Why has the 100-mile gravel route changed?
Due to the Muddy Slide Forest fire and the closure of CR 16/Lynx pass we have changed the 100-mile gravel ride to a completely new route and new aid stations.
Where is packet pick-up?
For 2021 there is NO pre-event packet pickup. Riders will be sent credentials via email a week prior to the event. SWAG and lunches will be distributed at the finish at Howelsen Hill/Olympian Hall – Howelsen Lodge 845 Howelsen Pkwy Steamboat Springs, CO, 80487.
Can I pick up for someone else? Or can someone pick up for me?
Yes you can pick up for any many people as needed.
What does my registration include?
- Drawing ticket to win three fabulous prizes, including a custom titanium Bingham Built gravel or road bike, your choice!
- Post-ride meal (vegetarian option available)
- Free beer in the craft beer garden
- Swag bag
- Full ride support including SAG vehicles, aid stations, and rock star volunteers
When will the bike drawing occur and how do I get a ticket?
Every registered rider is automatically entered to win! You can increase your chances by making a $50 donation. For each $50 donation, we will add your name. For example, donate $100 and your name is added in twice. We will do the Bike Drawing at the finish on Saturday, July 17th between 3:00 – 5:00 pm no need to be present. The winners will be contacted directly and be posted on our website.
Where and at what time is the start?
For 2021 we are asking riders to start from where they live or are staying and proceed on their route via 7th Street and Howelsen Parkway (Rodeo Grounds).
Suggested start times:
100 mile, 50 mile gravel & 66 mile road: 7am
46 mile road: 8am
26 mile road: 9am
Please be aware of opening and closing times for aid stations and follow all traffic signs and rules of the road.
Can I have a friend/family member drive the course to help me and/or my friends?
Absolutely NO personal support vehicles are allowed on the course. Our event is a fully stocked, well-coordinated event designed to let riders ride from aid station to aid station without additional support vehicles.
How do you know if registration is full?
We will post it on the web site and registration for that distance will be closed on imATHLETE.
How many riders is the ride limited to?
We will close registration at 1,200 riders.
Can you buy tickets to the Post Ride Meal if you are not riding?
Yes, but must purchase in advance via IAMATHLETE
How will lunch work?
You will be asked for your lunch order during registration. At the completion of your ride proceed through the finish and check in under your name (alphabetical). Here we will deliver your rider SWAG, bagged lunch and a beverage voucher for a local brewery.
What are the lunch options?
Our friends at Yampa Sandwich Co. we will be offering your choice of the following:
Turkey: roasted turkey, swiss cheese, tomato, romaine lettuce, honey dijon on French roll.
Vegetarian: tomato, red onion, English cucumber, carrots, field greens, house red wine vinaigrette on French roll.
Ham: smoked ham, provolone, house cranberry chutney, romaine lettuce, chipotle mayo on French roll.
Gluten-free bread choice is available
All sandwiches include a bag of Boulder chips and freshly baked cookie or brownie.
Can I change my lunch order after I have registered?
Yes, up until 1 week prior to the ride you may edit your registration, however, you will need to manage this on your own via IMathlete and your confirmation code.
What are the Aid Station cut-offs? Note: Strict closers will apply.
Please refer to route specific aid stations:
- Sidney Peak 7:30am – noon
- Stagecoach Wetlands 7:30am – 11:00am
- Yampa 8:30am – 1:30pm
- Oak Creek: Bonfiglio’s Lot 8:00am – 3:00pm
- Trout Creek 9:30am – 2:00pm
- Coal Mine 11:30am – 4:00pm
I’m riding the gravel course, what should I expect?
The TDS 100 mile Gravel ride will be approximately 100-miles in length consisting of about 25% pavement and 75% dirt. Aid stations will resupply you at both ends of the dirt sections and cheerful volunteers will help re-fuel you for the next section.
The 50 mile Gravel is approximately 60% gravel.
On both gravel rides you can expect everything from smooth gravel, 2-track primitive roads, pavement and maybe even some mud in the event of rain! All the TDS routes including the gravel rides are open to traffic so all rules of the road apply.
Be prepared with bigger knobby tires, rain gear, a fender if wet, lots of water and food and a good tool and repair kit. We will have a sweep vehicle for SAG support however you must be fit enough to complete the route(s) prior to starting, this includes managing your own repairs and/or flat tires and carrying all needed gear, food, and hydration needs. E-bikes are NOT permitted.
Are there mechanics at each Aid Station?
No, please be prepared to repair your own bike. Ensure you have your own spare tubes, tools and air canisters and know how to use them.
Are there Port-a-Lets at each Aid Station?
Yes
What food and beverages will be available at each Aid Station?
Water
Honey Stinger products
Skratch electrolyte drink
Bananas
Cookies
M & M’s
Pretzels
Goldfish
GORP
Fritos/Pringles
PB & J (Rock Creek only)
Ibuprofen
Sunscreen
Port-a-lets
What time is the post-ride meal available?
When you finish your ride you will receive your post-ride lunch to enjoy on-site or take with you open. Food will be available from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Beer service starts at 10:00 am.
What are the course hours?
Course hours are 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. SAG and mechanical support will only be available on course from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Riders are expected to make each aid station cut-off time. Any rider on course after an aid station closure will be driven to the next aid station or to the finish as is appropriate. YOU MUST HAVE YOUR RIDE CREDENTIALS ON YOUR PHONE OR A PAPER COPY TO ENTER AID STATIONS.
What to wear?
For greater safety and better visibility early in the morning or during rainy/cloudy conditions, participants are suggested to bring headlights and high visibility flashing tail lights. Brightly colored clothing is also suggested for riding in rainy/low-light conditions or after dark.
Remember layering is the best option as we are in Colorado and the weather changes from hour to hour.
How fit do I need to be?
The Tour de Steamboat toutes can be challenging. The challenges include elevation, altitude, weather, and heat. Please train appropriately for this event.
Be sure you’ve had a recent physical exam by your family physician. Once cleared for training, don’t go at it full-bore if you’ve not been regularly active. Increase your time and effort gradually. Avoid focusing solely on building mileage at the expense of a well-rounded program that includes strength, flexibility, endurance, nutrition, hydration and rest.
Plan on increasing your mileage by l0% to 15% each week over the course of your training. Begin with shorter rides back-to-back, and increase to longer days in the saddle. The Tour de Steamboat’s biggest claim to fame is our elevation; please plan your training to include both the climbing and descending hills. If possible, ride with others to get prepared for sharing the road with other cyclists. Many books and articles have been written on the subject of training for cyclists. If you have doubts about your ability or questions about how to train, you are encouraged to research the topic online or at your local book or bike shop.
What are the rules of the Tour de Steamboat?
This is a non-competitive ride, rules of the road apply.
Please read the following for definition:
Local law patrol is a part of our event and as such will be monitoring both vehicle drivers and cyclists for adherence to the appropriate rules of the road. Bicyclists are subject to citation by law enforcement for violating state law or local ordinances. So be sure to obey all traffic laws and be a good ambassador of the sport of cycling at all times. Take particular care in supervising any child or teen companions. Parents/guardians are responsible for their children and should keep them closely supervised at all times, both on and off the bike.
Always keep the following “rules of the road” in mind:
- TDS participants must wear an approved helmet at all times when on the bike.
- Use of earbuds/headphones are forbidden. Your sense of hearing is critical to avoiding many hazards.
- Never ride more than two abreast and share the road. Ride single file when other vehicles need to pass. Especially in these areas:
- Cr 14 to Stagecoach Reservoir and onto Oak Creek Aid Station
- Hwy 131 between Phippsburg and Oak Creek
- Ride in a predictable manner.
- Do not draft behind motor vehicles.
Call out and/or signal, as appropriate, to alert other riders when you:
- Intend to pass (“On your left” or “Passing”),
- Intend to turn,
- Are slowing or stopping (“Slowing,” “Stopping”),
- Become aware of a hazard ahead (“Pothole,” “Glass”, etc.),
- Absolutely DO NOT call “clear” at intersections. It must remain the responsibility of each rider to determine whether it is safe to pass through an intersection based upon his/her immediate observations of the prevailing conditions.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation refunds WILL NOT be issued. We do allow transfers to another category. All transfers must be managed by the entrant, using imATHLETE and your registration page or by contacting imATHLETE directly support@imathlete.com or 855-751-9090. Category transfers will be accommodated up until seven days before the event date. Please plan accordingly.
How do I volunteer?
Volunteers are needed for setup, packet pickup, on course aid stations and tear down.
If you want to help we would love to have you.
Either contact Abi Slingsby our Volunteer Coordinator abi@tourdesteamboat.com
Or check out our online sign up link: https://signup.com/go/rMtVTFC
Will there be SAG support out on course?
Yes, same as in years past.
Who handles medical care at The Tour?
Beyond the spectacular views and many other great reasons to enjoy the Tour De Steamboat safety and medical support are of the utmost importance to our ride. Marked medical escort vehicles will be provided along all three routes to offer rapid emergency medical treatment. At the finish line, a dedicated medical aid tent will be available to treat and evaluate everything from sore joints to serious medical emergencies. Licensed medical professionals provided by EMS Unlimited are well versed in not only offering compassionate and rapid medical care but also keeping a watchful eye over all facets of the ride to ensure safety is always paramount.
The Tour De Steamboat is proud to provide this valuable and quality service offered by EMS Unlimited, a Colorado-based premier full-service event medical standby company. To learn more about EMS Unlimited visit them at www.ems-unlimited.com. An Advanced Life Support (ALS) Paramedic Aide Tent will be available at the finish line for everything from free blood pressure checks to serious medical emergencies. Two marked Paramedic response vehicles will be roaming all three routes to provide immediate medical stabilization and transport coordination even in the most rural corners of the course. In the event of a medical emergency call 911 or stop by the nearest aide station and EMT’s and Paramedics will be at your side within moments. There are portions of the course where cellular service is unreliable if you find someone needing assistance in these area’s please ask someone to continue on and call 911 as soon as possible.