Rider Manual June 8-15, 2013 Congratulations! You have been selected to participate in the 28th annual Denver Post Ride The Rockies Bicycle Tour presented by Wells Fargo. You are in for a thrilling adventure and fantastic ride! This June, you will be treated to three scenic mountain passes, a trek over the highest suspension bridge in the U.S. and 20,400 vertical feet over the course of seven days and 513 miles. You’ll begin your journey in the picturesque town of Telluride; ascend Lizard Head, Wolf Creek and Poncha Pass; and visit the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, before crossing the finish line at Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs. Other host communities include Cortez, Durango, Pagosa Springs, Alamosa, Salida and Cañon City; each uniquely Colorado and all quite charming. After a rewarding day in the saddle, you are sure to be entertained by an impressive line-up of guest speakers at our afternoon cycling seminars and by the festivities in each host town. Whether you are a first-time participant or a veteran of our Tour, you most likely have a number of questions. The 2013 Rider Manual will guide you through information that will help to ensure a successful and safe ride. We encourage you to continue to visit our web site throughout the spring and summer as it is updated frequently. Should you have any questions not addressed in this manual, please give us a shout. Keep the rubber side down! Best, CoNtaCt INfoRmatIoN Address The Denver Post Ride The Rockies 101 W. Colfax Denver, CO 80202 RTR General Line 303.954.6700 Fax 303.954.2784 Web Site www.ridetherockies.com RTR inbox [email protected] Tour Director Chandler D. Smith 303.954.6702 Event Coordinator Renee Wheelock [email protected] 303.954.6704 [email protected] Community Elizabeth Norris Relations 303.954.6703 Tour Intern Jake Luhmann Manager [email protected] [email protected] 2 Policies & Procedures In the towns • What is RTR . 4 • Telluride Parking Map . 26 • Registration/Packet Pick-Up. 4 • Colorado Springs Parking Map . .27 • Cancellation/Refund . 5 • Parking . • Ride Safe, Ride Smart. 5 o Weeklong Parking. 28 • Riding in a Group . 6 o RV & Private Support Vehicles. 28 • Aid Station Etiquette . 7 • Information Center . .31 • Emergencies. 7 • Shuttle Buses. .31 • Bicycle Corral . 31 Preparing for the Rockies • Meals . .31 • Dates to Remember. 8 • Demo Program . .32 • Transportation . 8 • Beer Garden & Entertainment. .33 • Overnight Accommodations. 9 • Cycling Seminars . .33 • Sherpa Packer. 10 • Photography . .33 • Baggage Transportation . .11 • Sports Massage. 34 • What to Pack . .12 • Yoga Stretch . .34 • Get Your Body Ready . • Tour-End Celebration. .34 o Training. .13 o Nutrition. 14 RtR’s Charitable & Green Side o Clinics. 17 • The Denver Post Community • Get Your Bike Ready. Foundation. 35 CoNtaCt INfoRmatIoN o Equipment . .17 • Traveling Silent Auction . 35 o Bike Shipping & Receiving . 18 • Grant Program . .35 o Boxing Your Bike . 19 • Collaborative Partners . 36 o Bike Shop Coupon . 21 • Ride Hard, Tread Lightly . 36 • RTR Merchandise . 22 • Key Sustainability Programs. 36 • Rider Area. 22 • How Can I Participate? . .37 on the Road RtR’s 4th annual Prologue • Route Map . .23 • Shuttle Transportation . 38 • Support Services. • Hotel Check-In. 39 o SAG vehicles. .23 • Welcome Reception & o Aid Stations. 23 Packet Pick-Up. .39 o Bike Technicians. .24 • Prologue Route Map . .39 o Medical Support . .24 Big thanks! • Weather/Climate. .24 • USGS. .25 • Volunteers. 40 • Our Sponsors . 40 3 The Denver Post Ride The Rockies is an annual bicycle tour that takes 2,000 cyclists, assisted by more than 100 volunteers, on a 6-7 day ride on paved roads through Colorado’s Rocky Mountains each June. Ride The Rockies route is different each year, but always climbs a few challenging mountain passes and showcases the state’s spectacular scenery. Daily rides can be as short as 35 miles or as long as 100 miles, but generally average 60-70 miles. While the tour route changes each year, the benefits and responsibilities of the host communities remain the same. Benefits include publicity, positive economic impact, fund-raising opportunities and a grant provided to an eligible non-profit agency in each host town. Cyclists in 2012 spent an average of $250,000 in a 24-hour period in each town and many cyclists return as tourists at a later date. Host communities provide alternative lodging, inexpensive community meals, and entertainment. Over 3,500 applications are expected for the 2,000 spots. Riders on past Ride The Rockies have represented all 50 states and 18 foreign countries. Ride The Rockies is a non-competitive event open to cyclists of all ages and riders are encouraged to ride at their own pace. Proceeds from Ride The Rockies benefit The Denver Post Community Foundation. All funds raised are returned to Colorado non-profits REGISTRATION/PACKET PICK-UP Packet Pick-Up • Saturday June 8, 1:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. – Telluride High School; 725 West Colo Ave. • Sunday June 9, 6:00a.m. to 8:00a.m. – Telluride High School; 725 West Colo Ave. *Please bring a photo ID to packet pick-up, all registrations are non-transferable and each rider must pick up his/her own registration packet. materials You’ll Receive • Ride The Rockies cycling jersey • Ride The Rockies cycling water bottle • ID wristband • Luggage tag • Bicycle tag • Map Book (ride/activities guide) • Safety tag *The wristband, luggage tag, and bike tag are all printed with your registration number to be used for security and services. The wristband and luggage tag are color-coded to help you spot your gear. All ID items are non-transferable. Attempting to transfer registration items will destroy them. 4 Late Packet Pick-Up If you’re planning to join the Tour after it starts, you’ll need to register at the Information Center located in each of the host communities. See page 31 for Information Center locations and hours. CANCELLATION/REFUND All cancellation requests must be received by Ride The Rockies by May 3, 2013. Refunds will not be issued after this date. No exceptions. A $50 processing fee will be deducted from each refund. You will only be refunded for the registration fee. Refunds will not be issued for voluntary donations to The Denver Post Community Foundation. To cancel your registration, send an e-mail to [email protected]. We will reply with a cancellation confirmation email within two business days. You will be credited by PreRace.com within two to three business days. RIDE SAFE • RIDE SMART Ride The Rockies is conducted on roads open to cars, please ride safely, legally and defensively. In addition, roads include both marked and unmarked hazards. Though we go to great lengths to make the ride as safe as possible, always remember that safety is in your own hands and to ride by these rules: • Wear a helmet at all times – No EXCEPtIoNS • Carry ID and relevant medical information • Rules of the road apply; same rights and duties as the driver of any other vehicle • Ride single file where necessary, maximum of two abreast when conditions allow, do not impede traffic • Ride as far right as you deem safe • Obey all traffic lights, signs, and regulations • Pass on the left only, announce “passing” or “hello” or “on your left” • Use hand signals to indicate road hazards, stopping, slowing, right, and left turns • Prepare properly – nutrition, hydration, training, sun protection and sudden changes in weather conditions 5 • Respect others: riders, volunteers, host communities, motorists, pedestrians, law enforcement, and the environment • Bicycle trailers and child seats are not permitted • No headphones while riding • Accidents often occur in pacelines. If you are inexperienced with drafting, do not draft. Maximum paceline length is 5 cyclist • Ride The Rockies support & safety services are provided on the designated, marked route ONLY Riding safely and considerately is vital to your enjoyment and the safety of other riders. The future of cycling events in Colorado depends on your cooperation with the rules above. Ride The Rockies reserves the right to terminate the registration of any participant disobeying rules. Fees will not be refunded, and those involved will be ineligible for future Ride The Rockies. For additional safety tips and rules of the road visit www.BicycleColorado.org. Bicycle Colorado is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging and promoting bicycling, increasing safety, improving road conditions, and providing a voice for cyclists in Colorado. RIDING IN A GROUP • Pacelines are limited to 5 cyclists • Obey the rules of the road • Communicate o Use hand signals to indicate turns, stopping and slowing o Use verbal warnings • Announce ALL passes of other bicyclists, “on your left” or “group passing” • Another paceline member announces the NUMBER of riders passing, “four of us passing” • ‘Car Up’ – to warn of approaching vehicles • ‘Car Back’ – to warn of passing vehicles • Be predictable & be prepared to YIELD to other traffic for safety, legality and courtesy • Ride in a straight line • Be considerate to other cyclists and motorists • It’s NOT a race, please visit www.coloradocycling.org if interested in racing a team time trial 6 AID STATION ETIQUETTE: Roads are open to cars. Keep the roadway clear 1. Pull into the aid station and walk your bicycle as far back as possible (the opposite of dropping your bike on the shoulder or entrance/exit of the area). a. The first aid station of the day is typically the most congested and has resulted in problems for other road users. b. Please respect the volunteers and follow their instructions. 2. Signal and announce your turn into the aid station or that your stopping. 3. Never pull-out from the aid station without looking for approaching traffic and yielding to traffic in the travel lane of the road.