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ditch the dirt (2010-08-02)

John

Littleton CO

Enjoyed it, was a challenging 1st century, good food at finish, good aid stations. However, I won't be back next year if y'all can't keep it all on the pavement. That was ridiculous. Also have never done a race where my entry didn't include a t-shirt.

Feedback from a 4-Time Sunrise Rider (continued fr (2010-08-01)

4-Timer

Longmont, CO

One last continuation...The Centurion included a dirt section as well, but they fully disclosed that prior to the ride to prepare people for it. Oh well, enough beating that dead horse...Thanks again to the organizers and the sponsors for an overall good experience (Cytomax :), etc.). My posse had an overall good experience again this year. It's up to the organizers to determine if it will be 5 years in a row for me and my crew.

Feedback from a 4-Time Sunrise Rider (Continued fr (2010-08-01)

4-Timer

Longmont, CO

Continued from the previous post...(I guess they're more effective in groups of 2 cars instead of spreading out)...well that explained it...it took two of them to pull over a car instead of helping the injured rider 2 miles up the road. Not to take away from the rest of the support vehicles on the route that were very helpful and friendly...hats off to them! Also, this year I noticed that there were significantly fewer riders this year than last. I think that was unfortunate as the weather couldn't have been better for ridiing. That said, I believe that the organizers should seriously consider pushing this ride back to late June again to boost interest and attendance. With the Triple Bypass two weeks before and the Boulder Centurion the week before, there was little reason for many to ride this in 2010. I rode the Triple this year and I must admit, the only reasons I rode this ride this year were 1) because of the sentimental factor of never missing one and 2)I signed up for this before I realized I was going to do the Triple. If this ride was positioned before the Triple, I think many Triple riders would ride it as a solid training century for the Triple...I know I would have appreciated it much more in that situation. Honestly, the overall route of this century is among the best anywhere. It is challenging and beautiful and the suport is great. I just hope that it survives after the dirt road mistake (and the no beer at the finish line...though I understand the circumstances for that this year...that shouldn't be repeated either) this year. I for one will be taking my riding posse elsewhere (regardless of the sentimental factor) if the route is this generic and involves dirt next year...think of the increased mayhem that dirt would have caused if it rained like it was supposed to! Nothing worse than rolling a $5k, spit shined bike with a freshly lubed chain on miles of dirt road in the first 5 miles of an epic century. The Centurion included a dirt section as well, but they fully disclosed that prior to the ride to prepare people for it. Oh well, e

Feedback from a 4-Time Sunrise Rider (2010-08-01)

4-Timer

Longmont, CO

Now...the dissertation. As my riding posse and I have ridden this century all 4 years, based on that, I hope that the organizers take this email to heart, as I am among your target audience for future events. To start out, last year's Sunrise century was one of the best supported and run centuries I've ever ridden (and I do several each year). Obviously, I was looking forward to another incredible one this year. That hope ended abruptly at mile 2 with the dirt road. It's unbelievable to me that we were not informed of the dirt section prior to race day. There weren't even any clues about this in the most generic course map ever made (4 years running on this, by the way...it's time to fix that problem). Boulder is the road biking Mecca of the west and the fact that a fully paved route could not be found is unfathomable to me (why not take Jay to 36 to Neva to 75th instead?). I for one would rather ride 103 miles on pavement than ride 99.5 on dirt and pavement. Because something didn't look right on the etch-a-sketch route map, I almost decided to park at Stazio and risk the hwy crossings to ride last years' route up to 75th...in hindsight I should have (could have had an ice cold beer awating me in my vehicle when I finished and my bike wouldn't have rattled apart by mile 5) OK, now that I have that out of the way, the positive...From a support standpoint, the ride was wonderful, just as it was last year. Very helpful people, support vehicles were common and the staff was friendly. The only issue on the support side of things I saw was the support was a little weak on the Ward to Ned stretch. A rider went down on that stretch when I was riding it and it took a very long while for support to arrive (after waiting a good while, we charged ahead to try to locate help...and eventually found two state patrol cars who had pulled a car over (speeding I think...it takes two you know...really?). When I approached them and told them about the situation and told them I was unable to locate support vehicles, they said they were the support vehicles (I guess they'

2010 Sunrise Century (2010-07-30)

Eric

Monument, CO

Due to technical difficulties, I ended up doing this century on a mountain bike with mountain tires. So, the dirt road didn't bother me. I was the last person to cross the finish line, so everything was packed up and gone except the event organizer and a popsicle. I did the entire 100 miles with my son, who finished 15 minutes ahead of me (He was the one on a mountain bike with road tires). I might have been closer had the sign-meister not removed the sign to turn onto the bike path before I got to it. I ended up adding a mile or two to the ride by going to Diagonal before realizing something was amiss. Vendors? What vendors? My vehicle was the only one left in the parking lot! With all this, I still had a great time! The important elements were there. Great aid stations. Friendly and helpful vehicle support, marshallers and cops. It's the most scenic century I've done (Granted, I've only done 5. I did the KPT in May but I'm not counting that one since it wasn't a century). The weather was perfect. Most importantly, it was an excellent opportunity for me to bond with my son. All else will fade, except my memories of a wonderful time spent with him. Thank you, Bikerpelli, for an awesome ride! Call me if you need a volunteer next year. I'd be honored to be associated with this event.

Thanks (2010-07-29)

Ryan Blennert

Manitowoc, WI

It was a great ride. It went better for me this year. I have to thank the two guys that stuck with me throughout the hundred miles, Ben and Mike. Without their help I am not sure that I would have made the 100 miles. I hope to ride again next year and feel this has been a big accomplishment for me. It is a tough section coming back from Nederland, but very worthwhile. I am glad I made it to the end. Great time!

P.S. (2010-07-28)

Trish

More good: the signage (except the missing one at Diagonal and Jay telling us to go straight through), the cops at the intersections More bad: lackluster finish bash (raffles? music? beer?)

(2010-07-28)

Trish

The good: -route (ascent up Left hand would have been better) -massage envy at the end -veggie burger option The bad: -dirt section; I bent my rim and have to buy a new wheel; saw several flats. Have ridden many organized rides through this area, so I know you can keep it on the pavement, guys! bike path section should be eliminated, too -poor maps on web beforehand; no indication of dirt section or location of aid stations -mediocre mechanical support; guy at first aid station out of lube ("my roommate took it") -what was with the frozen cream cheese? blech!

Sunrise Cobblestone (2010-07-26)

Rod

Denver, Co

I apologize for harping on the gravel road issue, however, I feel it necessary to reiterate the disappointment and hardship caused by the decision to have a dirt section. First, it cost my riding partner a very expensive set of carbon wheels which were completely ruined, in addition to a thorough bike cleaning. I was lucky, it "only" cost me a trip to the bike shop to have my wheels trued and everything cleaned and lubed. Second, this is a serious safety issue. These are road bikes, not mountain bikes that have suspension, softer tires, tougher frames and so on. Unseen damage to a road bike capable of 40+mph can have devastating consequences. Replacing wheels and risking my life, is not my idea of fun. The organizers have a responsibility to adequately disclose that we will be riding on gravel sections PRIOR to the event. I will never enter another event that has a dirt section due to this horrible experience.

Dirt Happens (2010-07-26)

Bikerpelli

Boulder, CO

Thanks for all the great comments, much appreciated. We'll respond to any themes we pick up but overall this is the riders' page so we leave it to you. Why the dirt section? Because it's the simplest, cleanest & safest way to connect you north on Niwot Rd. We understand from a rider's perspective it seems screwy, you have to look at it as a planner trying to move 1000 bikers around. There are a whole mess of reasons why that was the best choice. Realistically we don't expect everyone to agree or even understand, so maybe see it as expanding your skillset by becoming a Roubaix-rider. :)

2010 Sunrise Century (2010-07-26)

Chris X

Westminster, CO

My first organized ride and first century sets the bar pretty high as far as organization, support and logistics. Needless to say, that except for the "Paris-Roubaix" section at the beginning, this is a great route. It was great to pull up to major intersections and have officers there to direct us through; most of them even smiled. Great volunteers at the aid stations and good signage (though one at Diagonal and Jay telling folks to go straight through on the way home would've been good). I wish I had paid more attention to what kind of Cytomax was in the coolers at the aid stations; I'm a convert. Can anyone fill me in on this?

sunrise century (2010-07-26)

roman

good course, altough the dirt section was horrible and repeating the BPT course at the end was also boring. Post Race event was also dead. No water cups, no Beer ( i know, its a church, but isnt Avery a sponsor?), grill people complaining about how long they have been there. Where's the raffles? Middle of July, why not a sleevless jersey? Bike Head cap was a good thought, but overall the event was overpriced for what you got. Think about including a jersey and accending Left Hand and you will have a winner.

2010 Sunrise Century (2010-07-25)

Mike

Denver

This was my first century ride and I really enjoyed it. The course was beautiful and well marked. The aid workers were extremely friendly and even a couple of the police officers cracked a smile. The finish seemed a little anti-climatic but perhaps more riders are needed for bigger post-ride festivities. Many thanks to the organizers and volunteers.

Awesome Ride (2010-07-25)

Gerry Stephenson

Lafayette, CO

1st time rider and I will be back again. I too would have appreciated knowing there was dirt road involved and I am not sure why it was necessary. Signed up for the Century but ran into some physical difficulty and did the smart thing and went left at Ward. Got to the finish in one piece and stayed to cheer all the other riders at the finish line. Expected to see more vendors at the expo. See you next year, ride hard or ride home!

Sunrise Century 2010 (2010-07-25)

Ed Carlstead

Denver CO

Loved the ride and all the cheery volunteers. Thanks for all the hard work. Make it dirt-road free next year and it will be perfect.

2010 Sunrise Century (2010-07-25)

Steve Beckley

Fort Collins, Colorado

Thanks much to everyone for a wonderful experience yesterday. Really fantastic aid stations and a well marked route. Got to do the full century this year -- My only disappointment was with the unexpected dirt riding at the beginning of the route. It seems like there were other options, and, at minimum, there should have been some forewarning as to what we were going to be doing and how long it would last. I'll definitely be back for this ride next year! Steve

2010 Sunrise Century (2010-07-25)

Marc

Broomfield, CO

Thank you to all of the organizers of this year's Sunrise Century. A very well marked route, well stocked aid stations and a challenging course made for an excellent day. The volunteers where extremely friendly and made for a very enjoyable ride. I will definitely be doing this ride again.

Excellent event and organization (2009-08-10)

Kirk

Longmont, CO

I just wanted to say that The Sunrise Century 2009 was a shining example of a well organized and well run event! Signage, marshalls, aid stations, volunteers, mechanical support, route choice - everything was done as close to perfectly as possible. Nice work and I will definitely ride with you in the future!!

Photo shipping et al (2009-07-31)

Bikerpelli

Boulder, CO

Alberto - we don't have any control over photos or their shipping costs. I suggest you contact them directly about that.

(2009-07-30)

alberto slavin

leadville, co

i was going to purchase 3 mugs as holiday gifts, but i decided not to as the shipping cost of over 18 dollars is excessive. please explain email; 2milehi@gmail.com thanks

Great Event (2009-07-30)

Friendly Rider

Fort Collins, CO

What a wonderful event!!! Superb aid stations, great ride support, wonderful route. Outstanding LEO support/volunteers. THANK YOU! I'll be back next year.

Post Ride (2009-07-29)

ibbykn1

Chicago, IL

Hi Great ride! Thanks for putting on another great event with timely aid stations, helpful course volunteers and marshals. One thing though. Perhaps a recovery drink or sports drink at the finish instead of just water? I know there were a few vendors and there was also beer for sale. All I could find to drink at the end was water. Not that that was bad or anything. Maybe I missed it? Anyhow keep up the great work!

Post Ride (2009-07-28)

RJ

Denver, CO

Excellent ride. The post ride events could be a bit bigger and more involved for a fund raiser. (Better food, beer, bands, raffle, festival type stuff) A better post-ride might attract more non-riders for money-making. The finish line could also be a bit more grand, it was kinda anti-climatic. RJ.

High Praise with Caveat (2009-07-27)

Never Quits

Littleton

Lovely support personnel - encouraging, friendly, they made my day. Well marked and liked the signage. Only one nit pick - the meal at the end was pretty revolting - surely you can do better.

Awesome! (2009-07-27)

Three Sisters :)

Boulder &Superior CO, and Philadelphia PA

This was the first century the three of us rode together. All of us commented on the support, volunteers, and very challenging route as extraordinary. You kicked our butts and we loved it! :) Thank you for a great ride and a remarkable experience!

Sunrise Century 2009 (2009-07-26)

Eric Sims Jr.

Boulder Colorado

Great, great, great ride. The organization, the aid stations, they volunteers, and the jersey were all great. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

sunrise century (2009-07-26)

greg

colorado springs, co

Thanks to all the organizers and support workers at the sunrise century yesterday. Very nice and enthusiastic. Much appreciated. Does anyone know where I can find the pictures taken along the course?

(2009-07-26)

Bill

Fort Collins

Congratulations to the Bikerpelli folks for putting on another successful Sunrise Century. As in the past two years, all of you - organizers, volunteers, sponsors, law enforcement - did a great job.

GPS or Map-My-Ride Downloads (2009-07-03)

Friendly Rider

Fort Collins, CO

Is there a download for the route for a Garmin GPS or Map-My-Ride.com? I found the 2008 route at MMR, but nothing for 2009. Thanks much -- really looking forward to this pedal.

Bike Rants (2009-06-17)

Jerry

Parker, CO

First, I support the new law (in August). Second, wife and I are "old" mountain bikers so we have a little in common. Third, the planned disruption is nonsense...grow up. Last, we took a car ride to Colo Spgs last weekend, around 3 PM, via CO Hwy 83 and returned at 4:30. A temporary speed limit of 45 mph was posted from Franktown to the Black Forest area for the Elephant Rock ride. Guess what...not one bike on the highway. There will always be jerks riding a bike that give bike riders a bad name but an organized event should do a better job. UNACCEPTABLE!!!

Awesome Cycling Day in the Colorado Rockies (2008-06-27)

Carl from Canada

Edmonton, Alberta

A sincere thank you to all of the organizers, volunteers, police officers and fellow cyclists for a very scenic, challenging and safe event. The marshalls and police officers at the key intersections were much appreciated, as were the volunteers at the aid stations and start/finish area. The empahasis on rider (and volunteer) safety was evident through the day. As a first time visitor to Colorado, I was very impressed with the beautiful mountain setting, care for the environment and the friendly and helpful people. I met and spoke with a number of fellow cyclists and volunteers through the day, notably Kirk, Troy and Chad. Thanks for all of your efforts!

Awesome! (2008-06-17)

Billy \"Big Calves\" Jones

Lakewood, CO

I'd like to thank the sponsors that made this event possible. What a beautiful, challenging course! Wow. Keep the signs. They were funny, informative, and humbling. We're never as good as we think we are. Many of us need to be brought down a few notches. I agree with the poster below. Everyone needs to be greeted at the end of the ride with cold beverages, hot food, and a place to kick up one's legs. Many train long, hard miles for this event and it's a slap in the face to have nothing at the end of the race. There should also be ice water in addition to cold beer and that cycomax sp? drink. The race support was just that; very supportive. Awesome work! The aid stations could use some variety and more portable food to take along. Thanks for a great ride. Keep the rubber side down.

Room to improve, but still AWESOME (2008-06-17)

Mike \"The Bike\" Trotsky

Lakewood, CO

First, I want to give a shout out to the volunteers for making this all possible. Their smiles help pass the miles. Mad props to the cops for making all the traffic stop. Taking the beer and food from the finish was kind of rude, but I'll keep a positive attitude and include the Sunrise on my schedule next year. The signs were divine and the hills were a thrill. Thanks for cleaning shoulders; the last thing I want to do is fix a flat on my way back to Boulder. Keep cranking those pedals. Peace.

Sunrise Century (2008-06-16)

Jen

Lakewood, CO

I loved the whole thing about sunrise century- I enjoyed looking at the map & what to expect for the next leg. I found the signs not discouraging but to prepare us mentally & physically- Keep up the good job & I definitely am going to sign up for 2009. Cheers!

Excellent event! (2008-06-16)

Bill

Fort Collins, Colorado

First, thanks to all of the folks who organized and supported the Sunrise Century! Last year's ride was managed well, and this year's was even better. For an event only in its second year, the organization and execution is excellent. Aid stations: All of the aid station volunteers were great, as was the selection of food, gels, fruit, etc. An adequate number of Porta-Potties was also greatly appreciated. Ward aid station: The posterboards describing the distance and terrain down to Nederland and back were well done and very informative. Law enforcement: Many thanks to all of the officers who patrolled the course and intersections. Sag vehicles: They seemed to be everywhere. The entire course was well covered to say the least. Sponsors: Thank you for supporting the cycling community. The course: Outstanding, challenging and scenic. The 'Tough Climb Ahead' signs: I can't understand why folks would complain about them. It seemed to me that the support staff had thoroughly scouted the course and placed the signs in an effort to give riders a bit of advanced warning and encouragement. It isn't as if the signs were insulting or discouraging. Again, thanks to all who made this event happen. See you next year.

Great day - thank you! (2008-06-16)

Sheryl

Denver, CO

Thank you to everyone at the aid stations and along the course supporting the riders and also those behind the scenes organizing the whole event. The volunteers were awesome cheering us on, serving snacks and drinks and helping with sunscreen and bike repairs. Everyone was friendly and smiling. I was also impressed with the number of times a support vehicle or a sherriff/police car came by. I agree with other riders' comments about the "Tough Climb" signs - they can definitely go. Overall a very rewarding and fun experience.

Great Ride (2008-06-16)

David

Colorado Springs

Thanks so much to all the volunteers, who were very encouraging and accommodating. Lose the friggin' signs..."Really tough climb ahead"? Factual enough, but considering it was the start of an epic, 10 mile, unrelenting climb, the signs gotta go. Burn 'em. Otherwise, it was a great day. I'd echo comments regarding food and beverage shortage at the end, and we finished in 6:24...it was looking pretty sparse even then. Weather was perfect, and the descent down Left Hand Canyon was an awesome reward.

Bikerpelli Comments (2008-06-15)

Boulder, CO

Thanks to all of you for coming out & making the event special, we loved hosting you this year and look forward to building the finest cycling event in Colorado. Please bear in mind that while we work very hard to make everything perfect, this is only the second year. It typically takes 3-5 (or more) to work out all the bugs when coordinating an event on this scale. We’re aware of difficulties with the late riders and already have plans to fix ‘em up right. Just so you know that the Sunrise Century is a work in progress and like yourselves we work to get better every time we go out. A few notes on your comments – The signs indicating the tough parts were meant to give you a head’s up, not to discourage. As athletes we think it’s better to know where the hard parts are rather than be sandbagged. That last hour of riding in the sun is often fueled entirely by visions of a plate of food & a cold beer. Finding out you missed the boat is a real heartbreaker. Those of you that finished after 4 missed out on food. Avery gave out a whole lot of beer – for free – until 3. Statistically around 5% missed out but still something we can dial in better next year. Sorry if you were one of those last few. The stickers on the jersey didn’t work too well. The pipe dream was to alleviate the Tyvek bib & safety pins poking holes in your jersey & flapping in the wind all day. Unfortunately they held on like a bandaid on a wet knee. Plan B is in the works. Overall the event went very well – no injuries, great aid stations, a huge marshal & support driver network doing a stellar job, perfect weather, excellent course markings and a thousand other things that a rider never sees all coming together in a 12 hour window. Big thanks to all the volunteers that helped make this a reality, it couldn’t happen without your hard work! Hope to see you all next year, have a great ‘08 season!

Ya know...... (2008-06-15)

Robert

Littleton, CO

Why stickers instead of wrist bands for ride ID? Maybe an earlier start time for the century so that those of us built for comfort and not speed can grab a beer at the end. I enjoyed the humor of the sign coming out of Ned about tires feeling flat. Maybe more humorous signs or factual- 1mile to top. Rather then just hard climb ahead. More portable food (cliff bars or some such thing) at the food stops would be nice too. Minor criticisms. I enjoyed the route and will give it props. Thank you volunteers.

End of event? Puhleeze! More........ (2008-06-15)

Jonathan Kaplan

Denver CO

But yes,, I did think the aid stations were better staffed and everyone was helpful and encouraging! I found the signs humorous but could have been phrased better. There were some signs that were obvious by their omission: a few more on the Left Hand Canyon descent especially after the right hand turn into James Canyon. There was only one sign and that was near the junction of the James Canyon Road and US 36. Check in was a no brainer and lots of people around to be helpful. I think that I certainly will do this again next year if there are really good plans for the end of event activities for committed riders like myself who finish, but not in such heroic times!

End of event? Puhleeze! (2008-06-15)

Jonathan Kaplan

Denver CO

I really was looking forward to the Sunrise Century this year, my second year of participation. Las years loop into Nederland was closed because if bad weather. Now I am not one of incredibly buffed riders able to leap tall buildings at a single bound and complete the entire 100 mile course in under 6 hours. I passed the Ward checkpoint into Nederland at 12:30 pm and was back at the Starzio field complex about 4:15pm really looking forward to a cold beer and something to eat. There was nothing there! No cold hot dogs, no beer, just the photographer! This is just so unprofessional and really quite a slap in the face for those of us who worked hard to complete the entire course. I'll sure think again whether I'll participate in 2009. You need to include all riders in post event activities and not just those faster and fleeter on their rides or who have chosen to do the shorter loops.

Great Ride But Where's the Chow? (2008-06-15)

Rob

Denver

Great ride and great volunteers. Two downsides/recommendations to the ride: 1. Get rid of those discouraging signs (Tough climb ahead). I knew it was going to be tough, don't kick me in the teeth with it. :) 2. Food was barely available at the end for the 100 milers who came in around 4PM. Cold hotdogs, no beer. Need to do better on this next time; check out the Triple Bypass which takes care of ALL the riders. Bottom line: super ride, just a few tweaks for next year

Great ride! (2008-06-15)

MacMcEwen

Boulder, Co

I just wanted to thank y'all for the support and organization that went in to such a fabulous ride! The 60 mile option was beautiful, safe, rewarding and a great 'tease' to try the 100 next time.

Support staff (2008-06-14)

Raquel

Loveland, Colorado

Support staff was AWESOME! Thank you so much!!!

Over all ride (2008-06-14)

Sherry Roberts

Thornton

Loved the ride. Volunteers were great and the aide stations were also great. I too thought the "Tough Road Ahead" was discouraging. It could have ended with - but you can do it! Also, after riding the 100 miles, my friend and I were very disappointed that everything was torn down, except a bit of food. No beer and no drinks. We were not the last one in either. All in all, it was a good day with a great ride.

today's ride (2008-06-14)

prilla

denver, co

What a well-organized, great ride. Just enough riders and great volunteers along the way! I know I will be letting others know about this ride for next year. (just not too many, like 7000 of my closest friends...) only thing you could think about rephrasing, "tough climb ahead." The climbing was already so hard that I got psyched out when i saw those signs! Maybe in place of those signs you put mileage to rest stop. No matter what, I am really glad I did the ride. It was just beautiful and the weather was too! Thank you, bike event organizers! I know it is a lot of hard work!

Looking for volunteers (2008-04-23)

Lesley Kinder

Boulder, CO

Hi! I am Lesley Kinder, Volunteer Coordinator for the Sunrise Century. We are actively looking for volunteers (preferably groups, but individuals are welcome, too) for the Sunrise Century. Volunteers get an event jersey as well as a bunch of other perks! Please contact me directly at bouldermarathon@ comcast.net, or at 303-447-2094. Lesley

ride to ride (2008-04-23)

Michael H. Forster

Silverthorne, Co

Looking to ride share frfom Silverthorne to Boulder for the Sunrise Century??? mhfskibum@yahoo.com 6312764765

training & fun rides (2008-02-04)

Michael H. Forster

Silverthorne, Co

Anyone form this area looking to go towards Denver to ride ? Roads there seem to be clear fairly often. email or call at 631-276-4765

Looks Good! (2008-02-04)

Tom P

60 mi (2008-01-25)

Frank

El Paso, TX

Hey, check out the new route! Flatlanders unite! We can do it!