Rider Safety
Our events are conducted on open roads with vehicular traffic present. The roads have both marked and unmarked hazards. Please be careful and remember that you are only as safe as you ride.
RULES OF THE ROAD
Make sure your bike is mechanically sound. If in doubt, take it to a shop.
Helmets are required.
Know how to change a flat and be prepared to do so. There are bike technicians at each aid station should you have more serious mechanical problems.
Ride to the right and please leave room for others to pass on your left, where appropriate.
Be courteous to your fellow riders, many of whom may be riding for the first time surrounded by thousands of other cyclists. Error on the side of giving people extra room and warning when passing.
Before you stop, make sure no bicycles or motor vehicles are immediately behind you. Signal before stopping, at the right edge of the road, and then immediately move off the roadway. Stopping is especially dangerous and not recommended at the crest of a hill or on a curve.
Call out to fellow cyclists when you are passing, stopping or pulling off.
Be predictable and don’t weave. Ride in a straight line to make it easier for those riding behind you.
FOOD AND HYDRATION
Carry some food and don’t put yourself in danger by not drinking enough fluids. Carry two water bottles with you, drink often, and fill them up at each rest stop.
OBEY TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
As a cyclist in Colorado, you are responsible to follow the same traffic regulations as other vehicles. This means stopping at red lights and stop signs, not crossing solid yellow lines and obeying all traffic laws.
Ride to the Right: Cyclists should always ride on the right side of the road. Since all roads utilized during the event are still open to motorists, we cannot ride on the left side of the road as well. There are townspeople that need to get to work, farmers tending to fields and others that should not be hindered by cyclists taking up both sides of the road. Hogging the roads might anger motorists and create a negative image of cyclists in their mind. Be a good guest and share the road.
Allow Others to Pass: You should ride as safely as possible to the right when possible. If you hear a cyclist sound off, “ON YOUR LEFT”, this means they are attempting to pass you on your left. Be courteous and let faster riders pass safely.
Don’t Cross Solid Yellow Lines: The solid yellow line indicates that it is unsafe for motorists to safely pass in this area because it is difficult to see oncoming traffic due to hills, curves or other challenges. Likewise, it is extremely dangerous for cyclists to ride left of solid yellow or double yellow lines.
WEATHER
Afternoon thunderstorms are a frequent summer occurrence in the Rockies. In order to avoid lightning strikes, don’t be the tallest object around or stand under tall objects. Move to higher ground in the event of a flash flood. Rain gear can help prevent hypothermia; a drop in body temperature that can happen even in summertime.
ANIMALS / WILD LIFE
As people move into wildlife habitat, animal encounters occur more frequently and could happen in the back roads of Winter Park and Grand County. To avoid any encounters, keep your distance. Here are some important information to learn about if and when you encounter wildlife.
Click here to learn more about how to deal with wildlife on trails and gravel roads.
