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) or The Montrose Firefighter's Association. The Montrose Firefighter's Association will be helping present the event this year. This gives sponsors and those who wish to donate to either organization. Registration fees will be used to produce the event. Any additional money from registrations will be split between Montrose Medical Mission and the Montrose Firefighter's Association.
When
Sunday, May 13th 2012
@ 5:30 AM
Where
Rotary Park (Columbine Middle School)
S. 12th St.
Montrose, CO 81401
Registration Deadline
The mail in registration deadline is Friday, May 4th. Online registration dealine is Thursday, May 10th. You can also register in person on the day of the event.
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.
General Info
Check-In
You may check-in Saturday evening on May 12th from 3pm until 5pm at:
1968 Sunrise Drive
Montrose, CO 81401 View Map OR
The morning of the event at Rotary Park.
Start Times
Start at your own discretion however we STRONGLY urge an early start to all routes.
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.
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.
Colorado Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA)
The Colorado Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) will guide two rides in the Gunnison Gorge National Convservation Area. BE SURE TO PICK UP YOU REGISTRATION MATERIAL BEFORE YOU MEET THE GROUP AT THE TRAILHEAD. Both rides will start from the staging area @ 8:30 AM. It Will take ~30 minutes to drive from Rotary Park. Mission To Ride mountin bike rides are conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau Land Management.
Directions
Drive north out of Montrose on Hwy 50 towards Olathe, watch for Gunnison Gorge NCA sign on the R side of road. Just before Olathe turn right onto Falcon Rd. Travel east on Falcon Rd. for 3 1/2 miles, it turns into gravel and bears left before the staging area. Turn right into staging area and look for COPMOBA banner.
Family Fun Ride
The Montrose Area Bicycle Alliance (MABA) is sponsoring a "family fun ride". The ride route will be 11 miles and MABA members will act as ride leaders/guides for the course.
Visit Montrose Area Bicycle Alliance's Website
Additional Info
Lodging
Please visit the Montrose ACT for lodging and area information.
Our host hotel is Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites.
Refunds
There are no refunds or rainchecks
Montrose Events
Enjoy great wines at the Montrose Wine Festival May 11th, more info at montrosewinefestival.com.
Black Canyon Ascent
A 6-Mile Run and Challenge Walk on Saturday, May 12th. Visit blackcanyonraces.com for more information.
The Black Canyon Ascent is a tough, scenic 6-mile road race and challenge walk starting at an elevation of 6500' and climbing almost 2,000' to the rim of the Black Canyon. Beautiful vistas and scenic surroundings are the hallmark of this event. After the race, enjoy visiting the spectacular Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Also, the race is a fundraiser for the Montrose Community Foundation.
Everyone who registers for the Ascent before April 30th is guaranteed a custom printed technical running shirt in the size they specify. These shirts are very slick. We will have awards for top three Male and Female Overall, Male and Female Masters, and some age group prizes. We are also rounding up some good stuff to raffle off at the finish as well.
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 in Montrose. The routes overlap and use mutual aid stations. Our ride is the same weekend as The Montrose Wine Fest!
