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Colorado Last Chance 1200km Randonnée |  |
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The Route – The route is an out-and-back from Boulder, Colorado, at the foot of the Colorado Front Range, across the Colorado eastern plains and into the western part of Kansas. The climbing comes in 50 and 100 foot hills throughout the course, making the course more akin to Paris-Brest-Paris (but with more yucca plants and fewer trees) than to Boston-Montréal-Boston. The many short hills – in lieu of extended climbs – plus the fact that wind is always a factor in this terrain – encourage riding together and the camaraderie this brings.Support, Logistics, and Checkpoints – We are able to offer limited support, which should include a roving event vehicle, to provide assistance where needed. There will be 2-3 bag drops coordinated with checkpoints and reasonable daily mileage. Personal support vehicles are permitted, and (because there are very few roads in this region) these vehicles may follow the event route. However, they are allowed to meet and help riders only at the official checkpoints, except in case of emergency. Checkpoints will be establishments (stores, hotels) along the route, not staffed by event officials. Food and drink are provided at the bagdrop controls (included in fee). Controls are situated in towns with stores and/or restaurants where you can purchase food. However, if you are passing through these control towns at night, there may be no establishments open. Consult the rider info page for our best info as to times when stores are open.Stages and Accom modation – As much of the route is sparsely populated, we recommend certain stage lengths, with limited night riding. In 2009, the stages are 251, 219, 180, and 103 miles, respectively. At those points, riders can find food and lodging, which are coordinated with the bag-drops and checkpoints. Those going for a faster time - for example, participants in the UMCA Ultracycling Cup Competition or attempting to qualify for RAAM - can make use of the bagdrops, but will need to ride longer stages.Weather – September traditionally offers tranquil weather in Colorado with mild temperatures. Danger of tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, snow, and high (chinook) winds are low. Mean daily temperature range for the Front Range at this time are 48°F to 77°F (9°C to 25°C). However, it is common to encounter highs in the 90's as you descend into Kansas, and temps can dip into the upper 30's at night in Colorado.Terrain – The route is rolling to strongly rolling, characterized by wide expanses and areas with few trees. Agriculture, grazing land, and cactus-populated sandhills predominate in eastern Colorado, dryland crops in Kansas. The route offers a vista of the Rocky Mountain Front Range. Maximum altitude is 5600 ft., comparable to the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Mt. Mitchell road – hence, no altitude impediment for riders coming from lower elevations.Traffic – Traffic on most of the course is moderate to very low. This country is sparsely populated, I-70 and I-76 drawing away the bulk of through traffic, leaving our route relatively quiet. Highways near the more populated region near Boulder have full, rideable shoulders. There is also some truck traffic between Norton and Oberlin, KS - the road has shoulders, and the truck drivers are professional and polite. Please return the favor by riding single file to allow traffic to pass.Qualifying – To qualify, riders may complete, in the twelve months preceding the event, a full brevet series, or a 1000km brevet, or a 1200km randonnée (for example, Boston-Montréal-Boston or the Cascade 1200), or submit a résumé to the Event Organizer for consideration. A "full brevet series" consists of 200km, 300km, 400km, and 600km ACP or RUSA-sanctioned brevets. For any of these, the rider may substitute a brevet of greater distance (for example, a 500km RUSA brevet for the 400km requirement). RUSA Permanents may be substituted for the 200k, 300k, or 400k brevet if there is no brevet series local to the rider, or for other extenuating circumstances - consult the Event Organizer. Qualifying events do not need to be ridden in order of increasing distance. Local riders may wish to consider the Colorado Brevets.Registering – Our registration and refund policies are designed to let those most serious and committed to riding the Last Chance make plans with more confidence, while letting others express interest. You may reserve a space within the rider limit by mailing a Last Chance Application form together with full payment, whether or not you have yet qualified. IMPORTANT - If you have not yet qualified, note so on the form, and send in a second form or an e-mail listing your qualifying rides (dates and certificate numbers) as soon as you have qualified.Refunds – Cancellations by July 31: full refund minus $10. From August 1-31: 50% refund. In September prior to event: 25% refund. No refund for no-shows. Again, our policy is designed to encourage you to ride if you can, and if you find you can't, free up the limited space for other riders who would like to. Attire refunds: full refund for jersey/vest cancellations up until the order is placed with the manufacturer; after that point, no refund.Foreign Payment – If you are living outside the US, thank you for your interest in the Last Chance! You may send a payment (check or money order) in US dollars, or you may send a check in a foreign currency for the equivalent amount at current exchange rates for your fee ... plus the equivalent of US$10 - that is what the bank will charge us to cash your check. $195.20.On-Line Payment - Our on-line payment system is no longer available. If it returns or we get a replacement, we will inform you. Contacts – For more info, contact John Lee Ellis, Colorado Regional Brevet Administrator.
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