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Cycling Fans!

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A supported/guided Mountain Bike ride from Crested Butte

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COMMENTARY

THE ROCKIES WIN AGAINWork hard, play hard.This describes more than our lifestyle in the

Gunnison Valley. It defines our cycling style, too.

Mountains were meant to be climbed, and there’s something especially magical about ascending to those grand heights, where the air is thin and the views go on forever, by pedaling a bicycle. It’s why God made gears.

But isn’t it hard? Of course it’s hard. It should be hard. And the harder it is, the bigger the reward. Because what goes up, must come down. And that’s when the fun-factor can really soar.

We have a love affair with bicycles in Colorado, especially in the Centennial State’s mountain communities. Cycling brought many people here; it’s a big reason some of us have stayed.

It’s true that fat tires and singletrack tend to be the cycling combo of choice around here. But we’ve got a healthy respect for skinny tires and pavement, too. We go both ways.

And we’ve got a rich history in more than mountain biking. Some of the world’s greats have raced on our streets before: Laurent Fignon. Alexi Grewal. Charly Mottet. Some mountain goat out of Durango named Ned Overend (yes, he used to race the road, too).

So, last August when former Governor Bill Ritter and cycling legend Lance Armstrong stood on the steps of the State Capitol announcing that professional road racing was returning to Colorado, the wheels were already in motion to make sure the peloton swung through the Gunnison Valley.

Cycling is meant for the mountains. And the Gunnison Valley lies at the heart of Colorado’s Rockies.

A lot of people have worked really hard to put this enormous event on. Hordes of local volunteers have contributed time, energy and money to ensure its success. They’ve done so out of a love for cycling and a belief that Colorado is most deserving of being on the map of the world’s great places to go for a ride. We thank you.

The Gunnison City Council has opened the city’s purse strings to bring the event here. Thank you. City Manager Ken Coleman had the vision from the outset, and City Event Coordinator John Messner has been the man on the ground executing the plan. Thank you.

To everyone involved in the Local Organizing Committee, a huge thank you.

Gunnison County has literally gone above and beyond in ensur-ing Cottonwood Pass will be in the best shape it’s ever been in. Thanks Marlene Crosby and the Road and Bridge crew.

To all you spectators who have travelled here from elsewhere, welcome. We are glad you’re here. Enjoy. Go for a ride. Check out our awesome local business community that is here to help you have a great time. Start by perusing the folks advertised here, who have brought this Event Guide to you.

Now, let’s go racing.We’re especially excited about our two stages — the mountain-

top finish in Mt. Crested Butte and the monstrous Queen Stage from Gunny to Aspen — because we consider flat ground to be an inter-lude between the good stuff. Sorry sprinters, but the mountains are what separate the men from the boys.

What else could inspire so many slogans? “When in doubt, go higher.” (Mountain Gazette.)“Where champions are made out of thin air.” (Western State

College athletics.) “The mountain changes everything.” (USA Pro Cycling

Challenge.) “Rocky Mountain High.” It’s Colorado’s almost-official state song,

for Pete’s sake. Welcome back to the high country, pro cycling. We’ve been wait-

ing for you — at the top, of course.

(Chris Dickey can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or [email protected])

Chris Dickey

US PRO CYCLING CHALLENGE RACE ROUTE

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PrologueColorado Springs to Garden of the Gods 5.18 mi

Stage 1Salida to Mt. Crested Butte 99.4 mi

Stage 2Gunnison toAspen 131.1 mi

Stage 3Vail time trial 10 mi

Stage 4Avon toSteamboatSprings 82.8 mi

Stage 5Steamboat Springsto Breckenridge 105.2 mi

Stage 6Golden to Denver 73.79 mi

Tuesday, Aug. 2311 a.m. — Expo at IOOF Park •Live music starts at noon •Beer garden •Family activities •Vendor expo •Jumbotron

11:45 a.m. — Stage start in Salida2 p.m. (approx) — Sprint finish at Hwy. 50 and Adams St. (by McDonalds) in Gunnison3 p.m. (approx) — Sprint finish on Elk Ave. in Crested Butte3:30 p.m. (approx) — Stage finish in Mt. Crested Butte

Wednesday, Aug. 248 a.m. — Start Festival opens in downtown Gunnison •Teams arrive, Autograph Alley •Vendor expo

9 a.m. — Rider Sign-in9:10 a.m. — Starting Ceremonies9:50 a.m. — Rider Call-up9:55 a.m. — National Anthem10 a.m. — Queen Stage Start!10:15 a.m. — 2-4 Year Old Strider Bike Race from the official start10:20 a.m. (approx) — Sprint finish in Almont10:25 a.m. — 5-7 Year Old Pedal Bike Race from the official start11:45 a.m. (approx) — King of the Mountains finish at the end of dirt on Cottonwood PassAll Day — Expo at IOOF Continues until the stage finish in Aspen at (approx) 4 p.m. •Live music starts at 11 AM •Family activities •Beer garden •Jumbotron

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS — GUNNISON

2 USA PRO CYCLING EVENTS • Aug. 22-28, 2011 Gunnison Country Times

We’ve got you covered head to toe with brands for your active lifestyle.

When it comes to our mountains, it’s all about hard work and sweet rewards

by Petra St. George

The Queen Stage? What’s a Queen Stage?

Gunnison is no stranger to out-door fun, but world-class cycling has come to town with its own vocabulary. And this is one turn-of-phrase we think you’ll like.

Traditionally, the Queen Stage of a multi-day stage race is the longest and hardest ride. It includes “beyond classification” climbs — climbs with difficulty exceeding the rating structure. The Tour de France has the Galibier. The Giro d’Italia has Monte Zoncolan.

T h e U S A P ro C y c l i n g Challenge has a two-headed Queen.

After departing our friendly town the morning of Aug. 24, riders travel 131 miles to Aspen, the longest of the race’s seven days. Those miles include two climbs: Cottonwood Pass and Independence Pass.

On their own, these climbs don’t rival the climbing grade of the Alps or the Pyrenees. But, when you add the fact that they both top out above 12,000 feet, well, this is a whole different kind of Queen. And a dirty Queen at that, with the Cottonwood climb including 14 miles of dirt road.

To offer some perspective, the Queen Stage at this year’s Tour de France took riders 124 miles and as high as 9,002 feet. Is that it?

Anyone who’s attempted to climb a 14’er in our backyard will tell you those last couple thousand feet are the most challenging.

When he visited the Gunnison Valley this July to ride the Alpine Odyssey in Crested Butte, sev-en-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong said himself that the altitude adds a whole dif-ferent dimension to this race.

So there she is, your Queen. The route promises to offer the kind of honest, Western nego-tiation that characterizes the Gunnison Valley: Hard work, sweet rewards.

We thought you’d like that.

ALL HAIL ‘THE QUEEN’

Catch race’s only mountain-top finish & Queen Stage start

The Gunnison Valley is hosting two of the premiere stages of Colorado’s inau-gural USA Pro Cycling Challenge, which marks the return of professional racing to the Centennial State. Be part of the only mountain-top finish in Mt. Crested Butte, feel the adrenaline at the Queen Stage start in Gunnison, witness riders crossing the Continental Divide atop Cottonwood Pass, and soak in biking culture at its best. Also watch two sprints through the hearts of historic business districts in Gunnison and Crested Butte during Stage 1 on Aug. 23

Local Happenings — Aug. 23 & 24Not only can spectators watch the race

from many great vantage points, the bike-loving towns of Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte are gearing up to offer expos, festivals, Jumbotrons, live music, Strider Cup races for kids, townie and hand-cycling criteriums and more.

Stage 1 — Aug. 23Starting in downtown Salida at 11:15

a.m., racers will begin tackling the 100-mile course to Mt. Crested Butte. After a

climb up 11,315-foot Monarch Pass, rac-ers will drop the hammer in Gunnison at the intersection of Adams and Tomichi (near McDonald’s) for sprint points, make a harrowing turn from Tomichi Avenue onto Main Street, and continue north to Crested Butte.

Entering Crested Butte at high speed, racers will negotiate three tight corners before the sprint line on historic Elk Avenue in the heart of downtown. Racers are expected to reach speeds in excess of 40 miles per hour at the sprint point just before Third Street.

After blasting through the four-way stop, competitors will grind three miles uphill to a sprint finish at Mt. Crested Butte’s Mountaineer Square, the base area of Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

In Mt. Crested Butte, the finish line will come alive with the Finish Festival including live music and a “Taste of the Town” planned from 11 a.m.–6 p.m., plus watch race action on a Jumbotron.

Stage 2 — “Queen Stage,” Aug. 24The Queen Stage is the crown jewel

of the seven stages. The journey from Gunnison to Aspen will be the hardest, longest and highest of the race.

S tart ing a t Main and Virg inia in Gunnison at 10 a.m., the cyclists will travel through Gunnison National Forest

and gain 2,740 feet over 13.7 miles to reach the first King of the Mountain line of the day on top of 12,126-foot-high Cottonwood Pass, the highest point dur-ing this seven-day race.

After a tough climb and a fast descent comes another beautiful but grueling climb up Independence Pass. This second King of the Mountain line will certainly separate the true competitors from the peloton.

After 131 miles, this take-no-prisoners stage ends in downtown Aspen.

The Queen Stage Downtown Expo kicks off in Gunnison at 8 a.m., featur-ing autograph alley with the cyclists on Tomichi Avenue and Main Street, a ven-dor expo and a pre-start program com-plete with color guards, local cycling heroes and the national anthem.

Craft your own crown, channel your excitement with a cowbell to send off the riders in style, and stick around to watch the drama of Stage 2 unfold on the Jumbotron at IOOF Park throughout the day. There will be live music, activities for the whole family and a beer garden until the stage finish.

If you plan to watch on Cottonwood Pass, get going early to travel up County Road 742 to Taylor Park and find a spot to watch the action on the dirt ascent to the Continental Divide.

WHERE TO WATCHStage 1 — Salida to Mt. Crested Butte, Aug. 23•Watch the cyclists reach the very first King of the Mountain line at the top of Monarch Pass.•See who gambles everything for the sprint line points in downtown Crested Butte.•Watch the race’s only mountain top finish on Mt. Crested Butte.•The riders will be sprinting into Gunnison, with a sprint point finish right at the eastern entrance to town (Hwy. 50 and Adams Street — by McDonald’s.)

Queen Stage, Aug. 24•Bring your cowbell to downtown Gunnison and cheer on the cyclists at the start of the toughest stage in America.•Get an early start and ride your bike (or drive) up to Taylor Canyon, and pick one of any number of gorgeous, scenic pull-outs along the Taylor River to see the peloton zoom by.•Head up to Cottonwood Pass or Independence Pass to see the cyclists tackle either of the two highest paved mountain passes in this race (and in Colorado).•Relax and enjoy the luxury of Aspen and cheer on your favorite competitor at the finish of the Queen stage.

OFFERING ROYAL VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES

Need to know: •There will be no driving on Cottonwood Pass from the Gunnison County side starting at 5 p.m. on Aug. 23 so crews can put the final touches on the gravel road.

•Western State College will provide shuttles from Taylor Park on the morning of Aug. 24 (at 7, 8 and 9 a.m.) to get you as close as possible to the action on Cottonwood Pass. Or plan to ride your bike or hike up from the road closure point. Shuttles will depart from the U.S. Forest Service parking area, directly south of the Taylor Park Trading Post (http://www.taylorparktradingpost.com/images/TPRmap.GIF). Cost of the shuttles is by donation, with proceeds benefitting WSC’s club sports.

Yep, the views are pretty spectacular from Cottonwood Pass. Expect this to be one of the most popular viewing destinations along the entire route.

Photo by John Messner

Gunnison Country Times Aug. 22-28, 2011 • USA PRO CYCLING EVENTS 3

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by Jon Nelson

For those of you who perhaps aren’t too familiar with the sport of professional road cycling, here is a quick overview.

Each team will begin the race with eight riders and typically only one of them will be con-sidered a GC (general classifica-tion) contender. The GC’s over-all time determines where he stacks up against his rivals, with the lowest overall time winning the race.

The other team members work to support the GC’s chanc-es of winning the race. They do this in a number of ways. On flatter sections of road they will form a line and allow the GC to sit at the back of the line while the team takes turns rotat-ing through to the front. This enables him to save energy and strength sitting in their draft (breaking the wind).

On a day when they finish on an uphill, such as in Mt. Crested Butte, he can then try to attack at the end of the stage and either win it or gain time on the other GC rivals.

Support riders can help chase down attempted breakaways by other GC contenders and even offer up their bike to the leader

should something happen to his. Without a strong team, and

individuals willing to sacrifice their own results to get the win, a GC rider will be out-dueled by his rivals.

Within the race for overall victory, there are also other jer-seys to be won. The person who is first to the top of the stage’s climbs can earn the “King of the Mountain” title.

There is also a sprinter’s jer-sey, given to a rider who gains the most points based upon finishing position at selected points along the race route.

There is a best young rider competition, for the rider under 23 who has the lowest cumula-tive time. For each stage there is also an award for the most aggressive rider, as determined by the race officials.

As the riders come through Gunnison on Aug. 23, there will be an intermediate sprint that will conclude at Adams and Hwy. 50. This will be an excellent vantage point to see how the teams work as a unit to deliver their sprinter to the line to win the sprint. In a sprint on flat terrain, riders can hit speeds in excess of 40 mph.

Another component of a stage race is the individual time

trial. This is a race against the clock and there is no teamwork involved. Riders start at two- or three-minute intervals, with the rider in first place going last.

Time trial bikes are differ-ent from a regular road bike in that they have a disc rear wheel, special handlebars that allow a rider to get much more aerody-namic, and the riders wear skin suits that fit them like a tight-fitting glove. They even wear shoe covers to help the air flow past their shoes without caus-ing drag.

There will be a time trial in Vail of about 13 uphill miles and the record for that course is a little over 25 minutes.

At the start of each stage, there is typically a neutral roll out of a couple of kilometers before the race officials wave the white flag signifying that the race is on.

At the end of a stage race there is an awards ceremony, honoring the stage winner, the best sprinter, the best climber, best young rider and the team with the lowest cumulative time. At the finish, the podium is reserved for the first-, sec-ond- and third-place overall fin-ishers. This will take place in downtown Denver on Aug. 28.

Teams work together, oftentimes allowing their strongest rider to sit in back of a long line, conserving energy for when it’s time to attack.

Photo by John Pierce/PhotoSport International

ROAD RACING 101 CYCLING GLOSSARY(Terms from Wikipedia)

AutobusA group of riders in a stage race (typically non-climbers and suffering domestiques) who ride together as a group on the mountain stages with the sole intention of finishing within the stage’s time limit to allow them to start the next day.

Bonk or “Hit the Wall” To completely run out of energy on a long ride.

BreakawayBreakaway is when a small group of riders or an individual have successfully opened a gap ahead of the peloton.

CadenceThe rate at which a cyclist pedals (in revolutions per minute).

CaravanThe team cars following behind the peloton in support of their racers.

DomestiqueA rider whose job it is to support and work for other riders in their team (literally “servant” in French).

DraftingTo ride closely behind another rider to make maximum use of their slipstream, reducing wind resistance and effort required to ride at the same speed.

Feed zoneA location along the course of a long race where team personnel hand musettes containing food and beverages to passing riders.

Lead outSprinting technique often used where the “lead out” rider will accelerate to maximum speed close to the sprint point with a teammate, the sprinter, drafting behind, hoping to create space between the sprinter and the pack. When the lead out man is exhausted he will move to the side to allow his teammate to race in the sprint.

On the rivetWhen riding at maximum power output, a road racer often perches on the front tip of the saddle (seat).

Peloton(From French, literally meaning little ball or platoon.) The large main group in a road bicycle race. Riders in a group save energy by riding close (drafting or slipstreaming) near and, particularly behind, other riders. The reduction in drag is dramatic; in the middle of a well-devel-oped group it can be as much as 40 percent.

PrologueA short individual time trial before a stage race, used to determine which rider wears the leader’s jersey on the first stage.

Road rashSevere skin abrasions caused from sliding on the asphalt in a crash.

Sag wagon Support motor vehicle following long races or recreational rides to pick up riders unable to complete the event.

StageOne part of a multi-day race, such as the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.


Support Gunnison Trails to help maintain and pursue stellar single-track in the Valley.Become a member at www.gunnisontrails.com

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Tom Danielson considered one of the favorites

by Chris Dickey

Tom Danie lson sa id the hairs on the back of his neck stood up when he heard that professional stage racing was coming back to Colorado. The Boulder-based cyclist who rides for Team Garmin-Cervelo, and is fresh off a top-10 individu-al finish in his first-ever Tour de France, is being billed as a pre-race favorite heading into the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

It won’t be the first time, however, that Danielson has raced in Colorado — or the Gunnison Val ley, for that matter. The 33-year-old cut his cycling teeth as a stu-dent at Fort Lewis College in Durango.

“Western State (College) hosted a couple of collegiate events, and I did them and definitely have good memo-ries of them,” Danielson said. “Gunnison reminded me a lot of Durango, with a real tight community, the local business-es and that mountain town feel. I was really excited to see it as a stop along the race.”

But what about the race itself? Does being a Colorado transplant, someone who has lived at altitude and is famil-iar with the dizzying feel that can accompany going anaero-bic at 12,000 feet, give him an advantage?

Definitely, he said. “Having spent so much time

training and racing here, my ability to understand how to gauge your effort at altitude will be very important,” he continued. “I can see some of the guys adapting to altitude, but not fully understanding the strategy of how to manage yourself when you feel a cer-tain way.”

Let’s face it, he said, a lot of this race doesn’t just take place at altitude. “It’s at extreme alti-tude.”

In no stage is that extreme-ness on display more than Gunnison’s “Queen Stage,” which takes riders over two

12,000-foot passes on their 130-mile journey to Aspen.

“I just rode Independence Pass,” Danielson recounted in an early August press telecon-ference. “And there’s no way to get over that without expe-riencing all different types of emotions and physical feel-ings, just from the altitude alone. Here I am in Tour de France form and I’m riding over Independence Pass feel-ing light-headed and suffering a bit.”

Christian Vande Velde is a teammate of Danielson’s, who has two top-10 Tour de France finishes on his own resume. He said even the top European cycl is ts are exci ted about the challenges that await in Colorado.

“A lot of us had this (race) in the back of our heads dur-ing the Tour de France,” Vande Velde said. “Even in talking to Andy and Frank Schleck (brothers from Luxembourg who placed second and third in this year’s Tour), and the other guys from Europe, every-one is excited about coming over and racing some of the infamous climbs — like the Vail time trail and going up Independence Pass.”

T h e U S A P ro C y c l i n g Challenge will almost certain-ly be won by a strong climber, but that doesn’t mean there is no room for a sprinter to shine on a stage or two.

“Fast Freddie” Rodriguez, a three time U.S. National Champion who made a name for himself on the internation-al stage as a sprint specialist, has come out of retirement at age 37 to join the newly

formed Team Exergy. He said there are opportunities for sprinters to claim their piece of the USA Pro Cycling pie.

There’s of course the pro-logue in Colorado Springs. The f in i sh in downtown Denver. Stage 5 that ends in Breckenridge has a nice flat finish.

Even Stage 1, which finishes on a short but steep climb from Crested Butte to Mt. Crested Butte, could be in the cards for someone other than a King of the Mountain, he opined.

“It all depends on every-body’s tactics on the climb,” Rodriguez said. “It’s a possi-bility ... but you really won’t know unt i l you ’re on the course and see how the game is being played.”

One thing is for certain, the “game” is being played by the best in the business. All three podium finishers from this year’s Tour de France, for example, are going to be here. USA Pro Cycling Challenge CEO Shawn Hunter has called this the best field “ever to

compete on American soil.” How does Danielson like

being billed as the favorite of that crowd?

“Mentally, I’m fired up,” he responded. “I ’m motivated. I love racing in Colorado. I couldn’t be happier and that’s half the battle.

“And to be called one of the favorites is an honor. I hope that I can put that weight on my shoulders and perform highly in my home state and bring it home.”

Tom DanielsonPhoto by John Pierce/PhotoSport International

FORMER FORT LEWIS CYCLIST READY TO ‘BRING IT HOME’“Here I am in Tour

de France form and I’m riding

over Independence (Pass) feeling

light-headed and suffering a bit.”

-Tom DanielsonGarmin-Cervelo team member and

one of the favorites to compete for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

overall title


We’re glad you’re here!When are you coming back?“Best Destination, Best Climb, Best Tight ‘n Twisty Trail” by Bike Magazine

... You be the judge!

Visit GunnisonCrestedButte.com You may also call 800-850-9038

HOW TO NOT GET LOST

The following vendors will be on hand at Gunnison’s Downtown Expo both Tuesday,

Aug. 23, and Wednesday, Aug. 24:

•NPS•NFS•BLM

•Rock ‘n’ Roll Sports•Innerfire Mobile Pizza

•KSM Designs•Gunnison Farmers Market

•Bruton’s Funny Face caricature•Colorado Fitness/Sanctuary Yoga•Gunnison Congregational Church

•Mario’s Pizza•GHS High School Gymnastics Team

•Six Points, Simply Magnetic•I’m Popping Kettle Korn

•Mt. Cavalry Lutheran Church•Gunnison Nordic/ Eastern Star•Metamorphosis Salon and Spa

•Michael Doft Mission Fund

•Colorado Skin Care/ Reflections of Colorado

•Creative Catering

The following local businesses are sponsors of The Queen Stage:

•Go To Guide•Philadelphia Insurance Companies

•Alpine Orthopaedics•City of Gunnison

•Western State College of Colorado•Gunnison Country Times

•The Shopper•Schmueser Gordon Meyer

•Tomichi Tire•Gunnison Valley Health

•All Sports Replay•City Market

•Water Wheel Inn•Affordable Inn

CHECK OUT THESE VENDORS, THANK THESE SPONSORS


USA PROProud sponsor

CYCLINGCHALLENGE

■ Affordable public college with a private-school feel in the heart of the Rocky Mountains

■ Areas of study include exercise and sport science, prephysical therapy, sport psychology, recreation and outdoor education, business, environmental studies and energy-related fi elds

■ High Altitude Performance Lab provides hands-on experience for students and testing services for the public

■ Competitive Cycling Team

■ New bike fl ow park on campus and hundreds of miles of trails near campus

In honor of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, here are a few of our alumni who are prominent cyclists:

Dave Wiens (’90), World Cup and Leadville Trail 100 champion; Kurt Hoy (‘91), digital content director, Competitor Group; Matt Phillips (’95), test director, “Bicycling Magazine”; Brian Riepe (’01), editor, “Mountain Flyer” magazine; Kain Leonard (‘03), Mountain States Cup champion, National Collegiate Mountain Bike Downhill champion

Bringing together intellect,adventure and sport

www.western.edu ■ [email protected] (800) 876-5309 ■ Gunnison, Colo.

™

ROAD CAMPING RULES The Colorado State Patrol (CSP), in conjunction with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the U.S. Forest Service, is committed to making the USA Pro Cycling Challenge a world class event for the race participants, citizens of Colorado and spectators. Therefore, in keeping with the bicycle racing tradition of spectator access, here are the guidelines for camping and roadside parking along Colorado State Highways.Parking and camping will be allowed along Colorado highway right of ways, as long as it meets the following conditions:

•Roadside parking/camping can be in place no more than 24 hours in advance of the time the race is expected to pass that location.•All vehicles, including trailers, must be parked off the traveled portion of the highway, this includes all shoulders, gore points, divided highway areas and access to private property.•All vehicles, including trailers, may not pose a safety risk to the motoring public regardless of parking or camping area.•All spectators will ensure their areas are clean of debris and trash after they leave.If the area becomes overwhelmed with vehicles, including trailers, or the number of vehicles in an area is deemed excessive, CDOT and CSP may clear the area and require vehicles to move to another location.

Regarding road closures, this is a “full road closure event.” Traffic can follow the race, but cannot pass.

Traffic will be allowed to cross the race route, up until about 10 minutes before the race reach-es the intersection. Traffic will be able to make a turn and follow the same direction of the race, up until 15 minutes before the race reaches the intersection.

Traffic coming into the race will be handled by Colorado State Patrol (CSP) in a variety of ways. On lightly traveled roads, CSP will pull cars over to the side of the road as the race is approaching. On mountain passes, the roads will be closed up to two hours before the race reaches the base of the climb and/or the summit and begins the descent.

Plan ahead and allow ample time to make it to your destination and to find legal parking.

The U.S. Forest Service asks that all vehicles remain on designated roads and trails and that all parking and camping be done in existing sites only. Respect the environment and pack out what you pack in.

If the area becomes overwhelmed with vehicles, including trailers, or the number of vehicles in an area is deemed excessive, the Colorado Department of Transportation and CSP may clear the area and require vehicles to move to another location.

Bicycles will be allowed on the race route at all times, but you will be asked to dismount as the race approaches.

Following are the exact details on local road closures, as of Aug. 10. Information is subject to change.

Tuesday, August 23City of Gunnison

-Starting at 5 a.m., Virginia Ave. between Main St. and Iowa St. closed through Wednesday eve-ning.

-Approximately 11:30 a.m., rolling closure of

Hwy. 50 between Monarch Pass and Gunnison, until around 2:30 p.m.

-Hwy. 135 northbound from Gunnison will be stopped at approximately 2:30 p.m. through approximately 4:30 p.m. or later.

-5 p.m., Main St. from New York Ave. to Georgia Ave. closed through Wednesday noon.

South of Crested Butte-Hwy. 135, southbound, significant delays

beginning at approximately 2 p.m.-Hwy. 135, southbound, stopped entirely

from approximately 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.-Hwy. 135, northbound, delays from approxi-

mately 2 to 3 p.m.-Cottonwood Pass will close at 3 p.m. to all

vehicles, pedestrians and bikes. After mainte-nance is completed (approximately 7:30 p.m.) pedestrian and bike access will be allowed, but the road will remain closed to vehicles.

Town of Crested Butte-Elk Ave. between First and Sixth, closed

from 5 a.m. until 6 p.m.-Second and Fifth between Elk and

Whiterock, closed from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.-Whiterock between Second and Fifth, closed

from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.-First between Whiterock and Elk, closed

from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.-Sixth/Gothic Road between Whiterock and

Elk, closed from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.

North of Crested Butte and Mt. CB-Gothic Road, Mt. CB between Snowmass

and Treasury, delays and detours from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

-Gothic Road between Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte, delays beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 24City of Gunnison

-Starting at 5 a.m., Hwy. 50/Tomichi Ave. from Spruce St. to Taylor St., closed until approximately noon.

-Virginia Ave. from Wisconsin St. to Iowa St. closed until approximately noon.

-Georgia Ave. from Wisconsin St. to Iowa St. closed until approximately noon.

-Rolling closure of Hwy. 135 northbound to Almont from approximately 9:30 a.m. through 11:30 a.m.

Almont to top of Cottonwood Pass-Hwy. 135 between Almont and Gunnison,

expect delays beginning at approximately 9 a.m. and continuing through approximately 11 a.m.

-County Road 742 (Taylor River Road), will close at 8:30 a.m. at George Bailey Drive (just past Three Rivers Resort). The road will close at the intersection of Taylor River and Hwy. 135 at 9:15 a.m. Expected closure is until 1 p.m.

-Cottonwood Pass will be closed to all traffic except the Western State College Shuttles until notification is received from race officials that it can be opened.

For more info•Gunnison Valley’s local public radio station, KBUT, will be broadcasting up-to-the-minute road information throughout the day Aug. 23 and Aug. 24. KBUT is broadcast at 89.9 in Gunnison, 90.3 in Crested Butte and 94.9 in Almont.

•For on-line information on road closures go to www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com or www.cotrip.org

•Use Caution! This is an open race course. Cyclists and tour vehicles will not yield to pedestrians.

THE SKINNY ON ROAD CLOSURES Gunnison Country Times Aug. 22-28, 2011 • USA PRO CYCLING EVENTS 7

Welcome back Cadel EvansIt’s true. Back in 1997 Evans

was just a young buck trying to break into the professional bik-ing scene — mountain biking, that is. DeMattei and Wiens, Gunnison’s longtime cycling super-couple, were entering the twilight of their profession-al racing careers. Wiens had a third place in the World Cup point standings to his credit and DeMattei was fresh off of win-ning the bronze medal in moun-tain biking’s first foray in the Olympics, at the ’96 Games in Atlanta.

Evans was a new member of Team Diamondback, the same team DeMattei anchored. He became, as he recalls it, “bud-dies” with Wiens. He came to Colorado and spent time train-ing in Gunnison.

So when he rounds that 90-degree corner of Tomichi Avenue and Hwy. 135 in down-town Gunnison, en route from Salida to Mt. Crested Butte in Stage 1 of the first-ever USA Pro Cycling Challenge, it’ll be a homecoming of sorts.

When we heard that the cur-rent holder of the famed Yellow Jersey had a Gunnison connec-tion, well, we thought that was a story we had to re-tell. So we tracked Cadel down. It’s not easy getting an interview with the

world’s most famous cyclist. But in a quick e-mail exchange, here were his recollections of his time in our home town.

“In preparation for some high altitude racing, Susan and Dave allowed me to house sit for them,” he wrote. “I arrived with the flu, so my training was very limited, but I was grateful to pre-pare in a homely environment.”

I presume he meant “homey” — but this is Gunnison. We’ve all shacked up in some “homely” places.

“I also remember Dave took me out for an incredible piece of steak somewhere nearby,” Cadel continued. “I think it was elk. At the time, it was the best meat I’d ever eaten.”

So, what are Cadel’s thoughts about returning to Colorado ... and Gunnison?

“I’m looking forward to it,” he replied. “I am a longtime fan of the Rockies. I love moun-tains, for riding and for scen-ery. I think returning after all these years will bring back a lot of good memories.”

As for the Queen Stage: “Without a doubt, success in Gunnison’s stage will be a key part to the success in the overall.”

DeMattei remembers Evans being a young teammate that was mature well beyond his teenage years.

“He was so mature, so focused at such a young age,” she said.

DeMattei recalled a World Cup

race, probably in 1996, in Evans’ home country of Australia, in which he went toe-to-toe with a bunch of Europeans and placed fifth. He was 19 at the time.

“I remember Dave saying, ‘This guy is going to be some-body.’”

We also checked with Wiens to see what he remembered about that long-ago visit from the fat-tire-turned-road-rider.

“The high altitude racing he was referring to was a World Cup

race in Vail and the Mercury Tour stage race in Steamboat,” Dave explained. “I was only around for a few days during his stay, as the U.S. National Series was out east prior to the race at Vail.

“I do remember Cadel being sick when he arrived and he rode the trainer out in the garage some. With our sched-ules not matching up, he was pretty much on his own here in Gunnison. I did have my buddy Thornton Mount (who still lives

here) check in on him now and then to make sure he was doing alright and had what he need-ed.”

And what about that memo-rable mystery meat?

“That came from the Beef and Barrel,” Wiens chuckled, refer-ring to Gunnison’s smoke-filled basement steak joint, that went up in flames with the rest of the historic Cattlemen’s Inn on a freezing January morning in 2003.

The world’s best congregating in Colorado

The team rosters for the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge mark one of the best fields ever assembled on American soil for a profes-sional cycling race. Boosting the already preeminent lineup of Tour de France podium fin-ishers — Cadel Evans, Andy Schleck and Fränk Schleck — are George Hincapie of BMC Racing Team (USA), Christian Vande Velde of Garmin-Cervélo (USA) and Robert Gesink of Rabobank Cycling Team (NED).

The USA Pro Cyc l ing Challenge will also feature two Olympic medalists from the Beijing Games and more than 15 current or former national champions. The elite profes-sional roster is comprised of eight teams, featuring a total of 136 riders.

“The allure of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge and the state of Colorado is undeniable ...” said Shawn Hunter, co-chair-man of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

Some of the notable rid-ers planned to start the race include:

Former and Current World Champions

Cadel Evans (2009, Road)Michae l Mørkøv (2009,

Madison - Track)Peter Vel i ts (2007, U23

Road)Danny Pate (2001, U23 Time

Trial)Ivan Basso (1998, U23 Road)

Current National ChampionsFränk Schleck (Luxembourg,

Road)

Hayden Roul s ton (New Zealand, Road)

Stef Clement (Netherlands, Time Trial)

Gustav Larsson (Sweden, Time Trial)

David Zabriskie (United States, Time Trial)

Tour de France Stage

WinnersGeorge Hincapie (4)Jens Voigt (3)Andy Schleck (3)Levi Leipheimer (2)Cadel Evans (2)David Zabriskie (1)Rubens Bertogliati (1)Ivan Basso (1)

Tour de France Overall Podium Finishers (5)

C a d e l E v e n s ( 2 0 1 1 , Champion; 2007-2008, 2nd Place)

Andy Schleck (2009-2011, 2nd Place)

Frank Schleck (2011, 3rd Place)

Lev i Le iphe imer (2007, 2009, 3rd Place)

Ivan Basso (2004, 3rd Place; 2005, 2nd Place)

Major American Stage Race

Champions (6)Levi Leipheimer (2007-2009,

Tour of California; 2010 Tour of Utah)

David Zabriskie (2009, Tour of Missouri)

Jeff Louder (2008, Tour of Utah)

Christian Vande Velde (2008, Tour of Missouri)

George Hincapie (2007, Tour of Missouri)

Tom Danielson (2005, Tour of Georgia)

“This is no doubt one of the

best fields ever assembled on American soil,” said Danielson, a Boulder resident considered by many as one of the front run-ners to win the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge. “No doubt, it is a special field that will put on a great showing.”

George HincapiePhoto by John Pierce/PhotoSport

International

Levi LeipheimerPhoto by John Pierce/PhotoSport

International

ONE STAR-STUDDED LINEUP

Cadel from page 1

INAUGURAL JERSEYS UNVEILEDThe Quiznos Leader Jersey is awarded to the rider with the least amount of cumulative elapsed time over the duration of the race. The USA Pro Cycling Challenge maintains tradition with the coloring of the jersey but draws from the flag of other classic racing sports by transforming the jersey into a checkered yellow print.

The Nissan King of the Mountain Jersey is awarded to the cyclist who proves to be the strongest climber through steep grades at designated locations. The USA Pro Cycling Challenge’s red version of the KOM jersey is a modern twist on the classic polka dot jersey worn by climbers in the Tour de France.

The 2011 Sheets Best Young Rider Jersey will be awarded to the rider under 23 years old that has the least amount of elapsed time over the entire race to date.

The Smashburger Sprinter Jersey is awarded to the rider that accumulates the most bonus points, which are given based on sprint line performances as well as finishing the stage in the top 15 places. For a twist on the traditional color, this green jersey is streamlined with stripes, symbolic of the speed and power required of sprinters.

Cadel EvansCourtesy photo


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Come Demo our Fine SelectionSPECIALIZING IN:

The Gunnison Rotary Club is selling cowbells for $5 (or five for $20) as a scholarship fundraiser. Plus, every bell purchased comes with an entr y into a drawing to win a Specialized road bike from All Spor ts Replay. The bells are available at the following businesses: All Spor ts Replay, Clarke Agency, Tee’z Me, Chamber of Commerce, Garlic Mike’s, Gunnison Countr y Times, Community Banks, Treads & Threads, Paper Clip, Gunnison River Fly Shop, Palisades, Toggery, Book Worm, Rock ‘n’ Roll Spor ts, Tomichi Cycles, Mochas, Gunnison Vitamin, Western Fed Credit Union.

Gunnison’s musical line-up

Local favorite Iola, an acoustic Americana band, headlines Tuesday’s offering of live-music at the down-town Expo, which runs from noon till 4 p.m.

Wednesday’s line-up, with live music starting at 11 a.m., includes the Rhythm Getters, a Western Slope rockabilly band; Gunnison’s own rock trio U-47; and the following:

Tijerina Band

Recent winner of “Blues Song” of the year, along with four nomina-tions, in the New Mexico Music Awards, Tijerina is establishing itself as a unique voice in the blues world. For more than a decade guitarist/singer/songwriter, Todd Tijerina, (Tee-her-ee-na) has steadily made a liv-ing playing his fierce brand of cutting edge blues-rock in Chicago and the Southwest.

Meagan Tubbs and the Shady People

This group pays hom-age to the souls of a bygone era with a seance of classic rock, blues, soul and funk. In the past five years the band has managed to win a battle of the bands com-petition, open for Willie Nelson (twice), and get two guitar sponsorships from both Dean and Luna Guitars.

AFTER THEY ROLL,TIME TO ROCKTownie Criterium, Tuesday, Aug.

23, 11:45 a.m.Kick off the day Crested Butte style

by participating in the much antici-pated return of the Townie Criterium. Watch or participate as racers speed around town, and through the leg-endary Talk of the Town on their most coveted bikes of all; their town-ie bikes. As with all great events in Crested Butte, costumes encouraged! To participate, register on the Brick Oven deck after 10 a.m. The cost is $10.

US Handcycl ing Criterium, Tuesday, Aug. 23, 1 p.m.

As a part of the U.S. Para Cycling Challenge, and in partnership with the Adaptive Sports Center, Crested

Butte will host the US Handcycling Criterium. The race will be on Elk Ave. The competition is expected to draw 15–20 top Para Cyclists from all over the nation.

Sprint Line Beer Garden, Tuesday, Aug. 23, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Enjoy libations from Sierra Nevada and Avery Brewing Company while watching the race action unfold all day on the jumbotron.

Strider Cup, Tuesday, Aug. 23, 1 p.m., Mt. CB Finish Line

Even the littlest of riders can expe-rience the thrill of racing across the finish line. Stop by the Strider tent in the Festival to register or at the fin-ish line 15 minutes before the race. A

very limited number of bikes will be available, please bring your own to ensure a spot for your child.

Mt. CB Finish Festival, Tuesday, Aug. 23, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The finish line will come alive with live music and a “Taste of the Town” planned, where you can see the race unfold via live video feeds all while enjoying beverages from Sierra Nevada.

Red Lady Stage special perfor-mance, Tuesday, Aug. 23, 5 p.m., fol-lowing awards ceremony, Mt. CB

After the awards ceremony, make your way to the Red Lady Stage for a performance from folk/pop songstress Megan Burtt.

CB, MT. CB WILL BE HOPPING

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Gunnison Trails leading the way toward more cooperation, coordination between the public and public land managers

David Wiens is known not just for his six consecutive wins at the Leadville 100 or for defeating cycling icon Lance Armstrong. He is also known to make and maintain world class singletrack trails as the leader of the non-profit organization, Gunnison Trails.

Wiens has retired from rac-ing and is now focused on helping the Gunnison com-munity become more educat-ed on trails. His experience as codesigner of the mountain bike course at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics has led to other pri-vate and public trails proj-ects in the United States and Mexico.

Trail based recreation in the Gunnison area increased dra-matically in the 1990s, espe-cially at the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. Multiple user groups and occasional storms — that would wash out trails built without proper drainage — left many areas in need of serious attention.

Wiens reflects back on the beginnings of a new era of cooperation that was born from those early trail work days.

“What was cool about work-ing on those trails was how col-laborative it was ... freeriders, hikers, equestrians and motor-cyclists all came together,” he recalls.

Today Gunnison Trails serves as a liaison between land agen-cies and the public, spreading awareness of seasonal closures, travel management plans, wild-life and resource issues that impact trails and trail users.

A Gunnison Trails Board of Directors was established in 2010 and appointed Wiens as executive director. The board has the task of trying to keep up with the momentum that has been created, both in main-taining existing trai ls and adding new ones. This also includes adding running races, organizing ladies rides, work-shops and developing member-ship.

One of Gunnison Trails ’ long-term visions is building a world-class singletrack linking Gunnison and Crested Butte.

For more information on Gunnison Trails, check out their website at www.gunnison-trails.com.

A NEW ERA IN RECREATION

Great rides and even better views aren’t exclusive to road cycling in the Gunnison Valley.

There’s an abundance of mountain bike friendly trails

in the area, epitomized by the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

just south of Gunnison. Seen here are scenes from the 2011

Original Growler bike race, which took place at Hartman’s

earlier this summer.

Times file photos

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Gunnison Arts Center 102 S. Main St. Located Inside Kevin Beltz “The Bike Shaman” Todd Murray “Skeleton Man”

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Corner Cupboard101 N. Main St.Located InsidePriscilla Swanson “Bike Lamp”Kirsten Dickey “Easy Rider”

Virginia Ave.

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IOOF ParkMain St. & VirginiaDennis Aspey “Bike Rack”

Rocky Mountain Frames and Trophies228 N. Main St.Located InsideTyler Lull “Chopper”

Auto Corral1198 N. Main St.Various Artists from Six Points“Six Points Sunflower”

Rocky Mountain Real Estate100 E. Gothic & Main St.Located InsideAndi Burnite “Bikeman Windmill”

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Georgia Ave.

Ohio Ave.

Gothic Ave.

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HWY 135

135

Hwy 135Todd Murray“Fire Wheel”

Rockey River ResortCO Rd 10Mark Searle & Matt Marvel

Almont

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North Road Ramano Family“Wheel Sculpture”

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The Burm North of Roaring Judy Fish HatcheryTyler Lull“The Evolution of the Bike”

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CRESTED BUTTE & MT. CRESTED BUTTE

Entrance of RiverlandHwy 135Laura Wrenzenski of Joy Warrior Gallery“The Flying PBR Dog”

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135

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Elk Ave

Gothic Ave.

Entrance to the Town of Crested ButteHwy 135Sean Norton“Cam’s Kenetico”

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Corner of Gothic & 6th St.Josephine Kellett & Scott Gillman“Peace Bike”

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Mt. Crested Butte on the Corner of Crystal RdJesse Bluemethal “The Bike Hand”

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Basic Information

•Race begins at 10 a.m. in Gunnison

•Teams will arrive at 8:30 a.m. and rider sign-in begins at 9 a.m.There are six key places to watch Stage 2:•Almont (sprint) and Buena Vista (Sprint)•Cottonwood Pass (KOM) and Independence Pass (KOM)•Aspen — race finish

Here is what you can do:•Watch the start in Gunnison and reach Buena Vista, Independence Pass, or Aspen via Monarch Pass •Ride your bike up Cottonwood or Independence Pass.

Here is what you can’t do (based on time or

lack of alternate routes or both):

•Drive to Cottonwood Pass on race day. Cottonwood Pass will close to vehicles at 3 p.m. on Aug. 23. Gunnison County will be preparing the dirt section of the pass for the race after this time. Parking will not be allowed on the dirt sections to allow crews to work.•Easily drive to Independence Pass — it will be closed to vehicles starting at noon in both directions•Watch the start in Gunnison and make it to the Cottonwood KOM via Buena Vista•Watch the race from either Cottonwood or Independence Pass and make it to Aspen•Watch the sprints in Almont or Buena Vista and make it to the finish or Independence Pass KOM•Get to Aspen via Pearl Pass in Crested Butte. Pearl Pass is a very rugged dirt road and portions are flooded and not drivable.

WHAT TO DO;WHAT NOT TO DO


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Complete your ‘Six Pack’ with these out-and-back options

Since i ts inception, the City of Gunnison has been known as a sort of “hub” for surrounding areas. Local cyclists have piggy-backed on that theme to create an “out and back” rid-ing challenge, for which they welcome USA Pro Cycling Challenge spectators to experience — now or on a return visit to this neck of the woods.

The idea — which is the brainchild of the Gunnison Nordic Club — is to complete six of seven out-and-back routes that begin from Gunnison. After the completion of each route, riders can have an affidavit signed at Tomichi Cycles, Rock ‘n’ Roll Sports or the Gunnison Visitors Center.

Once riders have worked out their “six-pack,” the Nordic Club will pres-ent each accomplished individual with

a certificate of completion. Each of the seven designated routes

are broken into three categories of difficulty; with gold being the most lengthy, s i lver for mid-range and bronze for the shorter distances.

The adventure includes trips from Gunnison to Crawford, Lake City, Pitkin, Crested Butte, Monarch Pass, North Pass and Taylor Park — giving riders the chance to take in the beauty of the basin from every angle.

For more information about the Out and Back Bike Adventure, call the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association at 800.634.9561.

1. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Rides

GOLD — Gunnison to Crawford & Back - 140 miles. Over the Black Mesa.SILVER — Gunnison to Pioneer Point & Back - 64 miles.BRONZE — Gunnison to Lake Fork Marina - 32 miles.

2. Lake City RidesGOLD — Gunnison to Lake City & Back - 118 miles.SILVER — Gunnison to Lake City Cutoff Rd. & Back - Approx 62 miles.BRONZE — Gunnison to Lake Fork Boat Ramp & Back 28 miles.

3. Cochetopa Hills RidesGOLD — Gunnison to North Pass & Back - 84 miles.SILVER — Gunnison to mile marker 18 on Hwy 114 & Back - Approx 52 miles..BRONZE — Gunnison to Hwy 114 & Back - Approx 16 miles.

4. Monarch Pass RidesGOLD — Gunnison to Monarch Pass & Back - 90 miles.SILVER — Gunnison to Sargents & Back - 65 miles.BRONZE — Gunnison to Parlin & Back - 25 miles.

5. Ghost Town RidesGOLD — Gunnison to Pitkin & Back - 58 miles.SILVER — Gunnison to Ohio City & Back - 44 miles.BRONZE — Gunnison to Parlin & Back - Approx 25 miles.

6. Taylor Canyon RidesGOLD — Gunnison to Taylor Park & Back - 70 miles - Taylor Park Trading Post.SILVER — Gunnison to Harmel’s & Back - 35 miles.BRONZE — Gunnison to Almont & Back - 20 miles.

7. Crested Butte RidesGOLD — Gunnison to Crested Butte & Back - 56 miles.SILVER — Gunnison to Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery Rd. &Back - Approx 30 miles.BRONZE — Gunnison to Almont & Back - 20 miles.

Gunnison County

12 3

Lake City

Gunnison

Crested Butte

135 285

149149

50

149114

9292

50

ROAD RIDING, GUNNISON STYLE


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Your Gunnison Guide USA Pro Cycling Challenge