QUICK NAVIGATION
Event Logistics
PACKET PICKUP
Packet pickup is located in the Salida Scout Hut at Riverside Park in Downtown Salida on Friday, September 13th, from 2pm - 7pm.
You can also pick up your packet late, the morning of the ride, Saturday, September 14th, from 6:30am - 7:30am, though we do not recommend this option. Could there be lines? Yes. Do you just want to get to the start? Yes. You make the call.
You may pick up for another rider—please bring a photo of their ID.
Directions & Parking
SALIDA, COLORADO
Our end of the year shindig will be in the lovely mountain town of Salida. It’s about 2.5 hours South West of Denver on highway 285, or about 2 hours West of Colorado Springs via highway 24 or highway 115 to highway 50.
EVENT START / PACKET PICKUP LOCATION
The packet pickup, start, and finish location is at Riverside Park in Downtown Salida.
PARKING
There’s plenty of parking in Salida, but Sackett Street will be closed to parking on Friday and Saturday, so your best best and minutes from the venue is to park in the public lot just East of the Arkansas River on North F St. It’s free, and it’s right next to Riverside Park.
Lodging
CAMPING AT MARVIN PARK
There’s free camping available at Marvin Park near the start. Reserve your spot
Each reservation is for a single vehicle, not a single camping space. Space is limited, so reservations are required.
Vehicles must fit in a standard-size parking space (about 10 feet wide by 20 feet long).
Dogs are not allowed on the grass in Marvin Park, or any City of Salida park.
Leave no trace — If you camp in the park, please leave it in as good or better condition than you found it.
If you have a reservation, you may check in at 4pm on Friday. Your reservation is good for Friday and Saturday nights.
HOTELS IN SALIDA
Looking for a place to rest your sweet head? Check out the Salida Chamber of Commerce for hotel recommendations.
Ride Details
Salida 76
By the time September rolls around, you’re in good shape, but do you really want to go on some 15-hour torture fest? Nah, let’s have fun. Like a mullet glistening in the crisp fall air, the business is in the front with a stout climb off the get-go, but the party is in the back, as it’s your descent back into Salida.
This course is remote, beautiful, and ridden by few. Don’t take this gravel pill alone, as it’s out there—but we’ll be your guide.
Want to race? Sure! If you cross the line in the top 3 for your age category or top 5 overall, some sweet swag will be presented to you by a lovely podium dog or somebody’s kid. Want just to ride and explore new places, knowing we have your back? Perfect. We’ll be out there with you, doing the exact same thing.
Our resident local pro, Jeff Kerkove, recommends running a bike with at least 40mm wide tires and an ideal gearing ratio of 46/30 up front and 11-34 in the back.
Please note that this is September in Colorado. We always chant to the weather gods for no rain, but bring the proper gear. You never know what these mountains will throw at us.
Weekend Schedule
[AT RIVERSIDE PARK, SALIDA]
Friday, September 13
3pm - 7pm: Packet Pickup inside the Salida Scout Hut in Riverside Park. You’re welcome to pick up someone else’s packet, as long as you have a picture of their ID.
4pm: Camping at Marvin Park opens. You must have a reservation.
5:30pm: Salida Town Cruiser Ride TBD
Saturday, September 14
6:30am - 7:30am: Late Packet Pickup (Not Recommended)
8am: Salida 76 Mile Banquet Start
8:30am: Salida 76 Kilometer Lite Start
11:30am: After party begins, with food and beer for all riders
Some Time After That: Awards!
sunday, September 15
Course Maps
banquet | 76 Miles
We will take you to far-out places, with sweeping views and classic Colorado high plains beauty. It’s out there, and not easy, but worth every pedal stroke. Be the legend you know you are.
START / FINISH
Riverside Park, Salida CO
RIDE STATS
76 Miles, 7,000’+
COURSE NOTES
The 76 is a far-out gravel odyssey. It’s rugged and beautiful, just like you. There are some spicy descents around mile 13 and mile 38, so please use caution. The course will be marked, but sometimes people can be downers and remove the signs. So be prepared by downloading the route to your bike computer.
lite | 76 kilometers
The great parts of the 76-mile version with a little less commitment. You’re out here to have fun, correct?
START / FINISH
Riverside Park, Salida CO
RIDE STATS
76 Kilometers (47 Miles), 4,800’+
COURSE NOTES
The 76km course travels through private land, only accessible during the race. Many thanks to the McMurry family for letting us cross through their beautiful property. Please be respectful in this and all areas. Be prepared for a short hike-a-bike at mile 22. ABSOLUTELY NO PRE-RIDING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
Cut off times
11:15am - Aid 1 of the Long Course, Mile 17 [After this point, riders will need to take the short course.]
1:15pm - Aid 2 of the Long Course, Mile 36 [After this point, riders will need to take SAG vehicles back or ride unsupported.]
4:15pm - Aid 3 of the Long Course, Mile 60.8
On Course Support
AID STATIONS
76 Mile Course: Miles 17, 36.5, and 60.
76 Kilometer Course: Miles 17 and 31.
Aid stations will be stocked with sweet and salty snacks, water, hydration mix
PERSONAL SUPPORT
Our dear friends at Absolute Bikes will be running support. Prepare yourself with all the required tools for a quick fix, but the Absolute heroes will be running the course to save you, if necessary.
After Party
The party after the party. We’re breaking out our roller skates in Riverside Park around 11:30 am. Post-race meal and a well-earned beer for all riders. Invite your friends and enemies; we’ve earned a good time.
Register
Pricing
Your $165 entry Includes:
76 miles or kilometers of spectacular gravel, views, and friendly competition
3 aid stations stocked with all the necessary goodies (2 stations for 76km)
Full SAG, medical and support
Mystery Swag
Finish food, beer and morning coffee
Refund Policy
Due to the enormous amount of planning that goes into the preparation for this event, there are no refunds.
TRANSFERS
If we have a waitlist, there will be NO Transfers. Waitlist riders will have the first priority. If there is not a waitlist, you may transfer to a friend or family member for a $15 fee. Transfer here