Colorado Brevet Series – 400km Brevet – 7-Jun-2009

Tips for the Rider

Official Checkpoints – Platteville, Ward/Peak-to-Peak Highway, Carter Lake, Wellington, Johnstown.

Start/Finish – Start and finish is at the Louisville Comfort Inn off Dillon Road, northwest of the US-36 Louisville-Superior exit. They are graciously offering us parking at the rear (west) side of the building. Telephone 303-604-0181 to reach them.

Controls

·          Platteville - Use either of the convenience stores at US-85 and Hwy. 66.

·          Niwot Secret Checkpoint (Required) – Our traditional first “secret” checkpoint is the convenience store on left, as you pass through Niwot in the morning. It is your last chance to get food and water before Ward, at the top of the 4000-foot climb up Lefthand Canyon.

·          Ward – The informational checkpoint is after you reach the Peak-to-Peak Highway: at the junction of the road to Gold Lake (opposite the Mill Site Inn).  Water is available at milepost 16 - just before entering Ward.  (This has been moved to the mile marker; it used to be beyond the marker.)  The Utica Street Market in Ward has food and beverages.

·          Carter Lake – You may use either the Marina Store, or the North Shore store 1/3 mile beyond it.  The Marina Store has restrooms (please purchase something!).   Neither store has a big selection.  If you choose the North Shore store, you may want to stop first at the camp restrooms opposite the Marina Store.  There is greater food/drink selection at stores in Lyons and Ft. Collins.

·          Wellington – There are three convenience stores at the Cleveland St. and I-25 intersection - use whichever you prefer.

·          Johnstown – Good selection at the convenience store.  There are no stores from here until near the finish directly on the route.

Finish Check-In – Check in at the Comfort Inn - if no official is present, have a desk clerk fill in your finishing time, sign your card and leave it in the official vehicle behind motel.

Lighting – Remember that lighting and reflective equipment are REQUIRED for the ride start, with 1Ό hours in darkness. Lighting includes street-legal headlight and taillight. Reflective equipment includes vest, ankle bands, and reflective material on your bike.

Secret Checkpoints – Any brevet may have secret checkpoints along the route.

DNF – We do not sweep the course. If you do not finish the brevet, you may leave a message at (303) 604-1163. If my vehicle is at the motel when you return there, you may leave your brevet card there.

Rules and Waiver– Please review the Brevet Rules and sample Rider Waiver.

Not a Race – Observe traffic rules and ride responsibly. SAFETY FIRST. And have fun!

- Brevet Basics -

  • Brevets are not races. Finishing is more important than finishing time. Lending assistance to other riders who require it is more important than finishing quickly. The last rider to finish within the time limits gets precisely the same credit as the rider who’s first to come in.
  • Observe traffic regulations, be safe, share the road, and be courteous to your fellow riders, fellow road users, checkpoint establishments, and members of the communities you visit.
  • Make sure your brevet card is filled out completely, including each checkpoint entry and your signature. Incomplete brevet cards (including missed checkpoints) are grounds for DQ.