Scott Godinez
Clark Hodge
Paul Kieler
Steve Le Goff
Limar
Landon Monholland
Robinson Noble
Sylvie Raymond
Cover Photo Local riders enjoy a sweet
ride on the Crest. Photo
courtesy of Janie Hayes
Art and Production
Design and Production Amy Beardemphl
Advertising
Contact Darren Dencklau
Phone 206-903-1333 x 103
Toll Free: 1-888-836-5720
[email protected]
[email protected]
Distribution
Distribution & Mailing Get Active Colorado, LLC
Calendar Powered by
“
G
old in them thar hills” may have attracted
some early settlers to northern Colorado,
but recently, Fort Collins began shining in platinum hues. In May of this year, Fort Collins became the fourth city
in the United States to
receive the Platinum
Level Bicycle Friendly
designation from the
League of American
Bicyclists.
“This prestigious
award recognizes years
of coalition building,
investment in bicycling infrastructure,
and encouragement
and education efforts.
All of these combined
have fostered an environment in which
people feel safe choosing bicycling as a way
of life,” says Molly
North, former FC Bikes
Interim Manager who
applied for and accepted the award.
Tessa Greegor, the
new FC Bikes Program
Manager, says, “What
got us to Platinum is
everything from worldclass leadership and
grassroots organizations to innovation and
collaboration reaching
well-beyond jurisdictional boundaries.”
The League agrees
and stated in a feedback
report that key factors
that make Fort Collins
a shining example include: “…the extensive on
and off road bicycle network, the available bike
parking throughout the community, the fix-it
stands, the bicycle ambassador program, bike
education opportunities for adults and children
of all backgrounds, Share the Road outreach,
the thriving local bike culture and events, Bike Month, enforcement, the Bicycle Safety Education
Plan, bicycle counts and the trip reduction programs.”
Some of the same features that brought Fort Collins the Platinum designation earned it, and
many of its neighboring communities, a stage of the USA Pro Challenge, which rolled through
Colorado August 19-25. The sixth stage was unique in that it was the first
one ever to be coordinated by several municipalities and a county government through an intergovernmental agreement.
“Our northern Colorado stage is an example of what can happen when
local governments and local businesses come together with a common vision
to create a world-class event,” said Eric Thompson, northern Colorado’s
Local Organizing Committee co-chair. “The magnitude of the coverage
for our region was unprecedented and the benefits will be long-lasting.”
On race day, Fort Collins showcased the uniqueness of the bike culture
and the strength of the leadership and partnerships.
Although Fort Collins is now a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community and has attracted worldwide attention from USAPC media coverage, it is not resting on its laurels. “We are continually striving to grow
our programs and services to reach new audiences and attract people of
all ages and abilities to ride a bike,” says Greegor.
Some exciting new activities and improvements on the horizon for
Fort Collins include:
• Ciclovia events (closing of streets to automobiles), which likely will
begin taking place in 2014.
• A city bike plan update that will focus on identifying opportunities to
encourage people of all ages and abilities to ride. Specifically, the plan will
include a “state of bicycling” report, extensive public outreach, an updated
bikeway network and proposed bicycle facility design guidelines, as well
as programmatic and policy recommendations to increase the safety and
desirability of bicycling in Fort Collins.
• Opening of the Front Range’s first Bus Rapid Transit system, known
as the Mason Express, or MAX. It will operate within a dedicated north/
south guideway for a stretch of five miles from downtown Fort Collins to
south of town. Each bus will accommodate three bicycles; patrons can
simply wheel their bikes onboard. MAX service is scheduled to begin in
May 2014.
• Expansion of the city’s bike library with the addition of an automated
bike share system.
• Upgrading the on-street bike network by filling in gaps and making
improvements to existing on-street facilities, such as adding buffers to bike
lanes on one of the city’s busiest multi-lane thoroughfares.
• Adding more segments to the multi-use trail system to reach its growing boundaries.
• Through its Safe Routes to School program, aims to get at least 50%
of local schoolchildren biking or walking to school for their health, the environment and increased
academic achievement.
“A bicycle culture is key in defining the fabric of what makes Fort Collins a great place to live,
work and play. We know it is a primary means of transportation for many, a major form of recreation for most and a significant factor in attracting new businesses and new residents,” states Fort
Collins’ Mayor, Karen Weitkunat. “Bicycling is a community value and a way of life in Fort Collins.”
Rocky Mountain Bicycle Paper is published 3 times
per year from March to November by Seattle Publishing.
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68 South Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-903-1333 and Fax: 206-903-8565
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Fall 2013 Rocky Mountain Bicycle Paper l 3
Law
“Stop as Yield Laws” — Is it Time to Do This in Colorado?
By Brad Tucker
W
e’ve all been there before. You are riding along, approaching an intersection, and as you
get closer the traffic light for vehicles traveling your direction turns red. Of course, being a
law-abiding cyclist, you come to a stop and begin waiting for the light to change. Depending upon
the manner in which the lighting system is activated, various sensors may or may not detect your
presence. You look both ways, left and right, and there is no traffic for as far as you can see. What
should you do? You look behind, and there is no vehicle immediately behind you. A string of cars
are approaching from approximately a quarter-mile away. Understanding your obligation to obey
the traffic laws, you continue to wait patiently. Ultimately, cars stop directly behind you,
and it looks like there are at least five or six of them. The light turns green, you begin to
roll forward, clip into your pedals, and you can feel the anxiety of the motorists, frustrated
with your inability to move as quickly as they would like. You accelerate as rapidly as possible, getting yourself through the intersection and far enough down the road where the
lanes widen and the motor vehicles can safely pass you.
Years ago, Idaho passed a law that allows cyclists to proceed through intersections after
coming to a stop at a red light and after making sure that it was safe to ride on. Currently,
the towns of Breckenridge and Dillon in Summit County have passed local laws allowing
various versions of “stop as yield” laws. Arguably, it is safer and more convenient for all
involved when a cyclist can safely get through an intersection without slowing down vehicular
traffic. The majority of motor vehicle versus bicycle collisions occurs within intersections. For cyclists,
navigating through them safely significantly increases the prospects of an incident-free bike ride.
Interestingly, aside from the safety issues, all of the local governments who have passed these
types of laws had the strong support of their local law enforcement agencies. Recognizing both the
safety issues and the practical reality that there was no point in issuing tickets to cyclists who were
otherwise behaving safely and appropriately, law enforcement urged local governments to remove
the requirement that cyclists treat red lights and stop signs in exactly the same manner as motor
vehicle operators.
As an example, in Breckenridge and unincorporated areas of Summit County, cyclists are allowed to treat a stop sign as a yield sign in all directions. When cyclists approach a red stoplight,
they can yield before executing a right turn, and stop before making a left turn or traveling through
the intersection.
As a bicycle advocate, I remember having a level of concern about changing the laws for cyclists
at controlled intersections, as I did not think it wise to concurrently ask for the same rights as motorists on the roadway while requesting additional special laws applicable only to cyclists. After further
analysis, I have begun to believe that these types
of laws are safer and better for all road users. To
be clear, none of the laws allow cyclists to blow
through a stop sign, taking the right of way of
another road user who is lawfully proceeding
along. The burden falls squarely on the cyclist to
verify that it is safe to proceed after either yielding
or stopping as the law would require under the
circumstances. While some motorists might bristle
at the idea of cyclists having this “advantage” at
a controlled intersection, they would likely admit
that it would be their preference not to be “stuck
behind a cyclist” when the light changed and they
wanted to proceed ahead.
Further, our current state statutes already
contemplate the notion that not every traffic law
found in Title 42 will be applicable to bicyclists.
Indeed, the primary state statute dealing with
the operation of bicycles, C.R.S. § 42-4-1412 (1),
states in pertinent part: “Every person riding a
bicycle . . . shall have all of the rights and duties
applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under
this article ... except as to those provisions which
by their nature can have no application.” Accordingly, the law already recognizes
and contemplates that not every
“rule of the road” will be equally
applicable to both the operators
of motor vehicles and cyclists.
In the bicycle advocacy
world, there is definitely a growing tide of support for laws such
as in Breckenridge and Summit
County. In those locations where
these laws have been passed, I am
not aware of any indication whatsoever that there
has been an increase in motor vehicle / bicycle
accidents. Perhaps you have experience with
these laws in other locales, or ideas to share with
respect to this issue. As we move forward thinking
of ways to increase rider safety and enjoyment, I
would urge you to share your thoughts with state
and local bicycle advocacy organizations. Also,
I would love to hear your feedback, please feel
free to contact me.
Brad Tucker is an avid cyclist, officer of Bicycle Colorado’s Board of Directors, and an attorney with a
specialty in bicycle liability and insurance issues with ColoBikeLaw.com. If you have questions concerning
legal issues effecting cyclists, you can contact him by e-mail at [email protected], or by phone at
303-694-9300.
Metal Cowboy
Inspiring Commuter Stories To Get You Out The Door
By Joe “Metal Cowboy” Kurmaskie
L
et's face it, no matter how much you
love your bike commute,
there's always that morning, the one that comes
too early, too wet, too
hot or just too something
to get you to carry the
bike off the porch and
into the bike lane. When
you feel uninspired, take
heart, take inspiration or take a moment to feel
ashamed by your inertia then suck it up and get
in the saddle. The hardest part of any ride is
starting.... Of course, the greatest motivation for making
the trek everyday is freeing yourself of car ownership, but even then, there are ways of passing on
the commute by bike — carpool anyone? So for
when you just aren't feeling it, remember these
road warriors:
the weather. On a Thursday morning, Alex's
classmates gathered outside of school to cheer
him on as he finished his goal. The 6-year-old's
effort made his father Nate proud.
"It was a real treat to see him have a goal
and really want to stick to that. I think it was a
good, sort of, life lesson for him and I'm proud
of him," Nate Kimble said.
Alex rode about 170 miles by the end of the
school year, and he is thinking about bicycling
to school next year too.
Let's take a moment to internalize this information. Little Alex doesn't live in Portland,
Oregon where every third parent is cargo biking their kids and bike training along to the
schoolyard. And Alex faced some mad weather
conditions bicycling every day in Maine! Alex,
I'm not worthy, my friend. Way to go!
Read more at wmtw.com (search for “kindergartener”).
1. From The Never Too Young To Get
Into The Groove File
When an office puts together a lunchtime
bike ride, commuter employee buy-in grows by an
average of 40 percent. Don't believe me? Check
out this tidbit about the National Geographic
Headquarters, where it comes from the top down:
One way National Geographic staffers in Washington,
D.C., can get to know their company's CEO is to take him
up on his long-standing offer: to go for a lunchtime bike ride.
One Portland, Maine, student marked the
end of the school year as he started it — on a
bicycle. Kindergartener Alex Kimble told his
father he enjoyed riding his bicycle so much that
he wanted to ride it to school every day. Father
and son made the several-block trip daily despite
4 l Rocky Mountain Bicycle Paper
2. Ride Morning, Noon and Night
"Anyone still downstairs? OK, so we ready to go, guys?" National Geographic Society CEO John Fahey asks
a group of about 20 employees.
Fahey, an avid biker, says he's just trying to encourage a little exercise — and he wants the opportunity to get
to know folks informally. As the group makes the 15-mile trek to Hains Point along the Potomac River and back,
Fahey makes a point of chatting with everyone, staffers say.
At National Geographic — which is a hub of outdoorsy, adventure-seeking types who think nothing of biking busy
city streets — lots of the staffers who join Fahey for the rides also use their bikes to get to and from work every day.
"I've been riding in for 19 years," says Senior Photo Editor Dan Westergren, adding that he has definitely noticed
the boom — especially as bike paths and bike lanes along city streets have improved. Westergren's commute is a combined
12 miles to and from home. And he says, given all the biking he does, he doesn't need a gym membership to stay fit.
"Really, to build it into your daily routine by commuting for me has just been the best thing," he comments.
A Few Commuter Statistics
And if you needed any more motivation there's this from the American Journal of Public Health:
the U.S. cities with the highest rates of walking and cycling to work have obesity rates that are 20
percent lower and diabetes rates that are 23 percent lower when compared with cities containing
the lowest rates of walking and cycling.
• Adults who bike to work have better weight, blood pressure, and insulin levels. (Gordon-Larsen,
P., et al., 2009)
• Women who bike 30 minutes a day have a lower risk of breast cancer. (Luoto, R., et al., 2000)
• Adolescents who bicycle are 48% less likely to be overweight as adults. (Menschik, D, et al., 2008)
• The average American household spends $7,179 per year on owning and driving their cars.
(Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2010)
• On a round-trip commute of 10 miles, bicyclists save around $10 daily. (Commute Solutions,
2011)
See more statistics and research at bikesbelong.org under the “Resources” tab.
And if all that doesn't get you pumped for your morning ride, just remember this: Riding a bike
to work or school or to the store is like getting to play at something you love while moving yourself
through space, instead of sitting in place as something moves you along.
The bike not only gets you somewhere, it lets you flee sadness in the process.
Fall 2013
Mountain Bike
Have you Been to Fruita Lately?
By Pablo Snazzy
I
t was just another day when Troy Rarick rolled through the bankrupt town of Fruita, Colo., in
1995 while on his way to a job in Moab, Utah. Where others saw a boarded up, washed up town
with tumbleweeds in the streets, Troy saw a fantastic potential for mountain biking. He stayed,
opened up Over the Edge Sports, and with help from locals and friends, they improved existing
cow trails, walked new lines and scoped out new potentials while building the amazing flow-based,
fun trails that are now synonymous with the town’s name.
Over the years, and thanks to the growing interest in the unique trails and major work done
by COPMOBA — the Colorado Plateau Mountain Biking Association who builds and maintains
the trails — newer sections were built in the North Fruita Desert, in Loma, and in the Tabeguache
area, known as “The Lunch Loops” in Grand Junction. With three unique, distinct trail systems
A crowd gathered at the bottom of Horsethief Bench Drop In. Photo courtesy of Sylvie Raymond
only 20 minutes from downtown Fruita, it slowly became a destination more and more people were
talking about. The area offers riding like no other place. Instead of brutally long climbs and quick
descents, the singletrack is more undulating, and even the longest climb is quite do-able. Riders build
the trails for riders and with a rider's eye. The results are trails that can be ridden and enjoyed by
a complete beginner, and the exact same trails are fun for the most advanced rider.
Currently, there are four main mountain bike trail systems, each with their own vibe and feel.
The North Fruita Desert, known as “18 Road” features fast, flowy, hard tail friendly trails that are
great for beginners as well as Pro racers. Kessle Run, as in “make the Kessle Run in less than 12
parsecs” from the movie “Star Wars,” is a trail that, if you get to the bottom and you aren't smiling, it means you don't have a soul and shouldn't be on a bicycle. Then there is Joe's Ridge, a roller
coaster of fun, and Zippity Do Dah — a longer, steeper, narrower version of Joe's Ridge — a trail
people are willing to travel long distances to enjoy. One of the newer trails, PBR, which stands for
Pumps, Berms, and Rollers, is similar to Kessle Run, but with doubles and more options to catch
air; it is also a huge favorite with riders of all skill levels. The Edge Loop, an IMBA Epic, is still
sought out by some mountain bikers; however, a new epic trail is being built, and should be ready
by Spring 2014. The new option will feature mostly singletrack and will be ideal for those with a
large fitness base and solid bike handling skills. The best part of 18
Road, especially for visitors, is the fact that there is camping smack
dab in the middle of the trails. You can ride your bike from your
tent, be on singletrack in about three minutes, ride all day and get
right back to your campsite when you are done.
The Kokopelli Trail System located in Loma, one exit west of
Fruita, not only offers a huge amount of rocky, technical, flowy
trails, it also has some of the most scenic vistas in the area. Horsethief Bench is the showcase trail and combines a perfect mix of
rocky terrain and fast fluid smoothness — this trail has just about
everything, including perfect views of the Colorado River below.
During Fat Tire Festival, held every year during the last weekend
of April, you’ll find a crowd gathered around the Horsethief Bench
Drop In, watching riders to see how far they can make it down, as
it’s super technical. For those who want a real challenge, Moore
Fun is the most difficult trail in that system, requiring a good
level of fitness as well as solid handling skills. Some parts of the
trail almost call for trials riding experience, but even if you have
to walk a bunch of sections, you are rewarded with spectacular
views and a ripping technical descent worth every bit of the effort
to get to the top.
Fall 2013 The Kokopelli Trail system is also the gateway to the Kokopelli Trail, a 145-mile jaunt
from Fruita that goes up and over the La Salle
Mountains and into Moab. This epic sees a fair
number of tours and solo riders every year. It can
be done supported or self-supported and is quite
the adventure, especially if attempting the latter.
The Lunch Loops in Grand Junction has generally more climbing and descending, including
Free Lunch, a freeride-style trail. The signature
section is Holy Cross, a super technical and fun
trail that is flowy — when you know the lines!
One of the best trails in the Grand Junction area
isn't even part of the main Lunch Loops system.
Butterknife, which is actually a motorcycle trail,
is considered by some to be a true mountain bike
trail. It consists of nine miles of mostly downhill
with a mix of tight, twisty, rocky sections and fast
“balls-to-the-wall” portions, which keep you on
your toes the whole time, followed by a four-mile
dirt road climb back to the car. It is totally worth
every pedal stroke.
The fourth main trail system is Rabbit Valley,
19 miles west and located at Exit 2. With big,
backcountry desert that crosses into Utah, the
rides there feature 15 to 20 miles of cross-country
trails with spectacular postcard views. The highlight in Rabbit Valley is Western Rim, a mix of
double and singletrack with some fun slickrock
play areas to boot. It parallels the Colorado River
and offers amazing vantage points that you cannot get while driving in a car.
While these are the four main trail systems,
there are also options on higher ground that are
perfect for the super hot summer days. These
include the Grand Mesa up at Turkey Flats, and
other options out at Palisade, which are all within
an hour’s drive.
Although Fruita is renowned for mountain
biking, skinny tires also find a place. The Coors
International Bicycle Classic, a popular stage
race from 1980-1988, came through Fruita and
the site of the Colorado National Monument was
so exotic in appearance that the stage became
known as "The Tour of the Moon" and was even
featured in the Warner Brothers movie “American
Flyers.” That stage has been resurrected into a
fun group ride called the Icon Lasik Tour of the
Moon, held every October. The local bicycle
culture is solid, and growing, with events like the
F-Town Film Festival, where anyone can submit a
Mary Monholland riding again, finally.
Photo courtesy of Landon Monholland
bicycle related film, and there is a burgeoning bike
polo scene that is played weekly and open to all.
Downtown Fruita has seen some major
transformations since Rarick first came along,
and it now has a cool and funky feel. There is,
of course, the iconic Hot Tomato Pizzeria run by
Jen Zuener, a former Pro downhiller, and Anne
Keller, a photographer whose pictures have been
in most major bicycle publications and on at
least four covers of Bike magazine. Even though
downtown is only two blocks long, it still supports
two microbreweries: Suds Brothers, which is also
a restaurant, and the Copper Club, known as
“The Taproom,” which only brews micro beer
and micro root beer. The cool thing about the
Copper Club is, while they don't serve food,
they carry menus from local restaurants that
will either deliver your food or have it ready for
pick-up so it can be eaten at The Taproom while
you try their beers.
Fruita is an excellent destination not just
for mountain biking, but road riding and other
outdoor activities. One of the best things about
the place is its inhabitants’ attitude, which is reflected in Over the Edge Sports’ motto: “Come
ride with us!”
Rocky Mountain Bicycle Paper l 5
Mountain Bike
Ride in the BUFF!
By Paul Kieler
I
know what you’re thinking … it could be you’ll encounter three primary parking options:
painful, could be embarrassing, but some of Crystal Lake Road, U.S. Forest Road 543 or 550
you mountain bikers out there just can’t keep (Redskin Creek Road). Each trailhead has difyour mind out of the rear derailleur. It’s not ferent pros and cons and all of them begin with
the right “buff ” you’re thinking of, it’s Buffalo an uphill section, although the 543 option offers
Creek Recreational Area in Pine, Colo., and less elevation gain but more mileage.
it’s one of the most fun, diverse and remote
The closest is right off of 126 on Crystal Lake
riding locations near
Road at Pine Valley
the Front Range. It is
Ranch. The second is
known for its array of
at the intersection of
mountain biking trails
Forest Road 543 and
and natural beauty.
Highway 126 — the
Buffalo Park is a
parking lot is directly
collection of well over
to the south side of
20 miles of trails that
the road and trail acinclude intermediate to
cess begins here. The
expert level difficulty.
third choice is several
It also encompasses a
miles farther up 126,
portion of the region’s
where after driving
two most well known
about 5 miles you’ll
trails, the Colorado
find the parking lot
Trail and the ever-so
located on the south
challenging Blackjack
side of the road one
Trail. Even though the
mile past the Buffalo
park is relatively close
Campground. This
to the Front Range,
area accesses many of
it is a truly remote
the easier western and
experience with lots
central trails of the
of diverse and specpark at the bottom of
tacular scenery. There
the valley’s edge.
The Buff area — sweet trails. Photo courtesy of Paul Kieler
are no grocery stores
Buffalo Creek reor indoor plumbing around, but there are loads mains a site to behold even after suffering several
of camping sites and water sources during the devastating forest fires including the Buffalo
summer and it stays snow-free for a large por- Creek, Hi Meadow and Hayman Fires of 1996,
tion of the fall and early winter months. That 2000 and 2002, respectively. Following these fires
said, spring can be wet and the trails should be the most intensely burned areas remain mostly
avoided when they are. If you haven’t been to void of trees but the grasses, shrubs and wildflowBuffalo Creek in a while, you will notice many ers have returned to scatter the open areas with
changes to the trails and parking areas, all due to color. Once a few miles of trail have disappeared
fire impacts and environmental concerns.
under your tires, there is a good chance you will
To get there from Denver, head west on find yourself in the shade of evergreen trees. All
Interstate I-70 to E-470 south then take the of the trails have remained in amazing shape and
exit onto Colorado Highway 285 south towards have suffered only minor encroachments from
Conifer. After about 22 miles, turn left onto trail cutting, however, many of the older sections
County Road 126, known locally as Pine Valley have been rerouted or closed to reduce soil eroRoad, prior to the town of Bailey. Following sion problems. The trail maintenance volunteers
County Road 126 for approximately six miles and the forest service deserve high marks for this.
If Crystal Lake Road is your choice, you will have to
ride a short bit along the road before gaining access to
some great intermediate trails. Strawberry Jack and Buck
Gulch trails will provide an entrance to the Buff and the
sky is the limit from there. If the parking area at Forest
Road 543 is where you start, Nice Kitty and Buffalo Burn
lead to the southeast and to the Colorado Trail while
Sandy Wash and Raspberry Ridge take you northwesterly
to Blackjack.
Blackjack is the most technical and challenging the trail
system has to offer, with natural obstacles such as boulders,
jumps and twists as well as steep descents and tight turns;
there are plenty of problems for you and your bike to solve.
Many of these features are just plain out-of-bounds hard
for the average rider and everyone should practice caution
at the slightest hesitation as emergency response and medical help are nowhere to be found around there. That said, No mountain bikes allowed in Lost Creek
portions of this trail remain a nerve-racking delight for any Wilderness. Photo courtesy of Paul Kieler
intermediate/advanced rider who dares to ride them.
The trail network within the park is designed in somewhat of a loop fashion, but pay close attention to the mileage, as the journey out always requires a ride back and in some cases may involve
multiple uphill sections. Most trail junctions sport adequate signage, but several key intersections
remain unmarked. Loop options abound and as long as you know the corresponding elevation of
ascent and/or descent you can create them to your hearts’ desire, so make sure the map is handy.
If you decide to start at Forest Road 550, several smaller loops allow you the enjoyment of a
less technical ride. Tramway, Green Mountain and several short sections of the forest roads will
make a nice five- to six-mile loop. These trails could also be combined to create a circuit that is
guaranteed to bring you back to your car smiling. In addition, this area allows for a great starting
point for going east or west along the wonderful Colorado Trail. With miles upon miles of singletrack
in either direction, an out-and-back ride is always an option. Theoretically, any rider with enough
moxie could depart from FR 550 and ride east along the Colorado Trail all the way into Denver, as
it’s only 26 miles. If you venture far enough to the west you will eventually run into the Lost Creek
Wilderness Area where mountain bikes are not allowed.
Other options from the 550 parking site include the Gashouse, Miller Gulch and Homestead
Trail combination. These travel over several heavily forested sections and round back through a
former burn area, making a terrific intermediate loop. The fact is, the more you ride at Buffalo, the
more you want to ride Buffalo. This region coupled with one or two nights of camping is a surefire
way to get the most out of a weekend. Although spring riding is often delayed, these trails remain
ride-able late into the season and the lower portions along Buffalo Creek are lined with willow aspen
and birch trees that make for a colorful autumn décor.
Many riders feel this area offers a special combination of factors that when mixed together
become a top tier mountain biking destination. Not only is the trail system better than most, the
quality of the singletrack rivals anywhere you have ridden. A detailed map and more information
can be found on IMBA’s website at imba.com/epics/buffalo-creek-trails.
So you may not need to “ride in the buff,” but once you have you may never want to go home.
It’s prime riding time right now and no one really knows how long the Colorado mountain biking
season will last. Grab a buddy or go by yourself, just get out there and ride on.
Product Review
Limar 777 Giro d’Italia Edition Helmet
By Darren Dencklau
I
have become a little obsessed with Italy recently. Not because I’ve been watching “Breaking
Away” on the “one-eyed-monster”— as my late grandfather liked to call the television — but
because I’ve grown an affinity for the culture and romanticism of Lo Stivale (the boot).
Wanting to match the colors of my Fondriest SF2 road bike (August 2012 issue of Bicycle
Paper), I inquired about getting my hands on the Giro d’Italia version of Limar’s 777 model
helmet after seeing it on a popular social media site. As luck would have it, the region’s sales
rep was more than happy to send me one for review.
The 777 features 22 vents and includes netting to prevent the bugs from attacking my receding
hairline. It also contains a chin strap cover to reduce chafing and keep you looking fresh. The
padding is removable and washable. There are only two sizes available — medium and large.
Out of the box, I noticed that I needed to adjust the straps, as they were not threaded through
the ratchet system or the padding found on the inside of the helmet. Once this was corrected,
they better stayed out of the way and were then ready to be fine tuned to fit snugly around the
ears and under the chin.
It’s fairly comfortable, although on my head it tends to ride back a bit, which leaves my
forehead feeling slightly exposed; the “winged” cutout located in the front of the helmet adds
6 l Rocky Mountain Bicycle Paper
to that sense of vulnerability.
grams. Besides
The retention system is nice
the issues
and comparable to the
mentioned,
higher end helmets I
it’s a solid
own — a quick turn
lid and I wear
of the circular dial
it frequently,
cinches it down or
especially when
loosens it up. The
I am on the SF2
padding is also
and feeling my
quite comfortable
inner Dave
Photo courtesy of Limar
but the section going
Stoller needing
across the forehead does not overlap the
some attention.
other portions, therefore sweat frequently
MSRP is $99.99. Size medium is 50-57 cm,
dripped into my eyes on warmer days.
large 55-61 cm. The regular version of the 777
The 777 is very affordable and light — is available in numerous colors. Visit limar.com
according to our scale it weighs just 250 for more information.
Fall 2013
Success Story
Achieving the Impossible
By Scott Godinez
T
he buzzing of your alarm clock crashes through the silence of the early morning. Slowly you with mountainous terrain that we must navigate.
rise from bed, immediately questioning your decision. The bathroom light overpowers your Like riding a bike uphill if we stop pedaling we
eyes and once again you resist the urge to return to bed. The bottles are ready, the food is packed find ourselves slipping backwards. We see the
and you head out the door. The sun crawls across the horizon cutting into the sleeping shadows scenery moving in reverse as everything we have
resting upon the slopes of the Rockies. Your straps are strapped, your clasps are clasped, your worked for begins to slip out of reach and our
buckles are buckled and you are ready to begin.
heart drops. My encouragement to
This is the ride of your life, how will you choose
you is that every mountain has a
to ride it?
summit, and every mountain can be
There is one thing present in both life and
climbed, we need only to pedal and
cycling that I absolutely love. It is this very elepedal and never give up.
ment that bridges the divide between our lives on
When I began my ascent up Mt.
the bike and off. You do not have to be a cyclist
Evans it was nearly 50 degrees outside
to understand what I am referring to.
and after a mile I was wishing I had
The Impossible.
worn warmer gloves. This was my
When was the last time you achieved somefirst mental hurdle and fortunately
thing impossible? More importantly, when was the
it was easy to convince myself that
last time you attempted something impossible?
the sooner my fingers went numb the
It could be a century ride, or a climb up Mount
less I would have to feel them aching
Evans, maybe a move to a new state or a change
in frozen agony. The first five miles
in career. I think the greatest mistake we often
left me feeling like Wile E. Coyote
make is to believe that what is impossible will
helplessly floating in midair, holding a
always remain so. I have always believed that the
sign that reads: Help! But maybe that
impossible is only what has yet to be done. Just
floating feeling was just the altitude
imagine how the Wright Brothers felt that crisp
taking its toll on me already.
morning in Kitty Hawk before their historic flight.
There are several moments like
Before that moment, their dream was no more
these in our lives when we must set
real than Neverland. It is in those moments when
a precedent, an influential decision
nothing is attainable until everything is that we find
that sets a standard for our future, a
ourselves beating the odds, beating the impossible
choice that either propels us toward
and leaving our mark in history. And by the way,
perseverance or suffers the limits of
both Orville and Wilber Wright were cyclists too.
a predetermined reality. In that moMy impossible began in late May. I had just
ment we either continue to believe in
moved to Denver from Lubbock, Texas, with my
ourselves or we agree with the quiet
wife. We had been married almost a year and
whisper of doubt suggesting we turn
I had only been cycling for a little longer than
back. I pedaled on.
that. I knew about the mountains and I wanted to Top: The journey to the peak.
After several miles of riding upclimb the tallest one before the end of summer. I Bottom: The satisfaction of reaching the summit and
hill the road leveled out at Echo Lake
quickly found out that in order to accomplish my accomplishing the impossible. Photos courtesy of Scott Godinez
and greeted me with an encouraging
goal I would need to ride my bike up the slopes of Mount Evans. What makes this an impossible embrace. The mists dancing on the stage of the
adventure for me is that I would first need to learn how to breathe at an altitude beyond 2,500 feet water like a ballet, the symphony of birds chirpabove sea level, build up the muscle to climb the 14,000-foot beast and learn how to not ride my ing, the airy blue skies blanketing the atmosphere
bike off the side of a cliff. In six weeks I would attempt the climb and I was nervous to say the least. was a portrait of beauty beyond compare. It was
Meanwhile, Mount Evans was not the only mountain I found myself trying to climb. The chal- as though nature was cheering me on, inviting
lenges that come with moving to a new state proved to be a rather steep endeavor as well. I often me toward the pursuit of the summit sitting 15
found myself gasping for air as my wife and I dealt with challenges ranging from finding a job, to miles above. I cannot help but feel as though
learning to drive in Denver and even having to move to another apartment after only two weeks. I Echo Lake was a small victory for me. I know I
am certain you understand these mountains in life just as well as I do if not even better. Life is filled had yet to do any real climbing but that did not
matter, I began to really believe I would see the
summit that day.
Without our small victories in life it becomes increasingly easier to feel burned out
and overwhelmed by despair. Focusing on the
small, tangible goals in each day we can find
nuggets of success that reenergize our pursuits
and remind us that we are capable, that defeat is
only temporary and today we will overcome. My
small victory was reaching Echo Lake but I was
hungry for more, complacency would not prevail
against my bursting passion to see the summit.
On the final ascent I could see the outlines
of jubilant visitors taking in the sights of creation and I looked back down at where I was. I
glanced even further south to see where I had
already come from and at this point I not only
believed, knew and felt that I would make it to
the summit, but I sensed the overwhelming joy
also, as though I was already there. This feeling
surprised me immensely because I would have
thought reaching the top would be the greatest
accomplishment and warrant the emotions and
the tears that were streaming down my face.
What I learned on the slopes of Mount Evans
is that achieving the impossible is not what is
most important or valuable. Instead it is simply
the pursuit of the impossible. Whether or not we
have the strength to win against all odds, whether
or not we experience the view of the summit, on
the way up we must ride with everything we have.
Mount Everest or Mount Nothing, corporate
meetings in board rooms or mopping floors, race
up those slopes like there’s no tomorrow and ride
each day of your life as though you were beating
the impossible. It is then that we impact the lives
of those around us and leave a legacy that never
wallowed in complacency but sought excellence in
every pursuit and dared to take on the impossible.
We may not reach every summit, and we may
not taste every peak, but why not go after them
anyway? Why not make the ride of your life an
effort decorated with passion, perseverance and
the courage you will need to believe that the
impossible is only what you have yet to do.
Keep your heart open and your grip firm, and
I will see you on the road my fellow riders of life.
Product Review
Lone Peak Bicycle Frame Pack and Seat Bag
By Darren Dencklau
T
here are many options for toting things
on your bike. Depending on the size of
your load and destination, it can be as simple
as stuffing things in a jersey pocket, in a seat
bag, or in panniers, to name a few. Frame packs
have become increasing popular in the past few
years, thanks in large part to adventurers pushing the limits in the backcountry; if you take a
look at photos of any Tour Divide rider, they
undoubtedly have some type of frame-mounted
satchel in addition to other gear.
Lately I have been using Lone Peak’s version
for daylong excursions on the gravel and in the
mountains when civilization isn’t necessarily a
stone’s throw away. It will fit most any traditional
triangular-shaped frame and attaches with velcro
Fall 2013 around the head tube, top tube and down tube. It’s
rated to carry a volume of 130 cubic inches — it
is smaller and certainly not designed to carry as
much as a “bikepacking”
setup, but it is perfect
for storing extra food,
tubes, clothing, tools,
and more. It stays out of
the way and is very easy
to access via the covered
horizontal zipper. Reflective strips increase
visibility from the side.
Also from Lone Peak, the Tool
Pouch is a low profile 40-cubic-inch seat
bag that will hold an extra tube, patch kit, levers
and more. It’s built tough and contains two zippers
that join together just below the 3M reflective
tape. The velcro that envelops the seatpost and
the nylon strap that goes
around the saddle’s
rails appears to be
well sewn, reducing breakage from repeated use.
It’s a simple, thought out piece of gear
that gets the job done.
MSRP for the Lone Peak Frame
Pack is $35.95 and $20 for the Tool
Pouch. Both come in black, red,
blue, and steel colors. Visit lonepeakpacks.com for more details
and other options.
Rocky Mountain Bicycle Paper l 7
Transportation
Denver, the Velo-City
By Molly North, Executive Director, BikeDenver
A
s someone who commutes to work by bike
Denver is growing into a brag-worthy bikdaily and runs errands by bike regularly, ing city. With 100 miles of multi-use trails, 96
I was excited about the prospect of explor- miles of bike lanes, 41 miles of shared lane
ing Denver on two
markings and almost
wheels after I re400 miles of signed
cently moved here.
bike routes, Denver
I looked forward to
has a lot to be proud
rolling down residenof. Not only can the
tial streets, watching
city boast these facilipeople in their garties, but the on- and
dens and sharing the
off-street facilities
road with slow movare well connected,
ing cars. I relished
too. In the places
the prospect of diswhere there is a gap
covering a variety of
in the network, city
neighborhoods with
staff has identified
rows of restaurants,
strategies to connect
bars and boutiques,
them. And they don’t
all with bike parkjust plan, they impleing provided at their
ment. In July, Denver
doorsteps. I was decollaborated with the
lighted to have the
City of Glendale on
chance to ride “in
the installation of
the big city” with all
a bridge from the
of the traffic downCherry Creek Trail
town. And I couldn’t
to Kentucky Avenue,
wait to pedal more Tour de Fat brings the cycling community together for connecting a popular
than one mile to my a fun party. Photo courtesy of BikeDenver
bike trail with a residestination, so I could enjoy the new (to me) dential area and commercial center. By the end
lanes and trails I would see en route. I have not of August, Denver City staff will have installed
been disappointed.
a protected bike lane on 15th Street, the first in
the city! These infrastructure
projects, and others, are prioritized because our City Council
members are dedicated to creating a safe place for residents to
walk and bike.
Not only does Denver invest
in bicycling infrastructure, it also
boasts vibrant and passionate
groups of cyclists who pursue
bicycle-friendly policies and
more robust safe cycling education for all ages and abilities.
The Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory
Committee takes on policy, infrastructure and education issues.
BikeDenver provides education through the Safe Routes
to School program and The
League of American Bicyclists’
8 l Rocky Mountain Bicycle Paper
The new Kentucky Bridge links the Cherry Creek Trail to Kentucky Ave. Photo courtesy of BikeDenver
courses. The Bike Congress, a group of bicycling advocates, gathers regularly to maintain a forward
momentum of all great bike initiatives in the community.
It takes time for these groups to develop. In that way, cycling is a lot like recycling. There is a
strange resistance to its popularity at first because it takes extra effort to participate and the results are
not immediately evident. But before too long, those who make it a lifestyle choice can’t imagine life
without it and, in fact, don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t want to also: not on purpose, anyway!
So people share the message far and wide to encourage others to join the movement. (Literally, to
start moving.) And in the end, we discover it’s not for everybody, and not everyone will join us, but
there is a tipping point when more people are participating than not. And we begin to see that the
success of both cycling and recycling is based on the ability to form coalitions and to solve problems
in a cost effective manner at the local level.
When we make a long-term commitment to
either, we begin to see the incredible impacts
they can have on our world.
Some groups participate in the movement
by installing bike lanes and bike signals, while
others advocate for stricter bicycling policies or host bicycling festivals like the Tour de Fat all over
the country. Still others educate the masses about sharing the road, both in the classroom and on
the bike, and most simply ride their bike for the pure joy of it. They, and you, are a part of this
bicycling movement — the movement to reconsider how we get from point A to point B, to adopt
cycling as a means to maintaining and improving physical and mental health, and to join a multifaceted community that centers around fun.
All of these people exist in Denver and in every neighborhood through which I have ridden
and they are contributing to the fast and friendly evolution of our bicycling culture. They ride to
Jazz in the Park, they take their Xtracycle to work in the morning so they can drop off their kids
and pick up groceries. They drive to the mountains on the weekends to sneak in a long road ride.
They store their U-lock in their belt and ride their “fixie” to the closest hip coffee house while others
are finally “back on a bike” to stay fit in retirement. They ride in a 4,000-person Wednesday night
Denver Cruiser Ride. And they are using the Denver B Cycle bikes, which gives access to people
who might not otherwise have the means to ride.
This communal, creative, ever-evolving bicycle culture has an inertia about it. My hope for this
velo-city is that it doesn’t accelerate too fast, and without giving thought to long-range planning
for an equitable and safe place for cyclists of all ages, races, genders and abilities to share the road.
Because in the end, moving people is what this velo-city is all about.
Fall 2013
Recreational Riding
“Girl Power” FROM PAGE 1
conceived the ride as a way to raise funds for AADA and also encourage mountain biking in a
non-competitive environment.
“At the time, there was a popular race called the Banana Belt happening in Salida. I had no
interest in that kind of racing, but I did love to ride my mountain bike with my girlfriends. So I
decided to create an event that was not so high pressure, for people like me who loved the Crest but
who didn’t want the competitive side of things,” she explains.
Two days before the first Crest Crank, Bouldin gave birth to her daughter Lillian and found
herself organizing logistics from the hospital. On the day of the ride, she showed up with her new
daughter, who was then 48 hours old. She estimates that “maybe 30 riders” participated that year, and
raised around $2,500 for AADA. “It wasn’t a huge event at the time,” she says, “but the idea stuck.”
Since then, the Crest Crank has become an anchor point for Salida mountain biking, and more
specifically an inspiration for females seeking an ambitious cycling goal that can also support a
cause close to their hearts.
Carrie Smith, a local roller derby player, started mountain biking last year at the encouragement
of her derby teammates and recently created a Facebook group for female riders in and around
Salida looking for riding partners, new routes and encouragement. “When I started riding, I made
a bucket list of all the trails I’d eventually like to be skilled enough to ride, and the Monarch Crest
was at the top,” she remarks, and this year she plans to ride the Crest Crank.
For 2013, local rider Sheree Beddingfield has taken over the management reigns. In any other
place, Beddingfield might be an unlikely candidate to organize such a mountain bike event; a busy
physician’s assistant and a mother of two twin boys who keeps a demanding schedule, she has also
suffered her share of run-ins with the mountain. In April 2008, she broke her back in a snowboarding accident on Monarch and found herself confined to her bed for two months, but that summer,
she was out on her mountain bike.
“Being on the trails with my girlfriends was such an important part of my recovery,” says Beddingfield, who rides once or twice per week throughout the year with an informal women’s cycling
group. “It helped rebuild my confidence and my strength. Riding with women helped me heal and
overcome a lot of fears.” Today the Crest Trail is one of her favorite rides in the area.
Sheree Beddingfield, this year’s Crest
Crank organizer.
Enjoying the trail’s beauty with other
like-minded people.
Now a board member of AADA, Beddingfield
aims to foster the community that spurred her
recovery. She plans to bring more female riders
to the Crest Crank and hopes that they will see
the event as a way to challenge themselves in a
supportive environment. Her goal is to max out
the event’s Forest Service permit with 90 riders
and raise $10,000 for AADA. Though ambitious,
it’s not out-of-reach. Organizers are adding more
family friendly perks to the Crest Crank, like
childcare. It will also coincide with the finale
of the five-day Salida Bike Fest, which features
numerous events, including the Banana Belt race
on Saturday and kids’ events throughout the week.
Beddingfield says, “We want more people
to experience our trails and mountains. And
for women’s groups, this event has it all. You
won’t find a more welcoming atmosphere than
in Salida.”
Bouldin agrees, saying, “These trails really
are our sanctuary, and we want riders of all
kinds — especially women — to experience the
magic of riding them.”
For more information about the Crest
Crank and the Alliance against Domestic
Abuse, visit monarchcrestcrank.com. For
more infor mation about Salida BikeFest,
visit salidabikefest.com.
v
Fall 2013 Rocky Mountain Bicycle Paper l 9
Community
Race Production Embodies Community
By Kate Rau
F
“
ive… Four… Three… Two… One… GO!” A swarm of high
school mountain bike racers sprint off the start line to the
sound of ringing cowbells and cheering spectators while they
test their physical and mental preparedness. This moment is the
culmination of at least six months of preparation from a slew
of dedicated volunteers who are committed to ensuring participants have a safe and fun experience. As in most interscholastic
activities, coaches and parents are critical to the students’ success. Coaches and parents often are one in the same and a weekend of high school mountain biking involves approximately 150
volunteers and race staff.
The Colorado High School Cycling League’s four-race fall
series is planned long before anyone rolls into the parking lot
and is greeted by a parking attendant who chooses to spend an
early Sunday morning directing eager racers as they proceed to
the registration tent to pick up their number plates from more
cheerful volunteers who instruct them how to attach their timing
chip while attempting to calm any pre-race anxieties.
But how does a race location get on the season series circuit?
Volunteers on hand to help stage the Junior women. Photo by Robinson Noble
The Rocky Mountain region is flush with public land and miles of
singletrack, and yet a very specific set of criteria must align to be approved as a venue. Before race proceed to the finish chute where timing chips
day numerous potential sites are explored to determine a suitable six- to eight-mile course with a mix are then retrieved and the exhausted athletes are
of double-track for passing, enough altitude gain to get the heart pumping, and enjoyable singletrack usually embraced by teammates and coaches.
to keep riders spinning and grinning. A specific combination of accessibility to the majority of riders
Throughout the day volunteers are organizwho span from Casper, Wyoming, to Durango, Colo.; space to accommodate close to 1,000 people, ing start waves, coordinating course marshals,
bikes, cars, and the various requisite services such as emergency medical services, food, and bathrooms; answering questions at the information booth,
a racecourse amenable to a variety of skill levels; and a viable chance for decent weather all while monitoring the feed zone, taking hundreds of
offering a progression of technical challenge throughout the season is the ultimate goal.
photos, writing up a race report, announcing the
This process often begins with the support
names and teams
of a local race organizer, coach, parent or avid
of each field,
rider guiding the race director on a tour of a few
serving as race ofoptions in their area. These scouts are integral to
ficials, producing
the process because they are familiar with local
the awards cerlandowners, regional permitting requirements,
emony, posting
and are knowledgeable about essential services
results, and sellsuch as camping, lodging and sanitation providing merchandise.
ers. Once all paperwork and off-site preparation
After the final
is completed, the course then gets meticulously
category sweep
marked the day prior to the event by a team of
starts on the final
course setters.
lap of the day, the
On race day, exciting racing follows the regcourse cleanup
istration formalities and riders take to the trails,
crew follows to
following the yellow arrows marking the course.
pull the signage
Along the way, they’ll encounter several course Trail care 101. Photos courtesy of CHSCL The scoring crew ready for action.
and pick up any
marshals reassuring them they are on track, encouraging them up tough climbs, or warning them of trash. When the last racer crosses the finish line
tricky sections. Several roving marshals and category sweepers ride the course to address any issues they are welcomed by a jubilant crowd and the
during the race. As the student-athletes complete a lap, a hand jammer tallies race plate numbers, start/finish line is then disassembled and numerscorekeepers confirm that timing chips are functioning and that team and individual points are ous people help sort and load race equipment to
accurately calculated. A covey of finish line volunteers direct racers to either ride another lap or haul away and put into storage until the next event.
So how do these 150 people orchestrate a
successful race weekend? Several weeks before
the race a flurry of communication from the
volunteer coordinator takes place and teams
are assigned to recruit volunteers for the event.
Sponsors and supporters also enlist their friends
and colleagues to support this healthy outlet for
high school students. Once someone experiences
the rewards of contributing to a race weekend
where student-athletes create friendships, surpass their perceived limits, friendly rivalries
unfold, and lasting connections develop, they
are hooked. The volunteers and staff become a
tight knit community and often interact outside
the race season.
Additionally, host communities become
very invested in the success of the events and
engage their local network to roll out the red
carpet for the racers and their families. In 2011,
the State Championship race was postponed
three times due to snowfall. The Castle Rock
coaches, parents, riders, race crew, and local
cycling club spent several days shoveling snow
off the trail. The Fruita Chamber of Commerce
welcomed the 2012 State Championship with a
custom banner at a major intersection in town
and the local Grand Valley team hosted a huge
celebratory picnic. The trail manager at Snow
Mountain Ranch in Granby and the course
designer of the Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch in
Elbert have committed to creating a more interesting course every year. For the 2013 season,
the Leadville team and community is excited to
showcase their trails and event resources for the
Cloud City Challenge on September 22 and the
Town of Eagle built a new trail and is offering
substantial support to host the State Championships on October 6. We are excited knowing
that host communities welcome the events with
open arms, make efforts to keep us coming back,
and many other towns have lobbied to be on
future schedules.
There are plenty of volunteer opportunities
available at each event, and no specialized skills
are required to join the Colorado High School
League community. Visit coloradomtb.org to
find out more about the various opportunities
available and to sign up for a position at one of
this season’s events.
Product Review
Chrome Industries Storm Cobra Jacket
By Darren Dencklau
T
here are different levels of waterproof needs in the Northwest. Oftentimes the marine mist
coming off the Pacific Ocean prevails and most any clothing will keep you relatively dry.
However, Mother Nature isn’t always so kind and so she decides to unleash her wrath — whether
predicted in the weather forecast or not. That’s when extra protection is unequivocal. From my
experience, the difference between water resistant and waterproof is drastic, and the former is
only good up to a point, while the latter is often overkill for cycling — it’s too warm and it doesn’t
breathe, leaving you drenched in sweat when arriving at your destination.
Last year Chrome Industries introduced the Storm Cobra jacket. Features include taped construction, a full-width back pocket, waterproof zips at the armpits for ventilation, and it has an
ergonomic fit designed for the body’s movement while riding.
I’ve pedaled in some of the worst downpours Seattle had to offer this past winter and I can attest to the Storm Cobra being waterproof. It’s thick and repels moisture well. The longer lengths of
the arms keep the cuffs from riding up and exposing the wrists while the back panel never worked
its way up past my waistline.
10 l Rocky Mountain Bicycle Paper
As for the negatives, the hood has a tendency to catch air and “balloon” out behind
my head, making quick glances over the
shoulder difficult. To remedy this, it
needs to be tucked in or cinched down.
It is a very warm jacket, even with the
pit zips, so I found that minimal clothing underneath worked best. When
I layered up on colder days and put
on the race face during the commute
I would often break out in a profuse
sweat — that’s fine for an amateur
wrestler trying to make weight, but I
was just trying to get to work. In some
reviews I’ve read, people complained about the
front zipper being difficult to initially latch. I
find that with a little patience it works fine.
Overall, the Storm Cobra is a
nice looking and simple garment that
doesn’t appear “bikey.” In fact, it is
my go-to for around town, on hikes,
working outside ... in other words,
when I am not riding my bike. It’s
safe to say that if it’s raining hard
and I am in the great outdoors, you’ll
probably see me wearing it.
MSRP is $200. For more information visit chromebagsstore.com.
Fall 2013
Randonneurs
“Randonneurs” FROM PAGE 1
Heading up Vail Pass on a summer 200km brevet. Photo by Paul Foley
other gear, which was fine, and ended up having a blast; he went on to perform very well in the
prestigious Paris-Brest-Paris 1200km Grand Randonnée in 2011, as did his wife four years before.
It’s not how fast or slow you ride, but whether you have the spirit and genuinely enjoy biking distances and have the commitment to finish.
We’ve had other riders for whom their first event, a 200km brevet, was the longest ride they’d
ever done. Some caught the bug and rode every 200km on our schedule; others graduated to longer
events that they never thought they’d do while others came back the next year with bigger ambitions.
There’s a smorgasbord of events to choose
from. The Colorado region, sponsored by Rocky
Mountain Cycling Club, offers one of the most
extensive calendar of events in the U.S. Spanning
from March to October, they include half a dozen
200k’s (the most popular distance), and distances
ranging from 100km to 1200km. They give participants a chance to get into the format gradually
with the spring 100km+ events (60-70 miles), and
ride some good “trans-century” 200k’s.
If you’re a good century rider, or really
anyone experienced with distance, the 200k’s
are a good place to start. The 100km+ events
are good get acquainted “short” rides where you
can meet experienced randonneurs and have a
nice adventure.
Some riders progress through the standard
brevet distances - 200, 300, 400, and 600km - in
their first season. Others will stick with the 200
and 300km events to gain more experience or
because that’s where they’re comfortable. For
example, 200km typically don’t involve night
riding. Either way it’s fine. There are 200km from
April to October, so you can build your season
around them. Some are relatively flat while others
in the “high-season” are mountainous.
Although brevets may be non-competitive,
that doesn’t mean there’s no recognition or
awards. Your results are listed locally on the
RMCC website and nationally on the website
of Randonneurs USA, the national sanctioning
organization. There are also awards for all sorts
of accomplishments: finishing individual brevets,
finishing the classic 200-300-400-600km series,
riding a 200km or longer for 12 consecutive
months, and total annual distance, to name a
few. As a randonneur, you have many goals to
choose from, and recognition to reflect your accomplishments and keep you motivated.
One nice thing about randonneuring is that
events across the U.S. and the world are run
under the same format, with riders sharing the
same values. It’s great to have local brevets at
your doorstep, but an added benefit is the ability
to travel to California, Arizona, Florida, Alaska,
or wherever for a change of pace and scenery,
knowing you’ll be welcomed to a great ride.
Now are you interested? You can find out
more about randonneuring and the Colorado
event schedule on the RMCC website at rmccrides.com/brevets.htm; details about the national sanctioning organization, Randonneurs
USA, can be found at rusa.org. Oh, and to give
you a flavor of the rides, read coloradobrevets.
blogspot.com where you will find a chat list to ask
questions and help you discover the many facets of randonneuring. So come out and give it
a try!
John Lee Ellis is the regional administrator for the Colorado events, feel free to contact him or any RMCC
volunteer via their website rmccrides.com for more information.
Cyclocross
Casual CX ... No Commitment, Just Fun
By Christine Soja
I
have a confession to make: I am a neophiliac. That is to say, I like to try new things. I
get bored with routine and I like a new challenge. I also have a second confession to make:
I am fiercely competitive. This can be a challenge because it’s difficult for me to get good
at anything before I become bored with it and
then move onto something new. But, sometimes a girl just needs to have a little fun. It’s
hard to find the time to get into shape, and too
easy to get lost in the endless cycle of not feeling fit enough to compete. Then along comes
cyclocross, the perfect sport for this type of
weekend warrior.
Category 4 and beginner races are just 30-45
minutes long, about half the duration of a spinclass. Cross training during the week can consist
of running and biking, maybe participating in a
cross-specific workout such as Wednesday nights
at the velodrome. Yoga helps with strength and
balance, which is key to maneuvering the bike over
and around obstacles and slick off-camber turns.
I have made a special place for ‘cross in my
heart, knowing that I want it, but also acknowledging that the responsibilities of family and
work life render me unable to fully commit. So
let’s be casual. I’m here to have a good time, and
I know that ‘cross is OK with that. Let’s try not
to complicate things, no strings attached. I’m
here to enjoy myself, get a solid workout, and
go home satisfied. I prefer calling it Casual CX.
Casual CX is a commitment to show up, do
my best and be happy with that; to commit to
just one race at a time, ride my heart out, and
remember that results are only another number,
Fall 2013 like the one on the scale. What really matters at
the end of the day is how well my jeans zip up.
World-class athletes during championship
performances enter a zone, wherein everything
around them disappears. I try to do the same,
blocking out everything and focusing on the
rhythm of my ride. In a race, it’s all or nothing.
When I’m racing, my body is taught and alert, focused on the space a few yards ahead. I love
being outdoors, gasping for fresh air, lungs burning; I just can’t push myself this hard at the gym.
As my body gets fitter my expectations grow, but I’ve always got to keep that ego in check. This is
casual, remember, it’s for fun. And no, you can’t really be good at something you don’t put a lot of
work and effort into. But my legs feel strong when I wash the dirt off at the end of the day. And the
beer and fries I relish post-race? Those are well earned.
For those of us who won’t be on the podium any time soon, it’s all about the race within the
race. These are the moments of victory, passing a racer on the track wall, cutting a
corner tighter. It’s amazing to me how I can actually push harder knowing someone’s
on my tail. This is what it’s all about, pushing yourself physically. The trick is to be big
enough not to hate the really fast people, just be inspired by them.
For me, cyclocross is a church of sorts. It’s all about getting up early on a Sunday
and putting on uncomfortable clothes, but instead of listening to a sermon, I listen to
my body. Instead of wine and little flat bread, it’s Shot Bloks and Red Bull. This is my
chance for redemption, a chance to give it my all, as every ounce of strength will be used.
If you’re at all competitive, this is the place to let it out. Casual CX is a safe place
to compete, to focus, and to get out of the comfort zone. I have found that the more
twisted my stomach is at the start, the better my results are in the end.
You don’t need to commit to an entire season, or even sign up before race day if
you’re the spontaneous sort. However, pre-registering is recommended if you tend to
get cold feet, are flakey, or have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning.
Eleanor Roosevelt said that you must do the thing that scares you the most. My
suspicion, indeed my hope, is that doing things that scare me to death but are not
actually life-threatening will somehow help move me forward in other areas of life.
The entire family — kids, mom and dad — can race on the same
day. Photo courtesy of Boulder Cup
Scientists have linked longevity with the ability to try new things. Weekend racing is a
The energy from the other racers and the crowd is chance to push yourself as hard as you can. If you aren’t pushing yourself you’re going to fall over.
contagious and help propel me around the course. It’s good to put that kind of energy forth into the universe.
‘Cross is fun for a “city girl” because I get
Every weekend during the autumn months, there is a chance to be a part of a community of
to ride over grass, dirt, pavement and sometimes folks who like to challenge themselves physically, who like to have fun, who like to get out of the
sand. I have to jump off the bike and carry it over house and aren’t afraid of the cold or the rain. These are my people, and they may be yours. Come
barriers and up short hills. I don’t have to worry and give it a try, at the very least you’ll get a workout. Remember, no commitment is necessary.
about traffic or stop lights, only about turning Let’s keep this casual.
and staying upright. With all of this right in front
Christine Soja is a freelance writer and a mother. She can be reached at [email protected].
of me, it’s impossible to remember the fledgling
career, overdue bills or the to-do list.
Rocky Mountain Bicycle Paper l 11
Calendar
Welcome to the Region’s Most
Comprehensive Bicycle Calendar
All events are listed chronologically within their respective sections: Events (clinics, expositions, lectures, etc.), Camps,
Multisport (events that include cycling as part of the competition), Series (competitions where cumulative point standings
are awarded), Cyclocross, Mountain Bike Racing (competition featuring singletrack and other off-road riding), Mountain
Bike Touring (rides featuring singletrack and off-road riding), Road Racing (bicycle competition), Road Touring (road rides of
various distances and for any type of bicycle), Track (velodrome-type events). To conserve space, we’ve chosen to run websites
only on events where both website and email are available. If you are an organizer and your event is not listed, or if the information listed changes, contact us and we will gladly update the calendar. Please send your event information in the same
style and format seen here.
All aspects of this event calendar are copyright 2013 Bicycle Paper. This calendar may not be transmitted or reproduced
by any means, electronically or printed, without written consent of the publisher.
Events
September
Sep 11–15: Salida Bike Festival
New event that will feature fun for the entire family with group rides, a film festival, chainless race,
pump track competition, bike parade, bike rodeo,
live music and more. salidabikefest.com
Camps
September
Sep 27–29: Junior Cross Camp
Empire, CO. Chris McGee, ACA Colorado,
303-458-5538, coloradocycling.org
Sep 27: Women Cross Camp
Fort Collins, CO. Chris McGee, ACA Colorado,
303-458-5538, coloradocycling.org
Multisport
August
Aug 24: Little Cottonwood
Adventure Race
South Jordan, UT. Graffiti Racing presents a
multi-sport endurance event featuring mountain
bikes, running/trekking, Tyrolean Traverse, and
navigation using a map and a compass to attain
check points. Snowbird will be a multi-discipline
race using urban paved trails and wilderness trails
to travel a course covering approximately 25-50
miles in a 6-hour period. Scott Browning,
801-867-5039, graffitiracing.com
Aug 24: Oyster Race
Sep 21: LeadmanTri Epic 250
Bend, OR. 250 km epic triathlon, 5km swim in
Cultus Lake, 223 km bike around Mount Bachelor,
22 km run through Tetherow and along the
Deschutes River. 125km distance available (2.5,
106 and 16.5km). Individual or relay options.
Mary Beth Kunz, Lifetime Fitness, 702-525-1087,
leadmantri.com
Sep 21–22: XTERRA USA
Championship/ XTERRA Utah
Ogden, UT. XTERRA Utah, two distance options:
750m / 19K mountain bike / 5K trail and 1.5k
swim/ 30k mountain bike/ 10k trail run; XTERRA
USA Championships (invite-only): 1.5k swim /
30k mountain bike / 10k trail run. Raena Cassidy,
877-751-8880, xterraplanet.com
Sep 28: The Great Urban Race
Denver, CO. Teams of two solve twelve clues.
Wild city adventure and fun challenges while
discovering Denver. Start at noon at Tavern
Downtown. Limit 500 teams. Supports St Jude
Children’s Research Hospital. The Great Urban
Race, 773-687-4595, greaturbanrace.com
October
Oct 5: Cache Classic Duathlon
Wellsville, UT. 5 km run, 20 km bike. Kevin
Rohwer, 435-770-9852, races2race.com
Oct 7–19: Huntsman
World Senior Games
St. George, UT. Be a part of the greatest cycling
event around for athletes 50 and over. Team
and individual sports, including cycling, running,
triathlon. Triathlon on October 12. Kyle Case,
800-562-1268, seniorgames.net
Denver, CO. The original urban adventure race.
Combining athleticism & intelligence, this ball
buster of a race will have you running, biking,
completing awesome challenges. Team event.10-30
miles over 2-6 hours. Emily Salberg, Team Player
Productions, 877-328-2783, oysterracingseries.com
Oct 19: Trick or Tri
Provo, UT. Longest multisport race on the Wasatch
Front 70.3 Ironman. 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike,
and 13.1-mile run triathlon. Aaron Shamy, Racetri
Event Series, 801-518-4541, racetri.com
Nov 9: Telos Turkey Triathlon
Aug 24: Utah Half Triathlon
Aug 24: Xterra Buffalo Creek
Fort Collins, CO. 1500m swim in the clear waters
of Lake Wellington, then 22-mile MTB ride.
Double track, a few jeep roads, and some IMBA
Epic rated Singletrack. 5-mile run on hilly terrain
that circumnavigates the Lake. Lance Panigutti,
Without Limits Productions, 303-408-1195,
withoutlimitsracing.com
September
Sep 2: Youth and Family Triathlon
Murray, UT. Start 8am at Murray Park. Youth
7-10 years: 75-yard swim, 2.3-mile bike, 6/10-mile
run. Adults/Youth 11+ distances: 150 yards, 4.3
miles, 1 mile. Jo Garuccio, 801-566-9727,
greatbasincoaching.com
Sep 7: Camp Yuba Triathlon
Yuba State Park, UT. Camp Yuba sprint and
Olympic triathlons are all about Indian summers,
camping, and good ol’ fashion swimming, biking,
and running. Aaron Shamy, Racetri Event Series,
801-518-4541, racetri.com
Sep 7: I Can Triathlon
Sandy, UT. Alta Canyon Sports Center, 9565 S.
Highland Drive - 400m swim, 9 mile bike and 5K
run. Lois Spillion, 801-568-4602, sandy.utah.gov/
government/parks-and-recreation/special-events/
triathlon.html
Sep 14: Bear Lake Man Triathlon
Laketown, UT. Half, Olympic, and Sprint distances
and Ultra/Full 140+ distance over the prettiest
water in Utah. Joe Coles, 801-335-4940,
bearlakebrawl.com
Sep 14: Kokopelli Triathlon
St. George, UT. The “twin” to the SG Triathlon at
Sand Hollow State Park, with Sprint, Olympic, and
Kids’ distances. Cedric Keppler, 318-518-7303,
bbsctri.com
Sep 14: Ogden Valley Triathlon
Eden, UT. Open water triathlon Event. Dan
Aamodt, TriUtah, 801-635-8966, triutah.com
Sep 21: Bear Lake Brawl Triathlon
Laketown, UT. Half, Olympic, and Sprint distances
over the prettiest water in Utah. Joe Coles, On Hill
Events, 801-335-4940, bearlakebrawl.com
St. George, UT. Beginner, Sprint, and Tuff Kids
races, starting between 9am and 2pm. Indoor
swim, outdoor run, and bike legs. Aaron Metler,
435-627-4054, sgcityrec.org
November
Orem, UT. Orem Fitness Center. Swim: 350m, run:
5k, bike 12 miles. Shaun Christian, Team Telos,
801-678-4032, t3triathlon.com
cyclocross
series
LTR Cross Series
Sep 28; Oct 26; Nov 9, 23
Various, CO. Series of 4 events. Overall
calculated on points. Location varies each week.
Mike Driver, 970-904-5708, ltrsports.com
NM Cross Series
Sep 21–Dec 15
Various, NM. Tentative dates. Series of 10 events.
nmcycling.org
Utah Cyclocross Series
Sep 28–Dec 7
Various, UT. 12-race series. Points system determines winner in each category counting the best 8
results. Marek Shon, 435-901-8872, utcx.net
weekly series
Wednesday
Back to Basics CX Series
September 11–October 16
Golden, CO. Series of 6 events presented at Lookout Mtn Youth Services Center. 3 start groups.
First group at 5pm, races are 35 minutes long.
Top 13 in each race get points. Cross or MTB without bar ends OK. Lee Waldman, Feedback Sports
Racing, 720-313-5312, usacycling.org
Cyclocross
August
Aug 27: Relay Sixty
TBA, CO. 60-minute cyclocross relay race. Teams
of 2 to 5 people, each racer must complete one
lap. Lance Panigutti, Without Limits Productions,
303-408-1195, withoutlimits.com
September
Sep 7: Kick it CX
Brighton, CO. Chris McGee, ACA Colorado,
303-278-8609, coloradocycling.org
12 l Rocky Mountain Bicycle Paper
Sep 8: Cross of the North
Fort Collins, CO. Timothy Lynch, 970-203-5716,
[email protected]
Sep 14: Zero Gravel Cross
Littleton, CO. Thom Lieurance, Green Mountain
Sports, 720-299-6581, greenmountainsports.com
Sep 15: Cyclo-X - Flatirons
Broomfiled, CO. Tony Panigutti, Without Limits
Productions, 303-882-8304, withoutlimits.com
Sep 21: Cyclo-X - Valmont
Boulder, CO. Everyone loves racing at Valmont
Bike Park, a course that was designed for cyclocross. Lance Panigutti, Without Limits Productions,
303-408-1195, withoutlimits.com
Nov 9: LTR Cyclocross Series #3
Fruita, CO. Little Salt Wash. See race series for
details. Mike Driver, LTR Sports, 970-904-5708,
ltrevents.com
Nov 10: 4 Corners CX Series
Dolores, CO. Joe Rowell Park. Dave Hagen,
[email protected]
Nov 10: Blue Sky Cup
Longmont, CO. Doug Richards, 303-475-6077,
coloradocycling.org
Nov 16: Cyclo-X - Sienna Lake
Broomfield, CO. Tony Panigutti, Without Limits
Productions, 303-882-8304, withoutlimits.com
Nov 17: 4 Corners CX Series
Durango, CO. Fort Lewis College. Dave Hagen,
[email protected]
Nov 17: Mile Hi Urban Cross
Denver, CO. Unique and challenging, with obstacles you wouldn’t expect. Deirdre Maynihan,
The Natural Way Racing Team, 303-931-6455,
tnwrt.wordpress.com
Nov 23: 4 Corners CX Series
Cortez, CO. Parque de Vida. Dave Hagen,
[email protected]
Nov 23: Cyclo-X - Louisville Rec Center
Louisville, CO. Tony Panigutti, Without Limits
Productions, 303-882-8304, withoutlimits.com
Nov 23: LTR Cyclocross Series #4
Grand Junction, CO. Canyon View Park.
See race series for details. Mike Driver, LTR
Sports, 970-904-5708, ltrevents.com
Nov 24: Green Mountain Sports CX
Arvada, CO. Thom Lieurance, Green Mountain
Sports, 720-299-6581, greenmountainsports.com
Sep 22: Body Synx CX
Nov 28: Turkey Cross
Sep 22: Harvest Moon Cyclocross
Nov 30: Castle Cross
Golden, CO. Lee Waldman, Team Body Sync,
303-940-6263, coloradocycling.org
Ogden, UT. USAC Sanctioned. Ben Towery,
801-389-7247, teamexcelerator.com
Sep 28: LTR Cyclocross Series #1
Grand Junction, CO. Canyon View Park.
See race series for details. Mike Driver, LTR
Sports, 970-904-5708, ltrevents.com
Sep 28: Queens of Cross
Arvada, CO. Lynn Bush, Tough Girl Cycling,
303-875-7776, toughgirlcycling.com
Lakewood, CO. Tom Hall, 303-808-7553,
coloradocycling.org
Castle Rock, CO. Held in Rhyolite Regional Park
on course specifically built for cycling-related
events. Diverse terrain, family atmosphere, kids
events and more. Ed Tokarski, Green Mountain
Sports Velo, 303-514-4800, coloradocycling.org
December
Dec 1: Cowboy Cross
Denver, CO. Deirdre Maynihan, The Natural Way
Racing Team, 303-931-6455, tnwrt.wordpress.com
Sep 29: Storm the Castle
Dec 7: Cyclo-X - Boulder Res
October
Dec 8: 4 Corners CX Series
Castle Rock, CO. John Haley, Frites En Mayo Velo
Club, 720-287-9263, blog.fritesenmayo.com
Oct 5: Frisco Cross
Boulder, CO. Tony Panigutti, Without Limits
Productions, 303-882-8304, withoutlimits.com
Durango, CO. Fort Lewis College. Dave Hagen,
[email protected]
Frisco, CO. Tim Assor, Wilderness Sports,
970-389-3617, coloradocycling.org
Dec 8: The RLW “In Memoriam” CX
Jackson Hole, WY. Tentative date. Race in
the heart of Jackson Hole. Starting at 12 noon
at the base of Snow King Resort. Joel Ahlum,
307-733-5335, facebook.com/kingcrossrace
Dec 14–15: Colorado CX
Championships
Oct 5: King Cross
Oct 6: Primalpalooza
Lakewood, CO. Michael Beck, Routine Leg
Works, 303-875-4297, routinelegworks.com
Louisville, CO. Chris Grealish, DBC Events,
303-447-2434, dbcevents.com
Arvada, CO. Micheal Welker, Primal,
303-726-9191, coloradocycling.org
Dec 15: 4 Corners CX Series
Boulder, CO. Aaron Bouplon, Boulder Chaos,
303-786-9255, coloradocycling.org
Dec 15: Santa Cross
Boulder, CO. Valmont Bike Park. The largest cyclocross weekend in the Rocky Mountain region. Racing for all abilities, kids jump castle, cruiser lap,
beer garden. Wear your costume. Chris Grealish,
DBC Events, 303-619-9419, dbcevents.com
Dec 28: Tune-Up Cup
Oct 19: Colorado Cross Classic
Oct 20: Boulder Cup
Oct 26: Cyclo-X - Xilink
Longmont, CO. With blue skies, and often
high temperatures around 80, the trails are everything from hard pack and fast to almost sand,
but they are always going to get you nice and
dirty. Lance Panigutti, Without Limits Productions,
303-408-1195, withoutlimits.com
Oct 26–27: Hot Cheetos and Taki Cross
Bozeman, MT. Julie Zickovich, montanacycling.net
Oct 26: King Cross
Jackson Hole, WY. Tentative date. Race in
the heart of Jackson Hole. Starting at 12 noon
at base of Snow King Resort. Joel Ahlum,
307-733-5335, facebook.com/kingcrossrace
Oct 26: LTR Cyclocross Series #2
Palisade, CO. Riverbend Park. 9am. See
race series for details. Mike Driver, LTR Sports,
970-904-5708, ltrevents.com
Oct 27: Frites CX
Parker, CO. Todd Hockenberry, 303-809-0741,
[email protected]
November
Nov 2: Schoolyard Cross
Brighton, CO. Clint Bickmore, Boulder Junior
Racing, 760-533-5932, schoolyardcross.com
Nov 3: Feedback Cup
Golden, CO. Lee Waldman, Feedback Sports
Racing, 303-940-6263, coloradocycling.org
Nov 9: Cyclo-X - Interlocken
Broomfield, CO. The Interlocken course is considered the crown jewel of the Boulder Cyclocross
Series. Perfectly landscaped grass will make
you think you’re racing on a rolling golf course.
If there’s a can’t miss, this is it. Lance Panigutti,
Without Limits Productions, 303-882-8304,
withoutlimits.com
Durango, CO. Fort Lewis College. Dave Hagen,
[email protected]
Corvallis, OR. Mike Ripley, 541-823-3030,
mudslingerevents.com
Golden, CO. Lee Waldman, 303-940-6263,
coloradocycling.org
January
Jan 4: 4 Corners CX Series
Durango, CO. Fort Lewis College. Dave Hagen,
[email protected]
Jan 4–5: Altitude Adjustment Cross
Longmont, CO. Brook Watts, 303-684-9170,
[email protected]
Jan 8–12: Cyclocross Nationals
Boulder, CO. Valmont Park. Mike Eubanks,
usacycling.org
Mountain Bike
series
Big Mountain Enduro
Aug 31–Sep 1; Sep 28–29
Various. Epic trail rides in incredible destinations
with timed race sections on the descents. Moderate to advanced. Multi-day, multi-stage format.
Brandon Ontiveros, Big Mountain Enduro, LLC.,
bigmountainenduro.com
Colorado High School MTB League
Sep 8, 22; Oct 6, 20
Various, CO. Series of 4 events. Locations vary
every week. Grades 9-12 (13-19 years old),
riders are broken into 6 categories. MTB only,
no singlespeed. Race time between 45 an 120
minutes. Overall winners calculated on points.
Also team competition. Kate Rau, 720-272-9282,
coloradomtb.org
New Mexico Endurance Series - NMES
Aug 10; Sep 14, 28; Oct 19
Various, NM. 8 self-sufficient endurance
hardcore grassroots endurance MTB races.
Not suited for younger or inexperienced riders.
Participants keep track of their own time and distance. Race for bragging rights. Lenny Goodell,
nmes.wordpress.com
New Mexico Off-Road Series - NMORS
Aug 18, 31; Sep 7, 15, 28; Oct 5
Various, NM. Series of 13 events run throughout the season. Open to all categories and
singlespeed. Overall calculated on points - top 8
results count, min of 5 races. Only XC races count.
Jersey for category champions. Each XC is qualifier for Nationals. Final overall series standings
determine the State Champion. David Halliburton,
575-312-5991, nmors.org
Trestle Gravity Series
Sep 1–2
Winter Park, CO. 4-weekend race series at
Winter Park Resort. Traditional DH one day, Air
DH the next. Registration closes at 4pm the day
before the race. Winter Park Competition Center,
970-726-1590, epicsingletrack.com
Utah High School Cycling League
Sep 8, 21; Oct 6; Nov 9
Various, UT. Series of 4 events for racers in
9th through 12th grades only. Categories for
individual scoring are Freshman, Sophomore, JV,
and Varsity. Boys and girls divisions. Team scoring
for Division I and II teams. Races start at 10am on
spectator-friendly 4- to 6-mile lap courses.
Lori Harward, 801-502-8516, utahmtb.org
Utah State Championships Series
Sep 21
Various, UT. 4 events including a circuit race, XC
and two 50-mile races. $10,000 Pro purse pays
fastest man and women of the day, regardless of
category, and more. Season pass or single race
entry. Category U9 to Pros. Distance and course
varies according to category and level. Top 10
gets points toward series overall - team and individuals. Individual competition now combined with
Intermountain Cup. Bob Saffell, MTB Race Productions, LLC, 801-588-9020, raceuscs.com/points
Winter Park Epic Singletrack Series
Aug 10, 24
Winter Park, CO. 6-race series at Winter Park
Resort. Formats vary, but always include male and
female divisions. U15 to Masters 60+. Starts in
waves so race with your group. Medals awarded
to top 3 in each age class and sub-categories:
Beginner, sport, expert, and Pro. Start at 10am.
Winter Park Competition Center, 970-726-1590,
epicsingletrack.com
Zia Rides Race Series
Oct 19
Various, NM. 4-event series. Must ride at least
3 to win. Men’s solo and singlespeed, women’s
solo, duo and teams of 4. Recognizes top 3 men
and women. If you ride in as a team, points still
accrue as individual. Points to the top 10 in each
category at each event. Lindsay Mapes,
Zia Rides, ziarides.com
weekly series
Tuesday
Mid-Week MTB Series
May 14–August 27
Various, UT. 8 classes, points to the top 60. All
races count towards the overall GC. Registration
begins at 5:30pm. Kids race at 6pm on a special
course, main event at 6:30. Beginners: 1 lap.
Sport: 2 laps. Pro/expert: 3 laps. Nightly drawings. Rain out option, 6/18, 7/2, 8/27.
Brooke Howard, 801-935-1092, midweekmtb.com
Racing
August
Aug 24–25: 24 Hours in the Sage
Gunnison, CO. Hartman Rocks. 12-hour also
available. Solo, duo, singlespeed, teams of 4.
Home of the 24-Hour Solo Townie Bike World
Championship. Also 24 minutes in the Sage
kids race. Benefits Rocky Mountain MS Center.
Limit 300 riders. Dave Taylor, 970-641-1358,
24hoursinthesage.com
Aug 24: New Big Gulch Race
Durango, CO. Canceled. Jens Neilsen, nmors.org
Aug 24: Winter Park Epic Singletrack
Series #6 - King of the Rockies
Winter Park, CO. Thie race that started it all.
Distance 25.8 miles, start elevation 8756’, highest
elevation 9945’. Total climbing 4011’. Starts outside of Fraser and finishes at the base of Winter
Park Resort. Longest race of the series. Check-in
8am, race 10am. See race series for details.
Kristi Huber, Winter Park Resort, 970-726-1590,
epicsingletrack.com
Aug 30–Sep 1: Wydaho Rendezvous
MTB Festival
Alta, WY. Presented at Grand Targhee Resort WY
and Teton Valley ID. Super D (4300’ descent from
chairlift), downhill, hill climb and XC trail races.
For fun Strava events with prizes. Fat bike race,
including “high mark.” All races included with
registration. Tim Adams, tetonbikefest.org
Family Friendly Ride
Supports Bicycle Colorado
Commercial
Rocky Mountain Road Cup Point Scale
Bronze,
Silver,
Gold
Fall 2013
Calendar
Aug 31: 8 Hours of Labor
Butte, MT. Homestake Lodge. Rebecca Mamrol,
TripleRing Productions, tripleringprod.com
Aug 31–Sep 1: Big Mountain Enduro #4
Durango, CO. Big descents and high alpine.
Kennebec Pass and other infamous trails. See
race series for details. Big Mountain Enduro, LLC.,
bigmountainenduro.com
Aug 31–Sep 2: Keystone Downhill Jam
Keystone, CO. warriorscycling.com
Aug 31: Pain in the Aspen
Aspen, CO. Singletrack, high elevation,
backcountry, self supported endurance event.
75-78 miles. Thomas Ray, Colorado Endurance
Series, coloradoes.wordpress.com
Aug 31: Park City Point 2 Point
Park City, UT. A true point 2 point race. Thanks
to the plethora of trails in this area, the race will
never be on the same trail twice. Over 90% is
singletrack. 78 miles and 14,000’ of climbing.
Jay Burke, 801-330-3214, thepcpp.com
Aug 31: Top of the World MTB Race NMORS #9
Red River, NM. Takes place in the Enchanted
Forest XC and Snowshoe Area. Part of New
Mexico Off-Road Series - NMORS. Geoff Goins,
Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area,
575-754-6112, efxc.com
September
Sep 1: Grand Targhee Enduro & Super D
Alta, WY. Start at just under 10,000’ and travel
over 4700’ vertical and 12 miles down to finish
in Teton Canyon. DH runs on 1.75-mile-long
singletrack. Also chainless DH. Andy Williams,
Grand Targhee Resort, 307-353-2300 x 1309,
grandtarghee.com
Sep 1–2: Trestle Gravity Series #3
Winter Park, CO. See race series for details.
Winter Park Competition Center, 970-726-1590,
epicsingletrack.com
Sep 4: Rico 100
Rico, CO. High elevation backcountry on San
Juan’s finest singletrack. Start 6:30am at Rico Firehouse, ends at The Enterprise Bar & Grill. 95 miles
with 15km of climbing. Support vehicle for resupply at Bear Creek TH. Self-supported endurance
race limited to 74. Jeffrey Hemperley, Colorado
Endurance Series, coloradoes.wordpress.com
Sep 7: Back to School Special NMORS #10
Angel Fire, NM. New course. Collegiate and
regular USAC categories. Distances 10-30 miles
depending on class. DH race to be confirmed.
Part of New Mexico Off-Road Series - NMORS.
Nick Heine, University of NM Cycling Team,
nmcycling.org
Sep 7: Fall Classic
Breckenridge, CO. Expert, singlespeed open and
elite race. 29 miles with 4700’ of climbing on big
course, all others the 16-mile, 2700’ course. U13
start at Sallie Barber winter trailhead, all others at
the Wellington neighborhood on French Gulch Rd.
U10 race multiple laps at Carter Park. Jeff Westcott, Maverick Sports Promotions, 970-390-4760,
mavsports.com
Sep 7: Ring the Peak 100
Colorado Springs, CO. Self-supported singletrack,
dirt roads, backcountry, high altitude epic ride
around Pikes Peak. 100’ish miles. Ryan Kohler,
Colorado Endurance Series, ringthepeak.com
Sep 7–8: Vapor Trail 125
Salida, CO. High altitude ultra marathon MTB
enduro. 125 miles, 20,000’ of climbing on some
of the best singletrack in Colorado. Start 10pm.
Aid station. Earl and Tom, Absolute Bikes,
888-539-9295, vaportrail125.com
Sep 8: Colorado HS MTB League #1
Granby, CO. Snow Mountain Ranch Stampede.
See race series for details. Colorado HS League,
coloradomtb.org
Sep 8: Utah High School League #1
Park City, UT. For 9th through 12th grades only.
Categories for individual scoring are Freshman,
Sophomore, JV, and Varsity for boys and girls
separately. Team scoring for division I and II teams.
Start 10am. Bring your family and cowbells for a
great day of fun cheering your local high school
team at spectator-friendly, 4-6 mile lap courses.
See race series for details. Lori Harward, Utah
High School League, 801-502-8516, utahmtb.org
Sep 14: 12 Hours of Sundance
Sundance Resort, UT. With solo, 2-man, 4-man
and coed options this event has something for
everyone. Race from 7am - 7pm. Czar Johnson,
Sundance Resort, 801-223-4121,
sundanceresort.com/explore/sum_biking_races.html
Sep 14: Double Boundary Trail NMES #6
Taos, NM. Same course as 2012. Full 68 miles with
14,318’ of climbing to North Ridge of Taos Canyon
and down other side. Epic singletrack, dirt twotrack, some gravel or paved road. Unsupported,
not for beginners. Start 6:30am for full distance,
8:30am for half (35 miles, 5.4km of climbing). Limit
74. See race series for details. Rich Capener, NM
Endurance Series, nmes.wordpress.com
Sep 14: Epic 50
Winter Park, CO. New event. Marathon event on
25-mile loop. Includes 85% Fraser Valley singletrack and 15% county connecting routes. Limit
400. 970-726-1590, epicsingletrack.com
Fall 2013 Sep 14: Widowmaker Hill Climb
Snowbird, UT. Starts in Gad Valley at 10am,
3000’ vertical race to the top of the Tram for
awards, food and fun. Snowbird Resort.
James Zwick, 801-583-6281, sports-am.com
Sep 15: Horny Toad Hustle NMORS #11
Las Cruces, NM. Dona Ana Mountain trails.
Experience the best the desert has to offer with
fast rolling sections, short rocky climbs and cacti
to keep you honest. Also a chainless fun ride. Part
of New Mexico Off-Road Series - NMORS. Dave
Halliburton, 505-312-5991, hornytoadhustle.com
Sep 15: Tour des Suds
Park City, UT. 7-mile climb from City Park to top
of Guardsman Pass with 2,700’ elevation gain.
Participants are urged to don festive costumes
and celebrate the beginning of fall MTB season.
Ginger Ries, 435-649-6839, mountaintrails.org
Sep 21: Draper Fall Classic 50 USCS #4
Draper, UT. 50-mile lap format (2 x 25) or 1 loop
option of urban singletrack. Makes use of the
best of Corner Canyon trails. Part of Utah State
Championships Series. Bob Saffell, MTB Race
Productions, LLC, 801-588-9020, raceuscs.com
Sep 21: JBR Jurassic Classic
Lander, WY. Race at Johnny Behind the Rocks.
Start 9am, beginner, intermediate, Pro and high
school categories. BBQ, T-shirt and swag bag.
Limit 200. Toni Ferlisi, Lander Cycling Club,
307-690-3952, landercycling.org
Sep 21: Utah High School League #2
Sherwood Hills, UT. 9th through 12th graders
only. Sherwood Hills Resort. First wave at 10 am,
with 3 waves during the day. Spectator friendly
4-6 mile laps, total length depends on category.
Both individual scoring and team scoring. See
race series for details. Lori Harward, Utah High
School League, 801-502-8516, utahmtb.org
Sep 22: Colorado HS MTB League #2
TBD, CO. See race series for details. Colorado HS
League, coloradomtb.org
Sep 28–29: Big Mountain Enduro #5
Moab, UT. 7000’+ of descending through four
climate zones winding from Burro Pass down Hazard County, Kokopelli, UPS, LPS, and Porcupine
Rim Trails. Multiple enduro stages. Finals. See
race series for details. Big Mountain Enduro, LLC.,
bigmountainenduro.com
Sep 28: Crested Butte Classic 100
Crested Butte, CO. Self-supported, high elevation,
singletrack backcountry event. Start 6:30am at
post office parking lot. 3 separate loops. Limit 74.
Dave Ochs, Colorado Endurance Series,
coloradoes.wordpress.com
Sep 28: High Desert Screamer NMORS# 12
Gallup, NM. Part of Squash Blossom Classic. Tons
of singletrack, slickrock, small climbs and technical
sections. Beginner course: 7 miles. Sport: 19 miles.
Expert: 31 miles. Running event on Sunday. Part of
New Mexico Off-Road Series - NMORS. Jenny Van
Drunen, www.squashblossomclassic.com
Sep 28: Manzanita Mountain Epic NMES #7
Cedro Peak, NM. Start at campground. Short
loop 37 miles, long loop 47 miles, can combine
both for 84 miles with 8500’ of climbing. New
trails this year. See race series for details. Donnie
Cole, NM Endurance Series, nmes.wordpress.com
Sep 28: Stone Temple 8
Laramie, WY. 8-hour, 14-mile loop in Curt Gowdy
State Park. 99% of the course is on IBMA designed
singletrack. High school race. Supports Wyoming
State Park Trails Fund. Richard Vincent, Laramie
Enduro, 307-760-1917, laramieenduro.org
October
Oct 5: Dolores 100
Dolores, CO. Mixture of graded roads, singletrack, 4-wheel drive roads, high desert, mountains
and more around Dolores. Self supported. Start
7am at Dolores River Brewery. 93 miles, 7000’
elevation gain. Limit 74. Colorado Endurance
Series, coloradoes.wordpress.com
Oct 5: LTR Fruita Fall Flyer
Fruita, CO. Mike Driver, LTR Sports,
970-257-7678, ltrevents.com
Oct 5: Road Apple Rally - NMORS #13
Farmington, NM. 32nd annual. All races start/
finish at Lions Wilderness Park Amphitheater.
Beginner 15-mile loop, and all others 30-mile
Road Apple Loop. Climbing is minimal, making
it fast and fun. Lunch after race. No day of reg.
Part of New Mexico Off-Road Series - NMORS.
Shawn Lyle, City of Farmington Parks, Recreation
& Cultural Affairs Dept., 505-599-1140,
roadapplerally.com
Oct 5: Tour of the White Mountains
Show Low, AZ. At 7000’. Discover the challenges
and gratification from riding awesome smooth
flowing singletrack. 520-623-1584, epicrides.com
Oct 6: Colorado HS MTB League #3
Elbert, CO. Peaceful Valley Invitational. See
race series for details. Colorado HS League,
coloradomtb.org
Oct 6: Utah High School League #3
Snowbasin, UT. 9th through 12th graders only.
Snowbasin Resort, up Ogden Canyon. First wave
at 10 am, with 3 waves during the day. Spectator
friendly 4-6 mile laps, total length depends on category. Both individual scoring and team scoring.
See race series for details. Lori Harward, Utah
High School League, 801-502-8516, utahmtb.org
Oct 12: 6 Hours of Frog Hollow
Hurricane, UT. Introduction to endurance racing
with solo, 2- and 3-person categories. From 9am3pm. Same great 13-mile course as the 25-hour
race. Includes costume contest. Cimarron Chacon,
Gro-Promotions / True Grit / Frog Hollow,
970-759-3048, gropromotions.com
Oct 12: City Creek Bike Sprint
City Creek Canyon, UT. Starts at mouth of City
Creek Canyon 10am. 6-mile HC finishes at Rotary
Park. All categories, road and MTB. Ages U14 to
60+, Clydesdale division. No day of reg. James
Zwick, Sports-Am, 801-583-6281, sports-am.com
Oct 14–15: Huntsman World
Senior Games
St. George, UT. Be a part of the greatest MTB
event around for athletes 50 and over. HC, DH
and XC. Celebrate our 25th anniversary. Expert,
Sport and Beginner divisions. Kyle Case,
800-562-1268, seniorgames.net
Oct 19: Zuni Mountain 100 - NMES #8
McGaffey Lake, NM. NM Endurance Championships. 50-mile loop course. 100-milers ride it in
both directions. At McGaffey Lake. Unsupported, not for beginners. 100 starts at 7am, 50
at 9:30am. Limit 74 riders. See race series for
details. Bill Siebersma, NM Endurance Series,
nmes.wordpress.com
Oct 20: Colorado HS MTB League #4
TBD, CO. See race series for details. Colorado
HS League, coloradomtb.org
Oct 25–27: Collegiate MTB Nationals
Banner Elk, NC. usacycling.org
November
weekend races. Points calculated for all licensed
category riders and abilities. Mike Hansen,
utahcycling.com
weekly series
Tuesday
CSP Table Mountain Race Series
June 4–August 27
Golden, CO. Criterium held at CSP training facility on South Table Mtn. 6pm start for Senior men
and women. Medals for best overall sprinter and
finisher based on points. First series runs May to
end of June, second series July to end of August.
Jonathan Heidemann, 303-798-5925,
peaktopeaktraining.com
Lander CC Tuesday Night TT
April 2–September 24
Lander, WY. Starts at City Park and goes to
Sawmill parking area in Sinks Canyon. All bikes/
riders welcome. Start 5:45pm at 1-min intervals.
Order determined by previous times. Most selftimed/honor system. Canceled if less than 50F.
landercycling.org
RMR Criterium Series
April 2–September 24
West Valley City, UT. Tuesdays from April to
September at the Rocky Mountain Raceway
(6555 W. 2100 S). Start at 6pm for A/B flite,
6:55pm for C/D. 1.3-mile loop with sweeping
turns, tight chicanes and straight, wide finish.
Overall points based on any top 10 finish. USAC
license required. Marek Shon, 801-209-2479,
utahbikeracing.com
Nov 2–3: 25 Hours of Frog Hollow
Wednesday
Nov 9: Utah High School League
Championships #4
April 10–September 4
West Valley City, UT. Start at 6:10pm for A flight,
7pm for others. Tight technical turns, high speed
descent, and “The Wall.” One of the most difficult
courses in UT. Location: Driver’s Training Center
at 4700S 2780 W. Overall calculated on points.
The top 10 in each race gets points. Marek Shon,
801-209-2479, utahbikeracing.com
Hurricane, UT. Longest 24-hour race ever, with
double midnight lap due to the fallback time
change. 13-mile course in desert combines sweet
singletrack with technical sections and great climbs.
Solo, duo, 4-10 person teams. Cimarron Chacon,
Gro-Promotions / True Grit / Frog Hollow,
970-759-3048, gropromotions.com
Moab, UT. Final race and State Championship.
Held at Bar M Trails. First waveat 10 am. Reg
for races will be done through team coaches.
Categories include Freshman, Sophomore, JV and
Varsity for both boys and girls. Individual scoring
and team scoring and awards. See race series for
details. Lori Harward, Utah High School League,
801-502-8516, utahmtb.org
Touring
August
Aug 30–Sep 1: Wydaho Rendezvous
MTB Festival
Alta, WY. 3 days of group rides, demos,
skill parks and racing activities. Tim Adams,
208-201-1622, tetonmountainbikefest.tvtap.org
September
Sep 7–8: Pearl Pass Tour
Crested Butte, CO. The oldest mountain bike event
in the world celebrates Mountain Biking Hall of
Fame inductees. Pearl Pass Tour to Aspen. 38-mile
ride starts at 9am. Free entry. Gear shuttle $10.
Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, 970-349-6817,
mtnbikehalloffame.com
Sep 15: Monarch Crest Crank
Salida, CO. 15th annual. Ride 15 miles of sweet
high-altitude Monarch Crest Trail or Salida Mountain trails as a fundraiser for the Chaffee County
Alliance Against Domestic Abuse. Guides, food,
shuttle, beer. Also, historic Salida Cruiser Tour
for non-mountain bikers. Sheree Beddingfield,
Alliance Against Domestic Abuse, 719-530-1295,
monarchcrestcrank.com
October
Oct 2–6: Outerbike
Moab, UT. An opportunity to ride your dream
bike on world class trails and roads. Participants
will receive bike demos for 3 days, swag bag,
lunch and beer, and admission to evening parties
and films. Sean Hazell, Western Spirit Cycling
Adventures, 800-845-2453, outerbike.com
Oct 24–27: Moab Ho-Down Bike Festival
Moab, UT. 8th annual - Mountain bike festival
with dual stage enduro race, group shuttle rides,
bike film festival, townie tour, dirt jump comp and
an outrageous costume party. Tracy Reed,
435-259-4688, moabhodown.com
Road
series
Rocky Mountain Road Cup (RMRC)
Aug 31–Sep 2
Various, CO. Season long points competition for
individual and club members. Gold level events
awards points to the top 30, silver events top 20
and bronze top 15. Overall calculated on top
16 results for individual, top 20 for team. BRAC,
coloradocycling.org
UCA Premier Points Series
Aug 3, 17–18, 24
Various, UT. Season-long points series administered by the Utah Cycling Association. Consists of
DLD (DMV) Criterium p/b Ski Utah
SBR Time Trial Series
May 1–September 4
Orem, UT. Starts at 7pm. Flat 6-mile out and
back. Free to participate. Presented at 321 South
Vineyard Road. Joe Johnson, 801-225-0076,
sbrutah.com
Thursday
Bear Creek Lake Park TT
September 5–26
Lakewood, CO. 4-race series. 6.8-mile course
at Bear Creek Lake Park with fast turns, rolling
terrain and a 120 degree turn. All categories
Junior 10+, handcycles and retro. First rider off
at 4:30pm, 30” intervals. Overall calculated on
best 3 results. Fundraiser for ACA. Alan Boisvert,
720-536-5934, limabeanscycling.com
DNA Hill Climb Series
April 18–August 22
Salt Lake City, UT. Starts just east of the Hoggle
Zoo parking lot. 7.4 miles to top of Emigration
Canyon. First rider off at 6:30pm. Runs every
other Thursday. Marek Shon, 801-209-2479,
utahbikeracing.com
SaltAire Time Trial
April 4–September 5
Salt Lake City, UT. Race every other Thursday.
10km flat TT, out-and-back. Starts every 30
seconds. First rider at 6pm. Start off I-80 Frontage
Road, west of the International Center. Marek
Shon, 801-209-2479, utahbikeracing.com
Racing
August
Aug 24: Heber Valley Circuit Race
Heber, UT. Scenic but challenging 8-mile circuits
in Heber Valley. $1500 prize purse, equal payout
for men’s 1-2 and women’s 1-2-3 fields. Part of
UCA Premier Points Series. Jared Ebom, Bike 2
Bike, 801-599-9268, extramileracing.com
Aug 24: Jackson Hole Gran Fondo
Teton Village, WY. 117 miles. Scott Horn,
307-739-2676, teamjacksonhole.com
Aug 24: Powder Mountain HC
Eden, UT. Utah State Hill Climb Championships. 6
miles and 3000’ up Powder Mountain Road. Start
at Wolf Creek Balloon Festival Park, finish in Timberline parking lot. Ben Towery, 801-389-7247,
teamexcelerator.com
Aug 25: Mormon Lake Road Race
Flagstaff, AZ. Circuit race on 16-mile course with
rolling loops and 361’ climbing/lap. Start at
rodeo grounds. Distance between 21 (U18) to 85
miles for Pro men. Part of Women’s Cycling Assoc.
of AZ Series. Joe Shannon, Flagstaff Cycling,
928-523-1740, Flagstaffcycling.Squarespace.com
Aug 31–Sep 2: Steamboat Springs
Stage Race
Steamboat Springs, CO. Four days of racing. ITT
prologue, circuit race, road race and downtown
criterium. 8 categories. GC calculated on time.
Held under stage race rules, must enter/finish all
events. Part of Rocky Mountain Road Cup (RMRC).
Corey Piscopo, Steamboat Velo, 970-846-6413,
bikesteamboat.com
September
Sep 1–2: Paula Higgins Record
Challenge TT
Moriarty, NM. Regional TT Championships. Break
a national record or your personal best. 40km
course, flat, one turn, calm winds. Juniors must
use restricted gears. Sunday: 10, 20 and 40km
seeded by age group. Next day’s start based on
finish time. nmcycling.org
Sep 4–8: USAC Masters Road Nationals
Bend, OR. All age groups and tandems with
combined age of 70+. Road race, criterium and
TT. Chad Sperry, Breakaway Promotions,
719-434-4200, usacycling.org
Sep 7: LOTOJA Classic
Logan, UT. European-style classic. 206 miles, up
and down 3 mountain passes in first 110 miles.
Logan to Jackson Hole, WY. Must finish before
dark. Pre-reg only. 27 categories including relay
team. Brent Chambers, Epic Events, 801-546-0090,
lotojaclassic.com
Sep 9–14: World Human Powered
Speed Challenge
Battle Mountain, NV. Cyclists from around the
world will gather on SR305 to see who is the
fastest in the world. Al Krause, 707-443-8261,
ihpva.org
Sep 14–16: Hoodoo 500
St. George, UT. 519 miles, with 30,000’ of
climbing. Solo and team divisions. Loop start/finish in St. George. Breathtaking scenery. Voyager
start 5am, solo 7am, 2-person relay 9am, 4-person teams 11am. Deb Bowling, Planet Ultra,
818-889-2453, Hoodoo500.com
Sep 14: Wildflower Trailfest
Mountain Green, UT. Mountain bike challenge
for women. Held at Snowbasin Ski Resort. 3 timed
courses. Awards for age group winners. Stacie
Palmer, 801-628-6416, wildfloweroutdoor.com
Sep 19: USA Crit Finals
Las Vegas, NV. Criterium during Interbike at
Mandalay Bay Resort. Staggered starts for different categories from Pro to amateurs. Industry
Cup Challenge. Casey Lamberski, 706-549-6632,
usacrits.com
Sep 20–21: Salt to Saint Relay
Salt Lake City, UT. 410-mile relay race from
SLC to St. George following Route 89. 13,000’
of climbing. Solo, 4- and 8-person teams.
Clay Christensen, 801-234-0399, salttosaint.com
Sep 21: Harvest Moon Criterium
Ogden, UT. 4-corner crit in Downtown Ogden
around the Municipal Park between 25th & 26th
Streets. Ben Towery, 801-389-7247,
teamexcelerator.com
October
Oct 8–11: Huntsman World
Senior Games
St. George, UT. 4-day event provides 4 different
challenges - 5km hill climb, 20 or 40km TT, criterium and 37-62km RR. 5-year age brackets and
skill divisions from expert to recreational.
Kyle Case, 800-562-1268, seniorgames.net
Oct 12: City Creek Bike Sprint
City Creek Canyon, UT. Starts at mouth of
City Creek Canyon at 10am. 6-mile HC finishes
at Rotary Park. All categories, road and MTB.
Age groups U14 to 60+ and Clydesdale division.
No day-of reg. James Zwick, Sports-Am,
801-583-6281, sports-am.com
tour series
Challenge Series Short Course
25; Sep 7
Various, CO. 3-event series. 80-100 miles with
challenging climbs. Overall season standing
calculated on time. rmccrides.com
Touring
August
Aug 24–25: Bike MS: Pedal los Pueblos
Pojoaque, NM. Ride through beautiful northern
NM to fund research, programs and services.
Fully supported 2-day ride. 36, 58, 86 miles or a
full century for Saturday and 40 or 56 miles on
Sunday. Caters to all rider levels. Maggie Schold,
MS Society - Rio Grande Division, 505-243-2698,
bikemsnewmexico.org
Aug 24: Cache Valley Century Tour
Richmond, UT. Century, metric century and 40mile options. Lunch and rest stops. Century goes
through Idaho and back to Utah. Start between
8 and 9am. Bob Jardine, Cache Valley Veloists
Bicycle Touring Club, 435-713-0288,
CacheValleyCentury.com
Aug 24: CASVAR
Afton, WY. Start at Canyon Park. Pony Express
20, Colt 45, Pioneer 65, Blazing Saddle 85 and
Saddle Sore century rides. You will see bison, but
not many cars. Howard Jones, 307-883-9779,
casv.org
Aug 24: Jackson Hole Gran Fondo
Teton Village, WY. 117-mile gran fondo in
the shadows of the Tetons and the Greater
Yellowstone Area. Scott Horn, 307-739-2676,
teamjacksonhole.com
Rocky Mountain Bicycle Paper l 13
Calendar
Aug 24: Summit Challenge
Park City, UT. For riders of all ages and abilities.
Fully supported 18, 52, 102 miles in and around
Park City mountain side. Spectacular views.
Start 8:30am. Training rides available. Supports
National Ability Center’s mission. Janai Martinez,
National Ability Center, 435-649-3991 x 633,
summitchallenge100.org
Aug 24–31: Tour of Southern Utah
St George, UT. Ride to Mt. Carmel Junction (via
Zion), Bryce, Escalante, Torrey, Panguitch, Cedar
City and back. 60 to 100 challenging miles per day.
500 miles 30,000’ of climbing. Limit 30. Deb Bowling, Planet Ultra, 818-889-2453, planetultra.com
Aug 25: Tour of the Valley Century
Grand Junction, CO. Ride at your own pace in
beautiful western Colorado. 30-, 50-, 75- and 100mile options. Century thru Colorado Nat’l Monument. Post-ride meal. Movie Saturday night. Benefits
Community Hospital and 3 other organizations.
Pre-reg only. Morgan Taylor, Community Hospital,
800-621-0926, yourcommunityhospital.com
Aug 25: Twin Creeks - BCC SS
Park City, UT. 100 miles. Ride Lost Creek and
Chalk Creek starting in Coalville. Meet at the
Coalville Courthouse on Main Street at 9am. Don
Williams, Bonneville Cycling Club, 801-641-4020,
bccutah.org
Aug 26: Arches and Canyonlands
National Parks
Moab, UT. Free entrance. The perfect time to
ride your road bike in the parks. Distances vary.
435-259-8825, nps.gov
Aug 27: FrontRunner Century
Salt Lake City, UT. 100-mile scenic tour of the
Wasatch from SLC to Ogden, return by train.
Rest stops, SAG, meal, swag. Minimum elevation
gain. Limit 1200. For The Win Racing, LLC,
frontrunnercentury.com
Aug 31: Hooper Horizontal 100 - BCC SS
Salt Lake, UT. Meet at Westpoint Park 9am.
Self-supported club ride, non-members welcome.
Flat course 100-miler from SLC to Hooper, Plain
City, and back. 30- and 65-mile options available.
Greg Allen, Bonneville Cycling Club, bccutah.org
Aug 31–Sep 7: LAGBRAU
Moab, UT. 8 days, 5 national parks, 4 state
parks, 2 national monuments, and 1 national
recreation area. 400 miles. Very scenic bicycle
ride. Les Titus, 801-654-1144, lagbrau.com
Aug 31–Sep 2: Trail of the
Mountain Spirits
Silver City, NM. Covers a 105-mile loop over 3
days on Nat’l Scenic Byway. Average 30-40 miles
per day. Fully supported. One of New Mexico’s
finest cycling routes. Limit 75. James Harms,
520-241-5556, bikegaba.org
September
Sep 1: West Elk Bicycle Classic
Gunnison, CO. Demanding 134-mile gran fondo
with about 9300’ of climbing. Ride from Gunnison
to Crested Butte circumnavigating the West Elk
Mountains. Includes a 25-mile 5000’ climb over
the dirt Kebler pass. Benefits Wester State Colorado University’s sport teams. Limit 250 riders.
970-318-6783, westelkbicycleclassic.com
Sep 7: Capulin Volcanic Classic
Raton, NM. 400km, focused around climbing
the symmetrical, cinder cone Capulin Volcano,
which rises 1300’ above the surrounding plains
to 8182’. Start 6am. RUSA event. 505-263-7090,
nmbrevets.com
Sep 7: LOTOJA Classic
Logan, UT. European-style classic. 206 miles total,
up and down 3 mountain passes in first 110 miles.
Starts in Logan, finishes in Jackson Hole, WY. Must
finish before dark. Pre-reg only. Brent Chambers,
Epic Events, 801-546-0090, lotojaclassic.com
Sep 7: RMCC - Copper Triangle
Sep 8–13: People’s Coast Classic
Astoria, OR. Astoria to Brookings Harbor. 6-day
event benefits Arthritis Foundation. Daily 50-70
miles, rest stops, activities, dinner and camping
included. 2- and 4-day options available. Arthritis
Foundation, thepeoplescoastclassic.org
Sep 8–27: Santa Fe Trail Bicycle Trek
Santa Fe, NM. Ride all or part of the Santa Fe
Trail (approx 1100 miles) to New Franklin, MO,
on paved public roads. Fully supported, nonprofit, inexpensive camping trip. 50 rider limit.
Willard Chilcott, Santa Fe Century Committee,
505-982-1282, SantaFeTrailBicycleTrek.com
Sep 8: Tour de Tahoe
Lake Tahoe, NV. 11th annual. Ride around Lake
Tahoe on the shoreline, fully supported with rest
stops, tech support and SAG. 72 miles, 2600’
vertical gain. Boat cruise and 35-mile fun ride.
Post ride pool party and meal. Curtis Fong,
Bike The West, 800-565-2704, bikethewest.com
Sep 8: Wacky W
Castle Rock, CO. Ride the Wacky W to help the
Douglas County Schools. For riders of all abilities
followed by post-ride party. Wargin Events,
720-432-7265, wackyw.com
Sep 11: Colorado Last Chance 1200
Boulder, CO. 1200km with 1000km option. Must
have completed a full brevet series or a 1000 or
1200km randonnee in order to participate. Route:
out-and-back from Boulder to western Kansas. Register by August 15. Limit 45 riders. John Lee Ellis,
Rocky Mountain CC, 303-604-1163, rmccrides.com
Sep 13–21: Northern Utah
Salt Lake City, UT. New. Based out of Salt Lake
City. Follow the shores of Utah Lake, climb the
Nebo Scenic Byway Loop, and up Skyline Drive
to see Huntington Canyon. Advanced. Ken
Condray, Colorado HeartCycle Association,
heartcycle.org
Sep 14: 4 Corners Tour de Cure
TBD, NM. Supports American Diabetes Association. Min fundraising $150. Ron Guerrero,
American Diabetes Association - NM Chapter,
1-888-DIABETES, main.diabetes.org/site/TR?fr_
id=8920&pg=entry
Sep 14: Huckleberry 100
(Montana Century)
Kalispell, MT. 3 different course options, with new
route features: 100-mile, 50-mile and a family
ride. Begin in downtown Kalispell and will wind
throughout the backyard of Glacier National Park
and Flathead Lake. Suits every level of cycling
ability and conditioning. Bikes & Berries Food Fest
after the ride. Chip Lusko, Fresh Live Radio,
406-257-3339, huckleberry100.com
Sep 14: Lava Hot Springs
Double Overnight
Brigham City, UT. Challenging 106-mile ride
north to Lava Hot Springs, ID. Easier 92 miles
on Sunday morning. Bag drop available. Start
8am. James Halay, Bonneville Cycling Club,
801-690-1722, bccutah.org
Sep 14: Ride Westcliffe
Westcliffe, CO. Follow the historic Frontier Pathway
east on route 96, up to hardscrabble highlands,
down to MacKenzie Junction and south to Colorado City. Distances: High Peaks Century - 100
miles with 10,000’ elevation gain. Metric Century:
69 miles / 7200’. Wet Mountain: 60 miles /
6,900’. New Guys ride 24 miles /1500’. Families:
8-mile historic mine tour and bike rodeo for
kids. Fully supported. Bob Tobin, 719-783-3229,
ridewestcliffe.com
Sep 14: The Epic 200
Saratoga Springs, UT. Fully supported 1-day 200mile ride. Enjoy an epic day of cycling to Mona, into
Goshen Canyon, through an old mining ghost town,
and along the historic Pony Express route. 160-,
100-, and 66-mile options available. Early start 6am.
Dan Burton, 801-653-2039, epicbiking.com
Copper Mountain, CO. 78 miles, 7000’ vertical.
Start at 9am at the trailhead and bike path
parking lot on the southeast corner of Interstate
70 and State Highway 91 in Copper Mountain.
Course: Fremont Pass, Tennessee Pass, and Vail
Pass. Self-sufficient. Part of Challenge Series
Short Course. Mark Lowe, Rocky Mountain CC,
rmccrides.com
Sep 14: Xcel Energy
Tour de Ocho Millas
Cody, WY. Ride all 100 miles or any distance
you wish. Benefits the wild mustangs of the McCullough Peaks. Werner Noesner, Park County
Pedalers, wildhorsecentury.com
Sep 15: Good Sam Bike Jam
Sep 7: Wild Horse Century
Sep 7: Wonder Woman Ride
Payson, UT. Conquer the 30-, 70- or the 100-mile
event. Picturesque scenery. Fully supported, finish
line festival. For women by women. Mahogani
Thurston, 801-318-1420, wonderwomanride.com
Sep 8: Buffalo Bicycle Classic
Boulder, CO. Routes of 14, 35, 50, 70 and
100 miles. Start between 7 and 9:30am.
Benefits CU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Online reg and Saturday reg on campus.
buffalobicycleclassic.com
Sep 8: Enchanted Circle Century
Red River, NM. 36th annual. 100-mile loop
around beautiful and challenging Enchanted
Circle. From Red River to Questa and Taos, then
from Angel Fire to Black Lake. Returns through
Angel Fire, Black Lake, Eagle Nest and Red
River. 25-, 50-mile options. Karen Kelly, Red
River Chamber of Commerce, 575-754-2366 x 1,
redrivernewmex.com
14 l Rocky Mountain Bicycle Paper
Roswell, NM. Metric century as well as 8, 16,
24, 32, 40, 48, and 56 miles at Bottomless Lakes
State Park. Course has a few demanding hills,
switchbacks and impressive views. T-shirt and
water bottle included. Benefits Reflections and Recovery programs. Lendell Nolan, 575-317-7169,
tourdeochomillas.com
Lafayette, CO. 6 routes: 20, 32, 45, Easy 62,
Super 62 and 100 miles. Ride from Lafayette to
Jamestown on fully supported ride. Walk for noncyclists. Post-ride festivities. Benefits the Cancer
Care Fund. Exempla Good Samaritan Foundation,
303-689-5252, goodsambikejam.org
Sep 20–22: Denver Post Pedal
the Plains
Lamar, CO. 3-day, 170-mile ride across Colorado’s
High Plains. Grand fondo and family ride. Barn
dances, BBQs, visit working farms and historic sites.
Benefits The Denver Post Community Foundation
and the Eastern Plains host communities. Renee
Wheelock, Denver Post, 303-954-6701,
pedaltheplains.com
Sep 20–22: Moab Century Tour
Moab, UT. Weekend of cycling with rolling and
climbing route options including the infamous “Big
Nasty” (3000’ elevation in 7 miles). Route options: 40, 65, 100. Warm up ride Friday, recovery
ride Sunday. Beth Logan, Skinny Tire Events,
435-259-3193, skinnytireevents.com
Sep 21: 20th Annual Tour de Vineyards
Palisade, CO. 20th annual. Tour Colorado’s wine
country. 25-mile ride by West Slope vineyards
and orchards. Run in conjunction with Colorado
Mountain Winefest. Start between 7 and 8am.
Event Marketing Group LLC, 303-635-2815,
tourdevineyards.com
Sep 21: CF Cycle for Life - Colorado
Longmont, CO. Ride through some of the most
scenic terrain. 28-, 44-, 70-mile route options.
Climb Left Hand Canyon to Ward. Fully supported, rest stops, post-event festivities. Start/
finish Boulder County Fairgrounds. Benefits Cystic
Fibrosis Foundation. Must be 18. Min $200
fundraising. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Colorado Chapter, 877-296-6610, cff.org
Sep 21: Gnarly Nebo
111 & 200 Brevet - SLR
Payson, UT. Tentative. 128km or 200km self-supported ride. From Payson, up and over the Mount
Nebo Loop road to Nephi and back. Shorter
distance open to all. Richard Stum, Salt Lake Randonneurs, 435-462-2275, SaltLakeRandos.org
Sep 21: Mountains to the Desert Ride
(M2D)
Telluride, CO. 10th annual. Telluride to Gateway
Summit. 2 start times and locations: Norwood at
8am, Telluride at 9am. 4 distances: 70, 100, 103
and 133 miles. Fully supported. Feast, raffle and
ice cream at 4pm. Return shuttle. Benefits Just for
Kids Foundation. 970-728-4454, m2dbikeride.com
Sep 21: RTC Viva Bike Vegas Gran Fondo
Las Vegas, NV. 103-mile Gran Fondo, 60-mile
metric century and 17-mile ride. Benefits AfterSchool All-Stars Las Vegas, Cleveland Clinic Lou
Ruvo Center For Brain Health and Communities In Schools Nevada. Amy Maier, Regional
Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada,
702-676-1542, vivabikevegas.com
Sep 21: Stove Prairie - Clockwise
Longmont, CO. End of season 200km brevet. Visit
up the stiff climb to Stove Prairie - possible fall
colors. Start 8am at Conoco, I-25 exit 243. John
Lee Ellis, Rocky Mountain CC, 303-604-1163,
rmccrides.com
Sep 21: Tour of Heber
disabilities. Carisa Miller, 801-563-4120,
MillionMilesatMiller.com
Sep 28: Moab Double Whammy
109 & 200 Brevet
Moab, UT. 200K brevet. Minimally supported
ride in two of Utah’s best National Parks (Arches
and Canyonlands). 6000’+ of climbing. Richard
Stum, Salt Lake Randonneurs, 435-462-2275,
saltlakerandos.org
Sep 28: Penny’s Legacy Ride
Farmington, UT. Benefits Sego Lily programs to
raise awareness of domestic abuse in our community. Ride follows the Legacy Parkway Trail. 10-,
15-, 25-mile options. Sego Lily, 801-590-4920,
slcad.org
Sep 28: Tour de Ruidoso Century
Ruidoso, NM. Century begins at 6900’ and rolls
through one of the most scenic and challenging
cycling routes in New Mexico. Several mountainous climbs of 8%. Option of 100km or 20-mile
fun ride. Benefits a variety of non-profits. Steve
Hightower, Bicycle Ruidoso CC, 575-336-1151,
bicycleruidoso.com
Sep 28: Watchman 100
Springdale, UT. 50-, 70-, or 100-mile options from
Springdale. Beautiful scenery of Sand Hollow
State Park and Zion National Park. Perfect fall riding temperatures. 7:30am start. Fully supported.
Limit 1500. Ryan Gurr, SpinGeeks, 435-674-3185,
spingeeks.com
Sep 29: Aptalis CF Cycle for Life
Rio Rancho, NM. 35-, 50- and 65-mile ride.
Starts at Santa Ana Star Center. Supported route
with rest stops stocked full of snacks. Post event
festivities with a pizza party. Must be 18. Min
pledge of $150. Stephanie Mora, Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation, cff.org
Sep 29: Can You See Us Now?
Albuquerque, NM. Ride and rally. Raises awareness for fallen riders. Start at 3pm. Jennifer Buntz,
505-400-6492, bikeabq.org
Sep 29: Venus de Miles
Boulder County, CO. 6th annual. Women’s only
event to raise funds for Greenhouse Scholars for
college. 30-, 60-, and 100-mile course options.
All skill levels. Many rest stops along the way.
Post-ride festival. Teresa Robbins, Greenhouse
Scholars, 303-460-1745, venusdemiles.com
Oct 11–14: Moab Weekend
Moab, UT. Fixed-base trip allowing ample time
to enjoy the town and its wonderful shops and
restaurants. Chris Matthews, Colorado HeartCycle
Association, 303-618-4789, heartcycle.org
Oct 12: 7th Annual Breast Cancer
Charity Ride
American Fork, UT. 22-mile casual ride for women
and men. Start 10am at the store, followed by
raffle. Swag. Benefits the Breast Cancer Research
Fund. Trek Stores, 801-763-1222, trekaf.com
Oct 12: Goldilocks Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV. Fully supported, women’s only
bike ride with 20-, 40-, 60-, 80-mile, and century
route options. Views of Lake Mead, Boulder City,
and the Las Vegas Strip. Staged at Wayne Bunker
Family Park, first wave 6:30am. Limit 500. Dani
Lassiter, Infinite Cycles and Healthy Herriman,
801-635-9422, goldilocksride.com
Oct 12: Park to Park Pedal
Extreme Nevada 100
Caliente, NV. Start at Kershaw-Ryan State
Park. 103-mile extreme, 60-mile Double Jack,
40-mile helix. Fully supported. Dawn Andone,
775-728-4460, lincolncountynevada.com
Oct 12: Trek WSD Breast Cancer
Awareness Ride
American Fork, UT. 22-mile casual ride for women
and men. Food, SWAG, & raffle prizes. Reg fees
go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Trek Stores, 801-763-1222, trekaf.com
Oct 13: Apple Valley Populaire
Boulder, CO. Open to all. Scenic foothills ride
with autumn foliage. 129km. Starts 10am at East
Boulder Community Center. RUSA sanctioned.
John Lee Ellis, Rocky Mountain CC,
303-604-1163, rmccrides.com
Oct 18: WSNM Moonlight Ride
Holloman AFB, NM. Dunes Drive open to bicycles
for only 3 hours after dark. Standard park
entrance fee. Lights mandatory. Call to reserve.
Registration opens September 18. Limit 200.
White Sands Nat’l Monument, 575-479-6124,
nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/bicycling.htm
Oct 19: Tri-States Gran Fondo
Mesquite, NV. 114 miles, 7700’ of climbing across
Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. Fully supported.
Mini fondo same three states. Deb Bowling, Planet
Ultra, 818-889-2453, tristatesgranfondo.com
Heber, UT. 2nd annual. 100-mile century, metric
century, and a fun ride of 25 miles. Start at
River’s Edge at Deer Park. Soon to become a
favorite among riders of all abilities. Duff Johnson, Slim & Knobby’s Bike Shop, 435-654-2282,
tourofheber.com
October
Oct 5: Gila Monster Challenge
Oct 26: Tour de St. George Fall Century
West Yellowstone, MT. Fully supported 60-mile
ride from West Yellowstone, MT, into Yellowstone
Nat’l Park, to Old Faithful and back. Glimpse elk,
bison, geysers, and hot pots. Limit 350. Moira
Dow, West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce,
406-646-7701, cycleyellowstone.com
Oct 5: Honeyville Hot Springs - BCC SS
Oct 27: Day of the Tread
Sep 21: West Yellowstone
Old Faithful Cycle Tour
Sep 22–28: Land of Enchantment
Classic Plus
Albuquerque, NM. Intermediate to advanced,
average 60 miles per day. Follow the Turquoise
Trail through historic mining towns beneath the
Sandia Mountains, the High Road to Taos beside
the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the legendary Enchanted Circle. All meals included. Start/
finish in Albuquerque. Bicycle Adventures,
800-443-6060, bicycleadventures.com
Sep 22–28: OATBRAN
Lake Tahoe, NV. 22nd annual. Follow the
Legendary Pony Express Trail on U.S. Hwy. 50 America’s Loneliest Road, 5 days of riding, 420
miles from Lake Tahoe to Great Basin National
Park. Limit 50. Curtis Fong, Bike The West,
800-565-2704, bikethewest.com
Sep 22–27: Redrock Canyons Tour
Grand Junction, CO. Visit world famous Monument Valley and Unaweep and Dolores River Canyons. 300-420 miles. Lizard Head Cycling Guides,
970-728-5891, lizardheadcyclingguides.com
Sep 22: Tour of Acoma
Acoma, NM. Ride the 25-, 50- or 100-mile route
in the Acoma and Laguna Reservations, usually
not open to the general public. Century starts at
7am, others 8am. Early reg recommended.
Mikalyn Vallo, 505-552-7888, acomaskycity.org
Sep 28: Cruising to Stop Abusing
Wellsville, UT. 10-, 46-, and 72-mile routes to
choose. Fully stocked aid stations and lunch.
Shawn Didericksen, CAPSA, 435-512-6192,
cruisingtostopabusing.com
Sep 28: Durango Fall Blaze
Durango, CO. Enjoy the fall colors in the San
Juan Mountains with 37-, 60- or 100-mile options.
Benefits Cycling Scholarship Fund at Fort Lewis
College. Fully Supported. Start at FLC Campus
Clocktower at 8am. Dave Hagan,
durangofallblaze.com
Sep 28: Josie Johnson Memorial Ride
Salt Lake City, UT. Raise awareness for bicycle
safety and bring the community together. Travel
from Sugarhouse Park to the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon and back. Start 10:30am. Free,
donation accepted. Ken Johnson, Utah Bicycle
Coalition, 801-205-1039, josiejohnsonride.com
Sep 28: Million Miles at Miller
Tooele, UT. 100-mile ride for solo riders, relay
teams or group teams. 30- and 62-mile options.
Family ride. Riders of all ages, skill levels and
type of bikes welcome. At Miller Motorsports
Park. Min$100 fundraising for Larry H. Miller
Charities which funds for children and adults with
Silver City, NM. Discover what racers have know
for years, Gran Fondo style. Beautiful scenery,
awesome course and exceptional weather.
Same distance as Pro racers as well as 3 other
shorter distances. Fundraiser for Tour of the Gila.
tourofthegila.com
Ogden, UT. 100 miles from Ogden Five Points,
climbs Sardine thru Wellsville to Valley view and
Tremonton south to Honeyville for a hot springs
soak then back. Self-supported. James Halay,
Bonneville Cycling Club, bccutah.org
Oct 5: Jam the Damz
Littleton, CO. Fun, family oriented ride offers
distances from 10, 50 and 100km. It raises awareness and funds for 3 great local organizations:
Craig Hospital, US Handicycling, and Adaptive
Adventures. Presented at Bear Creek Lake Park.
Matt Feeney, Jam the Damz, 303-910-9831,
jamthedamz.org
Oct 5: James Canyon Jaunt
Saint George, UT. Ride around Snow Canyon State
Park, Quail Creek Reservoir and Sand Hollow.
Challenging route, fully supported with rest stops
and lunch. 35, 65, and 100 miles. Starts from Town
Square 8am. Limit 1500. Chip timed. Ryan Gurr,
SpinGeeks, 435-674-3185, spingeeks.com
Albuquerque, NM. Start/finish at Embassy Suites
Hotel & Spa. For all ages and abilities. 12, 26,
54, 80 or 100 miles. Full or half-marathon of
cycling and running. Celebrate Halloween, prizes
for best costumes. Includes T-shirt, water bottle.
Benefits Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation &
Casa Esperanza. dayofthetread.com
November
Nov 9–11: Arches and Canyonlands
National Parks
Moab, UT. Free entrance. The perfect time to ride
your road bike in the parks. Distances vary.
435-259-8825, nps.gov
Louisville, CO. 200km. Start/finish at US-36
Louisville-Superior Exit at 8am. Climbs Lefthand
Canyon to Jamestown, followed by spur to
Loveland. John Lee Ellis, Rocky Mountain CC,
303-604-1163, rmccrides.com
Nov 30: Saturday Fatter Day Ride
Fallon, NV. 11th annual. 30-, 60-, and 100-mile
tour, fully supported. Event shirts, gift bags, lunch,
post-event BBQ. Start 7-8:30am at Churchill
County Fairgrounds. Limit 300. Churchill County
Cyclists, 775-423-7733, churchillcounty.org
Dec 7: Radium Springs
Oct 5: No Hill 100
Oct 5: Santa Fe Gourmet Classic
Santa Fe, NM. The 65-mile ride takes you through
Santa Fe and the surrounding areas, winding
around meadows with beautiful views of the
Sangre de Cristo and Sandia Mountains. Enjoy
a heavy or light breakfast, several rest stops
featuring light creative treats catered by Walter
Burke Catering. Gourmet Southwest lunch at the
Bonanza Creek Movie Studio at mid-point.
Lavi Malhotra, Santa Fe Gourmet Classic,
505-995-8547, santafegourmetclassic.com
Oct 5: Tour of the Moon
Grand Junction, CO. Ride the course made
famous by the Coors Classic and the American
Flyers movie. The epic ride starts in downtown
and travels through Colorado Nat’l Monument.
41 and 60 miles. Limit 2000. Supports Colorado
Waterfront Commission. Event Marketing Group
LLC, 303-282-9020, tourofthemoon.com
Oct 5: Zion Canyon 200km
St. George, UT. 200km brevet out and back to
Zion National Park. Ride on rural roads to Hurricane, Virgin and Springdale to the Temple of
Sinawava. Start at 7am. Park entry fee required.
Lonnie Wolff, 435-559-0895, subrevet.org
Oct 6–11: Tour of the Gila
Silver City, NM. Ride through southwest New
Mexico’s Gila Mountains on roads that climb,
dive, twist, and turn from start to finish. 325-425
miles. Lizard Head Cycling Guides,
970-728-5891, lizardheadcyclingguides.com
Saratoga Springs, UT. Burn off turkey and pie
calories riding to the top of Sun Crest. Bring a donation for the Food Bank. Benefits the Utah Food
Bank. Dan Burton, 801-653-2039, epicbiking.com
December
Radium Springs, NM. 200km brevet. Ride heads
north through chile and cotton fields and pecan
orchards of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Start
7am at Leasburg Dam State Park. RUSA event.
John Mazzola, NM Brevet Series, 505-263-7090,
nmbrevets.com
track
weekly series
Tuesday
CVA Tuesday Night Racing
June 11–Aug 20
Colorado Springs, CO. Tentative dates. Schedule
of events varies each week. All participants must
be licensed members. A, B, and C self-category
racing. A must for those hoping to upgrade. No
points. Racing starts at 7pm. Claire Sanderson,
csvelodrome.org
Track
September
Sep 19–21: USAC Collegiate Track
Nationals
Colorado Springs, CO. Micah Rice,
719-434-4200, usacycling.org
October
Oct 13–14: Far West Championships
Encino, CA. ATRA NCS series finals. See website
for schedule. Alfred Nash, 626-441-7951,
encinovelodrome.org
Fall 2013
Opinion
What’re You Thinking About, Maynard?
By Maynard Hershon
O
n July Fourth, Tamar and I
and our friend Justin rode
our bikes 30 miles on two Denver
bike trails, paved off-street trails
on which you never have to deal
with motor vehicles. As we rode,
cyclists passed us now and then,
and we passed a few.
Tamar and I were just back
from two weeks in delightful French
Canada; we walked a short distance
down the fabled Route Verte bike
path system there, but we did not
ride at all. The walking, in Montreal and Quebec
City, was just too good. If we go back, as we hope
to, we’ll ride that Route Verte.
On the Platte River bike trail, as the three of
us rode in a single line at been-off-the-bike pace,
we came up behind numbers of very slow riders.
I have to think they were looking at single digits
on their cyclometers. I mention them because
several were riding pricey carbon fiber racing
bikes. Some had carbon fiber wheel rims. All
that expense seems unnecessary to me.
Here’s the thing. Bicycles are terrific today,
nearly all bicycles. Better than they’ve ever been.
Even the less expensive ones. Maybe especially
the less expensive ones. You don’t need to buy
the so-called best to get a great bike.
Frames last indefinitely unless you drive into
your garage with your bike on your roof rack.
The parts on the frame? Except for chains and
sprockets, that stuff lasts darn near forever, given
minimal maintenance.
I have three bikes. My Gios was made in
1984, my Lighthouse in 1990 and my Rivendell
in 2000. They work great. My newest components were made in the
early ‘90s. Lots of folks ride stuff
way older. I’m not talking about
premium priced stuff that promises
to last forever. Look around. You’ll
see plenty of old, mid-priced parts
surviving and thriving despite never
having been fussed over.
Maybe some people imagine
that a $10,000 bicycle is incomparably better than a $2,500 bicycle.
The ten grand model is marginally
better. It isn’t “faster.” It can’t be; it has no engine.
If you’re not a great rider, the mid-priced bike
may be a better choice than an expensive pure
racing bicycle. The expensive one is made with
an expert rider in mind, a tough, limber young
athlete with super reflexes who may ride more
than 10,000 miles a year.
I feel sure that some people buy pricey bikes
because they hope it or the money they’ve spent
will get them out riding more often or further or
faster. Maybe it’ll help them lose some weight
or shed some unhappy habit. I’ve probably done
that sorta thing once or twice in my life; maybe
we all have. But it has never worked for me.
Certainly not for long.
And if you buy an iconic bike, a precious,
ultra-serious bike, one just like the Tour winner
rode last year, your cycling may lose some lightheartedness. So much of life tries to rob us of
our lightheartedness. Why pay good money to
give it away?
On our July Fourth ride, I knew that I’d been
off my bike for two weeks, but Tamar had been
off hers a week longer. So I quietly monitored her progress, asking her now and then if she was
doing OK. And she always was.
We stopped at a trailside cafe for iced tea mid-ride. On the way home, Tamar followed me
closely on the bike path, riding in the vacuum immediately behind me. I’m usually a little stronger
than her so that’s our M.O. As we rode, I was sorta taking care of her, if you know what I mean.
When we caught slower riders, I would wait until I could see clear trail far enough ahead that
she’d have plenty of time to get back onto our side of the trail after we passed them. I want her to
feel safe back there. No close calls.
I tried to ride with her legs. Sudden accelerations will sap a rider’s energy much more than
steady speeds, so I tried to keep my pace even and my effort as consistent as I could. If Justin were
in the lead and he rode half a mile per hour faster, I did not chase him and try to close the gap
immediately. I slowly rolled up to him, so as not to tax Tamar’s legs.
If you draft on your rides and you find yourself in front of your partner or a riding friend,
think of riding with that person’s legs. You may be a bit stronger, but you don’t show your class by
demonstrating how strong you are. Class is thinking of your riding companion.
On another note, I’m sensing a new urgency from cyclists on the bike paths — urgency expressed
by passing when oncoming riders are close, or passing when there is no line-of-sight. I’m afraid that
a program that times our rides and ranks them is encouraging people to take chances with their
own safety and that of others. They hear the ticking of some virtual clock.
I’m not Grant Petersen of Rivendell. My old friend Grant would have you sit up and slow down,
throw away your cyclometer, shift fewer times per ride and try to squelch any competitive feelings
you may experience. Like me, he’s an old roadie, but he has cast off any need for speed he may
have felt in years past. He’d like you to ride in street shoes and seersucker shirts.
He and I do not always agree. But when Grant says that cycling as a way of life is not all about
performance, I think he’s onto something. If your cycling is indeed all about performance, if every
ride is a quest for another personal best, you may lose a measure of grace in your drivenness.
Few of us, it’s my feeling, have grace to lose. Not to mention lightheartedness.
While we’re on the subject of electronic aids, let’s imagine that you have a mobile telephone.
I’ll bet you do. You take it with you on rides. I hope you do: When I crashed and broke my leg in
2008, my phone brought the EMTs in minutes.
If your phone rings, do you either chat on your phone while pedaling (certainly sounds safe)?
Or do you stop right in the middle of your bike path lane and deal with your call there?
Please ... if your phone rings, look behind you. If no one’s there, stop pedaling, wave your arm
in approximation of a right-turn signal, apply your brakes and roll off the path onto the convenient
pathside cellphone area. Answer your phone. See how easy that was?
Thank you for your kind attention.
Trivia Answers from Page 2
A1. Six seconds was the margin back in 1984. The victor was Sean Kelly’s relatively unheralded
Skil-Sem teammate Eric Caritoux (France), a man who had never looked like a Grand
Tour winner before nor since, who prevailed over Spaniard Alberto Fernandez.
A2. The answer is tricky because the rider, Guido Trenti, born to an American mother and
Italian father, maintained dual citizenship. Born in Italy, he carried a U.S. license and
actually represented the U.S. at the World Championships. Trenti won stage 19 of the
2001 Vuelta to make his mark in history.
A3. Guido Trenti, Dave Zabriskie, Jason McCartney, Tyler Hamilton, Levi Leipheimer, Tom
Danielson and Tyler Farrar.
A4. The first was Floyd Landis in 2004, who ultimately abandoned, and next was Levi Leipheimer who wore the jersey in 2008, won the final time trial, and ultimately finished second
to teammate Alberto Contador.
A5. The 1980s of course! It was the golden age for non-European riders in the professional
peloton. However, this pioneer was not an Irishman, Australian, or American, but rather
a tiny Colombian. Luis “Lucho” Herrera was the man and the year was 1987.
News
Fort Collins Cup Cancelled
The ever-popular Fort Collins Cup was officially cancelled in August due to sponsorship
issues. Organizers of the U.S. Gran Prix (USGP)
of Cyclocross series issued a statement on April
19, 2013, stating they had discontinued the event
but individual races including the Sun Prairie
Gran Prix, Derby City Cup, Deschutes Brewery
Cup and the Fort Collins Cup were to continue
under the guidance of regional owners.
This past August, the cancellation became
official for the Fort Collins version, which in the
Fall 2013 past has seen big named racers battling it out in
the mud and snow on Colorado’s Front Range.
Additionally, last year’s race saw a strong turnout and featured 46 racers in the Elite women’s
category, where Katie Compton took the win,
and 85 in the men’s division when Jeremy Powers
edged out Ryan Trebon by 14 seconds.
A plethora of cyclocross races are still scheduled throughout the state, and the 2014 Nationals will take place in Boulder at the Valmont
Bike Park.
Rocky Mountain Bicycle Paper l 15