General Info
Description
Join us for a wonderful spring cycling event in a beautiful part of Colorado. This is a non competitive bicycling tour for riders of all abilities. Road and mountain routes are offered. The Century Ride and 40 mile road routes feature the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Proceeds from the ride benefit the Montrose Medical Mission (a free medical clinic)
Aid Stations
Aid stations will be placed at appropriate intervals and will be stocked with water, sports drinks and other replacemant snacks. The aid stations at the Black Canyon will be closed at noon so we STRONGLY urge all riders to get an early start.
When
Sunday, May 16, 2010
@ 5:30 AM
Where
Rotary Park (Columbine Middle School)
600 S. 12th St.
Montrose, CO 81401
Registration Deadline
Deadline to register online is Friday May 14th, 2010, but you can still register in person on race day.
General Info
Check-In
You may check-in either Saturday evening May 15th from 5pm until 7pm at our host hotel, The Holiday Inn Express and Suites at 1391 S. Townsend or the morning of the event at Rotary Park.
StartTimes
You may start at your own discretion however we STRONGLY urge an early start to all routes. (Beer stops @ 4PM)
Century Ride-------5:30AM to 7:30AM Black Canyon 40----7 AM to 9 AM 60 Mile------- 7 AM to 9 AM 30 Mile------- 8 AM to 10 AM Mountain Bike Rides 830 AM @ the trailhead (please see below or web site or map @ registration for trail head directions, trail head is 25 minutes from Rotary Park!)
Road Rides
Century Ride
This is a challenging ride that incorporates an arduous early morning climb to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park where the rider will be rewarded with breathtaking views. Riding along the south rim the rider will do an out & back to Warner Point where we enjoy an awe inspiring aide station. A thrilling, fast descent back into town awaits. With most of the climbing done for the day, the riders head north. The 40 and 60 miles routes are the Century. Go to mapmyride.com.
60 Mile Loop
This route simply eliminates the out and back to the Black Canyon. This route is also the second leg of the Century ride. This is a mellow road ride that gives riders a great tour. Beautiful scenic views, a few short hills and rural roads offer an invitation to the rider who wants miles without a big climb. Three aide stations are provided.
40 Mile Route
Incorporates the Black Canyon National Park but returns to town early, without the extra mileage of a century. This is a challenging but very satisfying route, and any rider who finishes this route has accomplished a significant ride. This is the first leg of the Century.
30 Mile Route
The route is a simple out and back to Olathe and along the same rural roads as the other routes but shorter. A few short hills offer some challenge yet the mileage is reasonable. The rider will enjoy the beauty of Western Colorado along this relaxed ride. This is a favorite local ride. Go to MapMy Ride.com for map details and notes.
Mountain Bike Rides
Intermediate
This ride is for the "weekend warrior" mountain biker. The riding surface is a combination of gravel road and adobe clay. The clay surface is singletrack/ATV wide. Elevation profile includes 350 feet of climbing and descending over a 7.5-mile route. There is one short, steep climb, and a few short, steep descents, all of which could be walked. Segments of the ride follow ridgetops, so if you have acrophobia this ride isn't for you. Be advised that even a mountain bike ride rated as "easier" requires some cardiovascular fitness. Plan on riding for around 2 hours with regular breaks. Kids must be at least 14 years old to participate.
Advanced
This ride is a 12+ mile advanced ride requiring excellent cardiovascular conditioning and good bike-handling skills. Riders will do the easier ride route, but add on several miles of singletrack/jeep road riding on a trail known as Candy Cane Lane. The riding surface is a combination of gravel road and clay to rocky trail.
Snacks, water and energy drinks will be available before and after the rides. Carry snacks and plenty of fluids with you on the rides. Fluid bladder systems work really well on desert rides.
Additional Info
Picnic in the Park
We will enjoy delicious grilled foods, salads and cold beer while listening to the music of Stephen Felberg . Merchandise give-aways, including a TREK bike, and other great freebies will be given out. We cannot serve beer past 4PM.
Lodging
Please visit montrosechamber.com for lodging and area information. Our host hotel is Holiday Inn ExpressHotel and Suites.
Refunds
There are no refunds or rainchecks
Montrose Events
Enjoy great wines Montrose Wine Festival May 15th, more info at montrosewinefestival.com.
Children's Bicycle Rodeo
A bicycle safety rode will be presented @ Rotary Park for children up to 16 years old. Lots of safety pointers, freebies and a kids ride to follow completion of the rodeo. Register the morning of the event.
Additional Information
The Mission to Ride will feature multiple routes to satisfy riders of all levels. Roadbikerider.com has called us Colorados's most beautiful century. Beware however, the century ride is not for the faint of heart, it is a difficult ride characterized by a steep climb, high winds and some poor pavement. Some call it the Hell of the West Only the strongest riders can finish the century, it is used by many as training for later events. The routes utilize both state and county roads. These routes are paved, either road bikes or mountain bikes are appropriate. Although support and sag will be available, we encourage all riders to have themselves and their bikes in good condition prior to ride. All riders must be able to fix their own flats. All routes (except mountain bike route) begin and end at Rotary Park (Columbine Middle School) in Montrose. The routes overlap and use mutual aid stations. Our ride is the same weekend as The Montrose Wine Fest! Take a look at the Buena Vista Bike Festival and make it a weekend of cycling in western Colorado!
