Cyclewhitney: 2021 Colorado High Country 1200

Ride report

July 2021

Snowy Range

The 2021 Colorado High Country 1200 was the resurrected 2020 version that fell to COVID last year. It was a fantastic event hosted by the Rocky Mountain Cycling Club. RMCC members were everywhere; preriding the course, manning the controls, and riding in the field. Always helpful and encouraging, RMCC members added another positive dimension to this outstanding event.

Due to the remote nature of the course, and single overnight control location, the miles were 'mid-loaded' allowing for mostly daylight riding and arrival at controls/services during open hours (Day 1-189 miles, Days 2 & 3-205 miles each, and Day 4-150 miles). This unusual arrangement allowed more sleep at the beginning of the event and maximum enjoyment of the spectacular views along the way!

Preride

The Flatirons along the preride

Pascal Ledru, RMCC member, organized a Sunday morning social ride before the event and about half the field showed up for an easy loop around Boulder.

Photo stop

Nutrition is key!

The 41 mile route included a 30 minute coffee break at mile 23 to test the digestion system.

NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research)

A 2.7 mile climb at about 5% to the NCAR was on offer to test out the legs and bike to make sure they are ready to climb.


Poutine fries at lunch!

Lunch stop!

Lunch and libations at the Southern Sun Pub and Brewery for another digestion test, and sampling of some local brew!

Rolling back to the hotel

A big lunch means a slow roll back to the hotel! After the late afternoon event check-in and equipment inspection all systems were ready to roll!

Day 1 - Louisville to Walden (189 miles, 9,257' gain)

Yours truly and Roger Peskett at the start

The 0500 start time allowed for a good nights sleep, and since the day would be a modest 190 miles, there was no reason to start any earlier. It was great seeing many randonneuring friends from Canada and around the country at the start!

John Ellis gives the rider instructions

Rolling out through Louisville

A fast group went off the front right away, but most of the rest of the field split into two groups rolling through Louisville but rejoined before hitting the first control in Platteville. Only 36 miles into the ride, this control marked the eastern most progress of the ride. All the controls were untimed information controls, that is, no opening/closing times to allow for the 'mid-loading' of the mileage.

Carter Lake Reservoir

The answer to the control question and riders reloading

The second control stop was at the Carter Lake Marina/Store 67 miles into the ride. The group was still mostly together and overran the store!

Leaving Carter Lake

Pascal, Dustin, and Mike of the RMCC decided to stop again at mile 75 at Sandy's Convenience Store to get some food and top off the bottles. I rode with Pascal and Mike for much of the 2020 Just North of the Border 400km brevet in Arizona a few years ago, so I followed their lead and stopped. We would ride much of the CHC1200 together.

Pascal and riders enjoying hot dogs!

The plan was to make the next food/water stop at Ted's place at mile 100. After stopping at the Horseshoe Mountain Open Space entrance (official control) we made our way to Ted's place. Ted's had an ample supply of hot dogs along with typical convenience store fare. This would be the last stop for supplies until the Glen Echo store in Rustic at mile 134. So we all ate at Chez Sidewalk!

Poudre River

Leaving Teds, the course takes the Poudre River Canyon highway that gains 5,100 feet over 58 miles to reach the summit at Cameron Pass (10,276'). I left Ted's with Dustin, Mike, and Pascal of the RMCC and we shared the work. The canyon was narrow, and even though it was uphill, a nice tailwind pushed us along nicely. The canyon eventually widened, which diminished the tailwind, and with increasing temperatures I dropped off from the group and continued at my own pace.

About halfway to Rustic, the RMCC support team had a water and Coke stop, which was a perfect place for a break. Arriving at Rustic and the Glen Echo Restaurant at about 1410, the place was full of riders! I grabbed a can of Chicken Noodle soup, chips, and a sandwich.

Back on the road the clouds start to darken after leaving Rustic. I made a quick water stop at a campground store. Before I left, the sky let loose with the first rain of the ride. No worries, it was comfortable with the rain jacket and the rain cooled the air nicely.

The clouds disappeared, the sun came out, and so did the black flies! They were quite annoying, but after applying some 'essential oil' non-DEET repellent, they seemed to lose interest.

The first pass of the CHC1200

Reaching the summit in the daylight, but with the sun low in the sky, I figured the descent would be cold with damp kit from rain and sweat, so the rain jacket goes back on. It was only a few miles of steep descent until the road flattened out for a slightly downhill run to the control in Walden.

Walden, and one more rain shower in the distance

Making great time with a nice tailwind, Walden soon appeared in the distance, and also an approaching thunderstorm. Just a few miles outside of town, the storm packed quite a punch with some crazy headwinds and driving rain! Luckily it was an isolated cell and passed quickly!

Chili Stuffed Bakers for dinner!

I arrived in Walden at 19:36, checked in, was assigned a room, showered and cleaned up, and headed back to enjoy a great meal prepared by the RMCC volunteers. Heading back to the room, my roommate Luis had just arrived. We organized our gear for Day 2 and I set the alarm for a 04:00 departure and about 5 hours of sleep.

Day 2 - Walden Saratoga Laramie Walden (204 miles, 9,640' gain)

Nature break and light adjustment

We rolled out of Walden at 0350 after a light breakfast of coffee, muffins, and cereal in a group of six riders. We would head north toward Saratoga Wyoming, about 66 miles and 1000 feet of elevation loss in rolling prairie.

Stopping at the state line for a Selfie!

The group headed north!

Saratoga control and store

We rolled into the control about 4 hours after leaving Walden, and it was bustling with riders. Taking 30 minutes and enjoying a tub of potato salad for breakfast, we were out backtracking our route for a few miles before heading east for the 27 mile climb to Snowy Pass.

The fans were out in force!

Once the climbing started, I again dropped off from the group and headed up at my own pace. Somewhere along the way, fellow Arizonan Roger Peskett caught me and we rode together for a ways catching up on plans for the rest of our summer. He was going a little faster up the hill and soon I was alone again.

Light traffic, fantastic views!

Riding solo in spectacular scenery like this area is a complete joy. No need to attend to the wheels around you, ride your own pace, and be able to stop for photos!

Just a few more turns to the pass!

Snowy Range Pass

I hit the pass about 1pm and topped off the bottles from yet another RMCC volunteer. I put on the rain jacket for the 10 mile descent to Centennial for wind protection and 22 minutes later and 2,400' lower I pulled into the convenience store for some lunch. However, with much of the field already through, the shelves were picked clean of sandwiches and burritos! The Lunchables and Vienna Sausages washed down with a Starbucks Frapachino, sounds terrible, but was really quite good to bolster the sugar and sodium levels!

Overland Trail Marker

It was only 27 miles to Laramie, and even though it was slightly downhill, the cross/headwinds were heavy and it took nearly 2 hours to get to the control in Laramie.

Arriving at the control, a couple of riders were just leaving. Chris from Alabama noted the fine selection of hot foods inside. After the Centennial lunch fail, I was ready for something substantial. A lovely hot dog, chips, and Mountain Dew to reload the system, and a 30 minute break from the wind was just the ticket.

Teamed with Chris from Alabama

Chris rolled out a few minutes before me, and even with the change of direction, the winds were still heavy cross/headwinds, only from the other side! I noticed that Chris was only a few hundred yards up the road and we were riding the same pace, so I dialed it up slightly and caught him. We agreed to work together and rode at our own pace, but each took one mile pulls, so we could at least get relief half the time. Plus, that mile goes by real fast when you are recovering in the wheels!

Chris on the last climb of the day

Another RMCC volunteer was at Woods Landing and the base of the last climb of the day, 11 miles at 3.3% gaining 1,550 feet to 9,194. It seemed like it went on forever, but we finally reached the summit and pulled off to layer up for the descent.

Chris on the descent

Reaching bottom of the hill, we rejoined the CO-125 from much earlier in the day, and continued to work together for the last 13 miles of the ride to the control.

We arrived at 2147 to a great brevet meal of salad, lasagna, and french bread. Pascal and Mike had arrived a few minutes earlier and we planned to leave again at 0400 for day 3. I rolled the machine back to the room, showered, reloaded the bike and hit the sack for a 4 hour nap.

Day 3 - Walden Steamboat Hot Sulhpur Springs Walden (204 miles, 9,132' gain)

I didn't hear my roommate come in (eye covers and ear plugs deployed) nor did I hear my alarm going off at 0310! Luckily Luis did and turned on the lights. The bike was ready to go, and after a quick breakfast of coffee and oatmeal, we rolled out into the pre-dawn darkness of day 3 at 0400

Mike pointing out Rabbit Ears Pass

Strong group on the climb to the pass

Another Continental Divide Crossing!

It was 4 hours and one flat tire (Mike's) to clear Rabbit Ears pass, and we were looking forward to the steep descent into Steamboat Springs. Our progress was halted by a chip seal project and lane restrictions. After waiting for the pilot car, we followed traffic down a freshly chip sealed road surface. Most of the chips were packed down if you followed the tire tracks, but changing lines in the corners was a bit hair raising in the gravel!

Control outside Steamboat Springs

We arrived at the control with no incidents and again enjoyed a late breakfast curbside.

Road painting outside Yampa!

The next control was at 82 miles in Yampa. Just outside of town we encountered a road painting crew. Traffic was backed up behind them, but eventually we were able to pass the paint trucks and arrive in Yampa. Another 30 minute lunch break; corn dogs and chicken fingers seemed to be the most popular items! Just as we were leaving the paint truck crew rolled by, doh! We were able to again overtake the paint trucks and be on our way.

Gore pass, just before the rain arrived

25 miles and 2000' bring us to Gore pass, just ahead of some thunderstorms. Another RMCC volunteer was at the pass and had water and snacks. As we put on our warm clothes and rain gear for the descent, the rain began!

Even riding the brakes to keep the rims dry, we descended at nearly 40mph which added to the chill. Reaching the bottom, we turn onto US40E. With 6 miles of busy highway in the cold rain, we were happy to roll into the Kremming Mercantile. It was a large supermarket with some clothing, hunting and outdoor supplies. I went looking for wool socks (why didn't I bring my rain booties on this trip?). No luck until I hit the close out table. BINGO, youth marino wool ski socks in size L, those will work.

I grab a sandwich, potato salad, and large coffee and enjoy the indoor seating in the cafe area to warm up, reload, and try my new socks. A number of riders were suffering from the cold and considering abandoning the ride.

Snappy new socks!

Pascal on the way to Hot Sulphur Springs

A few miles of out town the rain cleared and we rode together to Windy Gap Reservoir where another RMCC volunteer provided snacks and drinks before the final climb of the day up Willow Creek. Somewhere along the way the power meter on my bike failed (water penetration on the Gore Pass descent), so after several resets, it crapped out. Not critical but annoying.

Mike, Pascal, and Dustin on the Willow Creek Pass Climb

The ride up Willow Creek was spectacular. Last year a wildfire had ripped through this canyon. It still smelled of smoke, but wildflowers and other vegetation were already growing the blackened soil.

Willow Creek Pass at 2130

We reached Willow Creek Pass at 2130 and started the rolling descent toward Walden. The pavement was extremely rough and while only 2 hours, it seemed like much longer before arriving at Walden at 2335!

Burger, chips, and potato salad for dinner!

The burger was freshly grilled and fantastic! A great meal to end a long day. We agreed to start Day 4 at 0700, so after shoveling in the dinner, it was back to the room to clean up, pack for Day 4, and get another 5 hours of sleep.

Day 4 - Walden to Louisville (150 miles, 4,522' gain)

Photo fail! The RMCC team had pancakes for breakfast and they were delicious! We rolled out at 0700 as planned for the long ascent to Cameron Pass. We started together but soon fell into our individual paces heading up the pass. There was little wind and the morning was spectacular.

Mike heading out of Walden

Leaving Walden

Taking a break before the last few miles of the climb

A slight tailwind helped the progress up toward Cameron Pass. The climb steepens about 2 miles from the top and the scenery is spectacular. I take a short break to catch my breath before continuing on to the top.

Another pass, another RMCC volunteer with refreshments!

The final grade is about 4% and the road surface is excellent. The pass is wide, about .4 miles, and another RMCC volunteer is there with supplies. Another Dew, and its onward and downward!

Always a welcome sign!

There is a small drop, then cross another flat before the real descent begins! Its 22 miles to Rustic, and 15 miles of it is steady down hill!

Held up at the Glen Echo Restaurant

In less that an hour the 22 miles to Rustic are in the rear-view mirror. In fact, the Glen Echo Restaurant came up so quickly, I almost missed it. I pulled in and found out the road was closed a few miles down the road because of a fatal auto accident. An RMCC volunteer had tried to use the highway, but was turned back by CDOT workers, saying the road would be closed for at least 5 hours!

We enjoyed a 2 hour lunch break at the restaurant waiting for the road to reopen. Finally a cyclist traveling the other direction stopped and said the police were letting cyclists through the crash scene. While everyone got ready to leave, I made a quick stop at the restroom. When I came out everyone was gone! No worries, I would not be moving very fast because of the long break and huge burrito I had for lunch.

Traffic backed up for about mile at the closure

The crash scene was just around the bend from this photo. It was easy to see why the road was closed. The eastbound lane dropped off to the Poudre River, and the westbound lane was bounded by a canyon wall. With wreckage still in the westbound lanes, there was no place to go. The police allowed us walk our bikes on the fog line past the crash site. Crews were sweeping up the speedy dry that was used to soak up the oil and coolant from the crashed vehicles.

Clearing the crash site, I spotted Matt up the road riding alone. He had been suffering from back spasms since early the first day. I caught him and he hopped on my wheel. We rode together for the next 15 miles or so until we caught the main group at construction/lane restriction stop.

At Ted's Place

Back with the large group, it was only about 5 miles to Teds place for a reload and short break. We topped off bottles, another Dew, and some potato chips, and we rolled out with a group of 8-10 riders.

Ready to put this one in the books!

With the big climbing behind us, it was rural rollers as we headed south from Ft. Collins toward Boulder. We stopped in Loveland at a Circle K for water and snacks before making the final push toward Boulder.

Arriving at the finish!

Dustin, Mike, Yours Truly, Pascal

We rolled in as a group of about 8 riders at 19:47. Volunteers, spouses, and friends cheered us on to the finish with cow bells and welcomed us back. Finisher medals were distributed and cake and soda was served celebrate the completion of this fantastic 1200.