bicycle classic september 4, 2016

WEST ELK BICYCLE CLASSIC


September 4, 2016

www.westelkbicycleclassic.com

http://www.westelkbicycleclassic.com



Welcome!!

Congratulations! You’ve registered for the 4th Annual West Elk Bicycle Classic! It will change your life as you ride the most scenic and beautiful back roads in Colorado. You will have to dig deep inside for the grit to keep climbing the

10,000 ft. dirt monster, Kebler Pass, after having al-ready ridden 100 awesome miles. Along the way you will meet great new friends and reconnect with old friends. We will again have 7 great aid stations and SAG in the remote country. 2016 will have a shorter 52mi option starting in the Crested Butte town park and finishing in Crested Crested Butte. This route named the “Raghorn loop” still has horns as you will climb a beautifully hard dirt climb to meet the longer route on Kebler pass. It is terribly pretty and more accessible option. Look for 3 aids. All will finish in Crested Butte town park with a camping option. Lay in the grass with a beer. Listen to music or play lawn games.

West Elk Bicycle Classic, nothing else like it.

Informationinfo@WestElkBicycleClassic.comwww.WestElkBicycleClassic.com

Register at: www.Reg.WestElkBicycleClassic.com

Event Coordinators:Dave Wiens, Jarral Ryter, 970-318-6783128 Hurst HallWestern State Colorado UniversityGunnison CO, 81231


mailto:info%40westelkbicycleclassic.com?subject=


http://reg.westelkbicycleclassic.com


WEST ELK BICYCLE CLASSICSpecial Thanks to

SPORTSR E P L A Y

SPORTS

SPORTS




The West Elk Bicycle Classic supports Western State Colorado University Mountain Sports, directed by Dave Wiens. The Mountain Sports Program highlights the great activities that are available to students at Western such as cycling and skiing. Our goal is to produce a program that will compete with the best schools in the nation.



http://www.western.edu/news/western%E2%80%99s-mountain-sports-program-offers-mountains-opportunities


ConsiderationsHow strong are you? How long is your longest ride? Have you ridden in adverse conditions? Do you have what it takes?

Our course is very difficult. Kebler Pass has 29 miles of dirt that is hard-packed and contains grades of 10-12% with an overall average of around 6%. The steep dirt surface is typically smooth from magnesium chloride. The 52 mi Raghorn loop also has several miles of steep dirt. However, if it rains extensively, it can turn to slick mud. Extended rain showers are uncommon during Labor Day weekend, but possible. At high altitudes, the sun can feel much stronger than at low elevation. Heat and dehydration are serious considerations for an under-prepared cyclist as well as a cold rain shower. Did you pack a rain coat. We will have numerous aid stations and SAG support on the pass but you are way, way up in the mountains. There is no cell service and it takes a long time to drive the narrow, steep roads to get to you. You may arrange a personal SAG but please plan to leave before the start so we don’t cause excess traffic. If you get picked up by your crew let our staff know.

The West Elk Bicycle Classic is a timed tour. Compare yourself to the top riders, your friends, or your previous year. Or just try to finish in under the 11hr time limit.

Registration packet pickup: You must pick up your registration in person on either Friday, September 2nd from 6-8 p.m.; Saturday, September 3rd from 4-8 p.m.; or Sunday, September 4th from 5:30-6:30 a.m., at the Taylor Hall Welcome Center on the Western State Colorado University campus in Gunnison, CO, the same location as the West Elk Bicycle Classic start. See the Course Map for location.

Raghorn 52 mi Start: The 52 mi loop will start as a mass start at 9:00 a.m. September 4th at the Crested Butte town park. Please ride single file as you leave town and on the shoulder observing the rules of the road. A Town Marshall will escort you to the edge of town.

135mi West Elk Classic Start: There will be a mass start at 7 a.m. on Sunday, September 4th. Please arrange yourself by ability. If you are a faster rider, you should start towards the front. The main peloton will have a police escort to warn any traffic. If you get dropped from the main peloton, other SAG vehicles will follow. You should ride as far to the right as possible except when overtaking riders.

Gear Transport: We will carry a bag to the finish in Crested Butte from the start. There are inexpensive showers at the Crested Butte Hostel. We will have drop boxes for gear at the aid stations which will be taken to the finish. You may also drop gear in a SAG for pick up at the finish.

Rules: Drafting other riders is acceptable. No drafting or getting rides from automobiles. Rules of the road apply. Stay as far right as possible unless overtaking another rider. Obey all traffic laws. All cyclists are personally responsible for knowing and obeying all traffic laws. Violators may be ticketed by local law enforcement and/or disqualified and removed from the event.

Ride safely and in control. Ride in single file whenever possible. Any cyclist who is deemed to be riding unsafely, discourteously or recklessly will be removed from the event and banned in the future. Your safety and the impact of your actions on the safety of others are your responsibility.

Helmets are mandatory. The helmet must be an ANSI- or Snell-approved cycling helmet.

Tandems are allowed. Each person needs to register.

All organizers’ and directors’ decisions are final.

Anyone found taking an alternate route or breaking any of the above rules will not receive a finishing time.


http://www.westelkbicycleclassic.com/details/course-map/



Ride Support, Aids, SAG and Emergency SupportYou will find 7 and 3 well stocked aid stations located at strategic scenic locations on the long and short routes (see description below). These will have at a minimum water, GU drink mix, Honey Stinger energy foods, peanut butter, Nutella, jelly, bread, fruit, and other goodies. The Gunnison Vitamin and Health Food Store will prepare popular individually wrapped gluten free rice cakes. Paonia fruit that is in season will be available in Paonia. A mechanic from All-Sport Replay will be at Kebler Pass and basic tools will be at all the aid stations, SAG vehicles and emergency vehicles.

We will have many marked SAG vehicles and Western State Colorado University vans patrolling the course. These will have water, Honey Stinger products, tubes, tires and some tools and first aid. Flag them down if you need help or a shoulder to cry on.

If there is an emergency, Rapid Response Paramedics on four motorcycles and vehicle can get to you quickly. They also can help you fix a flat. We are on a very remote and long course so please prepare yourself and carry necessary supplies.

Crested Butte. Beer and FoodOne thought should be on your mind as you climb Kebler pass-Beer, food and a nap on the grass in the park. Avery Brewing is our beer sponsor and local vendors will supply food. The finish is in

Crested Butt Town Park with 360 degree views of mountains.

Volunteers, SponsorsWe need to thank our volunteers who work the course and are behind the scenes. If there is anything you would like to tell them, let us know! Let our sponsors know you appreciate them sponsoring a grass roots event! Stop by their shops. Mention our name. And finally, thanks to the regulatory agencies that have been so accommodating in making this event happen in a safe, fun way.

Giving BackAs we are able, we would like to give back to the community. Sharon’s Kids, a non-profit, run by Sharon Riegel of Craw-ford takes disadvantaged children of the North Fork Valley to camps and trips. We were able to support her and include her kids in computer camps at Western State Colorado University in 2014. She is doing great things. Please support the group,Sharon RiegelPO Box 30 Crawford, CO 81415




Schedule of eventsRegistration/packet pickup6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, September 2th registration pickup.4:00-8:00 p.m. Saturday, September 3th registration pickup.5:30-6:30 a.m. Sunday, September 4th registration pickup.

Sunday September 4th

5:45 shuttle leaves Crested Butte School for start. Buy tickets at online reg-istration (limited quantities). 7:00 a.m. West Elk Bicycle Classic start WSCU Taylor Hall. 9:00 a.m. Raghorn Loop start Crested Butte Town Park3:00 p.m. Cut-off time in Paonia. Sweep will pick you up or take your bib number.3:00 p.m. Cut-off time Ohio Pass Raghorn loop4:00 p.m. Cut-off time at base of Kebler Pass.6:00 p.m. Kebler Pass summit cut off time. 3:00-5:00 p.m. Awarding of top times at Crested Butte finish.5:30-7:00 p.m. Shuttles leaves for Gunnison. Buy tickets at online registra-tion.




2016 Kit




For more or a GPX file of the route to download go to


52 mi Raghorn Route





52 mi Raghorn RouteAt 9:00am, the Raghorn loop starts as a mass start from the Crested Butte town park, Whiterock and hwy 135. You will have an escort as you head south towards Gunnison to the edge of town. Descend with a few minor climbs to Allen Lane at mile 21 and turn right. You are now on coun-try roads. The dirt road continues for 2 miles when you take another right. Ride up the beautiful valley past ranches to the first aid station at mile 30. Continue climbing gently. You will hit dirt at 34 miles. The road climbs slightly more steeply with flat sections to the second aid station at mile 40. Now it will become very steep. Most of the climb will be 4-9% with the beginning and end at 10 to 14%. This will last about 4 miles where you will top out on Ohio Pass and have a final small climb to 10,100’. Take in the views here and enjoy the final aid station. Continue down the downhill to Kebler pass. BE CAREFUL here as you are going down and the road is probably the worst of any yet. There will be pot holes. And there will be large rocks creating the road base. Not gravel--just not smooth. At Kebler pass, turn left and climb a short climb to the timed finish and check in. Now turn around and descend 7 miles to the party in the park. You could wait at the top for any friends doing the long route also!The descent into Crested Butte will have one section of dirt for 3 miles. Typically it will be smooth but look out for pot holes and any car traffic. This is an open course. There will be medical support and munchies at the aid stations. There will be beer and food at the finish. 2016 is the inaugural year for this loop. Let us know how it went!




For more or a GPX file of the route to download go to


135mi Route





The CourseStart to Aid 1 Blue Mesa Dam, 28 mi, 980’ gain





Start to Aid 1 Blue Mesa Dam, 28 mi, 980’ gain After the shotgun start at 7:00 a.m. you leave town in a large group with police escort. Only ex-perienced riders in the front please.

If you are not comfortable riding in a large group, start in the second wave and ride with smaller groups of your ability.

Keep your line and your head up looking ahead for riders slowing, animals or other hazards.

Keep your speed constant.

Don’t overlap your front wheel with a back wheel.

Be predictable.

Colorado State Patrol escort cars will precede and follow the peloton to warn any traffic for the first 30 miles. Other SAG and emergency vehicles will follow riders. Rumble strips start 8 miles from town. At miles 22 and 25, you will cross two narrow bridges. Be careful. If anything is obstructing the shoulder the SAG vehicles will honk horns to warn!

Take in the beautiful morning views. Bighorn sheep may be in the road around mile 20. Deer, elk, eagle, wild felines and wild canines are plentiful. The course will have signs and markings on the pavement at all corners. The road will be marked often on the many long stretches with no

stops or turns. Course marshals will also be present where needed.

For full map, go to www.westelkbicycleclassic.com.


http://http://www.westelkbicycleclassic.com/details/course-map/



Start to Aid 1 Blue Mesa Dam, 28 mi, 980’ gain

Western State Colorado University was founded in 1901 and is the first college on the Western Slope and the 4th in the state. People have actually lived in the area for over 10,000 years; Western students have studied archeological sites on Tenderfoot Mountain directly ahead of you. The large W is the largest collegiate emblem in the US.

Two Colorado State Patrol will escort the tour 30 miles to Blue Mesa Dam. Heading west out of town, the Gunnison River will be seen on the left. Western biology and chemistry students have studied the river through many different projects, such as counting fish while snorkeling and testing the cadmium levels in cadis flies. The highway for the next 27 miles follows the contours of Blue Mesa and enters the upper Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Any Western geology major will be able to describe key features here, as first year field trips study this region.

Blue Mesa Reservoir was completed in 1965 and is the largest body of water in Colorado. The record lake trout was caught in the lake. It is also the largest kokanee salmon fishery in the state, supplying habitat for young fish after they spawn upstream at the Roaring Judy Hatchery.

The Black Canyon’s dark rocks are two billion-year-old Precambrian rocks. They were covered by sedimentary shale and sandstone from the erosion of the Ancestral Rockies. As the area was uplifted 30 million years ago, great volcanic events in the West Elk Mountains to the north and the San Juans to the south aided in the formation of the unique landscape. The West Elk Volcano formed pyroclastic mud flows of hot ash and broken rock. The Dillon Pinnacles are a classic example - large rocks protected the softer mud from erosion, producing pinnacles. Eruptions from the south sent out very hot ash that fused to make welded tuff. These are the flat layers forming the tops of the mesas.

The Gunnison River easily cut into the soft volcanic and sedimentary layers and established a channel. Once in this channel, it had no choice but to cut down into the very hard Precambrian rocks and produce our great scenery. If the Gunnison River had been able to flow a few miles south, the soft rocks there would have made for a very boring bicycle ride.....lucky us!

After 27 miles, turn right onto Highway 92 and the State Patrol escort will leave you. As you cross Blue Mesa Dam, you will see the first aid station. WATCH FOR A SHARP TURN AT THE DAM!




Aid 1 Blue Mesa Dam to Aid 2 Hermits Rest, 17 mi 2400’ gain

The Black Canyon is a special place to ride and very unique in beauty and serenity. Highway 92 twists high above the Gunnison River to the left as it cuts into the ancient Precambrian rocks. You may notice interesting patterns in the rock from intrusions and the metamorphic black gneiss and schist. Don’t take it for granite. Notice the volcanic cliffs above you to the north

and the 14,000 ft. mountains to the south. The road climbs, dips and twists with little traffic. You will smile. It doesn’t get any better than this. The peloton will likely break apart here as there are demanding climbs. The next aid is at picturesque Hermits Rest in 17 miles. Again look for wildlife. Hawks, eagles, bear, bobcat, deer and elk are com-mon sights.




Aid 2 Hermits Rest to Aid 3 Crawford, 23.5 mi, 750’ gain, 3180’ loss yeah!

You’ve earned the long descent to Crawford, a few miles past the aid station at Hermits Rest. You may easily break 50 mph as you drop 3500 ft. into the North Fork Val-ley, with the West Elk Mountains on your right, Grand Mesa straight ahead, and the lowlands of Delta on your left. When you have nearly descended to Crawford Reser-voir, you will pass the entrance to the north rim of Black Canyon National Park. This entrance is more rustic than the southern

entrance and is mainly used by climbers and anglers - many from Western. Be ready for a few short climbs to the tiny town of Crawford. The third aid station will be in the middle of Crawford as the route turns right on Needle Rock Road. Thanks to the North Fork Cycling Club for spon-soring this aid station and the next in Pao-nia.




Aid 3 Crawford to Aid 4 Paonia, 20 mi, 1280’ gain.

After a short climb, look for Needle Rock on the right followed by a steep twisty descent. The road continues to twist and turn through apple, pear, and peach orchards. Continue through farms before dropping into Paonia on a very scenic fun road. Be ready for a nasty set of railroad tracks and follow the advice of the markings and or the course marshal.

Ride through Paonia and into the Paonia Park Aid Station 20 miles from Crawford. You have ridden from Gunnison, which is one of the coldest places in the lower 48, to one of the warmer areas. Paonia was named after the peony flower. The warmer climate makes Paonia a great place to grow fruit. Peaches, apples, cherries, pears and plums from Paonia are a great summer treat in Gunnison and at the aid station. Many vineyards have also popped up. The aid station in the park is a lovely spot. Eat up the fresh Paonia fruit. Take a break in the shade of the large trees. If you choose to call it a day here and get a room or have a friend pick you up, please let a volunteer know. Take a break - the climb coming up is tough. Once again, thanks to the town of Paonia and the North Fork Cycling club for sponsoring these aid stations!




Aid 4 Paonia to Aid 5 Ericson Springs base of Kebler, 22 mi, 1700’ gain.We leave Paonia via Black Bridge Road to Highway 133. The highway climbs moderately, pass-ing through the coal town of Somerset. The geology here is composed of sedimentary sandstone, shale and the obvious coal deposits. At nearly mile 100, Highway 12 turns to the right to Kebler Pass. It starts with pavement and gives way to flat dirt, some lose gravel and a slight downhill for six miles until aid station 5 at Ericson Springs. This aid is sponsored by All Sports Replay in Gunnison. This aid station is 22 miles from Paonia and you have just climbed about 1700 ft. Get some water, as seriously steep switchbacks and climbs are in store.




Aid 5 Ericson Springs base of Kebler to Aid 6, 9mi, 2080’ gain.

You will leave Aid 5 and greeted with very steep switchbacks of 10-12%. The road surface morphs into packed dirt for the most part now and quite nice in a sort of masochistic way. Climb through the scrub oak, into pine and finally into the largest aspen grove in the world. The aspens are nearly all one organism as they are attached at the roots. For some time this was be-lieved to be the largest organism on earth until a fungus was found that was larger.

Warning: If it rains extensively, the dirt could become muddy and slippery. You and your bike will get wet and muddy. Riding will be more difficult.




Aid 6 to Aid 7, 6 mi, 491’ gain.

The unmerciful climbing continues for three more miles and about 500 ft to Horse Park Aid. This area is popular with mountain bikers coming out of the Dyke Trail and climbing back up to the top. Note the volcanic dyke to your left. The average grade to the aid is around 6%. You will have a nice 230 ft. descent into Horse Ranch Park so keep climbing - you can rest coming down!




Aid 7 to Kebler Summit, 4.5 mi, 1150’ gain.Leaving Aid Station 7 will seam easy. The dirt road begins to climb shortly. And climb. After a

couple of miles the road turns to pavement to the timed finish on Kebler pass at 10,000’. In all it is 4.5 mi and 6-7% grade for the majority.

When you get to the top, check in and say hi to Angie the timer. Take a minute to make sure you are ready to descend the 7 miles to Crested Butte.




Creste Butte! 7.5 mi, 1100’ Descent

The road is paved for two miles with a three mile packed dirt section before turning to pavement for the final two miles. The geology of Crested Butte is dominated by laccoliths. These are large mushroom-shaped intru-sions of volcanic rock that have formed almost all the mountains around you. Sedimentary rock overlays the volcanic rock. Coals mines in the area worked into the mid 20th century.

Enter town on Whiterock Ave. and continue STRAIGHT to the Town Park. You will be given a dinner ticket. Get some Avery beer or a soda and grab some food. Bands play from 4 to 7.

Congratulations! Now how can you go faster next year?




What do people have to say about the West Elk Bicycle Classic?

“Great course, good people involved and it supports the right kind of endeavor. You did good.”Aaron

“Thanks for hosting such a great ride. Next year we will do the 130. The support was great and I had a great time riding with my son Ben. Thanks for everything.”Don Rueschhoff

“Thank you for hosting it. It was very well organized and a wonderful course.”Kari Distefano

“Thanks for hosting a very classy, well-organized event! Amazing route!! Kebler Pass if one-of-a-kind!!You had an incredible number of volunteers! All the volunteers were very helpful and supportive. Please thank them for giving up their Sunday! I was very appreciative of the two volunteers who helped me after my crash at the railroad tracks in Crawford. Please thank them for their help!I do hope that your event continues to grow in the years to come! Colorado has many century events, but the Gran Fondo format (open road, timed event) hasn’t done so well in this state. I hope your event will continue to grow and thrive!”Mark Lowe

“It was a fabulous day. Such a great way to see the reason we live where we do! So happy to be able to support the cycling club, all the sag volunteers were awesome- thank you to everyone- there was no way I could not have done that without all of you! Thank you!!!”Jen Hills

“What a great race! Awesome aids, great route, hard as hell!!”Rusty Wouter

“This is just an amazing route: completely around the West Elk Mountains on some of the loneliest, most off the beaten path roads in Colorado. This is a great event for fit and adventurous riders looking to support a great cause and experience a rarely seen part of Colorado. Blue Mesa Lake, the Black Canyon, Crawford, Paonia, Ke-bler Pass and Crested Butte. Next year I’m riding it!”Dave Wiens

“Thank you for a wonderful, challenging, spectacular day of riding. Crawford was our destination and helmets off to the folks who climbed Kebler Pass...Wahoo.”Mark and Marilyn




HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!

Art by fast guy Brian Miller



bicycle classic september 4, 2016

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