Athlete Guide

COURSE:

• Distance: 113 miles
• Elevation Gain: 10,613′
• Highest Point: 8,921′
• Course Markings: Pink and black tape and arrows
• Download on Garmin Connect
• Download on Ride With GPS

Cutoffs:

• Outbound
  • 1:50pm Mile 43.6 | Spanish Peaks Inn 
• Inbound 
  • 6:30pm Mile 90.3 | Burro Canyon
  • 8:10pm Mile 106.8 | Trinidad Lake State Park

DROP BAGS:

• Drop Off
  • Friday 2:00pm-7:00pm | 218 W Main St
• On-Course
  • Mile 43.6 Spanish Peaks Inn
• Pick Up
  • Finish Line on Saturday
  • Must be picked up by 7:00pm on Saturday or they will be donated to local charities.
• Guidelines
• • Only clear plastic bags allowed—available at Packet Pick-Up
  • Clearly label bags in large letters with your name and bib number
  • No valuables
  • Liquids should be in leak proof, non-breakable containers

NOTE: Each course incorporates a 2 mile section of more technical gravel, on South Shore Trail, after you come into Trinidad Lake State Park. This includes a few pitchy hills with loose gravel, coupled with mostly smooth gravel. 

COURSE:

• Distance: 68.2 miles.
• Elevation Gain: 6,696′
• Highest Point: 7,585′
• Course Markings: Blue tape and arrows
• Download on Garmin Connect
• Download on Ride With GPS

Cutoffs: 

• Turnaround
  • 1:30pm Mile 34.6 | 4 Corners
• Inbound
  • 4:15pm Mile 62.5 | Trinidad Lake State Park 

no drop bags 

NOTE: Each course incorporates a 2 mile section of more technical gravel, on South Shore Trail, after you come into Trinidad Lake State Park. This includes a few pitchy hills with loose gravel, coupled with mostly smooth gravel.

COURSE:

• Distance: 47.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 4,540′
• Highest Point: 7,221′
• Course Markings: Red with red arrows
• Download on Garmin Connect
• Download on Ride With GPS

no drop bags

NOTE: Each course incorporates a 2 mile section of more technical gravel, on South Shore Trail, after you come into Trinidad Lake State Park. This includes a few pitchy hills with loose gravel, coupled with mostly smooth gravel.

110 Mile: 

• Mile 6.6 Trinidad Lake State Park | Crew Location
  • Day use fee required
• Mile 23.3 Burro Canyon
• Mile 43.6 Spanish Peaks Inn | Drop Bag and Crew Location
• Mile 71.6  Earth Mountain Farms
• Mile 90.3 Burro Canyon
• Mile 106.8 Trinidad Lake State Park

70 mile:

• Mile 6.6 Trinidad Lake State Park | Crew Location
  • Day use fee required
• Mile 23.3 Burro Canyon
• Mile 34.6 4 Corners | Crew Location
• Mile 45.9 Burro Canyon
• Mile 62.5 Trinidad Lake State Park

40 mile:

• Mile 6.6 Trinidad Lake State Park | Crew Location
  • Day use fee required
• Mile 23.3 Burro Canyon
• Mile 40.8 Trinidad Lake State Park

on the menu:

You can find the following products at all aid stations: Neversecond – Energy Gels, Fuel Bars and Sports Drink mix.

Here’s what you’ll find on course:

• Neversecond Sports Drink – Citrus and Unflavored – 60g CHO / 750ml serving.
• Neversecond Sports Drink – Citrus and Unflavored – 30g CHO / 750ml serving.
• Neversecond C30 Energy Gels – A mix of Citrus, Fruit Punch, Passion Fruit, Berry and Orange
• C30 Fuel Bars – Chocolate & Berry

There is a lot of mixed information when it comes to eating or drinking in the last hour before competition. Taking in some carbohydrate may help because it provides extra fuel that may be needed, especially during longer events. However, it can also result in so called rebound hypoglycemia or reactive hypoglycemia with symptoms of weakness, dizziness and nausea. So, it can have positive as well as negative effects? What should we do? This blog will give you the ins and outs.

Also read: How To Avoid GI Problems

We’ll provide fully stocked aid stations to make sure you’re fueled and hydrated. However, if your crew wants to support, you can receive support at select aid stations. Make sure to have someone on speed dial to pick you up from one of the official support crew locations in case you need to abandon the race.

CREW info

• Crew Location Map
• SMS Tracking Updates

110 Mile

• Crew Location 1 & 3
  • Mile 6.6 & 106.8 | Trinidad Lake State Park
    • Day use fee required
  • Access: I-25 South to the Starkville Exit — Take CR 69.1 south to CR 18.3 to the south shore entrance
• Crew Location 2
  • Mile 43.6 | Spanish Peaks Inn
  • Access: I-25 North to Ludlow Exit — Take CR 44 west to Spanish Peaks Inn

70 MILE

• Crew Location 1 & 3
  • Mile 6.6 & 62.5 | Trinidad Lake State Park
    • Day use fee required
  • Access: I-25 South to the Starkville Exit — Take CR 69.1 south to CR 18.3 to the south shore entrance
• Crew Location 2
  • Mile 34.6 | 4 Corners/CR 44 
  • Access: I-25 North to Ludlow Exit — Take CR 44 to 4 Corners ~9.6 miles from the I-25 exit

40 MILE

• Crew Location 1
  • Mile 5.7 & 40 | Trinidad Lake State Park
    • Day use fee required
  • Access: I-25 South to the Starkville Exit — Take CR 69.1 south to CR 18.3 to the south shore entrance

NOTE: Crews are only allowed to provide support at approved crew locations. If riders receive aid outside of official crew locations, they will be disqualified. 

We HIGHLY SUGGEST each participant carry with them (on their body or bike) every item on this list:

• Cycling computer or GPS device
• Minimum of two liters of water and/or sports drink
• Two spare inner tubes
• Air pump or inflation system
• A cell phone to contact the “outside world” should you need help

Additional supplies you should seriously consider:

• A GPS system to communicate your exact location to support or rescue personnel in the event of an emergency.
• Small Rucksack/Hydration Pack
• Waterproof/Windproof Jacket
• Extra Thermal Top or Warm Layer
• An Emergency/Survival Blanket
• Food: Energy Bars, Gels, Chocolate, etc.
• Chain Lube
• Tire Levers
• Cash, debit card or credit card (to purchase food, water, supplies.)
• Puncture Repair Kit
• Chain Tool
• STRONG sense of humor
• Allen Wrench Set
• Spoke Wrench
• First Aid Kit
• A phone and/or camera that allows you to capture the immense beauty and best sunrise/sunset in the world!
• Chamois Butt’r
• Front head lamp/red tail light in the event you are riding past 7:00pm

110 and 70-mile awards will be 3 deep in each category:

40-mile awards will be 3 deep in each category:

• Open Men
• Open Women
• Open Non-Binary
• Para Men
• Para Women
• Open E-Bike

*Cash payout in overall categories totals $5,000

• 1st – $1,000
• 2nd – $500
• 3rd – $400
• 4th – $300
• 5th – $200

• 50% Performance-Based: 25 coins go to top riders in each category.
  • If 1st place declines, it will roll down to 2nd, then 3rd. If 3rd place declines, it will be added to the random drawing.
• 50% Random Drawing: 25 coins will be up for grabs in a random drawing. Everyone’s got a shot!
  • Participants must be present at the awards ceremony with their qualifer tab (located on bike plate) in hand. The drawing will take place AFTER the awards ceremony and an announcement will be made when to bring your qualifier tab forward. Please do NOT bring your qualifier tab forward before the awards ceremony has concluded and before the announcement has been made.
• Distances: Finishers of the 110 and 70-mile distances will be eligible for a coin split evenly across these two distances. Winners will be able to register for either the UNBOUND Gravel 200 or 100 Mile distances.

Note: Winners will receive guaranteed entry to Life Time UNBOUND Gravel presented by Shimano, this does not include the entry fee. Winners will be able to register for either the following year’s UNBOUND Gravel or the year after that. Once participation year is selected, winners will be subject to normal deferral rules.

We are in the backyard of some pretty awesome people who are granting us the privilege to ride our bikes on their amazing gravel. Join us in showing up as our very best selves with these non-negotiables.

• Please ride with awareness to your surroundings. When you see traffic coming, move into single file lines.
• Please pick up all your garbage, and bring it out with you or drop it at one of the many aid stations on course.
• Say a big ‘thank you’ to all the volunteers who are also locals from Trinidad showing up to take care of you. Now that’s what we call hospitality!
• Please use the bathrooms we provide and not the land of these generous folks.

The following rules are designed to ensure the safety, fairness, and enjoyment of all participants across all Life Time Gravel events. All riders are expected to understand and adhere to these rules. 

BE A GOOD HUMAN

1. Leave No Trace 
   1. No garbage/clothing left on course  
2. No Public Urination
3. No Profanity
4. Support everyone. In a world where you can be anything, BE KIND 

 RIDER ELIGIBILITY 

1. All participants must register for each event prior to the designated deadline 
2. Riders must sign a waiver and agree to terms and conditions of the event
3. All participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian’s consent and must be present at check in

EQUIPMENT 

1. BICYCLES
   1. Gravel, Cyclocross, Mountain and Road bikes are allowed, but must be in safe working condition
   2. All athletes must finish the event on the same bike frame that the event was started on
   3. Wheels and other equipment may be changed at designated checkpoints, but the frame and fork must stay the same
2. MANDATORY GEAR 
   1. Properly secured helmets are required at all times while riding 
   2. Rear lights are recommended at all gravel events across the Life Time series but may be required at specific events
   3. Front lights are recommended but may be required at specific events
3. RECOMMENDED GEAR
   1. GPS device for course navigation as courses will not be marked
   2. Spare tubes
   3. Spare plugs
   4. Tools
   5. Hydration and nutrition.
      1. Most events will have aid stations, but these are not guaranteed to have the items you are looking for, so please come prepared to self-support.

COURSE RULES 

1. Riders must always stay on the designated course unless otherwise directed by event staff
2. Riders must adhere to all state laws pertaining to bicycle safety 
   1. Ride as far to the right as safely possible 
   2. Completely stop at stops signs (no rolling stops), etc. In some instances, states may allow riders to do a rolling stop at stop signs when vehicles are not present, and while Life Time will do its best to share that information, it is the athlete’s responsibility to know the state guidelines of the community.  
   3. These are open courses—you must follow all traffic laws in the state in which you are riding.  
3. Shortcuts or route deviations will result in disqualification. Riders are permitted to exit the course but must reenter at the exact spot they left in order to not be disqualified
4. Riders must yield to emergency vehicles and follow instructions from designated course marshals and event Officials 
5. Drafting behind motor vehicles is strictly prohibited

RIDER CONDUCT 

1. Respect fellow participants, event staff, volunteers and members of the local communities that you will pass through. Unsportsmanlike conduct, including abusive language or behavior, is grounds for disqualification
2. Littering on course is strictly prohibited – This includes public urination regardless of circumstance. All trash must be carried to the next available receptacle. Event organizers will provide necessary receptacles at event-provided aid stations

TIMING AND RESULTS 

1. Do not wrap/bend bike plates—they will not read, and results may be impacted. Race plates are also utilized as additional safety measure on course, so it is imperative that the event organizers, police and event officials can easily identify each participant on course
2. Time penalties or disqualifications will be issued for failure to comply with the rules stated
3. Age group, gender and overall classifications will be awarded based on official event categories which may vary by event
4. DNFs must be reported to timing

SUPPORT 

1. Riders must be self-supported unless the event offers specific, neutral aid stations
2. Outside assistance is only allowed at designated areas (e.g., aid stations and checkpoints)
3. Riders must carry the required equipment to handle mechanical issues on their own
4. Riders may receive help from other riders outside of the stated checkpoints but only other riders within the event

SAFETY 

1. All participants must prioritize safety including riding at a speed appropriate for their skill level and course conditions
2. If a rider encounters another participant in distress, they are encouraged to stop and assist also reporting the situation to the nearest event official
3. Headphones 
   1. No over-ear headphones or in-ear earbuds 
   2. If you must have headphones, they MUST be bone conducting headphones  
   3. Rider must be able to always maintain awareness of surroundings as many of these events take place on open roads
   4. Riders may be required to take their bone conducting headphones off at any time that an event official deems it a safety concern

TOGS AND AEROBARS 

1. In the interest of safety, aero bars and clip-on inner bar extensions are not allowed
2. Traditional bar ends located outside of the grip are permitted
3. Togs are permitted but must be 2 inches maximum in length

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP 

1. Riders must respect all local regulations and private property. Some events may have permission to access private property for the event, in this case all riders are required to stay on the designated course only during the event and may not be allowed to pre-ride certain sections of the course prior to race day
2. Life Time organizers will provide guidance on environmentally sensitive areas and riders must follow these instructions

PROTESTS AND APPEALS 

1. Any protest regarding results or rule violations must be submitted to the event director 30 minutes prior to awards ceremony
2. The race director and panel of officials will determine the outcome and that decision is final

EVENT CANCELLATION OR MODIFICATION 

1. Life Time reserves the right to cancel, postpone or modify the race due to weather, safety concerns or other unforeseen circumstances
2. Refunds and/or deferrals will be handled in accordance with the event’s policy

By participating in any Life Time gravel series event, riders acknowledge their understanding of these rules and agree to abide by them.

RIDE SMART:

• In the case of an emergency, dial 911
• First and foremost: ride smart, ride safe, and ride within your ability.
• Be smart about your nutrition and hydration.
• Drink and eat early, and before you are hungry or thirsty.

WEATHER:

• Plan for temperatures in the 80s during the afternoons.
• In the early am and evening expect into the lower 50s.
• Plan for rain. Yup… bring your jacket. High desert can change quickly!

DNF:

• Should you no longer be able to complete the course, please report all DNFs to a staff member.

YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN:

• Plan like you’re by yourself or with your friends completely unsupported.
• Cell service is limited or non-existent on the backside of the 110 Mile course, and it’s 31 miles to an aid station. There is no shame in turning back.

HOSPITAL:

• It is, of course, our hope that no one will need this information. In the unfortunate chance that you do, print this off and keep it with you and your support crew.
• MT. SAN RAFAEL HOSPITAL | 410 Benedicta Ave Trinidad, CO 81082

We thank the following sponsors for making the Rad Dirt Fest possible. Whether local or national, we ask our participants and fans to first look to these sponsors for the services or products they provide. We truly could not host this amazing event without them.