Bicycle Tour of Colorado

[spokewench]

I didn't get into Ride the Rockies (lottery), so I have a decision to make.

Do I attempt the Tour of Colorado?

How the heck does someone find the time/energy to train for
35,000 feet of climbing in 418 miles. Ouch!

I did BTC last year and I work full time and I'm not into killing myself training. I trained a lot for me, mostly hill climbing, but I did real good (which means not fast) but comfortable most of the time.

If I can do it you surely can!

[cindysue]

I did BTC last year ....

Thanks for the confidence boost!

OK, I'm nearly convinced. Did you use a Sherpa last year? I'm on the fence. It seems silly to pay someone $200 to set up/tear down your tent especially when you don't have to carry it yourself, but it would be nice to have everything set up in a nice flat clear space after a long day on the bike and not have to get up early to take it down in the morning....

Also - Did you pre-pay for meals or go into town?

[spokewench]

Thanks for the confidence boost!

OK, I'm nearly convinced. Did you use a Sherpa last year? I'm on the fence. It seems silly to pay someone $200 to set up/tear down your tent especially when you don't have to carry it yourself, but it would be nice to have everything set up in a nice flat clear space after a long day on the bike and not have to get up early to take it down in the morning....

Also - Did you pre-pay for meals or go into town?

I did not use Sherpa although it might have been nice. Hubby and I stayed two nights in a motel (that I arranged beforehand on my own, one day in Gunnison after the 100 mile day and then the next day as well, did laundry there); the rest of the time we camped. It wasn't too bad setting up and tearing down. One time, I just barely got the tent up without tying down or anything as the rain started pouring - just jumped in the tent to hold it down and waited it out. Make sure you have water proof bags. It kind of depends how much disposable money you have, the sherpa makes it a lot nicer.

As far as the food, I ordered the dinners and my husband had breakfast and dinners cause he needs LOTS OF FOOD. Most of the days, I was in early to mid afternoon so I just waited to have lunch then (I would get a sandwich somewhere or a burrito from the food vendors on site) There was a coffee vendor for the morning so that was good. Dinners out at the restaurant in some of the towns was a pain cause they restaurants were so full. I was glad to have the option of the dinner meal so I was sure I got enough food.

The fruit, pb&J's, etc. was so excellent on the rest stops. Great rest stop food

[cindysue]

I did not use Sherpa although it might have been nice. ....

Great info, SW. Thanks so much!!!!!

[spazzdog]

So...

Is the Bicycle Tour of Colorado the new incarnation of Ride the Rockies or is it a separate event??

clueless-spazz

[Pedal Wench]

Sorry, Spazz,

We completely destroyed a lovely thread about Bicycle Tour of Colorado, which historically takes place the week after Ride The Rockies.

They're two seperate events, although they tend to plan their routes in similar parts of the state each year. Rumor has it that BTC was started to handle people who didn't make the lottery cut of RTR. Both are great events - BTC tends to have tougher days, but include a rest day, where RTR is slightly easier, but no rest days. BTC has better food supplied, RTR has better vendors selling food. Both use the same Porta-potty company and both use the same motorcycle police support.

Sorry for the confusion, and again, sorry for hijacking the original thread.

[spazzdog]

No apologies necessary... Colorado is Colorado, right

educated-spazz

[cindysue]

- BTC tends to have tougher days, but include a rest day, where RTR is slightly easier, but no rest days. BTC has better food supplied, RTR has better vendors selling food. Both use the same Porta-potty company and both use the same motorcycle police support.

more great info. Thanks! I should hire you as my personal consultant. I can pay you in lunabars